Page 24 of Cruel Devotion

“Okay.”

I tied the robe’s belt around my waist.

“Give me your address.”

“Why?”

“Because I am going to send five guards from Rowe Street Mob to keep you protected. And I will also be including white clothes for you.”

“Guards and white clothes?”

“Yes.”

“Banks, I don’t need—”

“Are you going to fight me on everything, Moni?”

“No. I’m just trying to understand why I need the guards and white clothes when I’m telling you that everything will be fine for these next seven days.”

“The guards will be my personal men and I’m putting them there so I can sleep at night, knowing you are safe. The moment you are not safe, they will tell me.” An edge hit his voice. “Can we compromise with that?”

I frowned. “Yes.”

“Good, because your staying with the Four Aces will be a hard sell to Marcelo.”

“He doesn’t need to know.”

“He must know. He sees you as family and he is ready to go to war with Lei.”

“Why?”

“Long story. Your main focus should be on the fact that you can no longer wear blue.”

I rolled my eyes. “Banks, there is a lot more going on right now than what color I should or should not wear—”

“You’re in the middle of something way bigger than you realize. Colors are not just chosen randomly. Every color serves as a warning.”

“What do you mean?”

“The Killer Crows in the West wear red. Ever wondered why?”

“They want to stand out?”

Banks chuckled grimly. “No, little cousin. Red is the color of blood, of anger, of passion. The Killer Crows use it to signify the blood they’ve shed and are willing to shed. It’s a constant reminder to everyone about their ruthlessness.”

I shivered. “And what about Marcy and you. Rowe Street Mob?”

“I might as well tell you everything since you have somehow catapulted your way into the Syndicate.” He sucked his teeth. “Green represents money, power, and growth. Rowe StreetMob dominates the South’s underworld economy. We control the trade routes, the docks, everything that brings money into Paradise City.”

“That makes sense. But what about the Four Aces?”

“Blue is the most dangerous of them all, Moni. Leo claimed the color was supposed to represent the depths of fathomless bodies of water.”

“How?”

“Think about the nature of deep waters. On the surface, it looks peaceful and inviting, but beneath those calm waves, there’s an abyss full of treacherous currents, unknown creatures, and secrets hidden in its depths. That’s how the Four Aces operate. They might present a facade of tranquility, but underneath, they’re always scheming, always planning.”

A chill ran down my spine.

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