20. Meddling Aunts and Naughty Balls
Chapter twenty
Meddling Aunts and Naughty Balls
Lei
My men opened the dining room’s double doors.
Chatter and glass clinking greeted my ears, but I still didn’t get a view.
Chen entered before me and loudly declared, “The Mountain Master has arrived!”
All chatter ceased.
Next, movement sounded telling me that everyone was rising from their seats.
Music began to play. Notes collided with one another, like liquid fire cascading down a mountain. It was always the same song when I entered a ceremony or formal event, growing louder and faster until it all reached a fevered pitch of ridiculousness.
Once my father is dead, I am getting rid of this damn song.
With both hands in my pockets, I returned to fingering the hidden items—the jeweled cuffs and wooden dagger. I didn’t know why the objects brought me comfort. I just knew I probably wouldn’t have been able to stomach all of this fanfare without them.
Next, the song’s ancient drums filled the air, signaling for me to enter.
My heartbeat matched the rhythm.
Here we go.
I stepped into the hotel’s grand dining hall and was immediately ensnared by the spectacle that unfurled before me.
The room was exquisitely and opulently decorated.
The light from the magnificent chandeliers cast a warm radiance over the setting.
The tables were masterfully dressed in immaculate white tablecloths, stunning dinnerware, and shiny silverware, and the atmosphere was filled with the aroma of an imminent feast.
More than forty men and women—dressed in an array of shades of blue—filled the room. They were sapphires studded in a setting of white and gold. All stood with their heads bowed and their gazes on the table.
The band on the right continued the song.
Chen stayed at my side, waiting for me to head to my throne.
Not yet.
Desperate, I scanned the crowd of blue and instantly found Monique. There she stood with her head perfectly bowed with the rest.
My breathing hitched.
She was a vision of incomparable beauty.
In my dream, my subconscious had attempted to create her and failed. While she was stunning in my mind, she was utterly captivating in person.
My heart warmed.
Monique wore an evening gown that seemed as if it was spun from starlight and the deep blue of a twilight sky. The material clung to her in all the right places before cascading down to pool around her feet, creating an image of regal elegance.
A diamond necklace adorned her neck. More diamonds spilled from her ears.
She was ethereal, enchanting.
How strange was it that the sight of her filled me with a longing that was both sweet and agonizing.
But more important. . .
How was this woman—this stranger—quickly weaving herself into the fabric of my mind?
And it hadn’t even been a full twenty-four hours.
Or was it that steamy dream that had triggered this?
It didn’t matter. All I knew was that amidst the sea of blue and this opulent setting—she was all I could see. Her exquisite beauty captivated me entirely.
Chen cleared his throat. “Lei?”
I pulled my hands out of my pocket and headed off.
Chen whispered, “The throne is the other way.”
I continued forward, heading to Monique.
“Lei. . .”
I prowled down the long length of the table, rounded the corner, and stopped behind her. That was the first moment I realized that she was seated next to Duck.
The next thing I spotted was her round ass poking out from the shimmering gown.
My subconscious had not added this lovely feature in my dream either. I made a mental note to make sure I didn’t forget that.
She shifted a little, surely knowing I was behind her.
The band continued to play my outrageous theme song.
All patiently stood with their heads bowed.
I leaned toward Monique, inhaled her perfume, and whispered in her ear, “You are enchanting.”
Her eyes remained downcast, but a sexy smirk spread across her face. “Thank you. . . Mountain Master .”
I quirked my brows.
Is she making fun of my title?
It was odd hearing her call me that.
Chen nudged me with his elbow. “Lei, everyone has been standing for a while now, and the band is confused and skipping over notes. Can you get to your throne please?”
Groaning, I left and headed away, walking down another long length of table and rounded the corner. My throne awaited me at the head of the hall, an elevated dais that offered a panoramic view of the entire space.
Looking innocent and dutiful, my aunts stood with their heads bowed on the right of my throne.
I shook my head and positioned myself in front of my throne.
Chen got in front of the empty chair on my left.
Then, I sat down.
Like a choreographed dance, all the guests raised their heads and lowered into their seats.
Monique was the only one that had a few seconds delay as she kept looking around and following everyone else’s movement. Still, she made it to her seat in no time.
I smirked at how well she was quickly getting the hang of my delirious life.
The band shifted to the classical hum of background music.
All watched me.
I raised one hand.
Instantly, the guests returned to their conversations and drinks.
Monique gazed around with excitement. This must have been quite interesting to her, while this was annoying and boring to me.
I leaned back into my throne with my gaze locked onto Monique.
A radiant smile played on her gorgeous face.
Duck leaned her way and whispered something in her ear.
I quirked my brows.
What are you saying to her?
Nodding, she chuckled and then pointed at his head.
Huh?
Duck gave her a half bow, raised his hands to his hair, and took the top knot out.
What the hell are you doing?
All of his silver and black hair fell around his face. Some of the silky strands spilled down his shoulders.
I rolled my eyes.
Chuckling, she clapped, and he bowed again.
Aunt Min disrupted the show. “Did you get any rest, nephew?”
I dragged my view from Monique and put it on my aunt. “You know I got plenty of rest because you made sure I did.”
Aunt Min touched her chest. “How did I make sure you got your rest?”
“Drug me again and I will put you in the coldest cell under the palace.”
Aunt Min widened her eyes. “You would not.”
“I would.”
Aunt Suzi wagged her finger at me. “Lei, you know better than to talk to your aunt that way. Your mother would have never approved—”
“And would she have liked your putting stuff in my tea?”
Aunt Min shrugged. “I believe she is smiling from heaven that you got some rest.”
I scowled at them. “Do not push me. I love you both, but the meddling must stop.”
A shocked expression decorated both of their faces.
Aunt Min held out her hands. “Meddling?”
“No one asked you to come here.”
Aunt Suzi shook her head. “Our being here today was a coincidence. We absolutely love the town of Glory. As you know, long ago we used to live here.”
Aunt Min nodded. “I hoped to see this town again. It has great. . .cafes.”
I frowned. “You are here to get in the way of my killing—”
“We must not discuss such things during dinner.” Aunt Suzi held her hand up. “Lei, where are your manners?”
“My manners died with Chanel.”
They both frowned yet remained silent.
Aunt Min reached her hand to me.
I shook my head.
She placed the hand on the table. “I was devastated when Chanel passed—”
“She did not pass. My father killed her.”
Aunt Min’s eyes watered. “Leo has suffered a lot from your mother’s death—”
“Suffered? He has become a mad man that must be stopped.” I tilted my head. “Do you not agree?”
Aunt Suzi tapped her fingers on the table, telling me she was on edge. “Leo has done despicable things. Yes. It is true. He must be stopped, and we have considered another option to your killing him.”
Aunt Min bobbed her head. “You spoke of our palace cells and I invite you to consider placing your father there for the rest of his life. This is a proper solution for our family—one that we could all stomach.”
Aunt Suzi nodded in agreement. “Plus, it would be the worst punishment for him.”
With a bored expression, I watched them. “How? He would still get to live.”
Aunt Suzi raised her finger. “Exactly. Leo does not want to live. He wants to be killed and sent to your mother.”
“Yes.” Aunt Min gave me a sad smile. “Keeping him alive and growing old in a cell would ruin his legacy in the East—”
“And allow you to not mourn the death of your beloved brother.” I shook my head. “My father? Spending the rest of his life in prison? You think that our people will not break him out of a cell in the East?”
Aunt Suzi shrugged. “Then, put Leo in the North. With all those sexual things Dima has going on up there, it must be at least one dungeon in that territory to lock Leo in.”
“If I cage my father in the North, my people will revolt and start a war.”
Hotel staff began carrying out large platters and placing them in front of me.
I spotted Imperial Peking duck with black caviar and foie gras fried rice with gold flakes.
I frowned. “Why are we eating this tonight?”
Aunt Suzi gestured around. “Because we are here to celebrate family and the great love that we—”
“You are to head back to the East in the morning. I cannot believe you helped him today.” I spoke through clenched teeth. “Did he tell you that the blood on his clothes belonged to Monique’s father? I was next to Monique when she saw her tortured father’s dead body on the ground today. You talk about family. Could you imagine finding your father like that?”
They both directed their gazes to the table.
I sneered at them. “You both should be ashamed of yourselves.”
“We did not know that Leo killed Monique’s father.”
“He stabbed the man’s eyes with pink chopsticks, sliced up his face, and stuffed his mouth with money.”
Aunt Suzi touched her stomach as if she were about to vomit. “Leo said that he killed a bad man that was bothering your future wife, Monique.”
“Who is my father to say anyone is bad? And Monique will not be my wife.” My voice grew weak. “My wife died by his hands. My wife. . .is gone along with my happy ending—”
“You are young, Lei.” A tear left Aunt Min’s eye. She wiped it away. “You have your entire life ahead of you.”
I pointed at them. “Tomorrow morning do not make me order my men to force you to go. Just leave. That is it.”
Aunt Suzi frowned. “You need us.”
Aunt Min huffed. “And I would like to see your people try to force us to do anything. It is true that it has been a long time since I have spilled blood with my sword, but I pick it up every morning to practice. They better not attempt to force me to do anything.”
“And what will you do if it is me physically forcing you?” I eyed her. “Will we be having a huge sword fight in the middle of the streets? Do you really think that is necessary after the heartbreaking month I have been dealing with?”
Aunt Suzi blinked. “Lei, do you really think it is necessary to have us leave this beautiful town? The best time to visit Glory is in the Fall when the leaves. . .fall around and . . .everything. I brought my camera and. . .I want to be like the kids these days, and blog. . .or vlog. . .one of those things I will be doing—”
“By the time I wake up, you both will be gone.” I glared. “Do you understand?”
Aunt Suzi placed her hands on the table and threaded her fingers together. “I heard news that your big sister, Yan has gotten on her plane with her men and tons of weapons.”
I studied them. “And I wonder who may have called and told Yan what was going on?”
Aunt Min shook her head. “Regardless, your sister surely will be in Glory by tomorrow evening, ready to fight against you and protect Leo.”
“She was always a daddy’s girl. Who will deal with her if we are gone?” Aunt Suzi glanced at me and then Chen. “I believe we are rather excellent at handling your sister.”
“You will leave in the morning or I will shut down all your bank accounts and credit cards.”
Aunt Min huffed.
Aunt Suzi picked up her wine and sipped.
I placed my view back on Monique.
Duck and she were deeply engrossed in some conversation. A bubble of joy surrounded them.
The staff began placing platters around them.
Duck talked to her at length about something.
I could see the sparkle in her eyes, the flush on her cheeks, the way she leaned in closer to him as he spoke. It was all innocent enough, but the sight tugged at my heart, a discomforting pang that morphed into a sinking feeling of jealousy.
I gritted my teeth. “Chen.”
“Yes.”
“What is Duck saying to Monique?”
Chen eyed them. “Is this necessary? He appears to be on his best behavior.”
In that moment, Duck picked up his chopsticks, grabbed two meatballs, and said something again.
Monique chuckled.
I frowned. “What did Duck say?”
“He is joking around with her.”
“But what did he say?”
Chen rubbed his forehead. “Duck said ‘Can I put my balls in your mouth?’”
I gripped the edge of the table.
Chen kept his voice low. “Duck still feels responsible for Monique almost jumping off the roof. I am sure my brother wants to make her laugh this evening.”
I watched as Duck whispered something into Monique’ ear, causing her to throw her head back in laughter.
Bile rose in my throat. “What did he say this time?”
“I couldn’t tell.”
“Why not?”
Chen sighed. “Because his mouth was too close to her ear.”
Rage bubbled within me.
Beaming with wicked pride, Duck ate the balls.
Aunt Min spoke, “Okay, Lei. We will leave, but. . .you should not have to do this on your own. This is too much for your shoulders to carry.”
I continued to watch Duck as he picked up another ball.
Monique grinned.
Duck spoke.
She parted her lips.
I gritted my teeth. “What’s going on now?”
Chen cleared his throat. “Duck asked her to open her mouth.”
“What?” I leaned forward.
My gaze was fixated on the chopsticks as they moved the meatball closer to her parted lips.
No.
Chen covered his eyes with one hand as if not wanting to see an inevitable car accident.
Soon, Duck placed the meatball in her mouth.
Has everyone lost their fucking minds today?
I caught the wickedness in Duck’s gaze as he watched her eat it.
Something snapped within me.
Fast, I rose.
The movement caught everyone off guard. Laughter and conversation was abruptly replaced by a stunned silence. They all hurried to their feet and bowed their heads, including Monique and Duck.
Utterly confused, the band scattered to pick up their instruments and started screeching out my stupid theme song.
I pointed at the band and shook my head.
One by one the musicians stopped.
Enraged, I scowled at Duck and Monique.
Standing also, Chen leaned my way. “Calm down. It was all innocent. Do not make a scene. He is your second favorite cousin after me.”
It wasn’t logical for me to feel this burning, rageful unease. Perhaps, it was stress or lack of sleep.
I didn’t care to figure it out. Instead, I left my throne.
Chen tried to follow.
“Not now. Entertain everyone in my absence.” Taking out the diamond handcuffs, I prowled away, rounded the corner, and continued down the length of the table.
My men trailed behind me.
When I made it to Monique, I stopped behind her, drank in the sight of her round ass, and licked my lips. “Let’s go.”
She kept her head bowed and whispered, “Me?”
“Yes. You.”
She didn’t move her head. “Should I. . .do a special curtsy when I leave or just turn around and go with you?”
I thought she was joking around but she appeared serious. “What?”
“I’m trying to follow your traditions.”
“Just come with me.”
“Oh.” She smiled and whispered, “Bye, Duck.”
I frowned.
Duck remained silent.
She turned around and took one step toward me.
Before she could take the next step, I clanked the cuff on her wrist.
She blinked and whispered, “Is this necessary?”
“I want you by my side.”
“I can be by your side without handcuffs.”
“This guarantees it.”
“We don’t need a guarantee.” She grinned. “Lei, I’m right here.”
“You weren’t when I woke up.”
“Because I was half-naked without clothes and your aunts ended up—”
“In these oncoming days, I never want to wake up without you—”
“I get that, but there will be times when it is not necessary to put handcuffs on me.”
“When?”
“Like now and by the way, I am not sleeping next to you with handcuffs on. And I will not be going to the bathroom with them on either.”
“We will see.”
To my surprise, a humorous expression covered her face. “We will not see.”
A few people turned their bowed heads to the side to watch our exchange. When they realized I spotted them, they put their views back on the table.
Noticing my attention wavering, Monique scanned the space of standing people with bowed heads and pursed her lips together.
Then, she lowered her voice even more. “I guess we can talk about this on the elevator.”
I slipped my gaze along the front of her gown. So close, I could appreciate the way that sparkling blue fabric hugged her round breasts.
I had to stifle a grunt. “Let’s go.”
“Okay, Mountain Master .”
The line of my jaw twitched.
She is definitely making fun of my title. I’ll show her how funny it is.
Side by side, we headed away and in my mind, I saw myself bending her over and smacking her fat, bare ass.
A groan left me.
Monique turned my way.
Somewhere in the dining hall, someone clapped.
What the hell?
I raised my eyebrows and checked that direction. By my throne, Aunt Suzi looked our way and clapped again, wearing a giddy expression.
I frowned.
Aunt Min shushed her and then pushed her sister’s hands down. Although Aunt Suzi giggled, they returned to bowing their heads.
What is she excited about?
Meanwhile, Chen wore a worried expression as he watched us leave.