Tarek Never Wanted a Family

Chapter Eighteen

Ilyana

I hate 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.