Page 103 of Sweet Dominion

“They know kids and women are here. I think it may be an informal conversation—”

“Informal or not, I don’t like surprises in the East. They know it and they’ve always respected that.” I glanced at Moni several feet away and now showing her sisters more of my mother’s photo album. “Marcelo and Banks did this move because they knew they could get it over while Moni is here. They think they’re safe.”

Chen let out a long breath and signaled for several of our men throughout the garden to come over.

They all hurried our way.

Chen directed his attention to me and wore a frown.

I looked at him. “You disagree?”

“No. I think Banks definitely seized the opportunity of the cookout to make a statement.”

“Then, I’ll have to make a statement too.”

“In front of Monique?”

“We’ll have to get Moni and her sisters inside Lotus Blossom.”

“Even if we do, there’s Banks’s mother and her friends. You know the rules. Too many innocents are around.”

“Which is why they are toying with me—”

“Yes. I get that part. I just don’t understand why Dima is joining the game.”

In all the time knowing him, Dima and I never truly had any heated moments. He was too logical to lose his head. And sometimes, he just. . .knew how to handle me.

I gazed up at the sky. “Maybe, Dima thinks he can talk some sense in me—”

“But about what?”

“I don’t know. All you need to do is make sure Moni and her sisters are in the house.”

Chen lowered his voice. “She’s coming over here.”

But can I get her in the house before they land?

Chapter twenty

Sweet, Salty, and Savory

Lei

I pursed my lips and looked her way.

No longer holding the photo album, Moni walked towards us with a loving smile. That blue sundress swayed gently around her hips and legs. And there was a tenderness in her gaze that began to soften all the memories of blood and violence in my head.

When Moni got to me, I checked behind her and noticed her sisters heading toward the other side of the garden. “Where are they going?”

“To where our mothers took the picture.”

“And you’re not going?”

“I want to say hi to Banks and Marcy before I give my sisters a tour of Lotus Blossom.” She gazed up at the sky. “I’m sorry that Banks invited surprise guests.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll deal with it.”

Her smile faded as she lowered her view to me. “And what does that mean?”

---