Chapter 9

9

K arrington

Wedding Day

My spirit was grieved. It didn’t matter how many times Pops and I talked about this day, I expected him to be here. The plan was for him to retire and I take over… not for him to be gunned down in broad daylight with his blood spilling on concrete. It didn’t matter how many times I told myself I was ready for this and that it was the right thing to do, the reason behind it made me want to wash my hands with it all. I was about to give up my freedom, even though I could do some good, for the very thing that had taken my father away from us. This lifestyle had been robbing me for years. Pops was a loss I didn’t think I’d ever get over.

With my head hung, my arms rested on my thighs as tears hit the floor. Gio Lowe was dead. The man that helped give me life was gone, and now, I had to live his. A shaky breath escaped me as I wiped my face. Gentle taps against the door forced me to compose myself.

“Yeah?”

“I need the ring, brother,” Beethoven said. Standing, I continued to wipe my face as I headed toward the door. I avoided his eyes as I let him in. “Aye, you good?”

My head shook as I sat back down. “How did you agree to this shit, man?”

Toe chuckled as he sat next to me. Because of his family, he too had to agree to an arranged marriage. He was lucky, though, and ended up falling in love with his wife. Now, they had a son, and he was living in peace in Rose Valley Hills.

“I didn’t have a choice, just like you. I just… made the most out of it.” He paused for a beat, then said, “I know technically the marriage is supposed to be on paper only, but if you want this to work, you gotta build a bond with her. I’m not saying you have to fall in love with her, but at least have a genuine friendship. Had it not been for me and Whiskee taking the time to get to know each other, we would have been miserable. Look at us now.”

My head shook as I sat back in my seat. “You were lucky. I don’t think that will be the case for me. Eyela seems cool but she isn’t my type. I don’t know a lot about her but from what I do know she’s… just not my type.”

“What’s not your type? Beautiful? Educated? Talented? Because I’ve only seen her once, but I know she’s all those things.”

Sighing, I ran my hands down my face. “I don’t know. It’s just something about her. Maybe it’s not her and I’m projecting. Either way, I don’t see how this is going to work.”

“It won’t with that attitude. You ’bout to make me call them boys in here to give you a pep talk and pray for you.”

“God no. I can’t handle them right now, especially Bully.”

He laughed and lifted his hands in surrender. “Aight, aight. But for real, just be open to it. You already had closed your heart to marriage after you lost Luna Ray, right? So what do you really have to lose? Just give her a chance. I know this sounds corny, but love heals. I ain’t saying being with her is going to magically take away all the pain you’ve sustained over the years, but it would be a good start.”

We sat in silence as I considered his words. When the alarm on my phone went off, knocks rang out simultaneously. It was Ma. She cried over me and kissed me until I pushed her away, then my brothers came in.

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 a bob 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.