Page 33 of Karrington

Faith shrugged as she said, “It’s really not our business either way. It’s her life.”

“Exactly,” Zara said. “Her life. I don’t think it’s fair that her parents control it.”

“What?” I chuckled. “My parents don’t control my life. I’m literally able to do whatever I want. I’m a grown woman.”

“Yeah, a grown woman who couldn’t choose her own husband,” Mia replied.

“Who cares? I’m happy, my husband is fine, wealthy, and he spoils me. You all should be happy for me.”

“We are,” Tina reasoned.

“Yeah, if you’re happy, we’re happy,” Faith added.

When Mia and Zara remained silent, I rolled my eyes. This was why we hadn’t been hanging together a lot since the wedding. They weren’t very vocal before it happened, but lately, Mia had been showing me a different side of her. If I felt like it was coming from a place of concern I’d accept it, but I made it clear I was happy, so I didn’t understand what her problem was. I was never one to allow people to lower my vibration, so I ended the call so I could remain in good spirits to enjoy my time with my husband. Not long after we got off, I received a text in the group chat that was just me, Faith, and Tina.

My Tina Pooh: GIRL. IDK what’s going on with them haters. They’re just mad they choose these bum ass niggas on a regular and your parents hooked you up with a good man.

Gotta Have Faith: FUCK EM ??????

Me: Y’all behave ??

As wrong as they were, I was too tickled. Maybe that was all it was—jealousy. Maybe they needed arranged marriages, too, because they certainly weren’t picking men well, especially Mia. Last I heard, her man had gone viral on TikTok because he went on one of those male cast podcasts and said some things about women and relationships that made him look unfavorable and her like a fool for being with him. Either way, I just wanted love and happiness for all of my girls, and I wasn’t going to let them make me feel bad now that I’d found mine—even if it was in an unconventional way.

The Next Weekend

Karrington had a rare night off,so he planned to party with his crew. He invited me but I declined the invitation. When Tina and Faith saw the video he’d sent me with his guys, they insisted on meeting up with them. I told them most of his friends were married but they didn’t want to hear that. Now, I was regretting my decision. My eyes were locked on Cocaine, and the cocky grin he gave me as he rubbed his palms together made it clear he was about to make his way toward me.

I hadn’t heard from him since I was in New York. A part of me thought he stood down after learning who my husband was going to be. Seeing as I’d told Karrington about what happened between us, I prayed Cocaine stayed away. He was with three other men, but I knew they’d be no match against Karrington and his people. Karrington had secured every VIP table available for his people. It was a rare occasion where all of his friends and their wives or girlfriends were able to come out. The only two that were single was Loki and Blaze, and they’d been entertaining Tina and Faith all evening.

My leg began to shake under the table. Karrington’s arm was tossed over my shoulders as he talked to Merc. My nails dug into Tina’s thigh.

“Ow!” She pulled my hand away. “What’s wrong, girl?”

I couldn’t speak. My eyes watered as I stared at Cocaine as he walked over to me. It was crazy how even sitting next to Karrington, this man was able to get a rise out of me. It had to be because I was so surprised by how things went the last time we were in each other’s presence. More than anything, I was hurt. Though I was grateful he’d stopped, it still hurt me that he’d violated me in that way. Following my line of vision, Tina cursed under her breath.

“Is he… He can’t be bold enough to come over here,” she said.

“What’s wrong?” Karrington asked. My eyes blinked and mouth opened but nothing came out. “Little one.” His tone firmed as he used my chin to pull my face in his direction. “What’s wrong with you?”

“He’s h-here.”

“Who?”

“My ex.”

His expression hardened as he released me. “The one who violated you?”

Nodding, I quickly wiped away a tear. Karrington’s eyes scanned the area, landing on Cocaine as he pointed in our direction. Karrington nodded toward security for him to be let in.

“Oh yeah, he’s crazy,” Faith said. Though they didn’t know what transpired between us, they knew Cocaine was disrespectful approaching me while I was with my husband.

My head hung instantly. He made me feel impure. Like I’d failed at the one thing I was supposed to do—keep my virginity intact for my husband. For my family. It may have been a silly tradition to some, but it meant a lot to me. And even though Karrington didn’t care, I still felt guilt over that.

“Long time no see, Lala,” Cocaine said, leaning against the table. “Can we talk?”

“Hold your fucking head up,” Karrington commanded in my ear through gritted teeth. “You have nothing to fear or be ashamed of.”

Sniffling, I nodded and looked at Cocaine.

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