Page 79 of Insatiable Hunger

“If it weren’t for her, I probably wouldn’t have even graduated high school or be where I am today. All she ever wanted for me was to have what we never had—a family; a happy one. She wanted more than anything to see me get married and be happy. Then she was diagnosed with cancer for the first time, and I didn’t think she was going to make it.”

My throat feels strained as I speak.

“She has done so much for me, was so selfless, gave up so much to make sure I was raised in a loving, safe environment. I wanted to give her this one thing—the only thing she wanted from me—before she died.”

Katie opens her mouth like she wants to say something before closing it. Her throat rolls as she swallows, and this is the closest I’ve ever seen her come to looking uncomfortable.

“I… Are you gay, then?”

My brows twist inward with confusion. “I don’t see how my sexuality is relevant right now, but yes, Katie. I am a gay man.”

“Well, I only ask because why marry a woman at all? I’ve met your sister, and I definitely didn’t get homophobic vibes from her, so I can’t imagine she wouldn’t be accepting of you getting married to a man. So, why marry a woman? Why not get married for real to someone you’re actually in love with?”

It’s a valid question. But—“It’s not that simple. Let’s take the love aspect completely out of the equation for a moment, and focus just on your first question: Why not marry a man instead? It’s not as if I can just marry anybody. A certain level of trust and respect is required. Maybe you haven’t noticed, but I don’t exactly keep that many people close to me.

“And to bring your love question into the mix… some people spend years—some, their entire life—trying to find love. I didn’t have years, Katie. I thought my sister was going to die. And prior to Elias, I didn’t even think I was capable of feeling that type of love, so—”

“Wait,” she blurts out, cutting me off. “Are you saying you’rein lovewith Elias?”

Fucking hell.“That’s not what I meant.”

Lips pursed together, she says, “Mmhm. Sure, it’s not.”

Rolling my eyes, she chuckles, but thankfully, drops it.

“So, why Valerie?” she questions. “And does she know?”

“Of course, she knows,” I hiss. “I wouldn’t marry her under false pretenses.”

“You’ll fuck her son, no problem, but marrying her under false pretenses is taking it too far. Got it.”

“Do you want your fucking answers, or should you leave now?” I spit out. “The latter works for me.”

She holds her hands up in surrender. “Fine. Sorry, you big baby.”

“Valerie and I met when she was working as a bartender at a place in town. Before I met Elias, even. We became friends during that time, and for reasons I will not disclose to you—because again, not my place—this idea came to fruition.” And even though I feel like it should go without saying, I add, “I did not know she was Elias’s mother when we decided to do this. Hell, I didn’t even think I was ever going to see Elias again.”

“And what? When you figured out they were related, you thought,ah, what the hell?”

“I get that it’s hard for you to understand. I’d probably have a hard time with it too, had it not been me in the middle of it, but it’s not that simple. Don’t you think I’ve tried to stay away from him? Don’t you think I’ve tried to make these feelings go away? I never set out to hurt anybody, but life sometimes isn’t as simple as that.”

Katie scoffs. “She’s going to be livid when she finds out. You know that, right? And you also know that you have to tell her, right?”

“I’m glad you seem to be so fucking perfect, sitting over there on your high horse,” I deadpan. “And to answer your questions; yes, I do know.”

Eyes narrowed on me, she stands, smoothing a hand down her clothes. “And Elias deserves better. He deserves to be more than second place or someone’s sidepiece. You don’t deserve him.”

As soon as the door is shut and she’s gone, I drop my head in my hands, too fucking stunned to even process what the fuck just happened.

What the hell am I going to do?

Chapter Thirty-Five

Zeke Alvarez

The call I’ve been absolutely dreading came through this morning. Elena is being moved into hospice care. It’s not looking good, and I need to fly down there soon if I want a chance at seeing her and saying goodbye before it’s too late. Despite this being her second relapse, I still never expected the day to come.

In my mind, my sister is invincible, and she’d outlive me. Which I’m aware is a juvenile way of thinking, but it’s all I had to hold on to. For all intents and purposes, she was as good of a mom to me as any. She’s all I had for so many fucking years, and it’s not fair that her life’s being cut short by something as vile and wicked as cancer.

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