22. Lotus Blossom
Chapter twenty-two
Lotus Blossom
Lei
The echoes of Monique’s kiss lingered on my lips, along with residual lust.
She had returned my kiss with such passion.
It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
Needing to regain some form of control, I forced myself to step to the side.
God damn it.
I shook my head, as if that could get me out of the haze that threatened to cloud my judgement.
Uncle Song would be in here soon along with whoever else. I had to be the Mountain Master now, not a man drunk on a stolen kiss.
What the fuck was I thinking? Of course she would taste so good. I didn’t need to confirm it.
I cleared my throat and took a deep breath, but the sweet scent of Monique’s perfume filled my nostrils, pulling me back into that moment.
My cock jerked in my pants.
And there she was, right there, next to me.
So fucking close.
I glanced at Monique her cheeks were still flushed.
All I had to do was reach out to her, and she would be right back in my hold.
My heart pounded in my chest like a runaway drum, its rhythm syncopated to the memory of my lips against Monique’s.
But I couldn’t afford to lose myself in her right now, not with what awaited me.
Instead, I focused on regaining my composure, steadying my voice, smoothing the creases on my face into an expression of indifferent command.
Come on.
The door opened.
I blew out a breath.
As Uncle Song walked in with Chen and Duck, I straightened up, adopting the stoic demeanor that was expected of me.
Nosy as fuck, their eyes scanned the room, probably reading the unspoken story of what had transpired here.
Or maybe I was being paranoid?
Uncle Song looked from Monique to me and smiled. Amusement flickered in his eyes.
Chen’s gaze held an undercurrent of curiosity.
Meanwhile Duck’s face showed a hint of surprise.
Regardless, I met all of their gazes with unwavering confidence and crossed my arms over my chest.
Uncle Song walked over, carrying a heavy and long wooden box in his hands. A thick envelope rested on top of it. As always, he was a titan in his dark blue robes, standing 7ft tall. The fabric draped over his massive frame.
In silence, he stood before me.
A mix of emotions poured through my body. I loved this man—he was my mentor, my guide, my family. He taught me the meaning of honor, the importance of tradition, the weight of our lineage.
In the mirror of his eyes, I saw the reflection of the man that I had always aspired to be—strong, wise, and unyielding.
Yet, as much as I admired and respected Uncle Song, there was a seed of resentment that took root in the depths of my heart.
Uncle Song knew damn well that my father—his brother—had gone psychotic and needed to be put down. Still, he chose to remain one of the many blocks in my relentless pursuit of my father.
I hoped that my uncle would stay out of it because in the end, I did not want to harm him too.
A profound sorrow gnawed at the edges of my consciousness.
Chen got to my left, dove into his pocket, handed me a silk handkerchief, and kept his voice low. “You have lipstick on your mouth.”
Shit.
I snatched the cloth from him and quickly wiped it off. There I was, trying to appear like the all-mighty Mountain Master, while having Monique’s lipstick on. Once I figured it was all off, I gave the handkerchief back to Chen. “Thank you.”
Tucking the cloth in his back pocket, Chen got between his father and me as if planning to be our referee in a boxing match.
To my surprise, Duck went over to Monique and stayed by her side.
I narrowed my eyes at him.
Really? Do you not know that you are already in trouble with me?
Duck didn’t meet my gaze.
Chen cleared his throat, getting my attention. “Father, you asked to speak to Lei and as his Deputy Mountain Master I must insist on your immediately explaining what is going on and what is the reason for your visit.”
Uncle Song turned to Chen. “You honor me, son.”
Chen’s face tinted red.
“I always knew you would be perfect as you stepped into my shoes.”
“T-thank you, Father.”
Uncle Song put his view back on me. “Lei, you didn’t tell your Deputy Mountain Master about the final battle to be held in eight days?”
“There was no need to tell him because it is not going to happen.”
Uncle Song gave me a disapproving look. “The ceremony is the only way this will end.”
“I can think of other ways—”
“You will never find Leo. Half of your people with you now are protecting him.”
Rage bubbled inside of me.
“And it is not because they do not respect you, Lei, it is simply because they see Leo as their father too.”
Chen adjusted his glasses. “What final battle?”
Uncle Song turned to him. “Eight days from now, we will all meet at a specified location in traditional clothing—”
“This will not happen.” I glared at him.
Uncle Song ignored me and continued to talk to Chen. “There will be a feast with a photographer that will capture everything.”
Chen ran his fingers through his hair.
“At the end of that feast, Lei and Leo will battle to the death. A duel of Wushu, under the moonlight.” Uncle Song directed his view to Monique. “She will also be Leo’s honorary guest.”
Monique glanced over her shoulder as if wondering who he was talking about.
“Oh. Hold up.” She gazed back at us and touched her chest. “Me. I’m Leo’s honorary guest?”
Uncle Song nodded. “And this envelope is for you too. Take it off this box and open it. Leo wanted to apologize.”
“Umm.” She walked forward.
I grabbed the thick envelope. “What is in it?”
Uncle Song frowned. “It is for Monique, Lei. Not you.”
“My father has given Monique enough surprises for today to last a fucking lifetime.” I ripped open the envelope.
Uncle Song hit me with a sly smile. “So you are feeling protective of Monique?”
Sighing, I pulled out several pages of crisp, high-quality paper.
The official seal of Paradise shone in gold at the top. Embossed calligraphy in thick black ink swept across the paper in an elegant script, each word meticulously penned.
Are you fucking serious, father?
Chen got closer to me and assessed the front. “A deed? Why would Leo be giving Monique a deed?”
I read it and tensed. “Because my father is handing over Lotus Blossom to Monique.”
She got to my other side, brushing up against my arm and luring me with her scent. With her so close, I wanted to taste her lips again, instead of deal with more of my father’s plotting.
Concentrate.
Monique looked up at me. “What is Lotus Blossom?”
“A property situated in the East of Paradise. It was my parent’s first home before they built the palace and moved in.”
“So. . .” Monique looked at all of us in disbelief. “Leo is giving me a house?”
Uncle Song nodded. “Leo could never sell it, and he always refused for anyone to rent the place. It has remained empty for so many years, although a cleaning service and maintenance man goes by monthly to make sure it is in good shape.”
Monique shook her head and stepped back. “I can’t accept a house from Leo.”
Uncle Song shrugged. “You must. He wants to apologize for. . .everything. Also, the property is already legally yours. Leo wants you to be able to take care of your sisters. His hope is that you move into the property in nine days.”
Because he wants you near me after he’s dead.
Lotus Blossom was not only a short walking distance from the palace, but I could see the property from my bedroom window. That had been intentional since my mother was so nervous about moving into the palace. My father made sure she could still see it from all the windows on the North side.
I placed the deed back in the envelope and handed it to Monique.
Stunned, she held it.
Uncle Song’s eyes softened. “You will love Lotus Blossom, Monique. There is a garden with willow trees and a lovely koi pond. See this as not just a deed to a property, but an invitation to a peaceful haven. A piece of paradise nestled in the East, waiting to be called your home.”
Chen’s mouth dropped open.
Monique looked down at the deed. “Umm. . .tell Leo. . .thank you.”
“Now for the next item. You already know what this is, Lei.” Uncle Song tried to hand me the wooden box.
I frowned.
Uncle Song let out a long breath. “If you do not take this and promise to do the ceremony, Leo has plans to kill an innocent person every day and hang them in front of this hotel.”
A soft gasp left Monique.
Horror washed over me. “What?”
“Leo has made a list. No one is safe. Not women or children. His men are monitoring the future victims’ movements so he will be ready to kill them at any time. Each corpse that he hangs up will be to taunt you and tug at your heartstrings. You are warned.”
Monique trembled on my side.
I wanted to hold her and let her know that all would be okay, but it would be a lie.
“Is that what you want, nephew?” Uncle Song tilted his head. “Do you doubt Leo and his possibility to shed blood?”
I swallowed hard and clenched my fists, feeling anger and frustration welling up inside of me.
Uncle Song’s eyes plead with me. “A battle like this would be important for the East. You must do this.”
“My father does not deserve a glorious death.” I reluctantly took the wooden box from my uncle. The damn box weighed heavy in my hands. “But. . .more innocent people cannot die.”
Uncle Song nodded. “You have been and will continue to be a smart and humble Mountain Master. Therefore, I assume you agree to the battle.”
I spoke through clenched teeth, “I agree.”
“Eight days. The location will be given on the seventh day.” Uncle Song looked at Chen and then Duck. “Take Lei to Mount Utopia. Train him. Increase his moments of meditation. Have him perfect Azure Dragon’s Spiral, Golden Phoenix, and Jade’s Serpent. Those are three moves that Leo has always had difficulty defending.”
Duck’s bottom lip quivered.
“Make sure that Lei fasts the night before the fight.” Uncle Song touched the side of his head. “Lei’s mind must be clear.”
Together, Duck and Chen gave a half bow. “Yes, Father.”
Uncle Song looked at me and sighed. “Lei, I know this is difficult for you. But remember, this is not just a battle between you and Leo. It is a battle between the old ideals and new. You are fighting for the honor of our people, and for the legacy that your father left behind.”
“I only want revenge for Chanel and Romeo.”
“Then, you will be fighting for that too.” Uncle Song placed a hand on my shoulder. “You can do this, Lei. I have faith in you. And remember, your father loves you. He may not show it, but he does.”
With that, Uncle Song bowed, turned, and left the room, leaving me alone with Monique, Chen, and Duck.
Monique looked up at me, her eyes filled with worry.
I carried the box over to the table and placed it there.
Duck walked over. “What do you think is inside, cousin?”
Chen got to my left. “It is definitely a sword.”
I traced my fingers over the ancient carved wooden box. It felt like I was touching history itself. My gaze drank in the intricate carvings, a labyrinth of swirling designs that danced across the wood.
I looked at Chen. “What do you think about the battle?”
“It will be good for the East, but. . .”
I raised one eyebrow. “But?”
“I do not know if it will be good for you . Perhaps, Duck or I can take your place.”
I returned my view to the box and unlatched it. “My father wants a legendary story for his death. A battle between father and son. Something the East can tell their kids for generations.”
I lifted the box’s top. The soft creak of the hinges sounded like a whispered secret—a ghostly echo from centuries past.
Inside, nestled against a lining of worn blue silk, lay Soaring Precious. The blade shimmered and sparkled.
“Shit.” Duck held both of his hands on his forehead. “Uncle Leo is really serious.”
I reached in and picked up the sword. The cool touch of the steel sent a shiver running up my arm. It felt alive.
Studying its magnificence, I twisted the sword in front of me.
Last time I held this, I was a boy fighting thirty-six men at the initiation ceremony. Now I would have to use it to kill my father—which would be like battling fifty men.
My heart broke.
I placed the sword back in the box.
Chen pulled out his phone. “I will get a camp ready on top of Mount Utopia. Father is right. We must begin training immediately.”
Duck looked at me with concern. “Are you sure about this? Even though Uncle Leo wants to die, he would never let you kill him without a fight.”
“I have no other choice. I can’t let innocent people die because of my father’s ego or my stubbornness.”
Duck gazed behind me. “And what about Monique? Should we now send her to Lotus Blossom or somewhere else?”
I glanced over my shoulder.
In utter shock, Monique had been staring at the envelope with the deed. At the mention of her name, she turned her view to us.
I drank the breathtaking image of her in. Here my father was, still matchmaking with the deed and everything else. Surely, he was doing his best to get Monique and me together.
It would have been so simple to send her away or just ignore her completely, just to stop his obvious plans from unfolding.
Yet, I could not.
Monique brought me comfort and peace. And she was slowly beginning to warm the cold parts of me.
But most of all. . .that kiss. . .
I had to keep her near, if only to kiss her one more time.
A twinge of guilt shot through me.
What would Chanel think? Am I dishonoring her?
I closed my eyes, terrified that her ghost was near and heartbroken.
She hadn’t even been gone long and I was already kissing someone else.
Then, Monique spoke. Her soft voice brushed up against me. “Lei, I will go wherever you tell me. These next eight days will already be. . .ungodly and beyond difficult for you. So, you decide. I can be here for you or somewhere else.”
I opened my eyes. “Like I said before, I need you by my side. Nothing has changed.”