Page 181 of Sweet Dominion

“Lots of kids.”

She widened her eyes. “Okay. We really need to get you some water.”

Fen reached us just as the waiter returned, placing the chair next to me and making a surprised Chen scoot over.

“What’s going on?” Chen spotted Fen and looked terrified and pleased all at the same time. “Oh.”

I pointed at the now empty chair next to me. “Sit, Fen. We could use another perspective here. You’ll probably judge the food better than us.”

Fen grinned. “Thank you, Mountain Master.”

When she lowered into it, I leaned in closer and whispered, “By the way, Duck accidentally got Chen high.”

“Oh no. That’s why he has been looking up the whole time?”

“Yes, but don’t tell Chen. Anyway. . .I was hoping you could keep an eye on him, maybe take care of him if he needs it.”

Fen’s eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. “Of course. I’d be happy to help.”

Then I leaned forward as Chen watched us.

Fen turned his way.

Chen gave her that goofy grin and then screamed, “Fen!”

Oh God.

Fen laughed. “Hey, Chen.”

Just then, DJ Hendrix lowered the music. "Ladies and Gentlemen!"

The crowd quieted down.

"It's the moment that we have all been waiting for!” DJ Hendrix shifted to Nelly’s “Hot in Here.”

A cheer erupted from the crowd.

"Get ready for Chef Foo versus Banks, the sizzle of the century!" DJ Hendrix blared some sort of horn. “Who will win?! Stay tuned and get seated, baby. Because it is on!”

Chapter thirty-three

The Grill Off

Lei

As the Grill Off started, the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. The moment the last sliver of sunlight disappeared, the blue lanterns and fairy lights strung in the trees flickered to life.

Anytime a gentle breeze went by, the glowing lanterns swayed and sprinkled light across the guests who mingled around the cookout.

Starving, I sat at the judge’s table, feeling the light buzz from the gummy Moni had slipped me earlier.

“How are you feeling, baby?” She leaned against me.

“Good.” I looked at her and licked my lips. “Really good.”

She chuckled. “Why are you licking your lips like that?”

I got closer and whispered in her ear, “Because I want to fuck you right now.”

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