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My head shook as I followed her into the dining room. The brothers were already seated. I spoke to Kahlil as Tyreek stood and gave me a lingering hug.
“Are you okay?” I asked as he pulled my seat back.
“No, not really.”
“What’s wrong?”
Tyreek motioned for me to sit down, so I did.
“I don’t really know how to say this,” Tyreek started, avoiding my eyes.
“Just say it.”
He released a nervous chuckle and squeezed the back of his neck.
“I used to be a henchman.” He paused, giving me time to process his confession.
The only henchmen I knew were those that I saw in movies, and Tyreek didn’t give that vibe. I shouldn’t have been surprised, though, because all of the men in the crew were into something illegal at one point or another. I was aware of the journey books and their family’s history, but this piece of information was new to me.
“What does that mean?” I asked quietly, needing more details.
“It means I had several clients in the past that utilized my services for anything they didn’t want to do. Basically, if they needed something illegal done, I was the one they called.”
“Okay. You said used to, so you’re done now?”
He nodded. “Yes, I am.”
“Then what is this about?” Honey asked.
“One of my old clients…” Tyreek looked at Kahli. “Our old clients has something on Kahlil, and in order to keep that to himself, he’s asked me to marry his daughter. His daughter and I used to date. We were engaged, but she cheated, and I couldn’t respect her lifestyle.” Tyreek looked at me and took my hand into his. “That was five years ago, and I have no feelings or love for her at all. But the only chance I have of saving my brother is by going along with what he’s asked of me.”
My mouth went slack, and my heart pounded. Head tilted. Eyes blinked and mind went blank in confusion.
“What does he have?” Kahlil asked while I tried to wrap my mind around what Tyreek had just said.
“Pictures of you doing that last favor. And the gun.”
“Shit,” Kahlil cursed under his breath, covering his face. “How?”
“Apparently, he had you followed, and Westley didn’t discard of the gun like he was supposed to. Ahmad said he was keeping it for insurance in case he needed you to come back.”
“Then why is he using it against you?”
Tyreek shrugged. “I’m not sure. Something is up with Piper that’s risking his freedom. She must have some dirt on him that she’s keeping hidden in exchange for me.”
Tyreek looked at the side of my face. “I told you that I would never intentionally hurt you, and under normal circumstances, I would never choose another woman over you. But if I have to sign a marriage license to keep my brother out of prison for the rest of his life…”
“Yeah… no.” My hands lifted as I smiled, though there was nothing funny about this. Taking deep breaths, I tried to remain calm as anger filled me. I stood. “I get it. Do whatever you have to do for your brother.”
“I can’t let you do this, Tyreek,” Kahlil said as I started to leave the dining room with Honey behind me. “I knew what I was risking when I pulled the trigger. I’m not about to let you ruin your life trying to protect me.”
“Are you crazy?” Tyreek replied. “That’s life, brother. Two counts of murder. Whatever Ahmad wants from me to keep you out, that’s what I’m going to give.”
Even knowing Tyreek and I weren’t going to be together, with the sacrifices he was making for his brother and his devotion, that only made me crave and respect him more. Still, my heart ached, literally ached, knowing that we were over before we could fully start.
“Janae,” Honey called softly, taking hold of my arm. She stepped in front of me with tears in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, sis. We’re going to figure out a way to fix this.”
“There’s already a way.” I smiled bitterly, trying to keep my tears from falling. “If Tyreek has to marry that man’s daughter to keep Kahlil out of prison, that’s the best thing for him to do.”
