Page 124 of A Kingpin's Weakness
Her lips were soft, slow. Like she already knew that even when I was mad, I’d never stop loving her. But that didn’t stop my mind from running. I had enemies I knew and enemies I didn’t. Dre was starting to feel like the second kind. And I’d be damned if anything or anyone threatened what I had with Stormi.
We pulled up to the venue and the second Stormi stepped out the truck, it was like everything slowed down. That dress hugged her body like it was custom made by God himself. Her glow was unmatched. She had skin like honey, and her eyes dancedwith joy. She looked so damn good, it made my chest tight. She smiled at something on her phone, and I knew right then, I’d give her the world just to keep that smile.
The venue was packed, Safari theme on full blast. Little jungle animals everywhere, balloon arches the color of sand and sky, centerpieces with giraffe print. I wasn’t mad at Ari. She went off with this one. We barely made it five steps before King and Rico came up.
“Congratulations, my boy!” King said, dapping me up with that big ass grin on his face.
“Damn,” Rome added as he pulled me in. “Let me borrow one of them sperm cells. You breathing on women and getting ‘em pregnant.”
We all laughed, the energy thick and familiar. It felt like home, and that meant a lot coming from where I came from.
I scanned the space. Ari did not miss one name on the invite list. I already knew Rich had helped her. The guest list had his dramatic touch written all over it.
Stormi was beaming, greeting folks like it was her wedding reception. Her idea, not mine. I thought showing up was enough of a thank you. Hell, they were getting free food, champagne, and little safari gift bags with customized gifts inside. That’s more thanks than I’d ever got at an event.
But Stormi, she wanted people to feel loved. Cared for. Seen. That’s how I knew she’d be the kind of mother who never missed a school play or forgot to kiss a scraped knee.
“Look at my handsome son-in-law.”
I turned and smiled.
“Jo.” I pulled her into a hug.
She looked good. Real good. Clear-eyed. Healthier. Stronger. Like she was trying.
“You sticking to your program?” I asked.
“I am.” She looked over at Stormi and nodded. “Thank you for talking to them. They been letting me out for the important stuff.”
“It means a lot to her.”
She nodded again, slower this time. “I have to fix what I’ve broken.”
“You’re not doing it alone.” I touched her shoulder. “We gonna do that together.”
She gave me that soft smile only a mother could give. “I know you’ll be good to her.”
I leaned in and kissed her forehead. “Always.”
I linked her arm in mine, and we walked over to Stormi.
“Damn, she was comin’ back to you, bro.” Iva joked.
“He can’t stay away,” Dee added, both of them laughing.
“She doesn’t have another choice,” I said, grinning as I wrapped my arms around Stormi and kissed her lips. I rested my hands on her belly. “Me and this little one got her on lock.”
Stormi blushed, but I saw that smile sneak back in again. Mission complete.
“Congratulations, big bra.” Ivan walked up, cool as ever, holding out a hand.
“Appreciate you, bro.”
He looked between us and smirked. “Beautiful couple. Got me thinking… might be time I settle down too.”
Iva turned to him like he just announced he was running for president. “Boy, what?”
Ivan chuckled. “I ain’t tryna be like E, Alden, and Balbir forever.”
