Page 166 of Sweet Dominion

Lei’s gaze shifted to dark and unreadable. “I know you grew up with many in Rowe Street Mob, but I would rather you not be alone with them.”

“Are you referring to my talking to Einstein in here by ourselves?”

“I am.”

“That’s family.”

The line of his jaw twitched. “Still, don’t be alone with him or others.”

“I can’t promise that. If the situation calls for it, Lei, then I will be alone with them.”

He stepped forward. “Then, make sure the situation doesn’t call for it.”

I raised my eyebrows. “How long were you standing there?”

“Long enough to hear your unwavering loyalty for the East.” Lei stopped in front of me, keeping five feet of space between us.

I held his gaze. “Since I have you here and am feeling pretty damn bold today, we should talk aboutyourplans for the South.”

Lei’s eyes narrowed and his jaw twitched. “What plans?”

“Whatever plans you have.”

“There are no plans.”

I studied him. “Are you lying to me?”

He looked away. “The grill off will be soon. Everyone had been heading down there, so we should—”

“You locked the door like we had all the time in the world. Now we don’t?”

“I changed my mind. It would be better to end this cookout faster—”

“Or you’re avoiding this discussion.”

“We said we would talk about Marcelo and his bullshit later.”

“Now is later.”

“No. Later would be in a few days.”

“Do you have plans for the South that involve death and/or violence?”

That line of his jaw twitched again.

"We will talk about this later.” His refusal to discuss it only confirmed my suspicions.

Whatever he was planning for the South, it wasn’t anything good. That realization sent a chill down my spine, but I couldn’t let it show.

Like his farther, Lei was calculating, always thinking five steps ahead.

I sighed. “Whatever you’re planning, I need to know.”

He didn’t move, didn’t blink. For a moment, it was as if he was made of stone.

Then, he exhaled sharply, his eyes darkening even further. “They came to the East with bullshit.”

“And it was handled. Right?” I blinked. “What happened in the meeting?”

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