“But—”
“Trust me. It will be the best thing you’ve ever done. Would I steer you wrong and let you make a mistake?”
Whistling, he walked out the door.
At home he made a call to Bianca. “It’s done. I’m all yours.”
“We’re going to kill it. They need to make room for this dynamic duo.”
Even though his smile stretched from ear to ear, he had to ask. “You’re absolutely sure, right? You’re entrusting me with a huge responsibility.”
The door clicked, and Wolf walked in. Seeing his eyes light up after the years he’d spent in darkness—and knowing they shared something special between them that not many were lucky enough to ever find—was something he’d never take for granted. Wolf winked, set his briefcase on the floor, and disappeared into the bedroom, presumably to change out of his suit.
“You could never let me down,” Bianca was saying. “While I’ve spent years going to fashion shows and know your work ethic and reputation, it’s who you are as Chess and André’s best friend that means more. I saw you pour your heart out into their engagement party because of how much you love them, and that means everything to me. I wasn’t kidding when I said you’re like my brother, and I want you to feel that you can say anything to me without worrying I’ll get offended. We’re here to challenge each other.”
“Okay, sweetheart. I’m ready.”
“Great. Come to our office tomorrow around ten, and we’ll get you set up.”
“I’d like to bring my assistant with me. He’ll be a perfect fit.”
“Whatever you need. See you then.”
Wolf hadn’t come out of the bedroom, so Spencer went to find him and heard the shower running. Deciding to surprise Wolf, he shucked his clothes and opened the door.
“One can never be too clean!” He took the soap from Wolf and rubbed it over his chest.
“Is that so?” Wolf’s eyes gleamed, and Spencer kissed the hot, wet skin of his neck. “Too bad I prefer you a little dirty.”
He caged Wolf between his arms as the steamy water flowed over them.
“That can be arranged.”
Wolf’s laughter tasted bright and joyful on his lips.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The email came several days later, and Wolf breathed a sigh of relief. His first call was to the Brooklyn DA’s office.
“Jamal, I’ve been recused.”
A groan filled his ear. “As much as I know it’s the right thing and that it makes you happy, I’m sorry we won’t be finishing the case together. Now I’ll have to break in some new attorney.”
Wolf bit back a smile at his grumbling. “It’s for the best. After our last conversation, I couldn’t stand seeing his face. He’s got the plea deal, so whenever that tiny brain of his makes up his mind, I’m sure it’ll work out for the best.”
“And the girls are all okay?”
“Yeah. Obviously, getting them out of the situation was only the start. They’re all getting tons of therapy, and at least they’re safe.”
“Good.” Jamal hesitated. “Are you okay? I hear there’s going to be a news special tonight featuring your father and spotlighting the rise in cybersex crimes.”
“I heard.” His hand balled into a fist on top of his desk. “I’m better. I have no choice.”
The guys had invited themselves over to Spencer’s for dinner, and Wolf knew it was a way to show their support and solidarity. He wasn’t sure he’d watch the special, but the fact that they’d be with him gave him the strength to even contemplate it.
Jamal said, “We just do what we can, brother. Nothing else.”
“Sounds about right. I’m sure we’ll be talking soon.”
