Page 9 of Karrington

“It can’t happen again.” Her head bobbed. “You’re right. I just… It felt like old times, and I wanted to be here for you. I would have felt horrible if we kissed. Thank you for having restraint.”

She pulled her hands out of mine. “I know you’re saying this is it, but if you ever need me, I’m here. I won’t ever accept…” She snapped her mouth shut. “But you… you’ll always have a place in my heart. I’ll be here for you with no questions asked.”

Standing, I pulled her into my arms and held her for what felt like forever before calling Loki and telling him to pull a car around for her. Luna Ray turned the lights out as she left, and within seconds, I was asleep.

5

Eyela

The Night Before Graduation

It was risky,but I needed to see Cocaine. I wasn’t sure if he’d heard about the marriage or not. If he hadn’t, I wanted to be the one to tell him. Daddy thought I was resting before my big day, but I’d snuck out to meet Cocaine. I’d only gone to our body of water, which was why I was able to leave without guards. The lake was about half a mile from our home, only able to be accessed by walking a trail that was blocked by an electric gate. Daddy also had dogs and guards around every corner of our land, so even when his people weren’t physically present, Mommy and I still felt safe.

He’d go crazy if he knew I told Cocaine where we lived, but it was either this or meeting him somewhere else. While I waited for Cocaine to arrive, I paced a hole in the concrete trail. I had no idea how he was going to react to the news of me getting married to another man. Even though we both knew this was a possibility, it was different now that it was actually going to happen. I should have stayed away from him to avoid puttingmyself in this predicament of having another man holding my heart so close to my wedding day.

When I turned and saw a shadowy figure heading in my direction, my heart skipped a beat. Cocaine was devastatingly handsome in a rugged way. I couldn’t recall a time I’d ever seen him in a suit. It was always jeans or sweats. Now was no different. He was dressed in dark sweats, a T-shirt, and sneakers. A low snapback was pulled down over his forehead.

“Hi.” I spoke, smiling as he immediately took me into his arms.

Cocaine’s lips covered mine. It was a gesture that used to feel like second nature. Tonight, knowing I’d soon be marrying another man, it felt like cheating.

“What’s up, Lala? Your message sounded urgent. You good?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes. I need to tell you something.” Inhaling a deep breath, I took his hands into mine. Though I was sure no one had followed me, I still looked behind us to make sure no one else was around.

“What’s wrong, bae?”

“Have you or your father talked to my daddy?”

His head shook. “No. Why?”

“He made his decision about the marriage.”

“Since I haven’t heard from him yet, I’m assuming he didn’t choose me.”

“No, he didn’t. He’ll probably tell you after my graduation.”

Cocaine sighed and released my hands. “How you feel?”

Shrugging, I squeezed the back of my neck. “Scared. Honored. I know this is my duty to my family, and it’s what I’ve been prepared for, but that doesn’t make me excited or happy about it. Plus, I was hoping he would choose you.”

“I was too. It seemed like he was on board with our families joining the last time we talked. I wonder what happened.”

I knew why he’d chosen the Lowe family. For some reason, sharing that information didn’t feel right. Now that Cocaine and I weren’t going to be together, I needed to put boundaries between us.

“Well I just… I wanted to be the one to tell you. I’m sorry. I hate this is the end of us.”

“Does it really have to be?”

My brain temporarily short circuited. “Are you suggesting I cheat on my husband with you?”

Cocaine chuckled as he wrapped his arms around me. “You calling that mane your husband already? Who is he?” Gritting my teeth, I remained silent. “You loyal to him already?” I wasn’t sure why, but between his question and tone, that didn’t sound like a question I needed to answer.

I tried to remove myself from his grip, but Cocaine held me tighter. “Coke…”

“If you gon’ leave me for him, at least leave me with something to remember you by.”

“I-I don’t have anything to give you. I didn’t even bring my phone out.”

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