Sweet Dominion (Ruthless Legacy #4)

Prologue

A Symphony of Teas

Monique

In the moonlit garden, cherry blossom petals fell around us.

Lei’s grip on my ass only intensified as I moved my hips, riding his cock in this hypnotic rhythm.

“Oh, Lei.”

The grass and cool dirt smoothed beneath my knees.

My breasts bounced, almost hitting his face.

He leaned forward eagerly capturing my sensitive nipple and sucking on it.

Teasing it with the tip of his tongue.

“Oh. Oh.” I arched my back. “Oh.”

Groaning, he let go of my nipple and dug his fingers deeper into my flesh.

“Oh.”

The intensity of his sensual grip only heightened the pleasure. “Mmmm.”

“God, I love you.” My lips found his in a passionate kiss and our wine-stained tongues danced.

More delicate petals fell, brushing against our entwined bodies in soft caresses.

Ragged gasps left me.

His deep voice whispered against my skin. “Moni.”

Lei thrust hard into me, meeting my tempo. “You’re not just in my heart. . .”

I shivered in erotic pleasure.

“You’re in my head.”

Ripples of lust slipped down my spine.

“You’re in my soul.”

My whole body melted.

With a shuddering gasp, I fell over the edge and Lei followed closely behind, loudly groaning.

Our bodies moved together as one, our skin slipping and sliding against each other.

We climaxed in utter erotic ecstasy, vibrating and. . .

Chef Foo spoke in front of me, “This one is Gyokuro.”

What?

I blinked my eyes and the vivid memory of that intense erotic moment with Lei faded like the remnants of a perfect dream.

Shit. I need to be paying attention. Stop that.

I blinked a few more times.

Alright. The tea ceremony. Focus.

My vision cleared and I found myself back in the present, surrounded by over sixty ornate bowls arranged on a long, polished wooden table. The dried tea leaves inside varied in color from rich emerald-green to deep amber.

It was a stunning visual display that was currently freaking me out.

How the hell am I going to know what leaves to pick?

Some leaves were rolled into tight curls while others were spread out like miniature palm leaves.

Plus, they all had their own unique color and texture.

The chef pointed at a bowl filled with deep green leaves. “Gyokuro has a sweet, grassy taste.”

I cleared my throat, attempting to pay attention.

“It is known for its smoothness and rich umami taste.”

“Okay.”

The scents were intoxicating; each one more alluring than the last.

There were earthy, robust aromas that spoke of ancient forests and deep, rich soil.

Sweet, floral notes wafted up from bowls filled with petals and herbs mingling with the fresh, grassy fragrance of green teas and the smoky slightly bitter scent of black teas.

This is going to be impossible.

My nose twitched as I inhaled deeply, trying to absorb the complex fragrances enveloping me.

The colors were breathtaking—a mesmerizing rainbow of teas.

Chef Foo bowed. “I will now give you time to pick. Good luck, Mountain Mistress.”

Shit.

He left and I just sat there wondering which ones to grab.

The bowl in front of me held a deep, rich red tea Hibiscus. The dried petals looked like crimson velvet, their tart floral scent bold and invigorating.

Mom used to drink Hibiscus because it was high in vitamin C and helped lower blood pressure. But I liked the idea of using it because. . .that deep red made me think of the intense passion Lei and I shared last night.

I picked up the bowl and handed it to Lan. “This will be the first ingredient.”

“Sounds good, Mistress.” Lan smiled and took the bowl.

I glanced at my other ladies-in-waiting, taking a moment to appreciate their presence and support today.

Each of them wore formal blue designer suits, tailored to perfection. All of their black hair had been braided back into tight cornrows and then twisted into buns behind their heads, as if they wanted to be ready to fight yet not have their long hair used against them.

Thandi, tall and commanding, stood close to six feet. Her height was intimidating to some but I knew that Duck seemed to be the most intrigued by her when I introduced them.

I nodded at her as she remained by the door.

Thandi nodded back. “Excellent choice, mistress.”

Lan got back to my side. Since their return to me this morning, she seemed to be the leader among them, always taking charge with a natural ease.

Lan gazed at the other bowls. “Last night, I spent some time in the palace library looking up tea ceremonies in the East.”

I widened my eyes. “You did?”

“Yes.” She continued to check out the bowls. “Chen guided me around of course, showing me the various sections and even helping me find a book written by the Grand Mountain Mistress.”

“Lei’s mother, Jing wrote a book?”

“Several of them but the most important ones were about tea ceremonies.”

I let out a long breath. “I’ll need to read them.”

“I found a good one and checked it out. However, Chen said I couldn’t bring it today because it would be cheating.”

Chen is such a hater.

“However, I stayed up most of the night reading and taking notes.”

My mood brightened. “You are a life saver.”

“So, she wrote that a perfect blend of tea typically consists of three to five different types of leaves.”

“Okay.” I checked out the bowls. “I have four more to pick.”

“Apparently, limiting the amount to five, ensures a balanced and harmonious combination of flavors, aromas, and benefits.”

“Alright, Lan.” I clapped. “Good job because I damn sure was about to pick out ten or twenty leaves. It might have been pretty disgusting.”

Fen chuckled on my right. Unlike the other two, she was super shy and hadn’t said much since we arrived. At least, whenever our eyes met, she gave me a warm smile.

“Okay. Let’s see what the other four ingredients will be.” I rose from my seat, making sure my dark blue robe was closed.

Underneath it, I wore a beautiful shimmering blue sequin gown that sparkled under the soft lighting. The sequins caught the light with every movement, creating a cascade of blue and silver glimmers.

Aunt Min had insisted I wear a heavy dark blue robe. It was supposed to keep the gown hidden until the right moment, ensuring that no one would know what I was truly wearing beneath it.

I checked out the bowl of bright orange Rooibos. The leaves glowed like the setting sun, their earthy, sweet aroma filling the air with warmth and comfort.

If I remembered correctly, Chef Foo said that Rooibos was rich in antioxidants and known to support heart health.

Hmmm.

Across from me a yellow bowl contained Chamomile. The tiny, dried flowers looked like drops of sunshine.

I used to drink it to help with stress and keep my nerves calm.

We need calm today. Lei and Leo in the same room will have everyone on edge.

I pointed to that bowl. “Let’s add some Chamomile.”

Lan nodded, reaching for the bowl.

I looked at her. “What other ingredients do you think I should put in?”

When she brought it over to me, the delicate scent of chamomile filled the space. “The Grand Mistress mentioned Hibiscus but you already grabbed that.”

“Oh really?”

Grinning, Lan nodded. “So, good job with that.”

“Perfect.”

“Oh. She also talked about Silver Needle a lot and believed it had a light, floral aroma with a hint of sweetness.”

“Alright. That sounds good.”

“I’ll get it, Mistress.” Fen walked around the table. “I remember which bowl had the Silver Needle.”

“Okay.” I considered the ones I had so far. “Hibiscus, Chamomile, and now Silver Needle.”

“Here they go.” Fen brought over a tiny black bowl with these elegant silvery buds. Then, she lifted it to my nose.

I breathed in their scent. “Mmm. This tea is going to smell so good.”

Lan raised her finger. “Jing insisted that Silver Needle raised the elegance of the tea ceremony, so this must be another good pick.”

“Then, we have to go with it.”

Fen took the bowl over to the table with the other ones.

“So. . .” Lan lowered her voice. “Chen told me that the Grand Mountain Master and also the Mountain Master were partial to Lavender because the Grand Mountain Mistress would put it in everything, tea, marinades, sorbets, and ice cream.”

“I love lavender. Let’s add that too.”

“I will get it.” Fen headed back to the table to grab it.

I grinned at Lan. “You are on point today. Thanks.”

“No problem, Mistress.”

“And” I winked. “Chen was nice to you last night?”

A wicked smirk hit Fen’s face. “Very nice. He’s a. . . perfect gentlemen.”

Thandi spoke from the door. “Big on poetry.”

“Poetry?” I chuckled. “Don’t tell me Chen was over there trying to spit some sort of poetic game to you all.”

“No.” Lan shook her head. “Chen just liked talking about poems. He’s. . .cultured.”

Oh my God.

I glanced at Thandi and she nodded letting me know that Chen was really on some pimp-player shit last night.

Wow. At least now I have some Chen-kryptonite. When he tries to bother me. I’ll just tell Lan to handle him.

I smiled. “And what about Duck and Hu? Were they on their best behavior?”

To my surprise, Fen spoke, “Hu was very nice. He showed me to my bedroom and when he spotted a spider in the doorway, he saw how terrified I was and got rid of it. I could have done it myself, but. . .it was nice of him to handle it. Then, Hu spent the next twenty minutes searching my room making sure no other spiders were in there.”

“You don’t like spiders?”

“I’m not a fan of them.” Fen picked up the bowl of lavender and took it over to the other table.

I quirked my brows. “And Duck? How was he?”

Although they went quiet, all their faces held this comical expression.

Alright now. Duck did something stupid. This will be good.

I held out my hands. “What?”

“Nothing, Mistress.” Lan shook her head and returned her view to the table. “So would you like to add anymore leaves or are you done with the blend?”

“I’m trying to get the gossip tea on what happened with Duck.”

Thandi snickered from the door.

Fen looked the other way.

“Oh. I bet this is so good.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Come on. No secrets. We’re going to be together for a long time. We might as well be friends on some level.”

That smirk returned to Lan’s face. “Well. . .it is inappropriate to tell you. . .I think. I mean. At least what he did was inappropriate so we don’t want to get him in trouble and be disrespectful to you with the content of the conversation.”

“I’m not a queen.”

Lan gave me a stern look. “You’re the Mountain Mistress of the Four Aces, so yes. . .you are a queen, when it comes to the East.”

I blinked.

Lan shrugged.

Fen blushed. “What Duck did was very inappropriate.”

“Guess what?” I whispered back at them. “Queen or not. . .I love inappropriate conversations.”

Lan chuckled.

“What did Duck do?” I eyed Fen.

She widened her eyes. “I hope he doesn’t get in trouble. It was Thandi’s fault for why he did it and she should not get in trouble either.”

I waved my hands. “No one’s getting in trouble.”

“Wow, Fen. That’s not fair,” Thandi spoke from behind me, but her voice still held humor. “We were all wondering. . .”

The suspense was killing me. “Wondering what?”

Lan let out a long breath. “Duck showed us his penis.”

Oh. . .

Shocked out of my fucking mind, my jaw dropped and no words left my mouth.

Thandi chuckled.

I gathered myself. “No. He didn’t.”

Fen whispered. “He did.”

“Oh my God.” I started to laugh. “Why would he do that?”

Lan and Fen looked at Thandi.

Then, I turned to her.

Thandi didn’t appear embarrassed or regretful at all which told me that she was the sort of real chick I would love to be around.

Oh she’s going to be fun.

“Girl, come on over here and tell me what happened.” I chuckled. “I really want the gossip tea.”

Leaving the door and heading our way, Thandi shrugged. “I just asked him why they called him Duck.”

“Oh God.” I held up my hand. “And he told you that it was because ducks had corkscrew penises?”

“Yes.” Thandi bobbed her head. “After he said that, I. . .had more questions.”

“Listen.” I nodded. “I get it, girl. I see you.”

They laughed.

Thandi continued, “So, when we were in the hallway with just Duck because Chen had to get the keys to our rooms and Hu went with him. . .I asked to see his. . .you know. . .”

Fen frowned. “And he didn’t hesitate or say a word, he just whipped it out for us.”

“Oh wow.” I covered my face with my hands. “Are you serious?”

“That’s what Duck did,” Thandi said. “And. . .well. . .it isn’t corkscrew, but. . .”

“But?” I moved my hands. “Come on. You can’t leave me hanging like that.”

Thandi leaned forward and whispered, “It’s. . .very. . .very long and. . .curved.”

“Like a serpent,” Fen added.

Lan and Thandi laughed.

Fen shrugged.

I blinked. “Curved though?”

“About. . .ten degrees curved, not to make sex impossible just. . .interesting.” Then, Thandi commenced to hold her arm out and show me.

“Alright Duck.” I widened my eyes. “Long, curved penis for the win.”

Fen spoke, “Duck told us that when he got his first erection and showed Lei and Chen, they picked at him.”

I had so many questions like. . .why was he showing his erect penis to his cousin and brother? But, I already had learned too damn much about him today.

“Duck thought something was wrong with him,” Lan went over to the table and checked my four ingredients. “But the doctor told him that his penis was fine and that he should feel lucky that he wasn’t a duck because—”

“Ducks have corkscrew penises.” I grinned and went over to the table too. “Now I get it. Mystery solved.”

Chuckling, Fen and Thandi gathered around me as I got in front of the blue ceramic pot. It was a faded, dusty sky blue, decorated with swirly lines.

I picked up the Hibiscus and sprinkled it into the pot.

The petals settled at the bottom.

Lan watched me. “Then, Chen entered the hallway, screamed when he saw Duck’s penis and then yelled at Duck for several minutes.”

“Oh, I know Chen lost his mind.” I tried to imagine Chen walking up on Duck just wagging his curved-penis around in front of my new ladies-in-waiting and laughed to myself.

At this point, Chen would need to go to the hospital soon, either Duck, Lei, or me was going to give him a heart attack.

I picked up the bowl of Chamomile leaves and added them to the pot. Their gentle, soothing fragrance blended with the bold scent of Hibiscus.

This is going to be good. I’m really enjoying the smell.

The combination was already intoxicating.

Fen spoke, “Hu is a great fighter. I think he will teach us a lot.”

Thandi chuckled. “Hu surely wants to teach you a few things.”

Grinning, I reached for the Silver Needle next. The elegant silvery buds felt soft and downy between my fingers. “So, Hu has a thing for Fen?”

“Oh no.” Fen shook her head. “I don’t think so. I think he’s just really nice.”

“Hu is kind to us, but with Fen.” Thandi pointed at her. “With you, he is a knight in shining armor.”

“Oh, this is so funny.” I took the bowl of Lavender and sprinkled the buds into the pot.

This alluring fragrant blend wrapped around my senses.

Hell yes. This smells so damn good. I might make this for myself every morning.

I looked at the pot, now filled with a vibrant array of colors—red, yellow, silvery white, and purple—all coming together to create a beautiful mosaic of tea leaves.

Thank God I had my ladies-in-waiting.

I’d been so nervous all morning, completely out of my comfort zone.

Lan’s research helped so much and even more their fun banter calmed my nerves, reminding me of cool moments with my sisters.

Lan handed me a long, slender spoon. “Here you go, Mistress.”

“Thank you.” I took it and gently stirred the leaves, watching as the colors and scents melded into a cohesive blend.

I had to admit that the process was somewhat meditative. Plus, I was starting to feel this deep connection to the East’s tradition and the significance of their tea ceremony.

Thanks to Lan and her research I know I’m not going to fuck this up.

I glanced at my ladies-in-waiting.

They watched me with supportive smiles. I couldn’t imagine having any other ladies-in-waiting around me. They could have easily been my sisters. I could already see Jo laughing it up with them.

Movement sounded near the door.

We all turned that way.

Huh?

To my surprise, Leo entered the room, holding a large present. The box was two feet long and wide, wrapped in pristine white paper with an elegant blue bow tied around it.

What is this?

Song flanked him on his right and his expression was unreadable.

On Leo’s left was a man I didn’t recognize, holding a briefcase in one hand and a leather folder in the other.

What is going on right now?

Leo’s outfit was a deep midnight blue, almost black, with golden embroidery on the hems.

He had this high collar and long tunic jacket hugging his athletic frame yet still flowing around him. Beneath the tunic, he wore a matching pair of tailored pants with sharp creases.

His outfit was complete with a pair of black leather shoes.

Looking good, Leo, but why are you in the kitchen right now? I thought I was supposed to do this on my own.

Leo’s gaze locked onto mine. “Monique, allow me to go against tradition a little.”

What new plotting are you doing today?