Chapter 34

Zay told himself he wasn't nervous.

It was just Trey's sister. Not a job interview. Not a court date. Just a regular ass girl.

But his leg bounced as they drove, and Trey noticed. Of course he did. His hand, warm and steady, slid over Zay's thigh, thumb rubbing small circles through the fabric of his sweats. "Relax, love," he murmured, eyes still on the road.

Zay exhaled, but his shoulders stayed tight. "I am relaxed."

Trey smirked like he heard the lie clear as day. "Uh huh."

Zay turned his head to watch out the window, jaw flexing. He hated that Trey could read him so easy. He wasn't the type to trip over meeting somebody, but this was different. Trey ain't talk about his family much-only Aliyah. She was the one person he actually seemed to care about, the only one he made sure was straight, the only one who really knew him before Zay came along.

That meant she knew a version of Trey that Zay ain't have access to yet.

And maybe, just maybe, Zay wanted to be worthy of knowing that part too.

They pulled up to a quiet little apartment complex, not fancy but not run-down either. Trey cut the engine, but he didn't move to get out right away. Instead, he turned to Zay, his fingers tightening on his thigh. "She gon' love you," he said, like it was a fact, not a guess.

Zay huffed, shifting in his seat. "Ain't worried about that."

Trey's smirk was slight, but it was there. He leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to Zay's jaw, lips lingering just long enough to make Zay still. "Come on, love."

Zay exhaled, following Trey up the stairs.

Before they could even knock, the door swung open.

About 5'5" with smooth brown skin and sharp, knowing eyes-Aliyah stood there with her arms crossed, head tilted. She looked exactly like Trey, just in a smaller, more dangerous package.

"Took y'all long enough," she said, eyeing Zay up and down.

Zay arched a brow, unfazed. "Damn, you been timing us?"

She smirked. "Nah. I just know my brother. If he could've, he woulda kept you to himself all day." She turned her gaze to Trey, raising a brow. "You finally decided to share?"

Trey shook his head, but Zay caught the little curve of his lips before he stepped past her into the apartment. "We doin' this at the door?"

Aliyah stepped aside, waving Zay in. "Come on then, Trey's man."

Zay followed, cutting Trey a side-eye as they walked in. "So you been callin' me your man?"

Trey just smirked, letting his hand drift to the small of Zay's back. "You not?"

Zay's mouth twitched, but he ain't say nothing.

The apartment was cozy, clean, with a couple of candles burning and a blanket tossed over the couch. It looked lived-in, warm.

Aliyah plopped onto the couch and patted the seat beside her. "Come sit, lemme get to know the man takin' up all my brother's time."

Zay slid onto the couch, stretching his long legs out. "I don't take his time. He give it to me."

Aliyah let out a sharp laugh. "Oh, I like you." She looked at Trey. "He mouthy as hell though. You sure you can handle that?"

Trey just shrugged, leaning against the wall, arms crossed. "He only talk crazy to other people. With me? He sweet."

Zay side-eyed him. "Now why you lyin'?"

Aliyah was grinning now, watching them like she was figuring something out. "Damn, so this what my brother like when he all in." She leaned forward, eyes sharp. "So where you from, Zay?"

"East Cleveland," he answered easily.

Aliyah nodded. "What's your people like?"

Zay's jaw twitched. He wasn't expecting that. Most people didn't ask. "It's just me and my moms."

Her expression softened, but she ain't pity him. Just nodded. "Same for us. Well, just me and Trey now."

Zay glanced over at Trey, but he wasn't looking at them. His gaze was on the window, jaw tight, like he ain't wanna talk about it.

Aliyah caught the look and moved on like it was normal. "So what you do?"

Zay hesitated. "Work at a sneaker store for now."

"For now?" she repeated, interest piqued.

Zay smirked slightly. "Yeah. Got some shit I'm workin' on. I ain't tryna be in retail forever."

She nodded approvingly. "I hear that." Then she leaned back, arms crossed. "But most important question-do you be feedin' my brother?"

Zay blinked, thrown off. "What?"

Aliyah rolled her eyes. "Trey don't eat unless somebody remind him. He be actin' like he too busy. You gotta force a plate in front of him."

Zay huffed. "He be doin' the same to me."

Aliyah snapped her fingers. "See? That's why I like you."

Trey sighed, rubbing his temples. "Y'all done?"

Aliyah grinned. "For now." She looked back at Zay. "But you cool. You can stay."

Zay smirked. "Wasn't askin' for permission, but good to know."

Trey chuckled low, shaking his head as he pushed off the wall. "Alright, we out."

Aliyah stood, giving Zay one last once-over before pulling him into a quick hug. It caught him off guard, but he patted her back.

"You good for him," she murmured. "I can tell."

Zay's throat felt tight for some reason, but he just nodded. "Thanks"

Trey grabbed his keys, and as they headed for the door, Aliyah called out, "Take care of my brother, Zay."

Zay turned slightly, meeting her eyes. "Always."

Trey ain't say nothing, just reached for Zay's hand as they stepped outside. And for once, Zay ain't pull away.