Page 14 of Sweet Dominion

My body finally surrendering to the horror and revulsion that I had fought so hard to contain when Leo was in front of me. My stomach heaved violently, expelling all that I had eaten this morning.

Tears streamed down my face.

The cold, hard porcelain of the sink offered no comfort, yet I clung to it.

I tried to steady my breathing, but each inhale brought back the metallic scent of blood and the grotesque sight of Yan’s severed head.

Thandi brought me a towel.

Lan slowly rubbed my back. “It’s okay. He’s gone. We will figure this out.”

Fen handed me a glass of water. “Mistress, would you like us to get the Mountain Master?”

So much guilt spun around in my chest.

Dear God! How will I tell Lei?

Chapter three

Father and Son

Lei

I sat in the tea ceremony room.

The staff did an amazing job. Flowers and plants adorned the walls. There were so many delicate petals and woven leaves. It was as if the garden had come in and vomited all over the space.

I breathed in the air, taking in the subtle fragrance of cherry blossoms all around me.

Mmmm.

My mind drifted back to last night.

Moni and I had just been making love under a cherry blossom tree.

We lay together, naked and entwined among the grass and flowers, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight.

It was like we were Adam and Eve, alone in our own paradise.

I traced hearts on Moni’s back as she rested her face against my chest. “What is your favorite color?”

She turned slightly my way and smirked. “Is this some sort of test?”

“A test?”

“If I don’t say blue, will you get enraged and start setting fire to various parts of Paradise City?”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “I am notthatmuch out of control.”

“You are.”

“What is your favorite color?”

“Why? And when I tell you, will you be cool if I wear it?”

“As long as it is under blue.”

She rolled her eyes and returned to resting her head on my chest. “You and the color blue.”

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