Chapter 12

12

E yela

Three Days Later

Karrington took great 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 said I 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 have anything 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.

“Oh.” Tina grinned. “Hi, Karrington. It’s nice to see you again.”

He lowered himself and gave her a warm smile. “Hello, Tina. You as well.”

“You have plans for my girl?”

“I do. We’re leaving today for our honeymoon.”

“Ooh, sounds fun. Well, I’ll let you go, Lala. Call me when you get back and tell me all about it.”

“Okay, bye!” After disconnecting the call, I turned to face Karrington. He looked handsome as always in slacks and a form fitting tee. The loafers and belt he had on were the same color, and I appreciated his casual style. “Hi. Honeymoon?”

“Yeah. I could tell you were disappointed by us not having one. For the next four days, we’ll be in Turks and Caicos.”

A squeal escaped me as I stood and hugged him. That was my dream honeymoon island. I’d intentionally not gone because I wanted to go for my honeymoon.

“Yay! I’m excited.”

Karrington chuckled as he hugged me back. “Pack so we can go. We have a lot to do in a small amount of time.”

“Yes, sir.”

I scurried out of the room, making him laugh again. I didn’t care if it was at my expense. Not only did I like the sound of his laugh, but I was looking forward to spending some time with him. The past week had felt lonely. It didn’t have to because I could have easily spent time with family and friends, but I could admit I wanted to spend time with him.

The Flight

I was shy and guarded, but Karrington had me beat. I had to make him talk. The flight was going to be far too long to do it in silence. Karrington wasn’t the kind of man that gave access to his heart and mind easily. I was determined to bully my way inside and take up residence in both. On his private jet, we talked about our backgrounds. We were ten years apart, which I liked. He was mature and calm for a thirty five year old, but I saw glimpses of his playful side. We both had the same upbringing because our homes had the lifestyle centered. We both had a close knit friend group but also had people we clung to a bit closer because of the lifestyle.

For me, it was Carma and Tina. For him, it was Loki and Beethoven.

We talked about our travels, hobbies, and interests. Of course music and instruments were at the top of my list along with reading, shopping, binging TV, and traveling. I wasn’t as social as some expected me to be. With how guarded Daddy kept me, I was leery of being around too many strangers at once, so I didn’t go out a lot. When I did go out, it was with the same people and to the same places. Karrington shared with me that he enjoyed partying with his people, gambling, sports, and that Lifetime movies were his guilty pleasure. I thought that was cute. He told me he used to have a love for art, but it died years ago. When sadness cloaked him, I decided not to press him about why.

We also talked about our favorite things—colors, food, music. While I loved seafood and caviar, Karrington loved soul food. Other than that, he was a steak man. He said he’d eat steak every day if he could. My favorite color was pink and his was blue. By the time we finished asking each other random questions, I felt like I knew him better.

Then, we talked about our roles and expectations, and that made me feel closer to him. I liked that he didn’t expect me not to work, but he did assure me I didn’t have to unless I wanted to. I did, but I also wasn’t in a rush. I wanted to decide if I wanted to have a private practice or work at a hospital or nursing home. For now, talking to him inspired me to start recording myself playing to post on social media. He wasn’t overly familiar with music therapy by definition, which didn’t surprise me, but he understood the purpose of it and benefit.

“I think that’s what draws me to you when you’re playing,” he admitted. “It doesn’t matter where I am in the house, if I hear you on the piano or harp, you leave me spellbound. Whatever I’m doing I have to stop and listen.”

“How does it make you feel when I do?”

Karrington took my hands into his and kissed my palms. “Like you have healing in your hands.”

I wasn’t expecting him to say that, but his words shot straight to my soul. They made me feel like I had made the right choice with what I wanted to do with my life, and I was glad I married a man who could appreciate it.

The Residence

Karrington had gone all out. We were staying in a four bedroom, eight thousand square feet residence at Como Parrot Cay. The residence had its own stretch of a beautiful, white, sandy beach and a large pool. I couldn’t wait to relax out in the lounge area. We’d have our own butler and concierge, which I planned to take full advantage of. When I was on vacation, I didn’t do anything. The kitchen or grill wouldn’t be used by either of us for the entire stay.

With white, brown, and cream furniture and décor, the residence provided a calming feel. I loved that the plants matched the trees outside. Speaking of outside, the master bathroom led outside and had a view of the ocean. The cinema room was an extra bonus, and I was absolutely in love.

“Do you always travel in such luxury?” I asked, looking out toward the pool and ocean.

“Yes, but I got the residence because of you. If I’d come alone, I probably would have just gotten a suite or villa.”

“So you’re trying to impress me?” I teased, turning slightly to face him.

“Only if it’s working.”

“It is.”

Our lips connected, and when his hands began to roam my body, a part of me wanted to pull away. We’d just spent hours on his jet, and though I freshened up a little before we landed, I wanted to take a shower before we had sex.

“Karrington,” I called softly against his lips.

“Hmm?”

“I need to shower.”

“Mm mm.” He picked me up and carried me to the closest lounge chair. “I want you now.”