“I'm sorry,” he said.
“You should be.” Imani studied him from head to toe with her brows pinched. “You look well enough.”
Ashantae slipped beneath Zayne's arm for a quick embrace before nudging him toward the door. “You can dress him down inside.”
Brock already sat at the kitchen table, snacking on a bowl of almonds.
“Are you finally using the investments?” If not, he'd snatch that food from Brock's hand. His friend didn't know Ashantae resisted using the money he sent.
“For this,” Imani said. She managed Zayne's investments in the territories. “I tried to use funds to patch our roof, and Tae sold some weapons instead.”
Zayne cut a glare at Ashantae, but they appeared unfazed.
“I told you I can send more without suspicion,” he said.
Ashantae sat beside Brock. “If it wasn't dangerous to send more, you would have done it already.”
Stubborn. The couple looked like they'd eaten enough, at least, and Ashantae's boots were not too worn. So, they'd at least taken care of their basics. But Zayne didn't want these two struggling financially, especially when they both sacrificed so much.
Ashantae snapped their fingers twice, eyes on him. “Talk, Zayne. We didn't come here for you to silently obsess.”
This made Brock snort.
Zayne took the seat across from Ashantae. “I'm sending more money, and it stays liquid for anything you two need.”
“Fine,” Ashantae said. “If you agree to communicate. I'm not guessing at what your grunts and stares mean.”
Zayne smirked. “Fine.”
“Anything new with Kira since your update?” Ashantae asked.
“No. She's doing well with my mother. It's concerning.”
“Why is that concerning?” Imani took the seat next to him. “Your mom will be great for her.”
“Because the Phaedra wants Kira to trust us so he can manipulate her.” Brock nodded at Zayne. “He's been an outrageous asshole to push her away.”
“Oh,” Imani said, eyes on Zayne. “I completely understand.” Reaching her hand out expectantly for the almonds, Brock passed the dish to her. “So, you're treating her like shit hoping to foil the Phaedra's plan?”
Zayne swallowed hard, nervous about that look in Imani's eyes. “Yes.”
She nodded, sliding an almond in her mouth. Then she picked up another and lobbed it at his eye. One at his forehead. Soon she threw the entire cup against his face, scattering almonds all over him, the table, and the floor.
Zayne kept his eyes on her, refusing to react.
“You're picking those up.” Imani plucked an almond from his shoulder and ate it before making a show of leaving for the other side of the table.
A slow sigh escaped, and Zayne brushed the almonds off his shoulders and lap. “Are you finished?” he asked Imani.
“For now.”
Brock leaned back in his chair, looking as excited as a kid opening birthday presents.
“We're still eating those,” Ashantae said. “Nuts are expensive.”
“May the Old Ones have mercy.” Imani groaned. “Zayne, you're done being mean to that girl. Hear me?”
“It's fine,” Zayne said. “Kira figured out what I was doing. I'm stopping.”
