Page 88 of Sweet Dominion

“What does that mean?” Confusion hit Aunt Min’s face. “Surely, you are not referring to us.”

“Yes. I’m talking about you two.”

Aunt Suzi fanned herself with those perfectly manicured nails. Several diamond rings caught the light. “I mean really, Lei. I was expecting a huge thank you and even a little kiss on my cheek, but this response is outrageous. What could be the problem?”

“There are women swimming in front of the house—”

“A black woman too.” Aunt Suzi winked at me. “That was a bit difficult of a find, but I know Moni appreciates that extra touch if you don’t.”

Everyone turned to me.

“Well. . .” This silly smile spread across my face because in the end it was so outrageous I couldn’t help but smile. I would take diverse mermaids over a decapitated head any day. I shrugged. “You know what? The mermaids are here and swimming, Lei. Let’s just let it all flow.”

“Fine, but you two have to get rid of the orchestra, carousel, and these waiters.”

“They’re mermen.” Aunt Suzi crossed her arms over her chest. “And the only thing I will get rid of is the orchestra since a DJ ison the way but he better know good 70s classic rock and R&B or I will kill him.”

I blinked.

Is she serious about killing him?

While I hadn’t been in the East for a long time, I was starting to learn that when people made threats, they meant them.

Lei sneered. “You cannot kill the DJ. It is not our DJ, so if you do, it will start a war within the Syndicate. And you will get rid of the mermen!”

“I will not!”

I widened my eyes.

Aunt Suzi pointed at him. “You talk to me like this, after putting us in the dungeon?”

“If you don’t get rid of these mermen, you’re going back in the dungeon!”

“You and what army?” Aunt Suzi huffed and got into a fighting stance. “Sister, hold my tiara!”

“Oh no.” I got between them, right as Aunt Suzi started taking that tiara off her head and trying to get in front of Lei.

“Okay. Okay. We’re not going to fight. Please put the tiara back on, Aunt Suzi.” I scowled at Lei. “And you need to say sorry.”

He touched his chest. “Me?”

“Yes. You hurt their feelings—”

“They’re hurting my eyes with all this crazy stuff here—”

“Say sorry, Lei. It’s a mermaid cookout, so just get over it.”

“Thank you, Moni.” Aunt Suzi fixed the tiara on her head. “I’m gladyouunderstand.”

“Well. . .” I faced her. “You did go too far.”

Aunt Suzi frowned.

“But I do appreciate it. Just understand that. . .when some of my family sees this, well. . .a few might laugh.”

“That’s fine.” Aunt Suzi shrugged. “Laughter is the tonic of any excellent party.”

Meanwhile, Lei remained stubborn. “I am not apologizing or they will keep doing this.”

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