Page 32 of Sweet Dominion

I cleared my mind of all thoughts of Leo and glanced at him.

His expression remained stern and his gaze stayed forward.

We moved past the perfectly trimmed hedges and blooming roses, the scent of jasmine and lavender filling the air.

Sunlight sparkled on petals.

The further we went, the more secluded it felt too. The noises of the house, ceremony, staff, and reporters faded into a distant hum.

Finally, Lei stopped atourcherry blossom tree. Its delicate pink petals fluttered gently in the breeze.

My heart warmed.

It was the same tree where we had made love the previous night.

Damn, Lei. You’re good, baby.

Last night, everything had been so simple. Under the canopy of cherry blossoms, with Lei's arms around me, the world had melted away.

But now, standing in the same spot, the weight of reality crashed down on me.

The simplicity of last night seemed like a distant dream replaced by the harsh truth I had to deliver.

Don’t say anything but don’t lie either. Just. . .get us back in the tea ceremony.

Lei turned to me, let go of my hand and his gaze turned so intense that I felt utterly naked in his view.

Shit.

Then, he spoke. “You did an amazing job.”

I swallowed. “Thank you.”

“You were beautiful and perfectly graceful. The tea was delicious, even now as I stand out here with you. . .I want another cup. In fact. . .when we go back in, I will politely demand another cup.”

I gave him a weak smile.

“I am proud of what you did, Moni and I’m fucking grateful that you took the time and dedication to do it for me.”

Guilt slipped into my heart.

“But. . .”

I parted my lips.

“You were nervous and not justnormalnervous. I think it was more because. . .I also think that. . .I’m learning you,reallygetting you and the perfect nuances of your movements. . . your emotions. . .the way you walk. . .the way you hold things with your hands. . .the different ways your faceexpresses itself. . .when you’re stressed. . .angry. . .when you’re happy. . .when you’re cumming.”

I blinked.

“And. . .in the ceremony. . .you did a decent job of hiding your terror to everyone else, but. . .I still believe I saw something that suggested to me. . .that you were bothered.” Violence flickered in his gaze. “I would never want you bothered byanyone.”

Tension gathered in my shoulders.

“What’s wrong, Moni?”

I gulped down fear and did my best to keep my voice steady. “Thank you for telling me I did well.”

He watched me.

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