“Well, all right, Detective. Whatever you say,” Lucas acquiesced with a grin.
“I love you,” she whispered before trying to kiss his forehead, but Lucas raised his head and captured her lips. “I love you too, sweetheart.”
NIYAH
Niyah looked out the window and sighed when Xander turned onto the long, tree-lined road that led to the Creed Compound. After stealing and destroying evidence, sitting across from Bella was the last place she wanted to be. She wasn’t looking forward to lying to her friend’s face, but she had no choice. Either she could lie to Bella or go to prison alongside her sister.
Xander drove to the side of the main house and parked next to an F150 pickup. When he hopped out of the car, Niyah said a short prayer, asking God to keep Bella’s thoughts occupied with finding out who shot Lucas.
Xander opened the door and offered his hand. After preparing her poker face, she placed her hand in his and exited the car. Xander led her down the path to the front door. Each step toward the Creed’s home felt less like walking into a family meeting and more like walking the plank. When they made it to the door, Andrew, the Creed’s house manager, was there to greet them.
“Good evening, Alexander. Your family has assembled in the parlor.”
“Thank you, Andrew. Good evening to you.”
“Dr. Reed,” Andrew acknowledged with a smile.
Even though she’d committed a serious crime and dreaded an evening spent with trained observers, Niyah smiled in return. “Hello, Andrew.”
He stepped aside to allow them entry. When they entered the foyer, Niyah eased her hand out of Xander’s for fear that he would feel her trembling. She wasn’t a good liar, and she’d never committed a crime. But, for her sister, she prayed she’d be every bit as good at acting as Meryl Streep.
Xander must have noticed her apprehension. He looked down at her with expressive blue eyes. “You okay?”
The nervous chuckle that escaped felt unconvincing. “What? Yeah, I’m f-fine. I-I’m j-just…” Niyah sighed. “It- it’s been a long day.”
Bad liar!
Niyah’s face burned under Xander’s scrutiny. Surely, he must have known she was lying.
“Okay. Let’s get you a drink.”
Niyah nodded her head too many times for it to be normal. “Yes, a drink would be great.”
She inhaled a breath and forced a smile, trying desperately to pull herself together.
Xander cupped her face and kissed her forehead. “Come on. Let’s get this done.” With his hand pressed to the small of her back, he guided her to the parlor.
“Darling, hello,” Mrs. Creed greeted her son.
“Hello, Beautiful,” Xander returned before kissing his mother’s cheek.
She grinned, looking up at Xander as if he were her favorite person in the world. No doubt, she looked at all of her sons that way.
Tabatha Creed turned to Niyah with a warm smile. “Dr. Reed, it’s good to see you again.”
“You too, Dr. Creed. Please, call me Niyah.”
She agreed with a nod. “And please call me Tabatha.”
“Yes, ma’am. Tabitha it is.” Niyah agreed in the moment, but she knew she wasn’t going to be calling Xander’s mother by her first name. It just wouldn’t come natural to her.
“Drink, Dr. Reed?” Andrew asked as he approached.
“Yes, please. I’ll take whatever tequila you have.
“Dark or light?” he asked.
“Wet,” Niyah responded with a chuckle, ignoring the heat from Xander’s glare.
