Page 47 of Cruel Devotion

“And you know that I do not give a fuck.” Banks went over to the last man who was undeniably the most flamboyant of the group, from his sparkling green shoes to his equally flashy green fedora. “And last, but never least, Flashy Freddie.”

Freddie gave a dramatic bow, his gold-toothed grin evident as he rose.

“O-kay. . .” I waved at them all. “Nice to meet you.”

Chen shook his head. “This is unnecessary. Four Aces have always been able to protect a Friend of the Syndicate by ourselves.”

“I bet the Killer Crows would disagree with that statement after Leo killed Romeo and Chanel.” Banks put his attention on me. “These areyourguys. They will die for you, if necessary.”

“No one is dying.” My voice trembled.

“You’re right about that, Moni.” Banks gestured to the suitcases. “Also, your new clothes are in there.”

“Thank you.”

“And Moni.”

“Yes, Banks?”

“Make sure no blue covers you or I will hear about it.”

“I’ve got it.”

“Not a blue watch, blue sock, or blue bonnet.”

“I don’t have any hair so I’m not wearing a bonnet.”

“White washcloths and towels are in there too. I’m serious about no blue touching your body.”

“Clearly, Banks.”

“No excuses. I don’t even want blue berry juice dripping on your shirt. Be careful with what you eat.”

“Boy, would you chill out?”

“Not even a drop of blue ink from a leaky pen gets on that white, cause then my boys are allowed to pull their triggers.”

“Banks, that is—”

“Better write with a pencil.” Banks directed his glare at Chen. “I’m not taking any fucking excuses.”

Chen took in the five guys.

Banks returned his view to me. “When Aunty passed, I let you all stay quiet in Glory, thinking everything was okay, but that you needed time to grieve. I assumed that if you needed anything, you would call. Now I see the mistake. I’m here for you. There won’t be any more money problems or guys showing up scaring you. Got it?”

And though his words were meant to be reassuring, the promise of violence lurking beneath them was undeniable.

I swallowed. “I’ve got it, Banks.”

“Good.” He winked. “Then, I’ll be counting down those seven days, until my cousin is done.”

Chapter seven

Alliances in Hues

Once Banks and his crew left, we headed back.

However, Chen’s men had a different agenda. As we began our ascent, I noticed the mini army of blue didn’t fall into step behind us. Instead, they remained positioned by the massive mountain gate, like sentinels guarding a fortress.

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