Page 119 of Sweet Dominion

“Mad?” She tilted her head. “Why?”

Dima answered, “Law 480 was raised and due to that, it muststillbe addressed. Today. Right now even. And yes. . .atthiscookout where there are mermaids.”

I stifled a groan.

“I see a carousel too.” Dima checked that area. “It’s taken a lot of my energy to not go over there. Can everyone ride it? Adults? Tall ones?”

I sneered. “We’re not dealing with Law 480.”

“We must. The law is law. No exceptions.” Dima raised one finger. “However, I promise to make sure that the Four Aces and Rowe Street Mob maintain gentlemanly behavior inyourgarden, advisee.”

Not giving up, Moni countered, “Since I’m supposedly the victim, can I protest this in any way?”

“That would make my life easier, but no.” Dima shook his head. “This complaint must remain between the Diamond Syndicate and I don’t see Rowe Street Mob letting this go no matter how much you have them in line.”

I could tell Banks and Marcelo wanted to smile, but they kept their expressions stern.

“That’s fine.” I kissed Moni on the cheek, for two reasons.

First, I desperately needed to touch her more.

Second, I kissed her because I knew it would piss off Banks and Marcelo. When I moved away from her cheek, their glares in my direction proved me right.

I looked at Dima. “Fine. We can have this pathetic little show for Banks and little Marcy today—”

“Careful,” Marcelo growled. “Youdon’t get to call me that.”

Dima looked from me to him. “Did you just say. . .Marcy?”

Duck snickered on my side.

Marcelo growled again, “Forget you heard that, Dima.”

“Okay.” Dima opened his notebook and lifted his pen.

Marcelo raised his voice. “You write that nickname down and we’re going to have a bigger problem than the Four Aces violating Law 480.”

Dima seemed like he was willing to risk it. I swore he came very close to putting that pen on the paper.

Rose whispered, “Dima. . .”

Loudly sighing, Dima closed his notebook. “But that is so important.”

Marcelo glared at him. “It is not.”

“I just. . .” Dima longingly gazed at his notebook. “I just have so many questions.”

“Ask them while you all walk over to the table.” I let go of Moni’s waist and gestured for the men at the massive crate on the helipad to be ready to open it. With all this bullshit happening, I still hadn’t revealed my gifts.

“You can all leave for now. Give me twenty minutes.” I waved everyone else away. “Moni and I are still not finished welcoming her sisters to Lotus Blossom. I have some presents I want to give them.”

Banks sucked his teeth. “You won’t be able to bribe my cousins.”

Moni stepped forward. “Banks, how about you take this time to check on your special sauces.”

“Nothing wrong with my sauces,” Banks said, yet he still headed away. “But I saw your chef struggling with his sauces and what he was working with ain’t shit. When I put my ribs on the grill, the motherfucker is going to end up contemplating suicide.”

Moni smirked. “Whatever, Banks.”

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