“You didn’t think to reach out to me? To see if I could help you find a way out?”
Pathetically, Ox said, “You cut me outta your life, man.”
“You ruined my damn life, Ox. You betrayed me.”
Silence fell over them.
“I did. And I never apologized to you either. I’m sorry, Cane. We were supposed to be better than that. I was supposed to be your brother, but I chose my image and career over our brotherhood. I’m fuckin’ sorry, man.”
Cannon didn’t say anything.
“Look, man. I’m done with them, I swear. After looking you in the eye again, . . . this ain’t worth it. I’ll testify. I’ll tell ’em what I know. In the meantime, I’ma get my family and leave town until it’s safe for me. If y’all end up taking this to the state.”
Cannon shook his head. “Nah, you continue to play the role. If you really are sorry about the past, prove it now. Prove it by helpin’ us end this.”
There was another pause, until . . .
“Just tell me what to do.”
Cannon took a step back.
“Keep your mouth shut about tonight, and answer when I call. You work for Nahla Avery now.”
Ox nodded. “I got you, man. Look, I really am so?—”
Cannon put a hand up, not wanting to hear him say that again.
“Go home, Ox.”
Looking defeated, Maddox got into his car. Mace also got in his car and unblocked Ox. Once Ox had driven off, Mace pulled up beside Cane.
“What now?” Mace asked.
“Now we see if he answers my call. We see if he’s still a snake.”
Mace nodded. “Bet.”
Nahla, who usually had no problem sleeping through the night, stirred awake. Smiling, because the sheets her face was buried in smelled just like Cannon, she blindly reached out to caress his chest. She frowned immediately when all that greeted her hand was cold sheets. Her heart began to thump against her chest. Did she upset him so bad that he didn’t even want to sleep next to her? Had she pushed him too far after all? Was hedone with her?
Slowly, Nahla sat up. When she opened her eyes, there he was. Cannon was sitting across from her, in the recliner in the corner of his bedroom. She rubbed her eyes and checked the time on his nightstand clock.
Four eleven a.m.
Reaching over, Nahla grabbed the throw cover at the end of the bed. She stood and made her way to Cannon. Silently, she sat in his lap and used the throw to cover them both.
Cannon immediately wrapped his arms around her.
He kissed her neck and said, “I’m sorry I woke you.”
She turned in his arms so that she was facing him. “You didn’t wake me. I am glad I’m up, though.”
“You need to rest, Nahla. We’ve got a long day ahead.”
“You look more tired than I am.”
Cannon chuckled. “I’m straight.”
She gazed at him without responding for several seconds. Eventually, she said, “You never get much sleep, do you?”
