Page 35 of Cruel Devotion

The sun, now in its descent, caught the cold metallic surfaces of their weapons, creating brief flashes of blinding light. They were armed heavily: from large automatic guns slung over shoulders to sheathed long blades, and even a few other menacing tools that I couldn’t identify. Their arsenal was both impressive and deeply unsettling.

O-kay. . .

They stood in formation, eerily silent, their collective presence emanating a threatening aura.

It felt like they were preparing for war and the sight sent a shiver down my spine.

I swallowed. “Hey, Chen. . . I was looking for you.”

“You were?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

“Good?”

“I had a question.”

“Oh.” I placed my hands at my side. “Go ahead and ask then, I have to tell you something.”

“I’m sure you do.”

I blinked. “What?”

“Why are there over a hundred Rowe Street Mob members at the bottom of the mountain?”

Caught off guard, I blinked again. “So. . .Banks wanted to bring me some clothes and men.”

“Because?”

“He said it was just a precaution to help him be okay with my staying here.”

“So, you’re not leaving us?”

“I’m not.”

“And he’s bringing you clothes?”

“Yes. . .and men.”

“I’m confused. I ask that you please explain that further.”

“Well. . .” I swallowed. “So, Banks told me that colors are important with the Diamond Syndicate and that he wants me to wear white.”

The line of Chen’s jaw twitched.

“And he is giving me five men to guard me while I am with you.” I held out my hands. “Banks didn’t want me to hang out with you all.”

“I can imagine he didn’t.”

“So. . .this was our compromise.”

“White clothes and five men?”

“Yes.”

“And you are staying with us?”

---