by Taylor Lee
When she saw Bai, she gasped. Her breath stuck in her throat. She sucked in a gulp of air, willing herself to breathe. Standing under the bower, Bai was the epitome of handsome sophistication. The slim grey and black striped trousers, grey waistcoat and fine black suit coat accentuated his tall lean frame, broad shoulders and long strong legs. His white silk shirt highlighted the warmth of his dark skin and glittering amber eyes. In contrast, he had let his hair loose. It hung down to his collar, slightly wild, tousled by the breeze. He wore a bright red sash tied in an X across his chest, the traditional groom’s garb. He gazed at her through half closed eyes, the dark, demanding warlord he’d teased her about. The command in his eyes said it all. He was hers, and, God help her, she was his. A flash of lust simmered through her groin. Swallowing hard, she grasped her father’s arm to keep from swooning.
~~~
Bai smiled at Elena when she entered, flushed, trembling, unconscious of the gasps from her family. Bai loved that about her. As beautiful as she was, she was always caught off guard, surprised at the adulation she received. He nodded in appreciation at her dress, a long white strapless column held in place by a jeweled band of fabric across her breasts. The four inch band of jewel encrusted satin was the only ornamentation on a gown that depended on the glorious body of the wearer for its striking beauty. The fabric clung lovingly to her lush breasts, hugged her slim waist and the curve of her hips, then trailed down her long slender legs. A daring slit up the front of the dress rose several inches above her knees, an outrageous liberty.
A single white orchid decorated the riotous mass of colorful curls piled on her head. In a tasteful nod to the simplicity of her gown, a narrow train of gossamer silk flowed from a diamond clasp at the base of her curls, floating to the ground four feet behind her.
Elena stood at the entrance and allowed the gossamer train to pool at her feet. She caught Bai’s eye and with a saucy toss of her head, kicked the train aside, revealing not only the slit up the front of her dress but her three inch bright red high heeled slippers. Bai didn’t try to hide his grin, an amused acknowledgement of her scandalous choice. Her breath hitched and her stomach clenched with excitement at his insolent, warning look.
She didn’t know she gasped and licked her lips until Wyatt tightened his grip on her arm and chuckled under his breath.
“Hang on darlin.’ You can’t eat him up just yet.”
Only Wyatt’s restraining tug on her arm kept Elena from running up the aisle giggling with excitement, eager to be in Bai’s arms.
When they reached the altars, Elena bowed to Wan and he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Wyatt and Wan exchanged a bow, then Wyatt bowed to Bai. He stepped aside as Bai reached out and pulled Elena next to him, breathing in her fresh citrusy smell and the exotic odor of the orchid in her fiery curls.
Looking straight ahead, Elena tapped him on the ankle with the toe of her outrageous shoe.
Bai leaned down and pinched her bottom and muttered, “You are wicked, aren’t you, ma petite?”
She gave a little start and a nervous giggle then tossed her head, her eyes dancing.
“Very.”
Wide-eyed, Gabriel whispered loudly to the tittering group behind them, “Bai pinched Elena’s butt.”
Wyatt’s dry response was audible.
“I’m confident she deserved it.”
Bai poured tea in the row of cups lined up on the altar and Elena placed two red dates and two lotus seeds in each cup, the traditional omen for luck and fertility. They poured tea in each others cups then bowed to each of the altars, first to the gods of the heavens and earth, then to the altar honoring their ancestors, and finally to the kitchen god honoring hearth and home. Together they handed the cups first to their fathers, then to Lei and Alex, Nianzu and Quitin, and finally Deshi and the twins. They all drank from the cups and bowed low to Elena and Bai, who returned their bows.
Deshi whispered, “Is that it?”
Jacob echoed his surprise, “Are they married?”
Bai looked over his shoulder and said with a wry grin, “That’s it.”
Wan stepped forward and in a departure from the traditional ceremony, held both of their hands in his. Calling on the kung fu traditions that had anchored them all their lives, Wan delivered a beautiful blessing in Chinese. He described his love for his son and his beloved granddaughter. Bowing low, he wished them a long life filled with love, joy, and devotion to one another.
When he finished, Bai held up his hand and pulled Elena next to him. His voice was husky, strained.
“One moment, please.”
He lifted her chin and looked down at her his eyes glittering with unshed tears. He bent down and kissed her softly, lightly at first, then their bodies melded together and they held each other for a long breathless moment. When they turned to the others their faces were damp with happy tears and glorious smiles.
~~~
Course after course of rich beautifully prepared food delighted the guests. The pungent odors of roasted meats contrasted with the sweet smells of fragrant sauces. Roast suckling pig, fattened lamb and trays of roasted fowl--duck, pigeons, squab and quail were followed by shark fin soup, lobster and an array of succulent fishes. Vegetables with sea cucumber and other fresh delicacies were paired with every kind of noodle dish imaginable. Sweet red bean soup and lotus paste buns rounded out the feast.
Bai and Elena moved from table to table greeting their guests. They spoke to each one of the young girls; Bai’s cultured voice in his French accented Chinese translating for Elena. Two Sing Leon members followed behind, carrying a stack of beautifully wrapped red boxes filled with an array of treasures: jewelry, dolls, books, combs, brushes, mirrors, candies, and other surprises. Elena handed a box to each of the girls, who squealed with delight when they saw the riches inside.
A burst of firecrackers and a colorful rainbow of fireworks streaked across the sky, announcing the beginning of the Lion Dance. Shrieks of excitement and giddy tears among the older Chinese greeted the flamboyant dancers in their six foot high costumes, so elaborate and heavy that they required one dancer to control the head the other the tail. The dancers’ acrobatic thrusts and pivots echoed the clash of cymbals, the pounding of the drums, and the beat of the gongs. In sync with the loud music, the fierce lions swayed and leapt, giant graceful catlike apparitions. The enchanted audience clapped and shouted their approval as bursting firecrackers and flashes of fireworks ratcheted up the excitement.
As the colorful lions ambled off, a huge clash of cymbals and a rolling flair of drums heralded the next act. One by one, the traditional Kung fu animals took the stage. To shrieks of delight and applause, the Sing Leon fighter representing the snake hissed and slid across the stage, followed by the mysterious dragon, the graceful crane, and the powerful tiger. The four dancers, their faces streaked with garish paint, commanded the stage as they wove in and out emulating the unique movements of the animals they represented.
Their movements were accomplished, the dances spectacular. After several moments of fantastic artistry, they separated, leaving a space in the center. With a crash of cymbals and a fierce roll of the drums, the leopard entered and took center stage. In a dizzying display of athletic prowess, he twisted, turned, and leapt through the air, bringing the audience to its feet roaring with excitement.
Bai and Elena exchanged surprised glances while Wyatt, Wan, and Lei swelled with pride when they saw that the youngest and most athletic of the dancers was none other than Nicolas Deshi. He was bare to his waist, emulating the way both Wyatt and Bai fought. His shoulder length black hair swung wildly and his blue eyes blazed. His physical beauty was as stunning as his dance.
Wyatt couldn’t hide his surprise or his obvious pride.
“I dunno, Bai, that record of yours might be in danger. Deshi won’t be seventeen for several months. He still has time to become the youngest grandmaster ever.”
Bai grinned and didn’t reveal that he had been working with
Deshi on a daily basis, teaching him the leaps and aerial skills that Bai had trademarked. Neither Bai nor Wyatt mentioned that in addition to his acrobatic artistry, the young Bai had earned his reputation and grandmaster status using his kung fu skills to kick three men to death at the fearless age of seventeen.
“If anyone can do it, Wyatt, it is likely to be Deshi. He is as talented a fighter as I’ve seen.”
Looking at Wan, Bai added, “Looks like we have a new Sing Leon recruit, wouldn’t you say, Father?”
Wyatt grinned at them both, then put his arm around Alex’s shoulder.
“Sorry, Bai. In this case, the Caballeros take precedence. Alex and I have already claimed Deshi.”
~~~
Alex waited until the dessert was being served, then spiked his courage with a healthy draft of cognac and prepared to offer Jeng Ming a glass of champagne. In the past two days, he attempted several times to talk to the beautiful young woman, but she ignored him, as though he wasn’t worthy of her consideration. He watched her throughout the evening, entranced by her exotic beauty. She was wearing an ivory Oriental silk gown embroidered with colorful flowers, dragons, and other fantastical serpents. Her shining black hair hung in a silky curtain down to the middle of her back. It swayed gracefully when she moved. Determined to reach out to her, Alex took a deep breath and another quick swallow of courage and walked toward her.
Jeng Ming looked up in surprise when Alex approached and with a reluctant nod accepted the glass of champagne he offered, then looked away. Alex inched closer and breathed in her exhilarating smell, an exotic mix of jasmine and musk. She was slender, small; her head came to below his shoulder. He longed to touch her, to hold her dainty body close, and let her know he would protect her, wipe away her horrible past.
Alex tried several avenues of conversation, but was rebuffed each time by a disdainful, disinterested nod and her continued silence. He stood beside her, flushed with embarrassment and frustration, and had decided to move back to the table with Wyatt and Lei when Jeng Ming spoke.
“Are you fucking her?”
He started and looked at her in shock.
“Who? What? …What are you talking about?”
“Her. Elena.”
“My God! She is my sister. Of course, I am not fucking her. Jesus, how could you say that? I would never fuck my sister!”
Jeng Ming lips curled in an ugly smile.
“Hmm. You’re a man, aren’t you?”
Alex was stunned, dismayed. My God, how could she say such a terrible thing, think something so awful? He took a deep breath and forced himself to appear calm.
“I see. You believe that all men fuck anyone and everyone?”
She tossed her head and raised a disdainful eyebrow.
“Yes, that is my belief – and my experience.”
Alex lost his battle to remain calm. He was shaking with emotion, a mix of anger and frustration.
“You are wrong, so very wrong. I love Elena more than anything in the world. I would never do anything to hurt her or dishonor her.”
Jeng Ming didn’t try to hide her sneer. She pointed to Bai.
“Why are you angry with him?”
Alex flushed and looked down shaking his head, not willing to respond.
Jeng Ming continued.
“Because he is fucking her?”
“Jesus God, will you please stop this conversation about fucking? You don’t know what you are talking about. That is not what this is about.”
Jeng Ming quirked an eyebrow with a dismissive smile.
“Hmm, seems like it is to me.”
Alex’s voice was tight with anger, his cheeks hot with heat.
“You don’t know him; you don’t know the kind of man he is.”
“Hmm, I think I know him better than you do.”
Alex was now the dismissive one. He didn’t try to hide his distain.
“How could you? You just met him.”
Jeng Ming looked at him and shook her head.
“You are such an ignorant child.”
Alex’s fury erupted. He wanted to yell at her, shake her. He clenched his fists at his sides, struggling to control his anger.
“How dare you. What are you talking about?”
“I don’t know him? Pffft. He is the man who saved my life. He is the man who saved the life of every one of these girls here.”
She turned and faced him head on, her eyes flashing with anger.
“He is the man who lit a match and burned up the evil men who hurt us.”
Alex stepped back in the face of her wrath.
Her eyes blazed and her voice shook with suppressed rage.
“Do you hear me? He had the courage to burn them up. Light them on fire! That is who he is. You aren’t worthy to wipe his boots. You want to be the adored little boy running after your beautiful sister? Too bad. Your sister is with a man now. Go pout and feel sorry for yourself, boy.”
She whirled away, then turned back and spit on the floor in front of him.
Alex stood rooted to the floor, his face slack with disbelief. His anger drained from his body, as though she’d pulled the plug from his heart, every emotion, good and bad, flooded out, leaving him incredulous, numb, empty.
~~~
Bai and Elena saw Alex approach Jeng Ming and while they couldn’t hear the conversation, they saw the shocked expression on Alex’s face when Jeng Ming left him standing alone. They were amused and not surprised that Alex was smitten with the lovely girl, but now they both saw the pain on his face. Elena frowned and started to go to him, but Bai held her back.
“Let me, Elena. It’s time I start acting like an older brother and, goddamn it, your brother looks like he could use a friend.”
Bai walked over to Alex and put out his hand.
“I know this is hard for you, Alex. Soon I hope you will be pleased that Elena and I are married.”
Alex took his hand with an absentminded start, occupied with his own thoughts.
Bai saw the distraught expression on the young man’s face and tried a different tack to break through.
“I could use your skills, Alex. Your recent experience in China could be a boon for me. I need to decide which of the young girls can be returned to China safely and which ones don’t have families who will accept them.”
Alex shrugged and said with a slight sneer,
“Are you trying to get rid of me, send me back to China, Bai? Only want people around who think you walk on water?”
Bai grinned.
“Hell, no. Your sister will kill me if she thought I made you leave. She won’t let you out of her sight for a long time to come. No, this is something you could do here. Perhaps Jeng Ming will team up with you. She is a beautiful woman and as courageous and smart as she is beautiful.”
Alex’s cheeks flushed and his eyes darkened with pain.
“Unfortunately, she hates white men and, apparently, me in particular.”
Bai saw the raw anguish on his face.
“Hmm. I see. Wyatt seems to be making inroads with her. You might want to hang on to his coattails. If anyone knows how to sweet talk a woman, it’s that father of yours.”
As he turned to leave, he looked back at the pale young man and saw his despair.
“It’s not hopeless, Alex. Remember, you are a kung fu warrior. Patience, courage, honor.”
~~~
Bai walked over to the orchestra leader and requested a Viennese waltz. He stepped to the middle of the courtyard and bowed to the audience. With a graceful bow to Elena, he turned to the audience and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I want to dance with my wife. Elena, will you give me the honor of this dance? ”
The audience roared their approval and Elena held out her hand her face alight with joy as she eagerly skipped to her husband. Bai smiled at her, then removed the pins, the orchid, and the train from her hair. When her hair fell in a cascade of glorious curls down her back, he tucked the orchid behind her ear and reached in the poc
ket of his trousers and pulled out a red garter. Holding it to his nose for a moment, he breathed in deeply then rolled it up on his sleeve and grinned at Elena’s surprised gasp.
He took her in his arms and for the next magical moments, they whirled across the courtyard in graceful circles. Their bodies flowed, dipped, and twirled as one. They never took their eyes off one another; their glowing smiles lit the night. When the music whispered to a close, Bai lifted her high in the air and twirled her in a dizzying circle. He brought her down to his lips and kissed her as they slowly circled to a stop. When the audience clapped and cheered in delight, Bai picked her up in his arms and, with a raffish grin and a wink, turned and carried her off to their quarters.
~~
Chapter 20
Bai held her tight to his chest, reveling in her soft luscious body, wondering how it was possible to love a woman as much as he loved Elena. The flickering lights and the music from the party faded in the distance as they neared their chambers. He kicked the door open with his foot, closed it behind him, and stepped into the beautifully prepared room.
