Free The Cartel by Ashley & JaQuavis Page B

father’s tombstone. He put his hand on it and leaned into the large marble, his head down. A spectrum of emotions shot through his body as he read the engraved inscription.
    Carter Diamond
Beloved Husband, Leader, and Father of Four
“Diamonds are Forever”
    He ran his hand over his face as he tried to contain the sorrow that took him over. He didn’t know why he suddenly felt love for his father, but there was an unexpected connection between father and son that transcended even death.
    “I know that you know that I’m here. I don’t even know why I decided to stick around. For so long I wondered about you and why you left, why I never knew you. I understand now. I can’t say that I can forget the abandonment that I experienced, growing up without a father, but I do forgive you. I swear on everything that I love that the mu’fuckas that are responsible for your death will never hurt the family.” Carter began to walk away. He didn’t think that there was anything left to say.
    As he made his way back to his car, he stopped in his tracks when he saw the beautiful woman leaning against the passenger door. She was dressed in black Donna Karan slacks that hugged her hips and loosened at the leg, a black Donna Karan sweater, and silver Jimmy Choo stilettos. The closer he got to her, the more he recognized her face.
    “Hi,” she greeted as she stood with her silver clutch bag in hand.
    “Damn, ma, I didn’t peg you as the stalking type,” he commented with a sexy smile.
    A tiny dimple formed on the left side of his mouth, and that feature immediately became her favorite part of him.
    “I was about to say the same thing, seeing as how I was here first,” she replied, returning his smile with one of her own. “I saw you pull up just as I was leaving, so I decided to wait here for you. Who are you here for?”
    “Just a family member, no one I was real close to,” he responded. “I just wanted to pay my respects.” He noticed that her eyes were red and swollen and there were bags underneath them. She looked tired and weak. Although she was still beautiful, there was something different about her. “You all right?” he asked.
    “I’m”—She paused to think of the best way to describe her current state of mind—“surviving. My sister passed away a couple weeks ago. That’s why I’m here.” The woman shuffled nervously in her stance and looked at her feet.
    “I’m sorry to hear about that.”
    “Yeah, me too.” She stared off into space, and the tears returned to her eyes. She willed them away and shook her head as she looked back at Carter. “I’m Miamor,” she said, offering her hand to him.
    “Oh, I’m worthy of a name this time?”
    Carter chuckled as he took her hand into his and shook it gently. Her name, exotic enough to complement her around-the-way features, fit her perfectly. Her brown shoulder-length layers were curled loosely and shaped her almond-colored skin. Her white teeth composed the perfect smile, and her MAC cosmetics were applied just right, not too much, but enough to make her skin glow.
    “I told you, if you were worth my time, I’d see you again.” She tiptoed and peeked at the tattoo that displayed his name. “Carter,” she said aloud.
    He noticed how she never let go of his hand as she intertwined her fingers with his own. The sound of his name rolling off her pouty lips was enticing, and he couldn’t help but to be intrigued by her.
    “It was nice to meet you,” she stated as she walked away. She didn’t let go of his hand, until she was forced to, because of the widening distance between them.
    As he watched her strut away, she waved one last time and got into a silver Nissan Maxima and pulled away. Carter shook his head from side to side, grateful for her departure. He knew that if he ever got to know Miamor, she would be his weakness. He smiled to himself as he watched her car disappear around the corner and then hopped into his own vehicle and