Page 57 of Sweet Dominion

“You can and you will.” I squeezed her hand. “You’re stronger than you think and remember, you’re not alone. I’m here and so is the rest of the family. We’ll guide you through every step.”

She looked back at me and her gaze softened. “I’m not ordering people to kill anybody.”

“You will, but you’ll get used to it.” Slowly, I rose from my seat and guided her up.

She stood. “I won’t get used to it.”

“You will.” I gently traced my thumb over her knuckles. “Because when it comes to making those tough decisions, I'll be helping you navigate it all behind the scenes.”

“I don’t want you behind the scenes. I want you right in front and at my side—”

“I can’t do that.” I offered a smile, trying to reassure her but the fear in her eyes did not lessen. “They will need to see you stand on your own.”

I hated even saying that, but it was true. If I were always by Moni’s side when she talked to her new men, they wouldn’tgive her any respect. They would just continue to look at me for guidance.

I didn’t want that for her.

You knew that, Father. Didn’t you? Knew I would let her spread those powerful wings that you gave her.

More anger sparked at my core at the thought of my beautiful lover standing in front of thousands of other men and radiating so much power.

Many would want her in their bed.

They’d lust after Moni and imagine her naked at night.

How could they not?

The line of my jaw twitched.

She looked at me. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

I’ll have to figure out a solution to this without stepping on her power.

Now I truly knew what my father meant when he said I would have to share her. While I figured he was talking about just the East, he’d meanteveryonein the empire too—from Paradise City to Shanghai.

No, Father. I still disagree. Everyone can’t have her. I won’t let them.

Moni nudged me with her elbow. “Lei, seriously. . .what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I swallowed down as much annoyance as I could and guided her away. “Let me show you the Mirage.”

Chapter eleven

A Tale of a Stalking Dragon

Lei

The wind carried the scent of salt.

Once we approached the estate and got right in front of the massive structure, we found ourselves enveloped in the ocean's reflection. The walls seemed to disappear, replaced by the endless horizon of the ocean.

I checked Moni’s reaction.

She parted her lips and took in the visual. For her, the sensation must have been both surreal and awe-inspiring, making her feel as though she was standing at the edge of the world, where the land and ocean became one.

“Oh my God.” She scanned the space. “I can’t believe you all just called this a beach house when it’s. . .art. . .and pure elegance.”

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