“I think so, but that’s not really the point. Xander, I have just shitted on everything I believe in.”
“Tell me why, Niyah?”
“I had to, Xander!”
“All right,” Xander calmed. “What’s done is done. Now, we need figure out how to keep you out of prison.”
“There’s nothing to figure out. It simple. If someone turns me in, I’m going to prison. For now, I’m free.”
Xander fished the sponge out of the water and pumped it with bodywash. “We’re gonna keep it that way. I just got you. I’m not ready to give you up.”
Niyah cleared her throat and raised a brow at him. “Got me? Who says you got me?”
Xander chuckled. “Girl, you know I got you. Stop pretending that you don’t belong to me.”
Niyah laughed. “How do you figure that?”
Xander threw his hands up. “We live together!”
Niyah grinned. “That, Xander, was supposed to be temporary.”
Xander peered at her with wicked amusement. “Shit, is that what you thought?” he asked with a chuckle. “This is my home.”
Niyah laughed and splashed him with water. “Easy, big guy, this ismyhome!” she corrected with a smile.
Xander laughed. “Okay, Ookay... If you say so.”
Niyah shifted in the tub. She reached for the faucet, but Xander moved her hand. “You getting cold?”
“A little bit.”
Xander turned on the hot water and used his hand to swish the water around. “You are coming with me to my parents’ house for election night, right?”
Niyah nodded. “I am.”
“Good. Because the Creeds are about to make history.” Xander smiled and ran his thumb alongside her cheek. “History,” he repeated.
CHAPTER 48
BELLA
Lucas slowed and turned into the parking lot connected to a small municipal building. He pulled close to the building where a short line was formed. “Babe, can you stand in that line for me while I park?”
Bella looked around, trying to figure out what the line was for. “Okay, but what is this place?”
“It’s the town hall. This is where I vote.”
Bella looked around and took in the small-town vibe. It was in complete contrast to the crowded Chicago public school where she voted. “Why do you vote in Indiana?”
Lucas nodded. “I’m registered at my parents’ house. We all are, except for Victor, of course. He’s an Illinois resident.”
“Oh, okay.” Bella pointed to a small flower shop. “You can let me out right here. I wanna get some flowers for your mom.”
Lucas smiled. “She’ll love that.”
“Hope so.” Bella opened the door and laughed. “I know I'm not supposed to, but I love my mother-in-law.”
Lucas chuckled. “I’ll be damned if she doesn’t love you too. That woman would kill for you.”
