Page 41 of Cruel Devotion

“And where will you be before the feast?”

“In that supposed tent you were going to put Banks’s men.”

“He wants you by his side.”

“Well—” I was going to speak but I caught the view ahead of us as Chen’s mini-army of blue separated into two groups and flanked the gate’s entrance.

Oh shit. Banks, this is too much.

I was met with an overwhelming sea of green. More than a hundred men, dressed uniformly, stood waiting. Their postures were anything but relaxed. Clear aggression emanated from them. Leading their formation was Banks, my cousin, and his eyes immediately locked onto mine.

Even more, I knew that look, that mix of overprotectiveness and determination.

And Chen thinks I can break the promise? He’s crazy.

Against the might of Banks’s crew, Chen’s forty men looked considerably fewer. Still, they formed a formidable line at the entrance, silently communicating that they were ready for whatever came next.

Chen sighed. “I am going to need a very long vacation after this week.”

I gritted my teeth. “Me too.”

Chapter six

A Bomb You Can’t Diffuse

Monique

The atmosphere was so thick with tension, each step towards Banks was like wading through molasses.

Deliberate and heavy.

Chen went silent.

Alright. Give Banks a hug, say thank you, get the clothes, and all will be fine.

As we approached, Banks’s glare was fixed intently on Chen. His jaw was clenched. Every line of his body screamed hostility.

His green-clad men shifted uneasily behind him. Their hands twitched near their weapons as if waiting for a signal.

Banks had always been fiercely protective but this was something else.

This was territorial.

Personal.

Chen, however, appeared like a study in complete professionalism—welcoming smile and gentle nod like he was heading toward a best friend.

When we got to Banks, I took the lead. “Hey, cuz.”

Banks directed his gaze to me. “How are you doing, Moni?”

“Good.” I gave him a huge hug, got on my toes, and whispered in his ear. “Please, be nice.”

Banks pulled away from the hug and his attention went back to Chen. “What’shedoing here?”

I stepped in between them, trying to diffuse the situation. “He’s just here to help me with picking up the clothes, Banks. That’s all.”

My cousin checked behind us. “And where’s Lei?”

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