Page 190 of Cruel Devotion

The idea of being thrust into the limelight was daunting, yet the way Lei looked at me, with such genuine affection and a hint of possessive pride, sent my heart pumping.

And I couldn't lie, the fear of public exposure intertwined with the thrill of being acknowledged as part of Lei's life was a heady, exhilarating mixture.

Adrenaline surged through my body.

He was not just inviting me into the quiet privacy of his palace but into the full view of the East.

Holy shit. I thought I still had time.

He watched me. “But you can always say no.”

“I can?”

“I have a backup plan. We sneak off to the helicopter and go to a hotel outside of the East.”

That felt like running and hiding when all I had to do was walk through that door. And with the way Lei looked at me, eventually I would have to step through that door.

I believed him when he said there was no escape from him and the romantic possibilities of. . .us.

“Okay.” I whispered, squeezing his hand back. “Let's do this.”

His expression brightened. “Yeah?”

“We might as well.”

“Perfect.” His gaze held mine. “Here's some advice. Ignore everyone no matter what they say. I may stop for a question here or there, but my focus is to get you the fuck out of there.”

My nerves flared. “Alright.”

“I'll be right there with you, holding your hand and keeping you close to me. If someone touches you, I'm going to break—”

“Lei, relax. We don't need you going viral on the East’s news for beating someone up.”

He chuckled. “You're correct. Plus, I don't want your first unofficial debut to be my not behaving.”

“First unofficial debut?”

“You're in the East, Moni. There will need to be an official debut soon. I’ll have to do a proper introduction—feast, dancing, etc.”

“Couldn't we just. . .date on the side for a little bit?”

He chuckled.

I'm not joking.

He rubbed my palm. “I wish that was my life but it isn’t.”

I stiffened.

“Honestly, this date today wasn’t just about being romantic. The other part was about showing you all parts that come when being with me.”

“Okay.” I did my best to shove away as much anxiety as I could.

“When we step out there, just keep a straight face. Focus on one point in the distance, it helps to ignore the cameras.”

I nodded.

He continued. “Don’t let their questions or flashes affect you. It’s all just noise. Remember, you don’t owe them any reaction or response. Just stay close to me, and we'll get through them.”

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