Page 201 of Sweet Dominion

Chen pointed to her. “You’re also. . .a very good person. Very beautiful and good. Both equally, yet I had to tell you how beautiful you are.”

“I like hearing you tell me that I’m beautiful.”

“Oh good.” Chen wiped his forehead. “So. . .the date—”

“Well.” Fen sighed. “I don’t want to give you a set answernow. I think that you should ask me again tomorrow.”

Chen's expression shifted from hopeful to confused. A faint shadow of hurt flickered in his eyes. "Whytomorrow? Did I say something wrongtonight?"

I quirked my brows.

Fen ran her fingers through her hair. "No, not at all. It’s just. . ."

You’re high as a fucking kite and don’t know it, so. . .she doesn’t trust you asking now.

Fen trailed off, looking around as if searching for the right words. "How about I'll explain tomorrow. Okay? Just trust me on this."

Chen looked visibly disheartened, his smile dimming as he nodded slowly, clearly trying to mask his disappointment.

Fuck.

I wasn’t supposed to be a part of the conversation, but I desperately wondered if I should jump in. I was certain that Chen was genuinely interested in Fen. His feelings were evident to anyone who knew him well.

Yet, Fen hadn’t known him for that long. She had no idea that although Chen was super high, he damn sure wanted to date her.

I wonder if I should intervene.

But the moment felt too delicate, too private to intrude upon.

Thankfully, DJ Hendrix interrupted the tense situation. “Alright, judges. Are you all ready?”

I checked Dima and Rose.

Rose gave DJ Hendrix a small smile and nod that did nothing to betray the winner.

Alright. Finally, we’ll know who won. And then I can take Moni somewhere private to fuck.

Chapter thirty-seven

The Winner

Lei

DJ Hendrix sauntered over to our table with a microphone in his hand.

Once the DJ arrived, he placed the microphone in front of Dima and the crowd fell silent. Many even hushed others.

Here we go.

Everyone’s gazes remained on Dima as he took the microphone and rose. And in that moment, I realized that I really should have invited him to this cookout myself. It was really nice to have him here.

Banks and Chef Foo were brought back up on stage by Salty, Sweet, and Savory. Both of the talented cooks looked relaxed, tipsy even, as they stood next to each other.

Banks even threw a casual arm around Chef Foo’s shoulders and they shared a high five.

The crowd cheered louder and I could feel the camaraderie between them. It was a competition, sure, but with no hard feelings between either of them.

Well. . .they’re definitely friends now. I will have to get used to Banks being at Lotus Blossom much more than I thought.

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