Page 39 of Cruel Devotion

“Is that what the handcuffs symbolized yesterday?” Chen shook his head. “That said freedom to you?”

“He was intense yesterday. Today, we have an understanding.”

“Hmmm.”

Hoping I was right, I took in the vast panorama of the mountainside around us. “Everything will be fine.”

“Or we can followmyplan where Banks’s men for you will remain in a tent eating the best food and expensive wine that we have on this mountain. It would be an amazing vacation for them—”

“We can’t do that. I assume my cousin will want them to update him on what’s going on around me—”

“I guarantee it, but I will have another set of men that will have their phones and do the job of updating—”

“If Banks found out, he would lose his damn mind—”

“He won’t find out. Just like he will never know that you are wearing blue—”

“Oh! Now I’m going tocompletelybreak my promise to my cousin so that I can keep Lei happy—a man I just met—”

“A verydangerousman that you just met.”

“Lei will understand—”

“Or you will be the harbinger of destruction, bringing about the cataclysmic annihilation of South Paradise itself.”

My stomach twisted. “Just because I wear a freaking white shirt?”

“For the audacity to do it in front of the Mountain Master. Yes.”

“Chen, I could see if I was wearing green, but white is neutral.”

“Yet, I like my plan.” Chen gave me a weak smile. “With Banks’s men eating the best food and drinking expensive wine, they will be the envy of every man on this mountain. Another set of men will have the guys’ phones and be in charge of updating Banks on the situation. It all works.”

I pursed my lips.

Chen continued, “Meanwhile, you will wear blue as a symbol of your connection to the Four Aces. This will show Lei your solid loyalty. And Banks will never find out.”

“I don’t like deceiving my cousin. That’s not how I roll.”

“Monique, my day has already become extremely difficult.”

I glanced at him. “Why?”

“Lei’s sister has arrived.”

“And she doesn’t want Lei to kill their father?”

“I believe that statement is valid yet, there can always be more wicked undertones with Yan’s appearance here.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let us just say that I will need to be focused on her and whatever conflict she brings—”

“Then, I’ve got you. Let me handle this and—”

“And your handling this means maintain your promise to Banks and talking to Lei?”

“Yes.”

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