Page 105 of Sweet Dominion

“My Mountain Mistress never has to handlemybusiness—”

“If I’m your Mountain Mistress, then it isourbusiness.”

Before I could speak, Chen nudged my back. “They’ve landed and are heading our way.”

“I will greet them first on my own. However,” Moni slipped out of my hold. “Due to the craziness that has already occurred, let’s make this a short cookout.”

“I second that.”

“Everyone eats. DJ plays a song or two and then I’m kicking everyone who isn’t my sister off the property.”

“And I’ll help.” Annoyed, I looked forward.

Banks made his way over, decked out in a designer green shirt, matching khaki pants, and a green hat with a long gold feather tucked into the side.

Small gold hoop earrings dangled from each ear and glinted in the sunlight.

But the bigger shocker was the three stunning women that flanked him. Each wore the same, tight green mini dress and carried green leather briefcases in both hands.

"Banks!” Moni laughed. “What is all of this?”

She headed away, moving toward Banks and I immediately hated the empty space she left behind.

A very short cookout.

I went their way.

My men followed.

Banks grinned at the army of men behind me, winked at Moni and gestured to the women and briefcases. “These lovely ladies are my assistants—Sweet, Salty, and Savory. I had to bring some of my culinary tools to cook with.”

Banks and the women stopped a foot in front of Moni. “In these briefcases are my top-secret spices along with my award-winning special sauces.”

Moni raised an eyebrow. “Speaking of your cooking, your wanting to do this barbecue has sparked a fun grill-off competition—”

“Against Lei? Girl, I’m about to mollywop his Mountain Mastering ass up and down the grill—”

"Eh.” Moni waved her hand dismissively.

I got to her side and glared at him.

Moni hugged Banks. “Don’t say that and anyway it’s my chef that wants to compete, not Lei.”

She let go of him and Banks turned his gaze on me. A smirk played at the corner of his lips. “So you gave my cousin a chef too? Don’t you think you’re laying it on a bit thick?”

No time for bullshit niceties, I deepened my glared. “You brought Dima and who else?”

Banks’ smile faltered slightly. “Damn, man. You sure know how to fuck up a surprise.”

The line of my jaw twitched. I could see it in Banks’ eyes—if Moni hadn’t been here, we’d already be throwing punches. In fact, his expression practically begged for it, daring me to make the first move.

"Be nice to each other.” Moni pointed at him. “At the first sign of bullshit, I’m ending the cookout.”

Banks shrugged. “Tell your little boyfriend that shit.”

“I don’t have to tell him that, this is his space. Be nice.” Moni scowled at him and then left us, to say hi to the others.

Duck got to my right.

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