Page 63 of Sweet Dominion

“Okay, sir.”

“Just. . .” With his free hand, Lei ran his fingers through his hair as if exasperated. “We came here to relax and get some alone time. There’s no need forextraformalities or. . .well. . .just don’t scare her.”

I blinked.

“Yes, Mountain Master.” Yong turned my way and bowed. “I am the butler here and I will always be at your service. By the way, I am excited to learn the leaves that you chose for the blend, Mountain Mistress.”

Oh shit. He’s still calling me Mountain Mistress.

Lei sighed again.

“Thank you.” I smiled and gave him a half bow. “I have no problem giving you the leaves I used for the blend. The ingredients for the tea are—”

“No.” Lei shook his head. “That’smytea. No one else will be drinking it.”

I pursed my lips.

It’s tea, Lei. Relax.

I would have to discuss that with him later. For now, I would let him get that ridiculousness off.

Still, Yong widened his eyes. “I understand, sir.”

A woman chuckled and then quickly quieted herself. Soon she came right over as Yong headed back in line.

Lei tensed at my side.

“Welcome, Mountain Mistress.” She bowed and then held out her hand. “I am Janice, the head of cleaning. Anything you need, please pick up the phone and press 0. It will go directly to me and even if you are not at the Mirage and somewhere else, I will come to you, wherever you are, and not only clean, but help—”

Lei loudly cleared his throat.

“Sorry, Mountain Master.” She gave him a sad smile and returned her view to me. “I just want you to know that I and the East welcome you.”

“Thank you so much.” I took her hand and shook it. “Nice to meet you, Janice. I’ll be sure to dial you whenever I need you.”

“Please do.” She looked at our hands touching and I swear on everything—I mean absolutely everything—that she looked like she was about to burst into happy tears. Her hand even trembled slightly against mine and when I let go of her hand. . .she did not let go of mine.

O-kay.

Like. . .she wasn’t going to ever let go at all.

She just stayed right there, holding my hand.

And for a few seconds, I saw us glued together—Janice and me—for the rest of our lives—my walking and her on my side, my bathing and her right there in the bathroom with me, my fucking Lei and her sitting next to me on the bed cheering us on.

Lei frowned. “Janice, let go of her hand.”

“Oh.” She blinked, squeezed my hand a little and then finally released it. “I’m so sorry, Mountain Mistress.”

“That’s fine.” I kept an awkward smile plastered on my face.

What the hell is going on here?

At Lotus Blossom and even the Palace, the staff had been chill and working around me. Here, they acted like they were fans and I was a big celebrity.

“Again,” Lei slightly raised his voice. “You can call her Monique.”

I didn’t think they heard him that second time because as the rest greeted me one by one, they boldly said Mountain Mistress over and over.

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