The Viper and his Majesty by Tiana Laveen

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Power to the Kings, Glory to the Queens

When a gangstergets married, it’s not just him celebrating. It’s the entire world, or at least, that’s what it feels like. We’re amazed to be alive, to be feeling such exhilaration. To take another breath when we didn’t believe we had any left.

Viper was surrounded by his family, friends, and brothers, all dressed in black tuxedos with red ties and vests. Red was a compromise. Majesty had forbidden him to go with yellow or gold. “No gang colors!” This had resulted in an argument and angry make-up sex. He was still salty about it, but he’d opted to let it go.

This was one of the many pitfalls of falling in love with someone as stubborn as he. He’d grown up Roman Catholic, but rarely attended church. Majesty was a non-denominational Christian but went at least once a month for self-care and to promote prayer and belief in her son. They were merging cultures, religious beliefs, and families. That in itself was a beautiful undertaking.

The Loft At Congress was where they’d decided to tie the knot. Neutral ground. It was a beautiful place with flowing white drapery, twenty-two-foot-high ceilings, state-of-the-art lighting, and the design was an effortless blend of East coast edge and southern Florida feel. They were having a formal ceremony and dinner affair, and exactly one hundred and eighty-six people had RSVP’d. Viper was certain more would show up that had not confirmed, so he’d prepared the caterers for that eventuality.

He looked around and noticed the minister speaking with one of the photographers. A priest had been out of the question. Most attendees, including Majesty, weren’t Catholic and additionally, the wedding was being held outside the church. They’d found a minister they both liked, recommended by Majesty’s father who’d proclaimed he’d also received spiritual counseling from the man, and from then on, everything was in motion.

“Felicidades.” King Virgo approached, AKA ‘Serious Puerto Rican,’ his bright blue eyes striking against dark tan skin. His features were the source of wonder and a few jokes in their circle. Virgo hugged him, patting his back and showering him with love, as he offered his congratulations.

“Thank you and thank you for attending.”

“I wouldn’t miss this for anything, Viper. We’re all happy for you.” They fist-bumped, then Virgo made his way back to his table which had been set with beautifully printed schedules and candles all aglow.

The place was full, with everyone dressed in their best jewels and attire. A mixture of classic perfumes and heat created a comforting aroma he’d often smelled at other weddings, children’s birthday parties, and yes, even funerals. Mamá was sitting in front with her husband, wearing a beautiful dark red dress and blazer. Her hair was impeccable, not a strand out of place. She’d just spoken to Majesty’s mother, who was dressed better than anyone in there, possibly even the bride. Viper snickered at the thought. Mamá had confided that she didn’t care for Majesty’s mother based on first impressions, but promised to not cause a scene. He could see she’d already been crying happy tears, and the ceremony hadn’t even begun.

His stomach began to knot and twist as the singers and musicians started setting up, as well as the DJ for the reception. This is real… This shit is real. She’s going to be my wife. This is forever. I can’t believe the woman of my dreams moved right across from me. She fell into my lap. All I had to do was literally walk across the street and claim my blessing. Damn.

He glanced at his watch, and when he looked back up, his cousins were surrounding him, fussing over him. He laughed as they smothered him with affection, throwing barbs in Spanish about being attached to a ball and chain, officially off the market. They’d done the same at his bachelor party the previous weekend. A wild night at an upscale strip club where he watched gorgeous naked women undulate their bodies, and went home a bit tipsy to make love to his fiancée, wanting nothing more than to feel her skin against his.

“She’s here!” Marie squealed. She was talking to someone else, but Viper’s ears perked up. Ten bridesmaids, dressed in unbelievably tight red gowns and heels, walked by, disappearing into a room on the other side of the venue. Of the friends he’d met, he really liked the ones his woman hung out with. Some of them were kind of wild, but they had their shit together. Majesty kept the company of women who loved her, encouraged her, and were in her league. This, he really cherished about her. He smirked when he spotted some of his brothers practically breaking their necks to catch a glimpse of the ladies who’d raced past, their make-up and hair on point, showing cleavage and leg.

Dad gave him a wave as he grinned proudly, dressed in his tuxedo, and looking the part. He and his wife sat down not too far from Mamá and on the other series of pews, Mr. Earl was sitting with Majesty’s mother and father, just as they’d agreed upon. The old timer was sporting a dated brown sports coat and pants that were a wee bit too short, but he still looked great, and Viper was thrilled he was there to rejoice with them. He’d had a mild stroke a few months earlier, so he and Majesty had kept a close eye on him, finally convincing him to allow them to hire someone else to mow his lawn and help clean his house once a week. He loved Mr. Earl, and he’d begun to call him family, too.

“We’re going to begin the ceremony now. Please remain seated. Thank you,” the hostess announced. Then, she repeated the same thing in Spanish.

Everyone drew quiet, except for Majesty’s Aunt Peaches, who kept blowing her nose and snorting. Both their parents were escorted out. Then, the violinist and the accompanying musicians began to play an instrumental version of ‘Stay with Me,’ by Sam Smith. The minister, and the hostess who was also an interpreter, approached. Reverend Appleton, with his long gold and white robe, stood beside Viper holding onto a black Bible. They shook hands and waited while his mother was walked down the aisle by King Pedro, and Majesty’s mother was escorted by Troy who was also dressed in a black tuxedo and red tie. One of the youngest kings, a fifteen-year-old, approached the two mothers and went down on bended knee. With one hand behind his back, head bowed, he offered each a golden rose with black stems. Majesty wasn’t aware of this little plan; Viper figured she’d see it in the tape later after their honeymoon, but by then, he’d be safe. He curved his lips as he surveyed the beautiful scene.

Moments later, a little Cuban girl dressed in a frilly white dress, King Brick’s six-year-old daughter, approached holding a gold crown on a pillow. People ahhhed, oohhhed, and giggled as her cheeks plumped and she exposed a snaggle-toothed smile. Viper bent down, and she placed the crown on his head, then he sent her on her way with a hug and a kiss.

The ensemble started a new song, and a vocalist stepped to the microphone to sing, ‘Here Comes the Sun,’ by The Beatles. As the song began, ten bridesmaids emerged, with the maid of honor, Majesty’s sister Allison, leading the pack. All were escorted by a Latin King brother. Honorable men who still followed the code. His best man was Pedro, who’d done a one-eighty and turned his life around. He was working a real job, as well as being trained to work with the dogs eventually, too.

I miss you, Diego. You are my best man in spirit…

One by one they came, arm in arm, looking absolutely beautiful and handsome. Once everyone was lined up, the kings surrounded him and placed gold and black rose petals at his feet. This was met with abrupt pockets of applause, dog barking noises, lion roars, and a few shouting, ‘Amor de Rey!’ A little Cuban boy, one of the Latin Queen’s seven-year-old son, walked over with a white pillow that had a crown for a king and queen embroidered on it, and in the center sat a symbolic golden wedding band.

“Come stand by me, little guy,” Viper urged, patting the little boy’s back.

MAJOR’s, ‘Why I Love You’ was now being performed by the male singer, who paused when the host took the microphone.

“The bride is coming. Everyone, please stand.” She repeated the same words in Spanish. Everyone got to their feet. The back of the room seemed a million miles away. Viper felt hot and flushed all of a sudden, dizzy with excitement and flooding with love. He wasn’t afraid to confront other killers. He wasn’t afraid of spending time in prison. He wasn’t afraid of hardly anything. But the thought of never having a love like this hurt him to his core. He began to shake, feeling anxious and overwhelmed. He closed his eyes when tears threatened to pour. Then, he felt the strong hand of the minister on his back.

“I’ve got a handkerchief if you need it,” the reverend said soothingly. “I know it’s a lot. The woman God made for you is coming, and you two will be joined as one. It’s all right to feel like this. Stop hiding your face…”

Viper slowly lifted his head, opened his eyes, and let the tears fall. There, in the back of the room, was his father holding Majesty’s left arm, and her father holding the right. Troy stood behind her, helping another woman hold her train. And at that sight, he lost it…

The sobbing echoed in his soul. His own tears were destroying him, one by one, as he folded within himself and screamed with joy. He soon heard others crying but didn’t dare look. Now Pedro was crying, too, and he only knew that because the man yelled out, “Viper, man, stop… You got everyone in here messed up, including me! You killin’ us, man!”

This was met with a wave of laughter. Viper stood straight again and pressed his hand against his mouth, in awe as Majesty was practically floating towards him, dressed in ivory and holding a bouquet of beautiful dark red roses. Her dress was form-fitting but not too tight, with a slit on the side. A jewel hung across her forehead in the shape of a gold and diamond crucifix, just like the tattoo he had. His jaw tightened painfully hard as he bit down on it, then looked up at the ceiling, trying to stop the endless trail of tears that refused to stop pouring. He shook his grandmother’s rosary; he’d once again worn around his wrist, to simply feel the weight of it.

The minister asked who was giving her away, and her father stepped forward, saying, “We do,” while glancing at Majesty’s mother, who nodded in agreement.

Viper stepped down from the dais and shook hands with Majesty’s father. The two then embraced. With tears in his eyes, he said, “Take good care of my baby, Dominic.”

“I will.”

The three of them took their seats, leaving Majesty beside him. The emotion in her bright eyes made his gut clench. Her skin was flawless. Her dark hair was pulled away from her face, and long strands flowed down her back in lustrous spirals. Gorgeous, glossy lips called to him, and diamonds sparkled in her ears. She blinked several times, working hard to stop her tears. He was entranced, unable to turn away.

“Dominic… Mr. Martinez, can we start now? Can you give me some eye contact? We’ve been waiting three weeks for you to stop ogling your bride,” the minister teased, triggering an outburst of laughter from their guests.

“Yes… yes.” He caught his nose between his thumb and pointer finger, heating with embarrassment as another tear fell from his eye. “I’m sorry.”

“No need to be sorry. You’ve been blessed… Now, let’s begin. Everyone, please be seated…”

For a moment, he forgot anyone else was in that room but her.

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church…” the minister began, reading the scriptures. He then commanded them to hold hands and face one another. The guests were instructed to bow their heads in prayer, and when it was over, he nodded at Viper.

“Go ahead, Dominic. Begin…”

He took a deep breath.

“Majesty, I remember the first time I saw you. It wasn’t when you came to my home to complain.” This caused an expected roar of laughter. “But it happened when you were moving into your home. I was in my kitchen, surrounded by friends, at a place in my life where I was confused and hurting. I wanted something else, and I was making those steps, but something was still missing. I had felt that way months before you arrived. I was looking at my friends with their girlfriends and wives, and for the first time, I felt envious.

“So, that day, I looked out of my kitchen window and saw a beautiful woman with a smile that rivaled the rays of the sun. There was a moving truck in your driveway. I was secluded… like Adam in the Garden of Eden. I had thought about my grandmother often that day, and my brother, too. I was having a party, but these people I’d loved weren’t there. Though I missed them, I was seeking a different type of companionship. Not someone to complete me, but someone to show me how to complete myself. I didn’t know how… God answered my mother’s prayers. He’d packed you and your child up and brought you to me.”

He could hear the sobbing again.

“Weeks and months passed as we got to know one another. I will never forget our first date, and when that date was over, after we danced on your porch and laughed, I knew you were the one. I could feel it. I’d never had that connection with anyone before. I’m not going to lie, it worried me. It happened so fast, but I refused to run away. In fact, I had to keep moving forward. Towards you. I had to have you.”

He took a deep breath, then continued, “From that day forward, you’ve been there for me, through ups and downs. You watched me grow, and never made me feel badly for simply being me. You watched me remove barriers, so you could get closer to me. You watched me… you watched me fall in love with your son, now our son, Troy, and you said that made you love me even more. I promised him many times, and I am promising you too, that I will be a good father to him. He deserves nothing less.” He dried his eyes while she cried quietly.

“I’ve watched you work your fingers to the bone to take care of others, your child, and make things better for all involved. I’ve observed you being so tired from work and school, you literally fell asleep on your feet, and once in mid-sentence while speaking to me on the phone. I’ve watched you get the promotion you so deserved, starting a new job as a Marketing Director. Your vocational dreams have come true, and you are a blessing to so many people. I’ve watched you make miracles out of monstrosities, and I’ve watched you love and care for people who didn’t deserve to even be in your presence. You’ve taught me so much. I’m a work in progress, but… I look up to you. You’re my greatest love. The best thing I’ve ever done in this lifetime is follow my heart when it comes to you.

He smiled at her. “Thank you, for trusting me. Thank you for coming over to my home, my garden, and seeing my beauty, while appreciating the beast. You’re my Eve. I love you. My friends love you. The Kings and Queens love you, my blood family loves you. Te quiero más que las palabras pueden decir. Encontré mi corazón. Vive en ti.” The room erupted in cheers.

Allison handed Majesty another tissue. She dabbed at her eyes, then took a piece of paper from her sister, unfolded it, and began to read.

“Dominic, I thank God for loud music and broken ordinances. It gave me an excuse to march over to your house but when you opened that door…. Bay-be!” The room erupted in laughter. He grinned. “I looked up and saw this tall, ridiculously handsome man whom I wanted to remain angry with, but it was hard to do that when I was drowning in a pair of gorgeous hazel eyes… until you slammed the door in my face, that is.” The ruckus resumed, with catcalls and whistles galore.

“That was rude of me. I’m sorry…”

“No, you’re not!” He shrugged, agreeing with her. Everyone was having a great time with their banter. “Anyway, that was the day my life changed forever. As time wore on, I noticed you seemed to have a crush on me, and then, Mr. Earl…” They both looked out into the crowd at the man, who smiled and waved. “Mr. Earl said something that made me realize that there was nothing wrong with wanting to get to know you better, too. Before long, I couldn’t resist anymore, and we became inseparable. You’ve been wonderful to my son, who lost his biological father in an untimely death.”

She paused, working hard to contain her emotion. “You… you’ve stepped into those shoes, and you didn’t have to, and what’s so amazing, Dominic, is that you did it so well, as if you’d been practicing for years. Troy, I know, has confided in you about things he didn’t feel comfortable sharing with me. He has asked you things that only another man could truly address. He feels comfortable with you. Safe. He loves you. I love you.

“So, as I stand here in front of our family and friends, I want you to know that you’re everything I want and need in a spouse. No, things have not always been easy for me, or for you, but in each other, we’ve found peace.” Her voice quaked, and she sniffed back tears. “You understand me. You get me. I don’t have to explain who I am to you because you just know. I found out early on that you and I have a lot in common. Despite being from different backgrounds, we share many of the same likes, have similar beliefs and goals in life. We’ve grown together, we’ve been good influences on one another, and I know you in ways that many don’t. Dominic, you often keep your feelings guarded, but with me, I’ve seen you bloom like a rose. You are vulnerable with me. Truthful. Loving. I love you so much, Dominic. I fell in love with you, and there’s no turning back. You are the one for me, and I’m so grateful for you. I promise to be here for you, just like you are here for me. I promise to continue to be a good mother to Troy, and to any other children we may have together from our union. I promise to be faithful, and I promise to be the person you can turn to. In your darkest hour, you are not alone. I will be there, shining a light on you, and our love.”

Emotion pulsed in every corner of the room while Majesty folded up the paper and handed it back to Allison.

The vows began, and things progressed. Viper responded to the questions, going through the motions, but in his heart, he was already married. He’d already recited his vows to this beautiful woman before him. Soon, they exchanged rings, and the minister said, “Dominic Martinez, you may kiss your bride!”

Before he could grab her and show her what he needed right then and there, the woman cradled his face in her palms and dragged him down to her height to kiss him. The crowd cheered as Majesty took over the reins. Not one to be outdone, he picked her up off her feet, causing cheers and laughter, then wrapped his hand around her neck and kissed the life out of her…

When he set her back down on the floor, she reached up and wiped a bit of her lipstick from his mouth, her eyes glossed over, and a proud smile lined on her face.

“I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Martinez!”

The two of them jumped down the step, hand in hand, as the brothers chanted, “Power to King Viper! Glory to Queen Majesty!” Gold and black confetti floated in the air and Majesty’s face balled up tighter than a baby’s fist holding a rattle!

“Viper! I told you no gold and black. You got these men in here throwin’ up gang signs and all this mess, and I saw those black and gold rose petals by your shoes, too.” He laughed, not realizing she’d seen Pedro do his thing. But then he kissed her hand and gave her his trademark smile and she instantly softened.

“You knew what I was… You know what I am.” He kissed her hand once again, then started to let go but she held on and gave him a peck.

“I know. It still won’t stop me from wanting my way.” She winked.

“You should’ve never stepped on my side of the garden if you didn’t want the fruit. I’m not Adam… I’m the Viper.” He ran his hand along her shoulder, wanting her so damn bad, his dick throbbed with need. “You were made for me.”

“Yes. I wouldn’t have it any other way. You bastard.” They both burst out laughing.

“Black and gold is what we are, Majesty… You and me. Don’t resist. My beautiful Black Queen is by my side, and her Gold King has her front and back. Always. It’s us against the world, baby!”

SAAAAALUTE! Amor de Rey!

Santorini, Greece wasone of the most beautiful places Majesty had ever seen.

She rolled on the white and blue sheets, which felt so cool against her skin. Bags of goodies were against the wall from the late afternoon shopping, and she was giddy with excitement. Viper was talking in Spanish to his mother on the phone in the adjoining room. They’d only been there one day for their seven-night honeymoon at the Anastasis Apartments, so they were still a little jetlagged. However, they didn’t let that stop them from going out and looking around before the sun set. They had dinner plans but before they proceeded, she’d called Troy and checked in. He was staying with her sister, having a great time.

Viper returned and pulled his shirt off, tossing it on an accent chair, then proceeded to go brush his teeth. Putting the television on mute, Majesty closed her eyes and took it all in. There’d been so much going on, so many things that still needed doing. Such as getting the rest of her things moved over to Viper’s house. There wasn’t a lot left, but she wanted Marie to begin moving in there, as per their agreement. Viper’s business was booming, and he’d had to work late up until the last second before they’d left to ensure that he felt comfortable leaving his staff alone with the dogs under his care. She had a lot of learning to do regarding her new position at a big company that specialized in manufacturing sports equipment; the nice salary came with a large learning curve. Viper made enough money and she didn’t have to work, but she wanted to—something her mother still couldn’t understand but seemed to be learning to respect.

She took a deep exhale, forcing herself to just relax and enjoy the moment. When she opened her eyes, Viper was standing in front of her, butt ass naked. She rose from the bed, leaning on her elbows.

“Viper, as soon as the plane landed, you tried to jump on me. We were both exhausted, so I said we’re going to have an amazing, wonderful time this evening. I’ve got candles, black lingerie, my little bullet like you to use on me and—”

“No, I don’t want to hear it. I’m not waiting any longer. We can do all of that, but I want some pussy right now.”

“Viper, come on! Stop being a baby!” She laughed. “It’s not like I was saving it for my wedding night. You’re being silly.”

“I don’t care that we’ve been fucking this entire time. I don’t want to wait until tonight to get my first honeymoon sex session. You told me you were tired, so I left you alone, but then I saw you shopping and having all the energy in the world this afternoon. Spending up our money.” He laughed. “So now, you’re about to give me what’s mine. Open up for business…”

“I hate how my body wants you, but I want to sock you with my fist!”

Looking thoroughly amused, he lay on top of her, then stretched her arms up above her head and clasped their hands together, intertwining their fingers. He lavished her with needy kisses and grinded his groin against hers, forcing her sundress up her body. She sighed with want as he removed her panties and cast them aside.

“Shit…”

He wasted no time tasting her love. She moved in rhythm with the twists and turns of his tongue, cursing him and loving him at the same time.

“Cum in my mouth, Queen. Let me taste that fucking honey…”

Viper worked his long, fat tongue against her clit, then up and down until she shattered. She screamed and shook, losing her mind.

Before she came down from the high, he crawled up her body and slid the sundress off her trembling form, not giving a damn that she was weak and unable to focus. He wanted to have her… and have her he would. Gripping her hips, he yanked her towards the bottom of the bed, then draped her legs over his shoulder. She watched listlessly as he gripped his big, long dick and plunged it deep inside of her.

“OH, GOD!”

A deep growl escaped his lips when he slammed into her, fucking her ruthlessly… as if he wanted to meld his body to her’s by sheer effort. He paused to kiss her ankle, then started up again, pounding the hell out of her pussy.

“You’re mine, baby. This is my pussy! You like this dick, don’t you? You love it, love how I beat up your pussy, don’t you, baby?”

“Yes! Fuck me, Viper! Fuck me with that big dick!”

He moved faster, balls deep, and pivoted his body in just the right way to hit her zones and drive her crazy. Soon, she was hit with another orgasm.

Both drenched in sweat, they kissed languorously, then he turned her over on her stomach and rammed into her so hard, she had to hold the sheets and bite into the pillow for leverage. She loved every nasty thrust, every painfully pleasurable plunge, every tender kiss. After a while, he turned her on her side, opening her legs like a pair of scissors. He fucked her in an upward motion, so deep, damn near touching her heart. The way he looked into her eyes let her know he’d meant what he’d said: She belonged to him, but in the most beautiful of ways. He slowed down, making love to her nice and slow now, gently stroking her cheek, kissing her lips, fingering her hair out of her face.

Then he rolled her onto her back and claimed her again, the ruthlessness of his thrusts rendering her speechless. She gasped for air as she clung to him. Long white nails digging into his shoulders. He kissed her passionately, with all of his being, and lavished her face and neck with pecks. But through it all he never slowed. His hips moved from left to right, back and forth, as if he were dancing, gliding with precision inside her flowing river. His lips parted and his Adam’s apple bobbed. She knew that look, that feeling. He was near…

Cradling her head, he groaned against her lips as he filled her with warm cum, his body spasming violently.

They lay down nestled against each other, as one, his dick still inside her, twitching every now and again. His body was so heavy yet comforting against hers. His rapid breathing decelerated. After a while, he kissed her on the cheek and went to the restroom while she waited, feeling lazy and in love. Feeling things she’d never imagined possible. When he came back, he was drying off his hands, then went to the luggage rack to get himself a pair of boxers and some nice pants. She enjoyed watching him dress, loving the way his gold and diamond wedding band looked against his skin, and especially, her tattooed name that was now right over his heart, with a queen’s crown above it.

“I’m starting to get hungry. Dinner reservation you made is at six, right, baby?” he asked, breaking the silence as he buttoned up a black shirt.

“Yes. The restaurant is called Misteli.” He nodded, then sat on the edge of the bed and put on his socks. “This doesn’t even seem real, does it, Viper? It’s like we’re in paradise.”

“I was thinking the same thing. I always wanted to come to Greece. I’m glad you suggested it for our honeymoon.” He turned around and kissed her forehead, then reached for his watch. He started to put it on but then paused, his gaze roving up and down her body, paying special attention to her hips, pussy, and breasts.

“What? I have a few minutes before I need to start getting ready.”

“I suggest you get ready now, or we’ll miss dinner.”

“Look, just because I’ve been late a few times for our dates in the past doesn’t mean—”

“No, you don’t understand. Majesty, you have no idea how much you turn me on. Put on some damn clothes or we’ll never leave here tonight. Real talk.” He walked out of the room, and she knew the sex-crazed man was dead serious. Giggling, she headed to the bathroom to clean up. A tap sounded on the door.

“Yes, baby?” she called out, the sink water on full blast as she washed her face.

“This feels like paradise to us because it is. You’re my everything, Majesty. There’s nothing you need that I won’t make sure you have, nothing you want that I won’t turn the world inside out to provide for you. There’s only one thing I can’t ever do… and that’s give you up.”

With that, he walked away…