Page 156 of Sweet Dominion

TT grinned. “We should name the dragon. It will be our pet.”

I nodded. “We could do that.”

Einstein went over to it. “This is beautiful and terrifying.”

“Naw.” Jo stepped forward. “This is seriously next level. Whoever designed this place had a wild imagination.”

I smiled. “It’s a lot to take in, but I’m glad you all like it.”

“Like it?” Chloe said, her voice high with excitement. “I love it! I feel like I’m in a movie or something.”

"So. . .” I held out my hands. “You three are cool with moving in tonight? Right?”

Chloe bobbed her head. “Girl, I’m about to put on my ball gown, get some ribs and then relax in our new spot. I’m not ever leaving.”

TT glanced at the door. “Would I be able to bring the puzzle pieces inside?”

“Of course. We could even get a table to put in your bedroom, so you can work on it there.”

TT released an exasperated breath as if she’d been worried that I would say no.

Jo was the only one that had remained quiet.

I tried not to look disappointed as I turned her way. “So. . .what about you?”

“You don’t think you’re moving fast with this guy?”

“I’m moving insanely fast, but that has nothing to do withthishouse. It is legally mine. Whether I’m with him or not, this isourhome.”

Einstein watched our exchange.

“Banks doesn’t trust this, Lei.” Jo placed her hands in her pockets.

"Jo, Banks doesn't trust anyone," I replied, sighing. "And he's not living here. This is all about us."

“But—”

“How about this?” I swallowed. “Give it a try for a month and if you end up not liking staying here then we will talk. You’re old enough to be on your own.”

Jo frowned.

I tried not to sound like my heart was broken when it was. “But. . .I would rather you hang with us.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Chloe frowned. “Oh my God, Jo. Stop playing. Always being so extra. You know you’re staying with us. After the funeral, we all promised not to separate until TT was older.”

Jo looked around at the opulence that surrounded us. "I’m not breaking the promise. I’m just trying to be the clear-headed person here. Everyone is all nice and giving us stuff. Maybe it’s like that movie when rich white people bring the black people out to their mansion to take over their bodies. How do you know those aunts don’t want our bodies or something?”

“Wow.” Chloe chuckled. “This is why I will never smoke marijuana. Never.”

“Anyway. . .” I shrugged, not even willing to address Jo’s body snatcher theory. “Jo is staying and you all are cool with moving in tonight, so now it is time for the best part.”

They all watched me.

“Time to pick your rooms.”

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