Page 130 of Cruel Devotion

Chen cleared his throat. “Lei? Do you have something say?”

Damn it. What should I do?

Chapter twenty-one

The Vote

Lei

I could feel the weight of everyone's eyes upon me, waiting for my final comment before voting.

“We need to consider all angles before we make a decision.” I steadied my voice, despite the rising tension in my shoulders. “Monique has undoubtedly proven her loyalty and resourcefulness, but we must also acknowledge the risks involved.”

Monique eyed me. “What risks?”

“Bringing you deeper into the Four Aces means exposing you to even greater danger.”

Duck shrugged. “Lei has a point. Being aFriendmeans her going to other camps like Flower Mafia or Killer Crows andspeaking for us. With Monique. . .I don't think we can afford to take any unnecessary risks.”

Monique shook her head. “I'm calling bullshit. By being around the Four Aces, I have already showed that I can be around extremely dangerous men and survive. Or am I wrong?”

I frowned. “You're right.”

“Are you all not wolves?” She smirked at Duck. “Sharp fangs. Bloodied claws.”

Duck stirred.

He definitely gave her this information. I just don't know how.

“Respectfully, Mountain Master. I agree with Monique. That was bullshit.” Chen folded his hands in front of him. “First of all, it wouldn't make sense to send Monique to Flower Mafia or Killer Crows, when our greatest problem for years has been with Rowe Street Mob—a group that she undoubtedly has a huge amount of sway with.”

“Facts.” Monique placed those cards back at her side. “And from what I've learned, there have been several unfair deals given to Rowe Street Mob on the behalf of Killer Crows that has caused the problems. I may not be experienced in negotiating weapon deals, but I do know how to properly talk to Marcy. . .”

She cleared her throat. “I mean Marcelo.”

Hu quirked his brows. “Marcy?”

Duck snorted.

Ever the observant Straw Sandal, Hu watched her. “What is the nature of your relationship with Marcelo?”

“We grew up together as kids.”

It wasn't right but I didn't like that fact.

I studied her. “And was there ever any romantic moments between you two?”

Monique sighed.

What the fuck? There was?

She lowered her voice. “We kissed.”

My blood boiled with rage. “How many times?”

“One summer.”

Duck frowned. “So that was a lot of kissing?”

---