Page 93 of Cruel Devotion

The line on Lei’s jaw twitched. “If I leave the table right now, it will be to take Monique back to the tent to. . .rest.”

Duck snorted.

“Oh no.” Chen waved both hands. “You can’t leave so suddenly after Yan’s abrupt exit and let’s not forget Meatball Gate and how we must show unity to all—”

“I am here. Be happy,” Lei spoke through clenched teeth. “And I will remain here for twenty minutes and no longer.”

“That is fine, Mountain Master.”

"Thank you but leave me alone." Lei's words held an edge, cold and sharp. He turned back to me, his gaze intense, voice dropping to a near whisper. “Now back to that moment you brought up in our tent where you—”

“However, Mountain Master.” Chen loudly cleared his throat again.

Turning his head, Lei looked like he was close to killing Chen. “What now?”

“It would just be a five-to-ten-minute private discussion about the new information—”

“There is no need for privacy. This is about Monique. Therefore, she should know.” Lei turned my way and his eyes bore into mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken.

“Yes.” Chen bobbed his head. “But other things should be considered, and perhapsshemay not like my. . .suggestions.”

I quirked my brows. “What suggestions?”

Chuckling, Duck loudly slurped his soup.

Chen scowled at him. “Can you help me with this, Red Pole?”

Duck swallowed and then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Help with what?”

“This matter. The one that is absolutely urgent.”

“It isn’t, Chen.” Duck rolled his eyes. “It doesn’t matter if Marcelo himself delivered Monique to Lei to intercept the Four Aces. Do you see Lei right now? Look at him.”

With that, we all turned back to Lei.

His smoldering gaze was locked onto mine, and the weight of his attention was almost tangible, like a gentle caress that brushed against the surface of my skin, awakening every nerve ending.

I blushed.

Stop looking at me that way.

His lips, slightly parted in anticipation, curled into a slow, sultry smile, as if he knew exactly the effect he was having on me.

My heartbeat picked right back up.

God, I want him to fuck me.

Under the table, Lei’s fingers slipped to the top of my gown’s split.

I moved his hand.

Lei brought it back and gripped my thigh.

I blinked.

Lei’s grip on my thigh tightened, ensuring I was rooted in place as everyone else remained oblivious to our shared secret.

Duck continued, “We know how Lei gets, so all we can do is let this work itself out and see if he messes it all up or not.”

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