Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Lei's intense eyes tracked every movement of Chen's, his expression unreadable. “What did she do?”
Chen, attempting to regain some semblance of control. “I can handle it.”
He then turned to address the audience, specifically gesturing towards a nearby table of men laden with food and drink.
The impact was instantaneous. Some halted mid-bite, while others scrambled to wipe any remnants of their meal from their faces. Yet, without exception, every man at that designated table sprang into action, their hands instinctively reaching for their concealed weapons.
Lei's voice sliced through the tension like a blade, cold and sharp. “As you know, I never ask the same question three times. The third time, well, my sword tends to do the talking.” He tilted his head with a sinister elegance, eyes piercing. “Should I bring it out?”
Chen's face contorted with a mix of anger and frustration. “Yan took Chanel’s body.”
Lei's reaction was electric. “What?!”
Then, he rose fast from the throne.
His sudden movement startled everyone present, including me, prompting us to rise swiftly from our seats in alarm.
We tilted our heads forward and waited.
Lei left his throne. “How did this happen?!”
Chen shook his head, trying to gather his thoughts. “Apparently, while we were up here with Yan, some of her men had been searching for where we kept Chanel. Honestly, that was probably the whole reason why Yan came to us in the first place—”
“Goddamn it!” Lei rushed off.
I strained to watch him hurry away.
More men left and followed him.
And without a single word or glance toward me, Lei was gone.
My heart sank a little.
I swallowed and did a small scan of the place.
Everyone remained standing like me.
Okay. When do we sit down?
The faces of the guests were a variety of expressions—confusion, concern, and even a few oddly calculating glances came my way.
Everyone remained standing like me. Their postures rigid, eyes darting around, trying to gauge the room.
Duck whispered across the table. “You have to sit down, Monique.”
“What? Me?”
“Yes. They’re waiting for you to sit.”
Horror gripped me. “Why me?”
“Because you’re on the throne.”
“I’m a guest.”
“Honorary guest.”
“O-kay.” I hesitated for a moment, glancing at Duck for reassurance. He gave me a slight nod, urging me on.
I took a deep breath and delicately sat down.
And like Duck said, everyone else sat down too.
Oh shit.
I glanced around the space. There were whispers, curious stares, and a few faces that held a hint of respect mixed with caution.
I tried to look unbothered, but I was thoroughly terrified. “They’re all still watching me. What do I do now?”
Duck chuckled. “What do you want to do?”
Chapter sixteen
Wolves and Panties
Monique
What do I want to do?
My throat tightened.
Only Duck and I still sat at the table. The men that had carried me up, remained at a small table in front of us.
This is so uncomfortable.
As I sat on the throne, a peculiar sense of power washed over me. It was an unfamiliar and intoxicating sensation, like wearing a huge crown I never asked for or becoming an accidental queen in a kingdom of shadows. The grandeur of the throne, the opulent surroundings, and the attentive faces around me lent a surreal quality to the moment.
Every pair of eyes in the space remained fixed on me, and those gazes were heavy with curiosity.
I swallowed.
With each whisper and sidelong glance, I was acutely aware of their scrutiny, the same scrutiny Lei must have endured his entire life.
To grow up under such an unrelenting microscope with every action and word analyzed, had to have been a challenge. I could have never dealt with the constant watchfulness, the need to always present a façade of strength and confidence. For me, it would have been fucking exhausting.
I glanced around, meeting the eyes of those watching me, and further realized the complexity of Lei's world.
How has he done this all his life?
I straightened my back, trying to project a calm I didn't feel. My hands rested gently on the arms of the throne, and I made an effort to appear composed and dignified.
Okay. . .why are they still watching me like that?
It gave me a new perspective on Lei—a deeper understanding of the man behind the Mountain Master mask. All watched while I sat there, as this temporary queen in a king's absence, and the whole time my respect for Lei grew.
Damn. This is hard.
Duck smirked. “Lift your chopsticks and start eating.”
Oh yeah. That's right.
Unease ran through me, but I did what he said.
I hesitated for a moment, feeling the heaviness of those gazes, before I slowly reached for the chopsticks beside my plate and lifted them.
Then, a subtle, collective shift occurred in the space.
The guests mirrored my actions.
Jesus Christ. This is insane.
I took a deep breath, steadied my nerves, picked up a piece of fried tofu, and brought it to my lips. The texture was soft and silky, the flavor subtle and savory. I chewed slowly, savoring the taste and the sensation of the food in my mouth.