29. Getting Ready for the Madness
Chapter twenty-nine
Getting Ready for the Madness
Monique
This date was beyond anything I could have imagined.
I loved the tour and the exquisite dishes, however, the grandeur of his palace and the decadent cuisine paled in comparison to Lei's raw emotional vulnerability.
That was where my heart truly swelled.
He opened up, baring his deepest desires and fears.
And because of that, this was feeling like more than just a date and more an affair of the soul.
There was only one question left.
What else does he have in store for today?
Just before we reached the door leading back to the main corridor, Lei stopped and turned to face me. His face took on a serious expression, a sharp contrast to the carefree one during our meal.
Curiosity bubbled within me. “What's wrong?”
“Before we go through this door, I should prepare you for the madness.”
“O-kay.”
“I was only able to close off everything for the beginning of the date. Any more time and all operations would have been fucked.”
“And now shit is about to get real?”
“Very real.” He gave me a sad smile. “There's going to be a crowd because there always is one.”
I tensed. “A crowd?”
“Staff, palace guards, employees, various guests, and. . .”
“What?”
“Reporters and paparazzi.”
“What the hell?”
“Yeah. The East’s has its own news channel, four magazines, and two newspapers.”
“I had no idea. They definitely don't do that in the South.”
“It's only here.” He ran his fingers through his long hair. “It’s this way because of my parents. They are all about free speech.”
I did my best to process this information.
Lei continued. “In China, despite the constitution guaranteeing freedom of speech, the reality is often different.”
“They don't follow it at all?”
“Criticism of the government can lead to imprisonment and independent journalism is frequently suppressed.”
I could sense his frustration. “So, they wanted something different here?”
“Yes, exactly. They wanted to ensure free speech in the East, even if it means dealing with the madness of the press. It's chaotic and invasive at times, but it was their way of ensuring that voices could be heard without fear.”
“So, we’re about to walk into a storm of paparazzi and reporters?”
Lei nodded. “I've been gone for a while, so there will be questions, but. . .there's also you.”
I swallowed.
“They'll have even more questions.”
My mind raced. The thought of facing a swarm of reporters and paparazzi sent a chill down my spine. I typically lived a simple, quiet life. No one ever cared what I was doing or wearing or even what was on my mind.
Lei must have sensed my apprehension because he reached out to grasp my hand gently. His touch offered warm comfort. “I know this is unexpected and I understand if you're not ready for this kind of attention, but. . .”
“Yes?”
“I wanted you in my bedroom today, and. . .maybe there's also a deeper odder part of me that wants everyone to know that you're in my life now.”
I swallowed hard.
He leaned his head to the side. “Thoughts?”
I looked down at my dress. “Maybe. . .I would have worn something different.”
“You are captivatingly beautiful in anything you wear, Moni.”
I blushed.
“Remember, I met you in a Cookie Monster pajama top and jeans and couldn't keep my eyes off of you.” He pulled me closer to him. “I'm more worried that men will come out of shadows for you because. . .how could any man not desire you once they see you?”
His words—honest and raw—vibrated deep within my chest.
The idea of being thrust into the limelight was daunting, yet the way Lei looked at me, with such genuine affection and a hint of possessive pride, sent my heart pumping.
And I couldn't lie, the fear of public exposure intertwined with the thrill of being acknowledged as part of Lei's life was a heady, exhilarating mixture.
Adrenaline surged through my body.
He was not just inviting me into the quiet privacy of his palace but into the full view of the East.
Holy shit. I thought I still had time.
He watched me. “But you can always say no.”
“I can?”
“I have a backup plan. We sneak off to the helicopter and go to a hotel outside of the East.”
That felt like running and hiding when all I had to do was walk through that door. And with the way Lei looked at me, eventually I would have to step through that door.
I believed him when he said there was no escape from him and the romantic possibilities of. . . us .
“Okay.” I whispered, squeezing his hand back. “Let's do this.”
His expression brightened. “Yeah?”
“We might as well.”
“Perfect.” His gaze held mine. “Here's some advice. Ignore everyone no matter what they say. I may stop for a question here or there, but my focus is to get you the fuck out of there.”
My nerves flared. “Alright.”
“I'll be right there with you, holding your hand and keeping you close to me. If someone touches you, I'm going to break—”
“Lei, relax. We don't need you going viral on the East’s news for beating someone up.”
He chuckled. “You're correct. Plus, I don't want your first unofficial debut to be my not behaving.”
“First unofficial debut?”
“You're in the East, Moni. There will need to be an official debut soon. I’ll have to do a proper introduction—feast, dancing, etc.”
“Couldn't we just. . .date on the side for a little bit?”
He chuckled.
I'm not joking.
He rubbed my palm. “I wish that was my life but it isn’t.”
I stiffened.
“Honestly, this date today wasn’t just about being romantic. The other part was about showing you all parts that come when being with me.”
“Okay.” I did my best to shove away as much anxiety as I could.
“When we step out there, just keep a straight face. Focus on one point in the distance, it helps to ignore the cameras.”
I nodded.
He continued. “Don’t let their questions or flashes affect you. It’s all just noise. Remember, you don’t owe them any reaction or response. Just stay close to me, and we'll get through them.”
I took a deep breath, anchoring myself with his words. “Got it.”
“The people in front are usually political or economic strategists.”
“O-kay.”
“Then, we’ll start to deal with the entertainment and lifestyle people.”
This is about to be some crazy shit.
“Soon it will end with the East’s gossip bloggers. Sometimes they’re the worst ones to deal with.” Lei sighed. “However, Fengge and Bolin will be waiting to help us through and bringing the security that I only use within the palace.”
I thought back to those names. “Fengge is your Incense Master. Right?”
He grinned. “He is, and what is Bolin?”
Fuck. What is he?
“Vanguard. . .I think.”
“Correct.” His grin widened. “Perhaps, I won't beat Duck up for giving you the book.”
I scowled. “You're not touching Duck. Leave it alone.”
“He'll need to give those panties back.”
I pointed to the door. “Can we focus?”
“Not yet.”
“What do you mean not yet?”
Fast, he leaned forward and his lips met mine with a passion that set my soul ablaze.
Our bodies pressed together in desperate need.
And I got lost in Lei as he devoured and consumed me.
A soft moan left my lips.
It was as if he was pouring every ounce of his desire into my mouth. Hot longing twisted with his tongue. Greedy craving hummed from those hungry lips.
I couldn't catch my breath.
In fact, I could barely breathe.
My lungs expanded with him.
With this kiss, my life could have ended right there in that whirlwind of sensation and been fine.
Let my obituary read, ‘She died from a kiss that set her soul on fire.’
Groaning, he dragged his lips away, and his eyes searched my face.
Breathless, I gazed up at him.
“Moni,” Desire laced his voice. “This is just the beginning. When we walk through there, remember.”
I shivered.
“Nothing else matters. Not the watching East. Not the dangers of my world.” He breathed me in. “As far as I'm concerned, there's only us.”
I swallowed.
“Are you ready?”
I took a deep breath. “Yes.”
Lei opened the door, and madness greeted me.
Oh. My. God.