Reckless Marriage Unyielding Love

Chapter 9

It was a dimly lit exclusive private room in Septem Nightclub, one of the hottest spots in downtown Xosa. Neon lights danced across the walls while barely–there outfits clung to the figures of women mingling to the beat of pounding music.

One of the women asked, “Mr. Caldwell, haven’t seen you around lately.

“Man, I’ve missed this–women and their perfume!” Kashton Caldwell let out a contented sigh as he pecked the cheeks of the two beauties beside him, getting a little handsy and drawing but their giggles. “Carlos, you’re brutal, buddy. Shipping me off to nowhere?” he said with a grin, though– clearly not too offended.

Carlos was all class on the couch, nursing a glass of red, lost in thought. Across from him sat Kashton, his lifelong buddy who had weathered many storms alongside him.

“Any findings?” Carlos cut to the chase.

Kashton was about to caress the woman’s tender skin when he heard Carlos question and was no longer in the mood. He cursed inwardly, I knew it! He shooed the women off with a wave and rolled his eyes at Carlos. “Man, will you ever cut me some slack? Can’t we chill first?”

“Finish this convo, and you can take a month off, Carlos promised.

“Really Kashton asked in disbelief.

Carlos lowered his gaze and took a sip of wine. “Half a month.”

“Fine! Ill talk!” Kashton threw up his hands, giving in. Dropping the act, he leaned in, all serious now. They’re well hidden. and we only scratched the surface. We nabbed one alive, but he Kashton tilted

his head, and Carlos understood right away

“What should we do next?” Kashton asked.

“I’m heading to Druobridge Carlos put down the glass and pursed his lips.

“Do you need me to go with you?”

“You? Take a break in Xosa first.

With business out of the way, Kashton’s playful side was back. He leaned in close, smirking at Carlos. “Hey, you wouldn’t be hiding any, you know, performance issues, right?”

Carlos‘ expression instantly turned cold as he shot Kashton a glare.

Kashton rambled on, unfazed. “C’mon, use it or lose it–especially at your age.” He guzzled his wine and seemed completely oblivious to the chill from Carlos.

“I’m getting married. Carlos dropped a bombshell.

“Whoosh-“Kashton almost choked on his drink, spitting it out in surprise at Carlos’s shocking news. He grabbed a napkin and wiped the stains off his shirt. He rushed over, sitting close to Carlos, trying to read something from his deep eyes. “You pulling my leg. Carlos?”

“Do Took like I’m kidding” Carlos shooed Kashton away with a look of disgust.

Kashton was still processing, his eyes going wide. “Wait, you? Finally in love? C’mon, spill it. Who’s the lucky lady? She local? h’s not Deidre, is it?””

“It’s Mikayla, Carlos revealed, not intending to hide secrets from his close circle.

22

“You’ve got to be kidding! Mikayla‘ The same girl from back then?” Kashton suddenly remembered something. “But Isn’t she all set with some Lindstrom guy?”

Carlos ignored that question. “She’ll be my wife.”

Kashton gave him a “there’s–more–to–this” kind of look. However, Carlos ignored him and rose to his feet.

“You’re boring” By the way, where’s Josiah?” Kashton prodded. He knew Josiah was more than just an assistant and had never left Carlos side.

“I gave him away.” Carlos said indifferently as if he was talking about giving away something ordinary. Kashton choked on his drink–again.

As he reached the door, it was pulled open from outside, and in walked a guy in a dark suit with an intimidating aura. “You’re leaving?” he asked.

“Yeah” Carlos stepped out without hesitation.

“Elvis, you’re here! Guess what Carlos just told me? He’s getting married. Kashton approached Elvis, placed a hand on his shoulder, and was shocked to see Elvis‘ calm expression. “You knew? Dang it! Carlos is always ahead of us. I didn’t expect he’d even get married before us ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

That night, when Kashton was enjoying a passionate moment with a supermodel and was almost at the final base, a message from Carlos buzzed in–get a killer proposal idea ready, stat.

“Damn you, Carlos! You better hope your first time doesn’t fizzle in three seconds!” Kashton grumbled loud enough for the heavens to hear. Little did he know, that kind of curse had a way of coming back around.