Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
I did too.
What the fuck is in these vials?
One tray was in front of me, and the other put close to him. We at least both had vials of the same thing, but I had no idea what could be filling them.
I assessed my tray. There was a vile with yellow liquid. Another had a light brown fluid. The third was red liquid. Finally, the fourth was a golden brown.
O-kay.
I’d avoided most of Chanel’s wedding due to Gypsy being there. Now I was mad I hadn’t checked it out and at least learned about our marital traditions.
Pastor Martin raised his hands in the air. “In true Killer Crow tradition, we will have the bride and groom get a literal taste of flavors that represent the distinct stages in a marriage.”
Oh hell no. We have to drink this stuff?
Pastor Martin gestured to the yellow vial. “Santino and Kashmere, please drink this one first.”
Santino raised his eyebrows. “Drink it?”
Several Killer Crows chuckled.
Pastor Martin gazed their way.
They went silent.
“Go ahead, Kashmere and Santino.” Pastor Martin gestured to the vials. “This is one stage.”
Here we go.
Together, we grabbed our first vials, placed them to our lips, and drank them.
Sourness hit my tongue.
Lemon. What the hell?
“The sour lemon juice represents the disappointments the couple will face.” Pastor Martin touched his heart. “I ask that you stand together in those moments and hold onto your faith in God.”
We both set the empty vials down in the tray.
The rest better not be any nasty stuff.
Pastor Martin pointed to the vial with brown liquid. “Now for the next one.”
Sighing, I picked it up.
Santino wore a tickled expression as he grabbed his.
Pastor Martin nodded. “Go ahead and drink.”
Can’t we just say I do and kiss?
I drank the vial in one shot and immediately regretted it. “Ugh!”
The Killer Crow side laughed.
What the hell are they doing? Trying to kill us?
“That is vinegar.” Pastor Martin grinned. “Sometimes marriage reflects bitterness. Know that you must overcome fights and trying times.”
Santino placed his empty vial down and did not seem pleased at all.
I frowned at Pastor Martin. “What’s the red liquid?”
“Follow tradition, Kashmere.”
I let out a long breath.
Pastor Martin gestured to that one. “Go ahead newlyweds.”
I stifled my groan and picked up the third vial.
Santino gazed at me as if completely unsure.
I shook my head and whispered, “Sorry. You are marrying into a crazy family.”
He chuckled.
Together, we gulped down the liquid.
Holy shit!!!
I didn’t know what it was, but the liquid was hot as fuck.
Fucking crazy people!
We both coughed into our hands.
Tears left the corners of Santino’s eyes. He wiped them. “Oh my.”
Pastor Martin chuckled. “Look at what this man will do for love.”
My poor baby.
People clapped in the audience.
I coughed again and glared at Pastor Martin.
You all are lucky I don’t have my guns on me.
Pastor Martin held his hands up. “This liquid of pure cayenne is a hot element to show how bringing spice and passion to the relationship will keep you together for a very long time.”
My eyes watered from my tongue still being hot.
I frowned at him.
Pastor Martin pointed to the last one. “Come on. Almost done.”
Santino eyed me as if to say that we still had time to escape this craziness.
Sighing, I reached out for the last vial.
Santino followed me, grabbing the vial with the golden-brown liquid.
Please, don’t let this be piss.
“Go ahead and drink.” Pastor Martin kept his hands in the air. “After this, comes the kiss.”
It’s about time.
Granted, I was still nervous about what this vial could have in it.
To my surprise, Santino took my free hand and squeezed it. “Ready?”
“Yes.”
“One. Two. Three.” Santino placed his vial to his lips.
I did too.
Then, we both drank the liquid.
Mmmm.
The liquid was nice and sweet.
“See. Not so bad.” Pastor Martin chuckled. “Finally, we have you drink honey to show the great joy in marriage.”
Santino exhaled in relief.
“By tasting each of these flavors, you have symbolically demonstrated that you will be able to overcome everything together.” Pastor Martin gestured for the men to take away the trays. “Now for the final question. Do you Santino take Kashmere—?”
“I do.” Santino moved with lightning speed, gripping my waist, and capturing me in his grasp. A second later, his hungry lips smashed against mine, sending a jolt of electricity through my veins as our passionate kiss became the center of attention.
“Well. . .” Pastor Martin chuckled. “I now pronounce you two husband and wife.”
Laughter and applause filled the air as I melted into his strong embrace.
Chapter 18
The Reception
Santino
The band jammed, filling the air with upbeat music. Laughter bellowed throughout the estate. Glasses clinked. People danced, swaying back and forth with the beat.
People surrounded Kashmere as she danced with Merik. They watched and threw crisp hundreds at her. One of her guards hurried after them, picking the bills up and stuffing them into a satin bag.