NO SECRETS NO LIES (SIN CITY HEAT SERIES Book 3) by K. S.

Maybe I can get your
autograph for my son before you leave today.”
     “No problem. How old is your son?” He felt Alexis
tense at the deceptively mild question. She already knew what was running
through Amir’s mind.
     “He’s eleven. He and Michael play on the same football
team. That’s how Lexie and I met.” He smiled over at Alexis. Then a thought
occurred to him. “Hey. The boys would really be psyched if you could come and
meet the team one day." David glanced at Alexis. “Speaking of Michael,
where is my buddy? Has he met Amir yet?? As much as he lives, eats, and
breathes the game of football, he's gonna be thrilled!"
         Amir’s mouth tightened as he glared at
Alexis.
     “David -" Alexis tried to cut him off but David
was oblivious to the tension clouding the air.
     “Oh there he is. He’s going to be disappointed that
his ‘brother’ couldn’t make it.” David smiled at Alexis as if it were a private
joke between the two of them.
         Amir was seconds away from going off when
Soul placed a firm hand on his shoulder. Amir clenched his teeth and remained
silent, but when he saw the other man's face light up after spotting Michael, he
had a vivid flashback from his glory days. An overwhelming urge to tackle David
as if he were a player on the opposing team tried to sorely tempt Amir.
Instead, he turned and watched his son run towards them full speed with a wide
stretched grin.
     “David! Hey, David!!” Michael launched himself at
David and threw his arms around his neck.  Destiny’s little legs pumped
hard to catch up with him.
     “Hey, sport! How are you?” David asked
         “I’m fine. Where’s Justin?” Michael
looked around when he didn't see his friend. 
     The smile slipped from David's lips a little. “He
couldn’t make it sport. But don’t worry, I’ll bring him over soon. Maybe the
four of us can go and see a movie next weekend.”
        
     As Amir watched the exchange between his son and a man
who he obviously cared about, he stuffed his hand into his pocket to hide his
balled up fist. He tried not to be upset or hurt, but it was hard to feel
otherwise. Alexis' apologetic stare was the last thing he wanted to see right
now. His hurt quickly turned to anger, which he directed at Alexis full force.
       Alexis touched David’s arm to get his attention. “Why
don’t you come with me. I was just getting ready to fix something to eat.”
     Michael immediately scowled. “Aw, Mom. I wanted David
to come with me to the dunking booth.”
     She looked down at her son. “Amir and Soul will take
you. And I suggest you go now if you want to have a little bit more time before
I call you in.”
     “But I’m not hungry.”
     “Michael….”
     Michael popped his lips and poked his mouth out.
“Okay. Dang.”
     Amir knew he should feel gratitude for Alexis
interceding on his behalf, but why should he feel gratitude for something she
should’ve done a long time ago?

 
    Chapter
11
     
     
         Amir and Soul trailed behind Michael and
Destiny as they made their way over to the dunking booth. Soul looked at Amir.
     “You alright?”
     “Hell, no I’m not alright. What do you think?” he
snapped, but just as quickly released a frustrated breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t
mean to take your head off.”
     “Nah, it's okay. Believe me I can’t even begin to
guess how you’re feeling right now. Look, go catch up with your son, start
getting to know each other. Destiny and I are goin’ over to the princess booth.”
     Amir’s look was grateful as he stood behind Michael.
The minute Soul scooped Destiny up, she started kicking and screaming while
reaching for Michael over Soul's shoulder, but Soul turned her around and
pointed to the "royal castle".  When she saw the colorful
dresses, crowns, and slippers, her tears dried up