Page 151 of Tarek

Jasper rolls his eyes. “You were a theater kid weren’t you Archer? You’re very dramatic.”

Rhet mutters. “This is an invasion of privacy.”

“Would you rather know what your wife and baby are doing or wonder if your enemy was successful in their hit?” I watch a range of emotions float over Rhet’s face.

“Who did this for you?” Rhet asks.

“Dax,”

Dax lifts his drink in a salute to us.

“This is nuts. Get this done for me tomorrow, Dax,” Rhet says as he passes my phone back to me.

“What are you giving me in return?” Dax leans back and rocks on the chair’s leg.

“What do you want?” Rhet asks.

“Your 1964 Ferrari 275.”

Rhet chuckles. “I would rather shit in my hand and clap before I give you my car.”

I turn to Rhet and shrug. “Well, no safeguards for your family. Dax’s system would be the best.”

“One week,” Rhet mutters.

“Done.” Dax grins “Now about tomorrow.”

“I got the best fireworks team for your party tomorrow night,” Cole jumps in.

The conversation continues around me. I send a text to Penny.

Me

“I am bringing breakfast to your apartment tomorrow morning.”

ChapterEighteen

Ilyana

Ihate smoking but over the past few weeks I have been smoking like a chimney. You would think it’s because I killed a man. But no, Jermaine’s death wasn’t murder. It was an act of love. Twisted messy love. I didn’t bother to attend his funeral today. I don’t know how Dereck did it, but the news said that a horrible car accident ended Jermaine’s life. I couldn’t see my sister cry over a man that was utterly worthless. Stabbing the cigarette in the ashtray pulls me back to the present. The sound of a man groaning fills the room.

Henry shudders as he collapses on Carsons back, the two of them entwined in a way that would scandalize the world if anyone knew. For months I have been acting as their beard. The girl they used to keep up appearances. People must think I am a whore, being shared between two men. But they are more than just people, they are my friends. Well, the only ones I have at the moment. Henry presses a kiss to the top of Carson’s head before leaning back against the headboard, his expression is soft, filled with love.

“What’s your problem?” Henry asks as he wraps his arms around Carson.

“How does Gia deal with your neglect?” I counter. Gia always seems so composed, like she has her world together. While mine is crumbling slowly.

“She has two boys to keep her happy and my money,” Henry comments.

I see Carson stiffen in Henry’s arms. I wonder how he copes with loving a man that will never acknowledge him in public.

“It’s time to end this,” I say. My voice is low and steady as I begin to pack my bag. “Henry,. maybe you two should come out.” Slowly, I stand.

Henry pushes Carson aside and rolls out of the bed. “End this? Ily, Ily. No, you are under my control. Carson went down on you.”

“While you did him from the back. You never had control of me, Henry,” I snap.

Panic flickers in Henry’s eyes. “What do you want Ily?”

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