Just the thought of speaking her deeds to words was terrifying. But if she had to tell anyone, it was Leo. He was her oldest and dearest friend. Since high school, they’d been as thick as thieves, so much so that they’d decided to attend Howard University together. And they had even returned to Chicago after graduation to study law and medicine at The University of Chicago. There was no one Niyah trusted more. “Yes, I fucked up,” she admitted. “It all started when my--”
“No, Niyah, please don’t say anything else.”
Niyah frowned. “But I need your help.”
Leo nodded and covered her hand with his. “And I got you…always. But, first, I’m gonna need you to give me a dollar.”
“A dollar?”
“Yes. It retains me as counsel and offers the advantage of attorney-client privilege.” Niyah laughed and glared at him through narrowed lids. “Fool, where the fuck am I supposed to get a dollar? You know a lot of women who carry cash?”
“No,” he admitted with a chuckle. “Certainly not Alicia.”
Niyah smiled at the mention of his fiancée. “How is Alicia? How are the wedding plans?”
Leo shook his head. “Um-mm. First, things first. Zelle me.”
Niyah fished her phone out of her purse and logged into her banking app. “Do you want me to use your cellphone or email?”
“Use my cellular number.”
After sending the money, Niyah placed her phone on the table. She inhaled a deep breath and worked up the nerve to tell her friend that she had destroyed evidence in order to cover for a serial killer that just happened to be her sister.
She looked up, prepared to purge, but the sight of Xander approaching the table stunned her into silence. Accompanying him were two men in suits. One was short with glasses, giving accountant vibes, and the other guy was tall and overly tanned. Niyah would bet the dollar she’d Zelled to Leo that he was a lawyer.
“What’s up, Doc?”
Niyah scoffed at the hint of accusation in his greeting. She knowingly looked around, certain that Xander’s imposing height and chiseled features had garnered more attention to their table. “Hey, Xander. How’s it going?” She greeted with a smile.
Xander turned his attention to Leo, no doubt sizing him up. He offered his hand, forcing him to stand. “Alexander Creed,” he introduced.
Adhering to the rules of etiquette, Leo stood and shook Xander’s hand. “Leo Kane. Good to meet you.”
“Likewise,” Xander muttered as he turned to Niyah. “Early night, huh?”
With a warning glare, Niyah smiled and responded. “Yes, it is. Fancy meeting you here.”
Xander raised a brow. “Yeah? Well, you can’t be that surprised. My office is right around the corner.”
Niyah chuckled. “I guess you’re right.”
Leo gave Niyah a curious glance before gesturing toward the empty seats. “Would you like to join us?”
“No, thanks... dinner meeting,” Xander declined, gesturing to the men behind him. “It was nice to meet you, Leo.”
“You as well, Alexander.”
Xander turned his attention to Niyah and placed his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll see you at home,” he declared before walking away.
Niyah smacked her lips at his unnecessary attempt to cock block. Like the rest of the women in the restaurant, she watched him through a haze of lust as he walked to his table.
“Sooo,at home,huh?” Leo questioned. “I know I’ve been busy with the wedding, but it ain’t been that long since we last talked.”
Niyah giggled and grabbed the glass of wine in front of her.
“Umm, hello? You done moved in with the white dude?”
“Well, actually, he moved in with me?”
