Page 58 of Cruel Devotion

Four women were on the other side of the bed.

Each one stood as if carved from stone, poised and imposing. Their dark blue suits were tailored to perfection, and it was clear these women were no strangers to physical combat.

One had a prominent jagged scar running across her cheek. Another’s biceps bulged.

Regardless, all four of them had a stiff posture, stern expressions, and held handcuffs.

“Uhh. . .” I backed up. “What’s going on?”

I was cornered, and by the looks of it, escape wasn’t an option.

No answer came. Their eyes remained fixed in front of them.

It was then that I noticed the formal gown on the bed. Its deep blue sequins glinted in the soft light of the tent, shimmering and inviting. The matching lace panties and bra lay beside it, the color so perfectly coordinated it almost felt surreal.

My confusion grew into panic. “What’s going on? Who are you?”

Suddenly, Lei spoke from behind, scaring the shit out of me. “They’re here to help you dress.”

Trembling, I turned around and inched away. Icy fear gripped my heart. “I-I don’t need any help getting dressed.”

“You do, if you think you are going to be wearing white.”

“Are you fucking serious?”

Lei replied with chilling finality. “Dead serious.”

“Lei, my cousin would like—”

“The only reason why Banks is still alive now is due to him beingyourcousin.”

I tightened my hold on my towel. “Listen. Don’t talk to me like that and don’t—”

“The only reason why the South is still standing is becauseyoursisters are there.”

My bottom lip quivered. “W-what?”

“Again, I should apologize.” He ran his fingers through his blood-stained hair. “You clearly didn’t understand your important place within my life right now.”

“Lei, I wanted to compromise with my cousin because I not only love him but I completely trust his judgement.”

Lei closed the distance between us and towered over me.

I lifted my chin and looked at him. “W-we already had a conversation about this.”

“We did.”

“I’m serious about how my cousin and Rowe Street Mob are handled when it comes to you, and I won’t allow any disrespect—”

“And what about respect forme?”

“Lei, knock it off. I am here by your side, even though all of this is crazy, and I don’t even fucking know you like that, but I feel bad and want to help—”

Lei’s expression softened slightly, but his voice remained cold. “No one else dictates what happens between us. Do you understand?”

“We both agreed that we were friends. White means I’m a friend—”

“White means that you areeverybody’sfriend.” That soft expression returned to hard and furious. “Is that true?”

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