Page 16 of Karrington

Clearing my throat, I put space between us. “Um… There’s something you should know.”

Karrington turned slightly and looked at me, causing me to avoid his eyes. “Yes?”

“The man I was seeing when I found out about the marriage… he didn’t take the news so well. We had a slight disagreement and he… he tried to have sex with me. I t-told him no and fought him off but he broke my seal with his fingers.” Mybreath came out shaky as my eyes watered. “I’m sorry. I tried to fight him off as best as I could, but I promise we didn’t have sex. I got him off.”

Seconds passed and he didn’t respond. Slowly, I looked in his direction. His expression was unreadable. When his arm extended, I flinched, but he used his thumb to keep my tears from sliding down.

“You’re saying someone violated you?” I nodded. “Someone you were dating?” I nodded again. His fist went into the wall, denting it immediately. I yelped and jumped back, caught off guard by the display of anger. “Who was it?”

My eyes widened as I shook my head. “I can’t tell you.”

The chuckle that he released was low and quick. He licked his lips, and a scowl covered his face.

“He assaulted you.”

“Well, yes, but—”

“He violated you.” Karrington hit the emergency button, and the elevator came to a brief stop. He closed the space between us. “He took from you what belonged to me. And you’re not going to tell me who he is?”

My head shook and hung. “No,” I whispered.

“Why not?” He used my chin to lift my head. “You’re bold enough to go against your husband. Be bold enough to look into my eyes while you do.”

My husband.

Hearing those words from him made me shiver.

My eyes fluttered as I inhaled a deep breath. “I still care about him even though he hurt me. I know if I tell you or my father you’ll kill him, and I don’t want his blood on my hands.”

The light returned to his eyes as he released my chin. “It’s cute that you’re still loyal to him, but you’re my wife, so that loyalty needs to be to me.” He pushed the button again. “It’s also cute that you thought me telling you to give me his name wasa question, a choice.” His eyes cut over to me. “You don’t have to tell me who he is tonight, but you will tell me, Eyela. Do you understand?”

All I could do was nod. The doors of the elevator opened, and I released a breath of relief. He didn’t care about me being impure… He only cared about punishing the man who violated me.

There was a guard by our door, but Karrington dismissed him for the evening. I didn’t give it a second thought when he opened the door and allowed me to go in first. My movements stopped when I saw what was in the living room area of the suite. It was filled with gift boxes and bags, and that was no exaggeration. Literally every inch of the floor, the tables, couches, and recliners were covered with gifts of various sizes.

“I learned a few things about you from your mom. She told me you love jewelry and shoes and that all your clothes are couture. I have a few designers working on some things, but for now, this is just a collection of jewelry, shoes, bags, and lingerie to get you started in our new home.”

I turned to face him. “You did all of this for me?”

“We didn’t date, so I couldn’t spoil you. I want to make up for that now.”

A warm, tingly feeling consumed me. Growing up the way I did, a man’s money or gifts never swayed me, but with this… it was the intention behind it. There was no reason for Karrington to buy me anything, especially all this, but the fact that he did really impressed me.

“Thank you. I know we’ve technically just met, but your actions so far have shown me that you’re a thoughtful, considerate, intentional, giving man. I really appreciate you.”

“You’re mine now. It’s my job to give you the life you’ve grown accustomed to. I know this marriage is unconventional, but I’ll always show you that I value you.”

I thanked him again before we went into the master suite, where the romantic ambiance made my eyes water. Candles along with white and red rose petals filled the room. Slow music played lowly in the background. I was smitten, because he hadn’t just spoiled me with money but with romance and effort too. The gesture softened me toward him and made me more comfortable with the fact that I was about to give my virginity to a man I’d literally just met.

“I know they are waiting for this downstairs but there’s no rush,” Karrington assured me.

“Yeah, but I want to get it over with.”

“That’s… not the way to think about giving away something as sacred as your virginity, Eyela.”

“Yeah, well, it’s kind of hard to be excited about having sex with a stranger and knowing a room full of people are about to see the result of it.”

“I feel you. Is there anything I can do to make this more comfortable for you?” My head shook and mouth twisted to the side as I avoided his eyes. “Is there anything you don’t want me to do?”

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