Page 15 of Karrington

It was time to do this.

They said a quick prayer for me, then we took a few shots of whisky.

After that, we headed to the sanctuary.

The space was packed. It wasn’t just our families; it was the other heads of the five families and their partners too. The contract and marriage license had been signed, but the wedding was for them to know the Lowe and Mitchell families were joining as one. During the reception, tradition stated I take her virginity and give her father the soiled sheets. After that, it was on us to decide how real our marriage would be. Regardless, we’d have to have a baby as soon as possible. Other than that, there were no other requirements beyond us staying together.

While my guys led me down the aisle, my spirit gained strength. As sad as I was, I knew Pops was proud. He might have believed I was setting myself up for war by implementing the changes I wanted to make, but he’d prepared me for this moment. I was going to stand boldly in it. The closer we got to the officiant, the more I felt Pops with me. My confidence surged. This was who I was, who I was created to be. The time for sadness was over. As the boss of all bosses, it was time for me to finish what my father started when he helped build this organization.

The music changed once we were in position. I cupped my hands in the center of me and inhaled a deep breath. Beethoven gripped my shoulder and reminded me that I had it. With abob of my head, I licked the corner of my mouth. The doors reopened, and a sea of pale pink stepped through. When I spotted her, she literally took my breath away. I’d received confirmation that she chose my dress but seeing it on her was a sight to behold. Tugging my bottom lip between my teeth, I rocked as my eyes watered—not because I was happy and in love, but because of the monumental change this moment had for both Eyela and me.

I wasn’t just in control of the mafia. I was about to be somebody’s husband. Somebody’s father. A family’s leader.Me.

Squeezing the bridge of my nose, I turned briefly.

“You got this, brother,” Asylum said, patting my back.

“And we got you,” Merc added.

“Fa life,” Bully said.

Inhaling a deep breath, I turned back around. She made her way in front of me, and her scent caught my attention first. I loved when a woman smelled good. There was something familiar about her scent but unique—citrus, floral, vanilla—whatever it was, it was hypnotic. I took a step toward her, needing to smell more. Whatever it was, it was addictive.

“Mm.” I licked my lips. “You smell so good.”

Her soft giggle loosened my tension and made me smile. “Thank you, Karrington.”

The officiant spoke, but all I could do was stare at her through the veil. It wasn’t time, but I couldn’t stop myself from lifting it to look at her up close.

“Wow,” I muttered. Eyela blushed and hung her head, but I lifted it by her chin. “I knew you were beautiful but seeing you in person, up close… You’re the perfect example of why God made women the apex of creation.”

A low gasp escaped her before she covered her mouth and giggled. There was a shyness, an innocence about her that made me wonder how dirty she could get.

“That’s the most beautiful thing anyone has ever said to me, Karrington. Thank you.”

The officiant continued, but I only half listened. I was too busy memorizing every part of her face. Chocolate brown eyes. Pomegranate lips. Button nose. Oval face. Chubby cheeks. Smooth, cashew brown skin. Her hair was pulled up into a sleek bun. Everything about this woman was beautiful.

We cruised through the vows, and when it was time for me to kiss her, I asked her permission. We were strangers after all, in a room full of people. It only took her a second to nod her agreement. She pulled in a deep breath as I neared her. I could tell she was nervous, so I pecked her lips quickly, softly. Not sure why, but a spark flickered between us. She felt it, too, because she jumped slightly. Brushing it off, I took her hand into mine and turned her toward the crowd. When I lifted it, everyone cheered.

It was official.

I was the boss of the Lowe Mafia.

10

Eyela

My husband was so handsome.I couldn’t keep my eyes off him for too long. He looked dapper in his white tuxedo. It looked immaculate against his caramel brown skin. A tattoo peeked out under his collar, and there was one on his hand. Curiosity had me wondering where else they would be. Karrington had thick eyebrows, balsamic brown eyes, and juicy lips. He had a square head and strong jaw, which I loved. The stubble on his jaw gave a rough edge to his otherwise polished look.

We didn’t talk much. He didn’t talk a lot actually. I noticed he would engage when people talked to him, but I never saw him actively start conversations with anyone—except me. Even then, it was just to make sure I was okay. Our families ate, danced, and drank together. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. There were moments Karrington looked to be elsewhere mentally. A blanket of sadness would cover his face.

I wondered if it was because of his father, his new position, having me as his wife, or all of the above. A part of me wantedto cater to his emotions but I wasn’t sure if that was my place. If we had a genuine relationship, I’d do so with no hesitation. As difficult as it was, I stayed back.

Before toasts, family and friends covered our table with white and red envelopes filled with cash. When that was over, it was time for our first dance. It felt oddly comfortable being in his arms. Being against his solid, wide frame. Karrington had the kind of height and body that made me feel safe with him. Then… it was time.

The reception was intentionally at a hotel. Tradition dictated soiled sheets were required to not only prove I was a virgin but also that we’d consummated our marriage and made it official. As much as I dreaded having sex with a stranger and giving him my virginity, Karrington made me feel comfortable. All evening, he’d kept his tone leveled and gentle when we spoke. His eyes remained soft. His touches were too. I hoped he’d be considerate in the bedroom as he’d been up until now. If not, I hoped it didn’t last long.

As we ascended in the elevator to our suite, my heart palpitated. On top of being nervous about losing my virginity, I couldn’t help but think about what happened with Cocaine. Though technically I knew I was still a virgin, a part of me wondered if Karrington would feel the same. He’d know something, or someone, had been inside of me, so I figured it was best to just come clean.

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