Page 25 of Lyric Squared

“He’s my friend.”

“Whatever the fuck he is, who is he? Matter of fact, nigga who are you?” Laike turned to face Collin and asked him instead of me.

“I’m Collin,” Collin responded, extending a hand that was left hanging.

Not even Luca shook it. Though his sentiments were much different from Laike’s, I knew that until he figured Collin out, he wouldn’t indulge. He’d only observe. Hopefully, Collin passed whatever test Luca was preparing to give him. Laike, on the other hand, Collin probably wouldn’t ever pass that test. He was convinced that there wasn’t a man alive that deserved me. I’d started to believe him before therapy saved my life.

“I’on like this nigga,” Ken stated immediately, sucking his teeth in the process.

His words caused me to snap my head in his direction though I wanted to avoid his gaze at all costs. I wasn’t expecting to see him. The months seemed to have flown by since I stopped marking my calendar after he’d left me hanging. I knew that February was the month he’d be released, but he had been the last thing on my mind since I’d embarrassed myself by sending him that message. He tilted his head with hiked brows and dark, hooded eyes.

He’s high, I concluded.And why the hell does he have to look this fucking good?I gritted my teeth at the realization. Prison had been kind to him – very fucking generous.

His eyes never left mine, causing me to crumble inside. My knees weakened as I tried to focus on not falling face first on the floor. I wanted to scream and run out of the nearest exit, but I was determined to stand my ground. Ken had basically left me on read. His opinion had no grounds.

“Well, good thing you're not the one who is dating him, right?” I sassed, utilizing every ounce of boldness I could muster. I was literally shaking in my boots, but he’d never get access to such classified information.

“Give the nigga a chance,” Luca commanded.

“Who?” Laike inquired.

“I’m good, fam,” Ken responded.

“I reserved this table,” I told them.

“We know,” Luca stated, tilting his glass until the contents of it filled his mouth. I could bet he was sipping Hennessy. I needed to warn Ever this time.

“Pull up a seat,” Laike insisted, making sure I understood Collin and I were part of their tribe for the night.

Fuck, I sanded my teeth with the grinding that I couldn’t help. It was a habit as a kid that I’d gotten rid of by the time I was in seventh grade. For it to reappear so abruptly was astounding. I wanted it to stop already.

“If I wanted to hang out with you guys for the night, I would’ve invited you out,” I fussed, pulling out the chair next to Ken to sit.

There was no way I was allowing Collin to take the seat. I preferred it if he pulled up a chair next to Luca. He was somewhat safe over there.

As I rested my bottom in the chair, I could feel Ken’s eyes staring daggers into my cheeks. I could also smell the fresh wood and amber on his skin. He smelled like a slice of heaven, one that I’d never have the opportunity to indulge, but I was okay with that, finally.

“Are you okay?” I leaned over and whispered in Collin’s ear. “They can be a little overbearing.”

“It’s fine. I’m a big brother. I know how it goes. I can handle myself.”

He had no idea, but I’d allow him to think he did. Luca was hell but Laike was hell on wheels. And, Ken, he was down for all the shit that Laike forgot to get them into. The trio was a train wreck waiting to happen. With them was not how I planned to spend my night, but I’d happily drink until I forgot they were even in the place to ruin my date.

“Let me know if it begins to be too much,” I advised.

“Over here,” Collin beckoned for the waitress with his hand in the air.

I watched Luca watch him as he watched the waitress making her way over to us.

“What will you be having, baby?” Collin asked, gently rubbing my knee.

“Grilled chicken pasta, a glass of water,” Ken started.

“And a dirty martini, extra dry,” Laike concluded.

Collin nodded, impressed with their accuracy. I cringed inside, suddenly hating that they all knew me so well. Prior to tonight, it was adorable. Now, it seemed downright childish. Since my birthday last year, I'd been obsessed with dirty martinis.

As violent as they were in my mouth, I just couldn’t stop ordering them. They made me feel like the rich bitch that I’d always dreamt of being. And thanks to being my family’s accountant along with a select few of their business associates, I had become her.