18. Where Love Blooms
Chapter eighteen
Where Love Blooms
Lei
Moni’s confession and raw vulnerability in the car had done something to my heart.
There had been so many deep and personal truths. Even more, the sad memory of her father’s cologne lingered in my mind.
I’m glad Dad killed him. No one that hurts her that way, deserves to live.
Then, there was the revelation that our mothers had known each other—a connection that seemed destined to intertwine our love story in a way I could never imagine. The idea that her mother had laughed with mine, shared moments of joy and intimacy, and created a bond that extended beyond time and space was staggering.
Had fate spun an invisible thread between us—one that had pulled us together through the years?
Was it more than my father’s strategizing?
Did God in fact. . .pick Moni for me?
And finally, her newfound commitment to the East. That bold declaration to live here and work at being a good Mountain Mistress made my heart hum. It was a grand gesture of boundless love and loyalty.
No longer would I be alone in the East, ruling by myself, uncertain of my path, with no one to confide in as I rested my head on my pillow at night.
I will never let her go. Never.
Now, I needed to show her my devotion in a way that went beyond words.
Maybe I could take her off somewhere real quick—a trip to the coast, where we could walk hand-in-hand along the shoreline, the salty breeze carrying our laughter across the waves.
More than anything, I imagined waking up beside her every morning, holding her warm, soft body in my arms, murmuring promises in her ear as the sun painted the walls with bright light.
I envisioned celebrating her victories too, right beneath an indigo sky, standing by her side when she was challenged, and sharing quiet moments when she simply needed a place to rest her tired spirit.
Our sharing whispered vows where love could prosper.
In the car, I turned Moni’s way, squeezed her hand, and saw my future in her eyes.
And our future was the most beautiful vision.
It was solace, joy, and unbroken trust.
It had a horizon painted in gold.
And there I saw our laughter falling, twisting, and turning like rose petals on a sweet spring breeze.
I saw our passion rising.
Burning.
I watched our love grow in the most sensual places, where love bloomed, where hope could be planted, with roots entwined deeply, where memories were bred.
Carved.
Growing strong.
Constantly being nurtured.
Forget just the title of Mountain Mistress. She’s going to be my wife one day. . .the mother of my kids. Does she know?
The car stopped in front of Lotus Blossom.
Seconds later, the driver opened up the door on Moni’s side.
Letting go of my hand, she stepped out and her sexy figure was a breathtaking silhouette against the sunlight.
Stunning.
Exquisite.
A sudden rush of warmth and tingling spread through my chest, causing my heart to flutter and skip a beat.
I stifled a groan.
Things had been so hectic, I never got a chance to tell her how beautiful she looked today.
And that suit was a masterpiece of fabric—deep, rich blue adorned with delicately embroidered sky blue and pink flowers that seemed to bloom off the cuffs and collar. Additionally, each golden thread was expertly woven. Plus, the cut was nothing short of perfection, hugging her every lush curve.
When the East saw her on TV tonight, they would know without a doubt that she was my Mountain Mistress.
She continued toward Lotus Blossom.
Next, I left the car, and was greeted by the delightful fragrance of the garden carried on a gentle breeze—roses and jasmine, citrus fruit and fresh soil.
A mesmerizing symphony of scents that serenaded my senses into blissful surrender.
I directed my view to the garden, sweeping my gaze across the rich landscape before me—rows of flowers and towering trees. In the distance, the gentle trickle of the fountain could be heard along with birds chirping and singing in the nearby trees.
Lanterns hung from carefully pruned branches, ready to glow over the garden once evening fell.
It has been a long time, Lotus Blossom.
A strange sense of nostalgia washed over me, while memories from my childhood flickered through my mind like a vivid reel—helping my mother in the garden under the bright morning sun, her gentle laughter filling the air as we tended to the flowers together; chasing my sister around the house, her giggles echoing through the halls; heading out on morning jogs with my father, his steady pace leading the way down the sunlit paths.
But since my mother’s passing, coming here had been difficult.
The estate held too much of her spirit, her touch, and her presence. Even now, every flower whispered her name, pulling at a bittersweet ache deep within my soul.
Mommy. . .I miss you so much. I’m glad you knew Moni’s Mom.
I avoided this place, yet today was different. The thought of Moni and her sisters staying here filled me with renewed purpose.
With them around, I’ll be here a lot.
Sighing, I turned back to the house.
Moni was now halfway up the grand staircase. Her heels clicked rhythmically on the steps.
I watched as her delicate fingers traced along the polished handrail, and all I could do was wish my cock were under those fingertips.
Mmmm.
Those hips swayed in a tantalizing dance.
I could even see the gentle arch in her back as she went up each step, her waist twisting one way slowly to only twist the other way even more deliciously.
She was poetry in motion.
All mine.
My pulse quickened.
Desire coursed through my veins and undeniable hunger swelled within my chest.
At my sides, I tightened my hands into fists, and longed to touch her, to taste her right there on those steps.
Damn. Look at that beautiful ass.
Out of nowhere I contemplated if it was wrong to fuck her in my childhood home.
If I bent her over my mother’s favorite dining table, would my mother be in heaven, shaking her head and hiding her eyes in disgust?
Still wicked, nasty thoughts swirled in my mind.
The very home where I had learned to tie my shoelaces, spent countless afternoons playing with my toy soldiers, lost my first tooth, and the setting for many more childhood milestones.
Now it would be the very backdrop for something primal, something carnal and nasty.
Yeah. That suit is coming off soon.
Chen left the car and stood by my side.
Duck and Hu came next.
But, I couldn’t even acknowledge them. My attention was all hers.
Yeah. I’m going to fuck you here, before we leave and go back to the Palace.
As if hearing my thoughts, Moni paused for a moment on the staircase and looked back at me.
Surely, she saw the desire blazing in my eyes. Her lips part slightly as if she wanted to say something, but the words seemed to be caught up in her throat.
That’s right.
Smiling, she went back to heading up the stairs, and I returned to desperately craving her.
Yes. I’m definitely going to fuck you here.
All my life, I was taught that control was power. That control over your desires meant control over your life.
But with Moni. . .my control was unraveling.
Surrendering.
Utterly dissipating into wisps of nothing.
With her. . .I had no control, no idea how to hold back.
Once she reached the stairs, she opened the door and disappeared into the house.
Many of my other men appeared and gathered around the house with their weapons out.
Chen spoke, “What are your thoughts on Aunt Jing and Moni’s mother being friends? Or even how Uncle Leo now has some new friendship pact with Moni and may be puppeting her moves?”
I turned to him. “Go back to the Palace.”
Chen widened his eyes. “What?”
“I want to spend some alone time with Moni. Just the two of us.”
“But—”
“After everything that’s happened today, we need a moment.”
Hu entered the conversation. “We actually need to finish training. You still have the battle.”
“My fighting my father’s men was enough training for any day.”
Hu considered that and nodded. “You’re right. I forgot about that.”
Duck grinned. “I assume you want me to go back to the Palace too?”
“That is the meaning of being alone with Moni.”
“Hmmm.” Duck snorted, probably knowing exactly what was on my mind.
But, Chen didn’t get the message. “I still think that we should have you both get a briefing from the Palace’s press office. Surely, they’ve been researching responses and reactions to this press conference and I think—”
“Take a break, cousin.”
Chen opened his mouth to protest, but one look at my face made him reconsider. He knew enough about me to understand that arguing would be in vain.
Then, suddenly the door to Lotus Blossom swung open, and Moni stepped back out onto the porch.
And to my shock, three beautiful Black women joined her.
Oh.
I had never met them before, but they carried themselves with the same graceful confidence that made Moni so captivating.
Where did Aunt Suzi and Aunt Min find them?
I turned my attention to my men, curious to see their reactions.
Duck leaned forward, eyebrows raised, and grin now stretched wider. His playful demeanor faltered completely as he stared at one of the women—a slender, tall figure dressed in the darkest blue.
Interesting.
Moni and her ladies-in-waiting headed our way.
Meanwhile, Hu, usually so stoic, couldn’t keep his gaze from straying either. His lips parted slightly, and his eyes softened as he took in another of the women in this sky blue outfit.
But the one that shocked me most of all was Chen.
He just stood, flabbergasted, shifting awkwardly from one foot to the other, then quickly straightened up trying to regain his composure.
Well. . .it looks like Moni will be keeping her ladies-in-waiting after all.
When they finally stopped in front of us, I had to hold back my laughter. My men looked like horny teenagers, while the three women properly flanked Moni and not only appeared confident, but exuded this regal radiance.
Alright. Maybe, my aunts have a point. These women are not a bad choice for Moni.
There was no way Chen would find better.
I just need to make sure they can fight.
They glanced among us with a mixture of curiosity and amusement, undoubtedly noticing Duck’s exaggerated grin, Hu’s softened expression, and Chen’s fidgeting.
Come on, guys. Act like you’ve been around women before.
Then, I remembered that they hadn’t enjoyed a day off in months.
Oh. They’re probably hornier than me now.
“So. . .these are my ladies-in waiting that Aunt Suzi and Aunt Min picked for me.” Moni gestured to the women. “Chen, I already explained to them that you may be trying to get rid of them, but—”
“Hold on.” Chen shook his head and wiped the newly beaded sweat on his forehead. “I never said that. No. No. No. They could uh. . .they could work. . .maybe. . .I more said I needed to do background checks. This is just a. . .clerical thing. From what I see I think this could be a very delightful situation. . .in a formal. . .um official way, not any other way. Definitely. . .no other way.”
Moni stared back at him like he was crazy. “What other way would it be, Chen?”
I crossed my arms, enjoying the show. “Yeah, Deputy Mountain Master. What other way could it be?”
“Oh.” Chen cleared his throat. “I am merely saying that I would have to execute a thorough process making sure that they are good in bed.”
Oh God.
Moni frowned. “What?”
One of the women chuckled.
“No. No. No.” Chen shook his head. “I meant to say good in their. . .ability to adapt to. . .stressful situations that could require. . .umm. . .in depth knowledge of. . .palace protocols. Nothing about bed. I mean they would have beds to sleep on, but I would not have anything to do with that or their beds. . .respectfully.”
Moni and I exchanged glances.
Sorry. He likes one of them. He gets nervous and weird when he likes a woman.
Duck jumped in. “If it matters, I already approve. All three have my vote and my bed. It’s a comfortable one.”
One smiled.
Chen shushed. “You don’t get a vote and that is not. . .appropriate.”
Duck muttered. “You’re the one that mentioned a bed in the first place.”
“Be quiet.” Chen straightened his tie and cleared his throat again.
Hu—who typically remained quiet and in the background—moved in closer and smiled. “Nice to meet you three. What’s everyone’s names?”
I turned to Moni’s ladies-in-waiting.
The tallest woman warmly smiled. “My name is Thandi.”
Duck cleared his throat, stepping forward with a flourish and extending a hand to her. “A pleasure to meet you, Thandi. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to call on me. You and I will be working close together from now on, so. . .welcome. Officially.”
I held in my laughter.
The second woman in the sky-blue outfit spoke, “I’m Lan.”
She nodded at me. “I am honored to be able to serve, Mountain Master. I met you long ago, when we were both kids and I was living at Sky Haven. You gave me extra candy canes and cookies for the yearly Christmas festival.”
“Aww.” I blinked. “You grew up in my mother’s orphanage?”
“Yes, sir.” She gestured to the other two. “We all grew up there, so it feels good to give back to your family.”
“Then, you all are basically from the East?”
They nodded.
Women of color that grew up in the East? Smart move, Aunties.
Moni’s ladies-in-waiting already understood the complexities and challenges of our society in ways that few others could. Additionally, they knew the East’s culture, the traditions, and the unspoken rules that governed life here.
With them by her side, the public would see Moni as someone who wasn’t just paying lip service to the ideals of representation and empowerment but was genuinely committed to uplifting those who had lived in the East’s margins.
Well played, Aunties. Maybe, I will free you all a bit earlier. Twenty days, instead of thirty.
More importantly, the people of the East would recognize Moni’s hiring of these women as a bold step forward—a recognition that those who had been orphaned, marginalized, or dismissed could rise to positions of power and influence.
Another strong message that the Mountain Mistress wasn’t afraid to break from tradition in order to shape a new future.
Plus, my mother’s orphanage would be back in the spotlight. Her charity gala would be next month. This gesture would help with raising money.
Oh wait.
Since my mother passed and there was no longer a Mountain Mistress, my aunts took over the job of planning the gala.
Now with Moni as M.M.I.T., it would make more sense to have her plan it. And that was a big, complicated job.
The annual event was more than just a celebration; it was a tradition steeped in elegance and prestige, drawing officials and dignitaries from across all of Paradise City and even attracting guests from China who flew in to pay their respects.
The gala itself was a colossal undertaking. For weeks leading up to the event, my aunts and their team were consumed by a flurry of activity, turning every corner of the palace’s ball room into an oasis of opulence. Elaborate floral arrangements were crafted to complement the theme, each bloom carefully selected for its hue and fragrance. Silk banners embroidered with traditional motifs were unfurled and draped along the walls.
Seating charts were designed to ensure that Paradise City’s dignitaries, business moguls, and political officials were strategically placed to encourage collaboration and conversation.
Caterers and chefs orchestrated culinary masterpieces, testing recipes and curating the menu to reflect both local flavors and international tastes. The wine selection alone required diplomatic consideration, as vintages had to appeal to guests of different cultures and palates.
Entertainment was also carefully chosen, balancing traditional Eastern performances with contemporary flair. The program included classical musicians, traditional dancers, and a modern ensemble that would end the evening on a high note.
Invitations were sent out with precise etiquette, each envelope sealed with the family crest and written in elegant script.
Security measures were equally stringent, with background checks and screening protocols to ensure a seamless and secure experience for all attendees. Every aspect of the event required coordination between various teams—logistics, transportation, and security were all under immense pressure to ensure that the gala maintained its stellar reputation.
Now, with Moni as M.M.I.T., it made more sense for her to take over planning this grand spectacle. And that was no simple task. She would inherit an event that demanded every ounce of her strategic mind, creativity, and diplomatic poise.
Her ability to unite people and navigate the complexities of politics would be crucial as she stepped into this role.
Moni’s right. My aunts should help with training her.
I turned back to her ladies-in-waiting, understanding the huge task they had ahead of them.
Finally, the third woman spoke with a low nervous voice. “I’m Fen.”
“This is a great pleasure, Fen. I’m excited.” Hu gave her some ridiculous bow as if she were the Queen of England, and that was when I couldn’t keep my laughter in.
I chuckled, doubling over as some of the men guarding the house chuckled too.
Even Moni was suppressing a grin behind her hand.
Hu glared at me, but he was clearly more embarrassed than angry—especially at Fen’s wide-eyed expression.
Hu straightened. “Sorry, I’m just trying to be polite.”
Fen whispered, “Thank you.”
“Anyway,” Moni shook her head. “I really like them a lot, so don’t even think about changing them. . .please. And they can also fight. Your father tested them on the porch.”
“Oh really.” Chen kept bobbing his head over and over. “You fought Uncle Leo, and I don’t see any cuts on your necks or wounds.”
Duck licked his lips and gave them a wicked smile. “Maybe, we should take you all to the gym and test you out tonight. A few one-on-one situations and some music—”
“Alright, alright,” I finally intervened since it appeared like Duck was close to taking off his clothes and humping one of them. “Let’s all keep our minds on the task at hand, and have utter respect for these very high positions.”
Next, I spoke to the three new women, “As Chen said so eloquently earlier, there will still be thorough assessments to ensure that you’re prepared for the risks and responsibilities that come with serving the Mountain Mistress.”
They nodded.
“However, I’m sure you all will pass. Welcome.” I waited a beat longer, then stepped over to Moni, and wrapped my arm around her waist. “Anyway. This has been a lovely introduction, everyone, but if you all don’t mind, I would like some privacy with Moni. We have matters to discuss. You three can go off with my men and get moved into the Palace or whatever, but have a good day and see you all in the morning.”
I didn’t even wait for anyone to respond as I whisked Moni away.