Page 116 of Cruel Devotion

Monique had stirred something in me that I struggled to comprehend.

I had spent so much of my life surrounded by the structured, often ruthless world of the Four Aces, where emotions were weaknesses to be hidden, where love was a luxury, I couldn't afford.

Where even my obsession for Chanel could not truly be openly discussed or dealt with.

Yet, with Monique, these long-suppressed feelings surged to the surface, raw and uncontrolled.

I'll be near her soon.

I moved my gaze to the sprawling mountains below, eager to get to Mount Utopia.

The soft light of dawn bathed the rugged peaks and valleys.

I'd damn near grown up among these mountains, constantly changing each time I visited them.

They had seen me grow from a boy into the man I am today, the leader of the Four Aces. They had been there, unchanging, as I faced the trials that forged me into this role, the blood rites and battles that had claimed both my innocence and many I cared about.

And I returned to them with the loss of Chanel and Monique at my side.

I swallowed, realizing one crazy fact that none of us had considered.

Monique is the first woman I've ever brought to Utopia.

I scanned the familiar sharp peaks and couldn't help but feel the tides of change stirring within me.

What does that mean? Is it certain proof that she should be by my side?

Monique's sudden appearance in my life was becoming a powerful force, changing me in ways I never expected. She was like an undiscovered trail in these ancient mountains—surprising, demanding, and brimming with possibilities.

Her energy.

Her strength.

Her unique perspective on life.

It all had started to shape a new terrain within my heart.

If she's changed me this much in a few days. . .how much will she change me in a month? A year?

Chen's phone rang.

I turned away from the window.

He placed it against his ear. “Yes. We're close. Is she ready?”

That must be Monique's men.

“Oh. Uh. . .okay. I understand.” Chen widened his eyes. “Did you get a chance to see what she wrote?”

I quirked my brows.

“What do you mean? Of course you could have snuck a peek while she was showering. That's why you are there.” Chen adjusted his glasses. “Next time do that, I don't want any surprises.”

Duck turned his way, spying on the conversation too.

“Oh no. Are you sure?” Chen closed his eyes and began rubbing his forehead. “Could it be. . .a very, very light blue?”

What the fuck is going on?

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