Page 21 of Karrington

“Whatever it is… Yes.”

“You’ll need to think this through. You’re about to get married. You got a baby on the way, brother.”

His head tilted and bobbed once. “All that is true. My answer is still yes.”

Licking my lips, I ran my hands down my face. “Bully, I invite you to be my underboss. Uncle Pete is good as capo, but I am considering replacing him. I don’t want beef between him and Uncle Johnny since I am replacing him… with a young hoodlum he brought on no less. There will be static, and I hope y’all areready for it. For now, eat, drink, and think. We’ll meet again in three days, and you can let me know your decisions then.”

As if on cue, the waitress knocked and entered with two waiters holding trays of food behind her. I stood as they began to serve everyone and walked over to the window. It didn’t surprise me that Loki came to ask, “Who you thinking about for capo? I think you’d be right to replace Pete.”

“He’ll want his son to take his place, but I don’t trust cuz with that responsibility. Bosco has always been a wild card. I want it to be Toe. He has the most experience with this lifestyle outside of you and Bully, but I can’t ask him to come back. Same with Merc and Asylum. The only other person I’d trust in that role is Reign.”

Loki’s head bucked and eyes widened. “Owens?”

“Yeah.”

“Rule and Camryn’s son?”

“Yeah.”

He chuckled and rubbed his hands together. “Nah. Rule would kill you if you tried that shit, Karrington.”

“I know. When him and Camryn left the game, they made it clear they didn’t want their kids to be involved.”

“Well obviously you know something they don’t to be considering Reign.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Lowe.” I turned to face the waitress. “There’s a man asking for you downstairs. I tried to tell him you weren’t here, but he insists on speaking with you.”

“I’ll take care of it. Thank you, Monique.”

As I made my way out, I checked my phone to make sure Eyela hadn’t reached out. I thought I would have to actively remind myself that she was now my responsibility and that I’d need to be present, but even when I was handling business, she was in the back of my heart and front of my mind.

12

Eyela

Three Days Later

Karrington tookgreat care in making sure I felt comfortable in our new home. He had a dressing room for me, a music room, and an entertaining room for when I had my girls over. Our home was designed more for entertainment than my parents’ mansion. We had a pool, gym, and basketball court outside. There was also an indoor pool and jacuzzi. We had a game room, movie room, spa, and restaurant area that would soon be staffed.

Karrington had hired maids and private chefs, and I honestly didn’t know what he expected me to do with my time. I didn’t want to spend my days in the music room and nothing else, but this was where I felt the happiest and most at peace. We hadn’t discussed me working yet and I hoped he didn’t expect me not to. I’d go crazy in this house without something to make me feel fulfilled.

His schedule was long. I hadn’t spoken more than five words to him since we moved in. Even with me being prepared for that, I missed him, which was odd, because we’d just met. Carma saidI was more attached to him than I usually would be because I’d given him my virginity. That made sense.

Regardless of how little time Karrington spent in our home, when he heard me playing the harp or piano, he’d sit in silence and listen. I enjoyed when he listened to me, because it made me feel like I had an audience again. Like I had a purpose again. But when I would stop, Karrington would leave the room, and he’d be gone for the day.

It was weird but I didn’t say anything. Maybe one day he’d comment on my playing. It was clear he liked it. Maybe it was helping him in some way, just like Samantha had helped me.

That Weekend

“If you don’t haveanything planned, why don’t you come out with us?” Tina offered. We were on FaceTime while I did my makeup. I wasn’t sure what I’d be doing, but I was determined to get out of this house. It was beautiful but it was starting to feel like a prison. I’d already reached out to Steel, and he was ready whenever I was.

“What are y’all going to do?”

“I’m not sure. We’re kind of just going to go with the flow and make plans as the night progresses.”

“That’s sounds good.”

“Actually, Eyela will not be available this weekend.” I heard him before I saw him. Karrington sauntered behind me, his wide frame filling the space in my background on the phone.

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