by Taylor Lee
Alex learned in a letter from his grandfather the latest bombshell rocking the combined family. To everyone’s surprise, Wan disclosed that Bai, the young man who had been Wan’s second in command and his closest confidant, was in truth his son. Like Lei’s mother, Bai’s mother was white. She lived in France, refusing to live Wan’s violent lifestyle in a country openly hostile to the Chinese. Even Lei hadn’t known Bai was her half brother. It was a secret Bai intended to keep. When he assumed leadership of the Sing Leon from his father, Wan overruled him, eager to declare his beloved son.
Clinging lovingly to his arm, Lei bombarded Alex with questions about his China adventure, eager to catch up on all the news. She attended Hong Kong University and had many friends in China. As they walked through the gardens with Lei’s excited laughter filling the air, Watsu, the manservant, approached. Deferring to Alex, he asked where he should put Alex’s trunks.
Lei responded, “Alex’s chambers are next to Wyatt’s and mine, Watsu. Please put his trunks there.”
Alex broke in. “Lei, I’m sorry but I don’t intend to stay here. I won’t need a room.”
“I don’t understand, Alex. Of course you will stay here. Elena and Bai created the most amazing quarters for us. Even the twins have their own chambers. Although much to their dismay, they have to share a bathroom and don’t have a fireplace and private bath as we do.”
At that moment, Wyatt came up behind them. Draping a protective arm over Lei’s shoulder, he nodded curtly to his son.
“Alex is upset about what happened to Elena when he was gone, Lei. He needs time to adjust to the fact that she and Bai are getting married.”
Lei looked in surprise at Alex. For the first time, she seemed to see the anger and pain on his face. She put her arm around him. Before she could speak, Alex interrupted.
“No Father, I don’t ‘need time to adjust.’ I will never accept Elena’s marriage to that man.” Seeing Lei’s shocked expression, he continued, “I’m sorry, Lei. I know how hard this must be for you. First, he springs on you that he is your half brother. Now he thinks he can marry your daughter. You must be as upset as I am.”
Lei and Wyatt exchanged a glance. Smoothing her expression, Lei said in a soft voice, “Alex, come here, darling. Sit down.”
She pulled him over to a stone bench and sat next to him. Wyatt took out a cigarette, lit it, and stood off to the side, a thoughtful expression on his stern face.
Lei’s tone was gentle. “Honey, I know this is a big surprise. Your father and I were as surprised as anyone when we learned from your grandfather that Bai is my half brother. I always admired him and felt a connection. Now that I know who he is, I see that your grandfather and Bai are so much alike, they could only be father and son. And, honey, when Elena comes back from her ride, you will see for yourself how much she loves Bai. I am certain you will be happy for her.”
Alex stood up and moved away from Lei, his face contorted with anger.
“No, Lei, I will not be happy for her. Indeed, I intend to do everything I can to see that she does not marry him. I am sorry to say this, Lei, given your relationship to him, but Bai is not an honorable man. He is not worthy of my sister.”
Lei stood up, her eyes wide, a frown washing over her face. Before she could speak, Wyatt moved between her and Alex and took a drag off his cigarette. He blew the smoke up in the air, then tossed the cigarette to the ground, glaring at Alex.
“Son, for the moment, I will ignore your rudeness to Lei, as I ignored your rudeness to your grandfather. What I will not ignore, or permit, is your doing anything to detract from your sister’s happiness in these next days before the wedding. To be clear, you will stay here in the extraordinary quarters that Bai designated for you. You will not disgrace your mother, your grandfather, or me by acting like a jealous child instead of the honorable young man we know you to be. Do you understand me, Alex?”
Alex’s face was hot. He fought the angry tears in his eyes. He glared at his father, but seeing the hard cold anger in Wyatt’s eyes, he just shook his head and nodded.
At that moment, they heard a clatter of horses’ hoofs as Elena rode up to the courtyard, flanked by her guards. She shouted in delight when she saw her brother. Her bright red sun-kissed curls flew in a cloud behind her. Her dark blue eyes shone with excitement. She was riding a white Arabian mare that to Alex’s amazement had eyes as blue as Elena’s.
Elena leapt off her horse and threw herself at Alex, almost bowling him over. He forgot his anger for the moment and grabbed her and swung her around in a dizzying circle. They both laughed and cried at the same time. Elena asked him a hundred questions, not waiting for an answer before rushing on to the next. She interspersed her questions with hugs and kisses. Finally, Alex managed to squeeze in a few questions of his own.
“My God, Elena, where did you get this mare? I’ve never seen anything more beautiful – except for you and Lei – of course.”
“Isn’t she gorgeous?” Elena asked breathlessly. “Bai gave her to me. He insisted that I have a white Arabian with blue eyes. He went to thirteen breeders before he found her. He had seen a horse like this in Persia when he was a boy. He said she belonged to a princess and he wanted me to have one just like the one he remembered. I named her Zhenqui – it means “precious” in Chinese. Bai suggested the name. Have you ever seen a more beautiful horse, Alex?”
“No, Elena, I haven’t,” Alex said with a forced smile.
If Elena noticed her brother’s reserve, she gave no sign. Instead, she dragged him over next to Lei and Wyatt.
“Oh, Alex, you have no idea how glad I am that you made it home in time for the wedding. It would not be as wonderful without you. We are going to have a gorgeous party tonight. You won’t believe the people who are coming. The governor, the chief justice, about ten different senators and legislators and so, so many of Father’s and Grandfather’s and Bai’s business friends. And Alex, wait until you see my dress. Thanks to Lei, as always, I will be gorgeous and…and…”
She stopped, as though aware that she was incoherent with giddy joy, and burst into peals of laughter. Her father and Lei joined her. Even Alex couldn’t stop his grin.
“Oh, Alex, I am so excited and so glad that you are here!” She threw her arms around him brushing his cheek with another kiss. “I need to get ready, Alex. Please know how happy I am you got home, not only for the wedding, but in time for the party tonight.”
Lei and Elena left to go to their chambers. Elena’s excited chatter and Lei’s musical replies floated across the courtyard. Wyatt turned to Alex. His expression was solemn, stern.
“I arranged for your formal clothes brought from the ranch. You will find everything you need in your chambers. Bai assigned Watsu as your valet. He will help you with any needs you have.”
Wyatt turned to go, then looked back at him. Alex quickly looked down, refusing to meet his father’s eyes.
Wyatt’s voice was as stern as his expression. “I’m glad you’re back, Alex. I look forward to having you at the party tonight.”
With that, he turned and went to find Lei.
~~
Chapter 4
A myriad of brightly colored Chinese lanterns hung from the trees and shrubs surrounding the villa. They filled the gardens with flickering lights, rivaling the beauty of the starlit night. In the ballroom, candles and gas lamps glimmered, wine and spirits flowed. Elegantly attired Chinese servants passed trays of exotic food and the string quintet filled the air with beautiful music. The sounds of laughter and gay conversation echoed across the courtyards.
The guests were a stimulating mix of political and business leaders. Their garb and demeanor exuded authority. The governor of California chatted with a financier who came from New York for the party. The Eastern investor planned to stay at the villa to conclude the purchase of the banks he and Bai were acquiring. Distinguished men from industry and politics sized up their competition, sniffing out rivals and potential collaborators. Balanc
e sheets and promised political contributions made up the undercurrent of the carefully bland conversations. The unspoken currency was money in exchange for access.
The women flitted through the ballroom, a bevy of iridescent butterflies. Their dresses were created in the most exclusive salons in New York and Paris and rushed to California ordered by frantic women determined to shine at the social event of the year. More than a few shared their displeasure at the late notice of the party, miffed that they had only months, not the usual year, to prepare. Most of the women who belonged to the important men on the guest list took pains to eschew their California and western roots. They did what they could to assume the cultural sheen of Europe and the East Coast. The irony of struggling to shine at an event hosted by a man whose wealth and power came from the most questionable of sources, and was Chinese to boot, escaped them. They took comfort that he was at least part French. To compound the irony, the belle of the ball, the center of attention, was a girl raised on a Wyoming ranch by a moneyman whose roots were as questionable as the man she intended to marry. But the odor of great wealth trumped social sensitivities. The privileged guests thanked their particular gods and breathed relief that they had been invited.
Wyatt, Wan, and Lei stood to one side of the room, forming a protective circle around Alex. Lei’s light touch on his arm was as restraining as the implied warning in his father and grandfather’s gazes. Alex chafed at their presence, but did nothing to hide the tight knot of anger that their concern could not release. The object of their attention, and that of everyone present, stood across the room. She was a bright flame attracting a circle of awestruck men several layers deep. Apparently, waiting thirty minutes in line to dance with the lovely Elena did not dampen the promise of two minutes of certain bliss in the arms of the belle of the ball.
Alex stared at his sister. The fierce love and possessive anger he felt wracked his sensitized nerves like sharp fingernails raking soft flesh. To his eyes, she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Alex was overwhelmed by her stunning dress. There might be dresses more expensive or created by a more famous designer, but none of the women in the room had the advantage of Elena’s body to showcase their sartorial confections.
Outrageous four inch high heeled slippers added height to her slender body and made her already sensational legs positively wicked. Her dress was a creation of sapphire satin overlaid with a shimmering layer of gossamer silk shot through with hundreds of tiny sparkling stones. Tiny insignificant straps anchored the low cut dress. Their only function was decorative. It was Elena’s full firm breasts that did the yeoman’s work of keeping the bodice in place. Each movement raised the question of how even those gorgeous mounds could or would keep the fabric from slipping lower. The glistening silk clung to the saucy curve of her firm hips and revealed a tempting hint of the crevice separating her round toned cheeks. In the latest style worn by only the most fearless of women, the ankle length dress flared at the bottom. The jagged uneven hem rose daringly, giving the occasional glimpse of her knees – an unheard of liberty.
As beautiful as her body was, Elena’s crowning glory was her hair. Tonight it was swept up in a flurry of red gold curls held in place by pins tipped with sapphires, diamonds, and pearls. But her unruly curls refused to stay in their assigned places and errant locks sprung enticingly free, surrounding her face and neck. Her pale skin was flushed with excitement. Her flashing dark blue, almost violet eyes sparkled with joy, converting the most jaded observers to admiring enthusiasts.
Watching her from across the room, Wan and Wyatt swelled with pride. Alex stood beside them, quietly angry, refusing to join in their proud assessments of the lovely Elena. Alex glanced up to see Sheriff Thompson, a friend of his father and grandfather, moving toward them. Ignoring Alex, the sheriff motioned to Wyatt and his grandfather to join him by the doorway where several of his men stood. The sheriff’s expression was serious, his eyes hard.
Wyatt and Wan stepped away from Lei and Alex, joining the sheriff and his deputies. Alex moved a little closer, wanting to hear their conversation.
“What can I do for you, Jim? That look on your face implies that you want more than the promise of a dance with Elena. At least I hope so. I can do just about anything for you except get you any quicker through that line to my daughter.” Wyatt’s grin was friendly but stopped short of his eyes.
Sheriff Thompson spoke in a quiet voice, intended for Wyatt and Wan alone.
“Where is Bai, Wyatt?”
Wyatt reached in his pocket and pulled out a cigarette. He took his time lighting it, then blew the smoke up in the air. He looked hard at his friend. In a languid voice, he said, “He had some business to take care of. I expect him shortly. Why do you ask, Jim?”
“There’s been trouble in San Francisco – serious trouble, Wyatt. There is a possibility that Bai is involved.”
“Hmm, I see. Tell you what, Jim. When he arrives, I’ll be sure and let him know you asked after him.”
The sheriff glowered at Wyatt and responded with a grunt. “You do that, Wyatt.” He turned to leave, then looked back over his shoulder, “I hope to hell he isn’t involved, Wyatt. This is a bad one.”
Governor Sampson saw Wyatt and Wan talking with the lawman and walked over to them. “Is there a problem, Jim, you look mighty serious. Did Wan turn off the spigot to your whiskey?”
Sheriff Thompson grimaced. With a last troubled glance at Wyatt, he turned and walked away.
“Good old Jim,” the governor said with a grin. “Hell, he never can get that officious stick out of his ass, can he? Christ, he can’t even enjoy a party with the best booze and food I’ve ever had. You’d think he would be grateful to be invited to a gathering that includes everyone from Supreme Court justices to me – the goddamn governor of his state, for Christ’s sake!”
He laughed uproariously at his own humor. Wyatt and Wan both nodded, but didn’t reply.
The governor continued, “Much as I enjoyed dancing with the bride to be, I can’t help wondering where the groom is. Don’t tell me he got cold feet? But then again, it’s probably just as well that possessive son of a bitch isn’t here to see that crowd of men plastered three deep around that daughter of yours, Wyatt.”
~~~
Elena smiled and held out her hand to Greg Forester, the next in line to dance with her. Greg was the governor’s chief of staff and had been an ardent suitor of Elena’s. He was as disappointed as any of the crowd of men who courted her in the days before it became obvious that they had been beaten out by the man no one knew was in the running. Had they known Bai was their competition, they all would have acknowledged defeat far sooner. In every circle, be it political, financial, or Tong related, there was one thing understood by all who knew him--Bai never lost.
Greg pulled her close to him. His eyes were dark, his voice serious.
“You know you still have time, Elena. You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. I know your father and grandfather are pushing you into this marriage…”
Elena stared at him in surprise. Certain that he was joking, she said, “My father and grandfather gave up long ago trying to push me to do anything. Greg. You have no idea how much I love Bai. He is the most extraordinary man I’ve ever known. And ….without a doubt the sexiest!” She laughed at the blush staining the serious young man’s face, delighted that she embarrassed him with her outrageousness.
At that moment, there was a rustle at the door to the courtyard. Elena turned to see a group of Chinese men stride in. She saw their cold eyes darting from side to side, missing nothing. They separated, leaving a path in the middle, allowing Bai to enter. The music stopped with an abrupt squeak. Silence settled over the room, broken by Elena’s luscious laughter when she saw Bai.
Elena felt her face heat with excitement. Her tongue crept out of her mouth. Without thinking, she licked her full bottom lip, a nervous excited gesture as her laugh froze in mid air. She met Bai’s gaze and it was as though the ballroom rec
eded. For a fleeting moment, there were only the two of them, their magnetic connection, their own personal force field of energy locking them together.
Elena watched him fill the room with his presence. Within seconds, it was a different room than it had been moments before. Bai gave a slight nod to the orchestra leader, who had stopped the music in mid-note when Bai entered. With an embarrassed nod, the flustered man gathered his wits, turned back to his musicians, and raised his baton, urging them to play. Little by little, sound returned to the room. Conversations resumed. The clatter of silverware and ping of glassware were heard. One by one, dancers began to move again as Bai walked forward. He was holding one of his slim Bolivian cigars in one hand. He spoke graciously to the throng of important people lining the room, each of whom reached out eager to touch him, hoping to hear their names spoken.
Elena’s stomach clenched at the sheer magnificence of him. His elegant suit in the latest men’s fashion was made for his lean, sinewy frame. The slim trousers accented his height. The patterned waistcoat, flared jacket, and ascot tie pushed the boundaries of high fashion to its limits. His white silk shirt contrasted with his darker skin, his coarse black hair. He was strikingly handsome. Every feature was an exotic mix of Oriental and European influences. The result was arresting. Only his amber eyes, gleaming like gold in the flickering lights, added a streak of danger marring the perfection of his face.
The quiet, sophisticated aura that surrounded him made the glint in his eyes more threatening, more dangerous. He moved smoothly, every muscle taut, tight with the coiled power of a cobra ready to strike. Elena observed the powerful men reaching for his hand, eager for his acknowledgment. They looked soft in comparison.
