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)
Our tour then took us to the conservatory, a glass-domed oasis brimming with exotic plants and flowers from around the world. Sunlight filtered through the glass. The air was moist and warm, filled with the fragrances of jasmine and orchids.
There, I kissed her again on the stone path and was close to tearing that dress off.
Finally, I can take her to the first surprise.
I guided Monique towards the grand elevator, its doors intricately designed with motifs of bamboo and chrysanthemums.
“Lei, I can’t believe how huge this place is. If I lived here, I would need a map.”
“I’ll get you a map now.”
We stepped inside.
She chuckled.
“What’s so funny?”
“I don’t need a map today.”
I took in those sexy curves. “You do.”
“Why?”
“We’re not going back to the mountain tonight.”
“What?”
I shook my head.
“I’m staying in the. . .palace with you tonight?”
Heat spread across my body. “Fuck yes.”
The doors slid close.
Then, the elevator descended smoothly, and fast, I had her back in my arms, devouring that soft mouth.
She melted against me and moaned.
Fuck. I can’t wait to be inside of her.
My body was on fire.
The sexual anticipation was damn near unbearable.
When the elevator came to a gentle halt, I groaned in annoyance and pulled away. “Soon.”
She panted. “Soon what?”
I stepped back and grabbed her hand. “First we eat then you’ll see.”
She widened her eyes.
We stepped out into the expansive kitchen.
The aroma of simmering spices and fresh herbs wafted towards us.
Chef Li Mei, dressed in a sky-blue uniform that matched her status as the master of this domain, awaited us with a warm and welcoming smile.
Her team, ten assistants arrayed in various shades of blue, stood attentively behind her.
I checked Monique. “Are you hungry?”
“Yes.” She scanned the massive kitchen.
It was a sea of polished marble and gleaming silver. A long wooden table dominated the center of the room. Shelves upon shelves of ingredients lined the walls, labeled in delicate script.
Several stoves and ovens took up the entire back of the kitchen. Already many pots bubbled and sizzled on top.
I guided Monique over. “Chef Li Mei is the genius behind the Palace’s renowned dishes. Her recipes are a blend of traditional techniques and innovative flavors.”
The chef bowed in front of Monique. “Welcome, Ms. Jones. It is an honor to have you here.”
Jones?
I froze.
What? And how did Chef Li Mei find out?
Monique nodded at the chef. “Nice to meet you.”
I studied Chef Li Mei. “How did you find out her name?”
She gave me a sad smile. “Your father called an hour ago and ordered me to make the best meal possible for your first date with Ms. Jones.”
Goddamn it. He still has eyes and ears all around me, spying and reporting back.
I scowled. “But you kept my menu for today?”
“Yes, Mountain Master. Your father had a list of items but I kept with the dishes that you requested.”
“Thank you.”
“I should return to the meal.” Chef Li Mei bowed again and rushed away.
Her staff followed.
Stunned, I turned to Monique. “Your last name is Jones?”
“Well. . .” Monique shrugged. “Yeah. My last name is Jones.”
What the fuck?
She cleared her throat. “Actually, Banks was telling me today that. . .Chanel’s last name was Jones.”
The revelation hit me like a lightning bolt, and for a moment, I felt the ground beneath me shift.
The word echoed in my head.
Jones.
It was a coincidence, surely, but in the depths of the palace where past and present were intertwined, it felt like something more.
Even more, I could feel Monique’s eyes on me, studying my reaction.
What the hell is going on? Father. . .is that why you chose her?
I knew I needed to compose myself, to push away the sudden rush of emotions and thoughts that threatened to overshadow our date.
Forget about it now.
With effort, I mustered a smile, masking the turmoil inside.
Get back to the date.
“Jones.” I repeated, more steadily this time. “It’s a common name. That’s an. . .interesting coincidence.”
“Well. . .” Monique shifted her weight to the other foot. “Chanel and I are probably cousins, due to having the same great grandfather. Banks and I are a part of his secret family and all that drama.”
I froze again.
“But. . .there’s no real confirmation.” Monique shrugged. “No DNA test or anything like that. Just the same last name and lots of old stories from my grandmother.”
My father definitely knew about the connection.
Once the East and West stopped fighting each other, they all became closer. This meant that my father kept many Killer Crow secrets. This would have easily been one of them.
Monique tilted her head to the side. “What do you think about that?”
Move on. There’s no reason to talk about it now.
“This. . .” I calmed myself. “It doesn’t change anything for me when it comes to building something with you. Just like my father picking you for me doesn’t change the fact that I don’t want to let you go.”