Page 189 of Cruel Devotion

“Very real.” He gave me a sad smile. “There's going to be a crowd because there always is one.”

I tensed. “A crowd?”

“Staff, palace guards, employees, various guests, and. . .”

“What?”

“Reporters and paparazzi.”

“What the hell?”

“Yeah. The East’s has its own news channel, four magazines, and two newspapers.”

“I had no idea. They definitely don't do that in the South.”

“It's only here.” He ran his fingers through his long hair. “It’s this way because of my parents. They are all about free speech.”

I did my best to process this information.

Lei continued. “In China, despite the constitution guaranteeing freedom of speech, the reality is often different.”

“They don't follow it at all?”

“Criticism of the government can lead to imprisonment and independent journalism is frequently suppressed.”

I could sense his frustration. “So, they wanted something different here?”

“Yes, exactly. They wanted to ensure free speech in the East, even if it means dealing with the madness of the press. It'schaotic and invasive at times, but it was their way of ensuring that voices could be heard without fear.”

“So, we’re about to walk into a storm of paparazzi and reporters?”

Lei nodded. “I've been gone for a while, so there will be questions, but. . .there's also you.”

I swallowed.

“They'll have even more questions.”

My mind raced. The thought of facing a swarm of reporters and paparazzi sent a chill down my spine. I typically lived a simple, quiet life. No one ever cared what I was doing or wearing or even what was on my mind.

Lei must have sensed my apprehension because he reached out to grasp my hand gently. His touch offered warm comfort. “I know this is unexpected and I understand if you're not ready for this kind of attention, but. . .”

“Yes?”

“I wanted you in my bedroom today, and. . .maybe there's also a deeper odder part of me that wants everyone to know that you're in my life now.”

I swallowed hard.

He leaned his head to the side. “Thoughts?”

I looked down at my dress. “Maybe. . .I would have worn something different.”

“You are captivatingly beautiful in anything you wear, Moni.”

I blushed.

“Remember, I met you in a Cookie Monster pajama top and jeans and couldn't keep my eyes off of you.” He pulled me closer to him. “I'm more worried that men will come out of shadows for you because. . .how could any man not desire you once they see you?”

His words—honest and raw—vibrated deep within my chest.

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