Page 26 of Sweet Dominion

“What sort of signal?”

“Place your hand over your heart and look at me.” In that moment, I moved my hand from her neck slipped my fingers further down and rested it over her heart.

Next, I stared at her. “This is our signal.”

“And will you do the same, Lei?”

“I will.”

“You do that and I’ll come to the rescue. I may not know how to fight but—”

“You would always find a way to save me. You’re strong and smart.”

I returned to the tea ceremony and let out a long breath.

Will you do the signal? Do you remember? Or am I simply being overprotective right now?

Finishing with the tea, Moni moved with practiced grace, pouring the golden, sweet-smelling liquid tea with both hands into the delicate cups keeping her head down low and her back perfectly arched as if to let us all know that she was our loving, dedicated servant.

Chen nodded. “She’s got Practiced Grace down.”

The gesture was meant to be one of respect and humility but I could see the effort it took for her to maintain her composure.

Perfect. You’re doing great, baby.

When she approached me with the first cup, her hands trembled slightly.

I reached out, took the cup from her and brushed my fingers along her hand. Smiling, I held her gaze, trying to convey my support and love.

She gave me a small, tentative smile but the fear in her eyes remained.

What’s wrong? Who do I have to kill?

All cameras focused on me.

Slowly, I lifted the cup to my lips and inhaled the aroma. “Mmmm. It smells delicious, so delicious I may take the whole pot.”

Moni blinked.

A few of the female reporters giggled.

Meanwhile, my aunts cleared their throat urging me to hurry along.

I’ll take my time. This is her first cup and it’s all mine.

With a wicked smirk, I took a tiny sip. “Mmmm. Soooo good.”

A few more reporters chuckled.

Surely, they weren’t used to seeing me in this way, smirking and drooling over my lover’s tea. I wasn’t even over exaggerating. The blend was perfect. It was a delicate balance of flavors that spoke of her careful selection and preparation.

I was supposed to comment but instead I took a large swallow.

“Aww.” A reporter sighed.

Others scribbled.

With another swallow, I took in the subtle notes of lavender and something else.

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