Page 167 of Sweet Dominion

“The Four Aces was financially penalized which ended up being a fine—”

“Then, it’s settled.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Marcelo had his arms around you and then he lifted you up in the air which means that he probably had his fucking mouth on your chest or neck—”

“He didn’t.”

“He was testing me—”

“And you did fine—”

“No.” He shook his head. “I don’t like to be played with and Rowe Street Mob must understand that.”

I swallowed hard. “So what are you going to do? And don’t lie to me.”

“We’re not doing this right now.”

“Why not?”

“Because you’re not going to like the answer and I don’t know how to avoid saying it to you.”

“So? Couples have difficult discussions all the time. As long as we are honest and respectful toward each other during the conversation, everything should be fine.”

He pursed his lips.

“So. . .” I held out my hands. “What are your plans for the South?”

He ran his fingers through his hair and looked everywhere else but me.

“Okay then. Tell me why you don’t want Jo in the South.”

“It would be better for all of you to be settled in the East which means not visiting the South for a few months—”

“Are you insane?”

Lei scowled.

“We will go in and out of the East whenever we please. We don’t need to sit in the East to get used to it.”

“I don’t want you in the South.”

“Why not? What are your plans for the South?”

His jaw clenched and he finally met my gaze again. A storm swirled in his eyes. Then, with a low, measured tone, he said, “Do you remember what I did to Banks’s men?”

My breath hitched. “You’re going to beat Marcelo up?”

“Or. . .more.”

“More? What the fuck does that mean?”

“I’m not going to let him continue to disrespect—”

“What doesmoremean?” I headed over to him. “Because like. . .we already talked about this on Mount Utopia and we discussed this in the garden last night. And I made myself very clear that you will notharmthem because they are my family. So. . .honestly, I’m confused.”

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