Page 73 of Mafia Kings & Wedding Rings 2: The Finale
“You having my baby?”
“That’s what she said. What are we going to do?”
“Let me worry about that. Come here.” Pulling me toward him, he planted the softest kiss against my lips and draped his arms around me.
The warmth of his embrace relaxed me, and I closed my eyes while resting my head against his chest.
“I didn’t realize how much I needed that,” I whispered, pushing away from him so I could search his warm, sparkling eyes.
“I’ve been distant,” he admitted. “But it’s not because of you. Just had a lot going on with the family and shit. I needed a minute to get my head right and figure out what I wanted, plus I had to handle his business shit in LA. But I’m here now. I’m present. For you and for our seed, aight?” He pressed a hand into my stomach and assured me with his eyes.
“After all these years, we’re about to bring a new life into this world.”
“I couldn’t pick anybody else to do this shit with. I guess God had bigger plans for us. Get dressed. We can grab something to eat and head back to your spot.”
“Can we keep this between us for now? I will tell Sapphire and Jury when I’m ready. I just need a minute to process everything.”
“Whatever you want, mama.” He leaned forward and pecked my forehead.
Ivo
“Well, don’t you look handsome!” Marcella opened her arms for an embrace when I slid into the front entryway of the mansion.
Her party was in full swing, and I didn’t want to be here, but she’d made it clear it was mandatory. In my black slacks, green Tom Ford, jacquard-style blazer with a black undershirt and silk tie, I was flying solo. Two days had passed and there had been no word from Jordan. I reminded myself to stay on my toes just in case she tried to pull some bullshit. Her attorney she hired had been in touch, on the other hand, with both me and Emerald. We were supposed to go to court in two weeks over this whole surrogacy contract.
“Smile, Ivo. It’s not that bad.” She pinched my cheek.
“Says you, Cella. I need a drink.”
“Whiskey is being rotated on trays. Make sure you eat, baby.” She rubbed my back when I pushed past her to the kitchen.
I damn sure was going to do that before I started tossing them back heavy. I pre-gamed a little at the house by myself while getting ready, but my mind was all over the place. Pausing at the island in the kitchen, I surveyed the different platters with appetizers displayed like they were right out of a cookbook.Grabbing a saucer plate from a pile nearby, I grabbed two of everything until I was satisfied. Stuffing my mouth with some crab puff thing, I spotted Sol standing outside on the patio with her back to the house. She was dressed to party like the rest of us, but it was obvious she wasn’t present from her posture. Days had passed since the shit with Haco, and she’d been notified that night about everything. She immediately summoned me and my brothers to find out what really happened, and when she heard the truth, she put us all out. That was the last time I’d seen her. Taking a chance with my plate in hand, I slid outside to join her.
“What’s up, Sol?”
Slowly, she turned, face beat to perfection, but sadness resting in her gaze. The black beaded gown hung off her shoulders and hugged her waist before flowing in a mermaid style to the ground. Platinum jewelry accented her wrist and ears, but she left her neck bare. I also peeped that she had gotten rid of her engagement ring and wedding band as she gripped her glass of whiskey.
“Hey,” she greeted me, tipping her glass to her glossy lips.
“Didn’t expect to see you here tonight.” I squinted at the moon showing out above us.
It was at half crescent, hiding behind a few transparent clouds as I inhaled a large stuffed shrimp.
“Why, because my husband is dead?”
“Type of shit can make a muhfucka go MIA for a minute. I wouldn’t hold it against them.” After swallowing, I faced her.
For a minute, her eyes just lingered on mine before something else flickered behind them. She swallowed the rest of the whiskey in her glass.
“I’m straight. It’s easier when you know the truth. I ignored red flags, and that’s on me. I refuse to give my energy to a man who clearly had no love or regard for me, and neither should you.”
“Shit, fair enough.” I shrugged.
“Why are you out here? Avoiding Rossi?” she tittered.
“Avoiding everybody right now,” I said, taking a bite from what looked like a pig in a blanket.
“What’s going on?”
