Page 167 of Cruel Devotion

And I swear on everything, as soon as Lei's feet touch the ground, the twenty people bowed and remained bent over like that.

I did my best to look natural like this was everyday shit for me, but. . .

Wow. How the hell did I get here? Is this really happening?

Of course I had seen him in Mountain Master mode but doing it by a massive palace in a huge district of a city was another.

He might as well have been the president.

Lei led the way, guiding us by the bowed people.

This is so crazy. They are really about this Four Aces life.

Excited and freaking out all at the same time, I gazed back at the palace and kept Lei’s pace.

My heart boomed in my ears.

It was so damn overwhelming.

And they want me to be Mountain Mistress?

The potential of a life within these walls was pretty much impossible to take root in my mind. I couldn't see myself calling this home. Nowhere in my life did my living like some queen occur to me.

I mean for god's sake Lotus Blossom was already going to take a lot to get used to.

But this palace? Blue Phoenix? No way.

Chapter twenty-six

Blue Phoenix

Lei

My heart pounded as I kept a firm grip on Monique’s soft hand and led her toward the Palace’s grand entrance.

This all has to go just right for her. If anyone messes this up. . .I’m breaking necks.

My thoughts drifted to the plans I had for us, the experiences I wanted to share with her. I imagined us exploring not just the hidden corners of the Palace but the hidden corners of our bodies.

Because what happened in the helicopter. . .that was just the appetizer.

It was just a tantalizing preview of the deeper, sensual connection that was unfolding between us.

A taste of what could be if I put all my focus on Monique.

Whatshouldbe.

Everything that went down in the helicopter—the electricity of her body, the soft sound of her moans, and the way she melted against me—it all sent a thrill through my soul.

Even with the heat of our lips meeting.

It was an awakening.

A realization of the intense desire that simmered just beneath the surface. Soon, it would bubble over and burn everything in its place, because I wanted more from her. I craved the depth of intimacy that could only be explored through the most sensual of encounters.

I could love her.

With all my heart.

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