"Gustavo, you may not deem yourself a hero. But you have certainly acted heroically. Your terms are accepted, in full. I urge you to consider contacting me directly if there is ever a time in the future when you require emergency help. I pledge to do everything possible, that is reasonably within my power, that may be of some benefit to you. And I will be watching your career with great interest."
"Thank you," Gustavo nods, relieved and smiling, placing the wand into her gloved, trembling hands.
RAFAEL PENA'S BRAWNY fingers rest on top of Aleksey's hand on the outdoor table. They are on a restaurant patio, under a vine-covered pergola, with glasses of chardonnay. The vibrant lights of the Las Vegas Strip glow and flicker in the distance.
"Where do you and I go from here, babe?" Rafael asks.
"Our own separate ways," Aleksey answers, biting his lower lip.
"No, please don't say that. There is hope for us."
"You can make someone else very happy."
"Then why did you agree to have wine with me tonight?" Rafael asks, pressing down on Aleksey's hand, trying to hold on.
"To forgive you," Aleksey answers, "to thank you for the good times we shared, and to wish you the very best. I harbor no anger or resentment."
"You believe in forgiveness, but not second chances?"
"Oh Rafael, don't confuse the two. They are not the same concepts. Forgiveness brings peace. A second chance brings a repeat of history."
ZACHARY INTERRUPTS their hike and scales a monolithic rock formation in the Valley of Fire, a state park north and east of Las Vegas full of historic dunes and mountain ridges. Gustavo climbs up the opposite side of the jagged rocks until he reaches the lengthy tunnel chamber naturally formed inside the sandstone from hundreds of thousands of years of erosion from desert wind and water.
Zachary spots Gustavo at the far end and tests the tunnel's echoing effects.
"You dear man," Zachary says, "can you hear this compliment, so far away, when I speak with my regular voice?"
"I can," Gustavo answers, his voice also rolling and transporting down the hollow of the long tunnel.
"What about a whisper?"
Gustavo does not answer.
"I am falling in love with you," Zachary whispers.
Gustavo crawls into the chamber, scraping the sandstone's red ash onto his hiking clothes.
"Meet me halfway," Gustavo hollers, sliding forward. "The first one to the center wins the kiss of his choice."
Zachary wriggles inside the tunnel and squirms to the estimated center a few seconds before Gustavo. Looking at the soot and pebbles in each other's hair and clothes, they both laugh.
"You won fair and square," Gustavo says. "Where do you want your kiss?"
"Everywhere," Zachary answers with a deadpan expression.
"I can only reach your face in this tunnel," Gustavo reminds him.
"Then I will collect my prize in Hawaii."
Gustavo kisses the tip of Zachary's nose.
"I feel overwhelmed with a sense of power and hope," Gustavo says. "I wish I had the words to express it."
"You should," Zachary replies. "You achieved the altruistic conclusion for the cobra. How many other people could selflessly hand away invaluable treasure?"
"That is deeply rewarding, but it is not just that. It's about how I feel being around you."
"Don't fall in love with me, Gustavo. I never want to hurt you. I don't think I am what you want."
"Why not?"
"I will tell you..."
"But you are still not ready?"
"No, not yet."
Gustavo backs slowly out of the tunnel, scraping his elbows on the cold stone edges of the rocks.
40
Island
Zachary looks at the first class passengers in the row of the plane behind them. Both women are wearing headphones and seem to be completely oblivious to the presence of the men. Across the aisle, Aleksey is staring out the window, trying to spot particular homes and buildings before the plane soars too high and too far west. Leaving McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, all of the passengers are confined by their seat belts as the plane ascends.
"We have privacy," Zachary says to Gustavo beside him. "I want to ask you something. Are you struggling with your new reality?"
"Do you mean not being able to live an ordinary life?" Gustavo asks. "Having to conceal my whereabouts and home and so forth?"
"It's not easy to do. It requires a massive change in mindset."
"I am not fretting about it. I doubt I will ever resent doing it because there was really no choice at all. It is a new phase of my life and now safety will be paramount."
"I admire your attitude, Gustavo," Zachary adds.
"To be completely frank with you," Gustavo replies, "a major life change is due for me anyway. I fell in a slump—both a creative slump and a financial crisis. I am not quitting. In fact, I am intrigued with pursuing a new direction—a new phase—but I will be working toward new achievements outside of Los Angeles. I cannot afford to live there anymore. I am actually considering looking for a room to rent during our trip to Oahu. The island would be expensive for a newcomer, but I know it extremely well. I can live there incognito, affordably, with more friends and a stronger support system than I was able to develop in California."
"Is your decision final?"
"About the direction of my art and creative exploration? Yes. About moving back to Oahu? No."
GUSTAVO LEADS THE WAY up the final concrete and metal steps to the peak. Zachary, close behind him, and Aleksey, several lengths back, enjoy the sudden rush of mountain and ocean breezes.
Upon reaching the pinnacle of the Diamond Head trail, the three men separate. Each one surveying his own vistas and making his own observations. Each one lost in his own thoughts and contemplating his own decisions.
Ready to share his ideas, Zachary finds Aleksey first. He joins him, leaning against a railing, gazing at Waikiki harbor and the skyscrapers of Honolulu.
"Have you told Gustavo the truth yet?" Aleksey asks, adding a friendly wink.
"I am about to," Zachary answers. "He may abhor me once he knows the reason for my promiscuity."
"No, not that truth. Your truth. Your feelings for him."
"You think I'm in love?"
"You are, Zach. Tell him. Then he can make his own choices."
"Nothing changes with us, Aleksey. I want and need your protection and friendship. I hope you will work for me for many years to come."
"I already told you I will remain with you, no matter where you decide to live. I mean that. Thank you for reassuring me that we are solid. Now, please go to Gustavo. There will never be a better time or place."
Zachary moseys to Gustavo, takes his hand, and leads him off the trail. They sit on the low, roof-like platform of a dormant concrete bunker perched on the top of a ridge, facing the Pacific Ocean.
"It's time, Gustavo," Zachary says. "It's finally time. I have to tell you now."
"Is it time for us to part ways?" Gustavo asks.
"I hope not."
Gustavo inhales a deep breath. Visibly relieved, he turns his body so he is facing Zachary.
"Financially, you need my help," Zachary says. "Let me take care of your worries."
"No, you don't owe me money," Gustavo replies. "I cannot accept your money. That is not what I want."
"Hold on. I am doing this all wrong."
Zachary slides a few inches closer and puts his arm around Gustavo's shoulders.
"Let me try again," Zachary says. "I am bumbling because I was planning on telling you one thing—about my past—and now I want to tell you something else too."
"If you are not sure of your words, don't say them yet," Gustavo responds. "I am not asking anything of you. If you are struggling to vocalize something, then maybe you are not ready."
"I am ready, but it's hard to say."
"Is it what you whispered to me in the tunnel?"
"You heard that
?" Zachary asks, his eyebrows arching and his jaw dropping.
"Is it true?" Gustavo asks.
"Yes."
"Are you certain?"
"I am sure. I am falling in love with you."
Gustavo wraps his arm around Zachary's waist. They embrace, squeezing each other closer than ever before. Neither man relents.
"Are you in love with me too?" Zachary asks, speaking directly into Gustavo's ear.
"You know I am," Gustavo answers.
"Tell me."
"I love you and want to make you happy."
Zachary twitches and the men release each other from their grip. Zachary holds both of Gustavo's hands, using his thumbs to rub the top of his fingers.
"Please let me share what you must know before we take any step further," Zachary says. "My promiscuity, since I have been a professional fighter, has not been based on lust. Or a need for approval. Or insecurity or a feeling of power. Nothing like that. Instead, I became convinced that I could acquire—legally, ethically, and naturally—mighty strength from the seeds of other men. I have to speak candidly. Receiving the semen of other virile men surged strength through my mind and body, and I eagerly swallowed it. Every drop. To this day, whether scientifically right or wrong, I still believe in it. But something happened along the way, Gustavo. Through the years, sex became empty of attraction and dynamics with other men, and solely became a pursuit for bodily fluid. I realized I wasn't making love. I wasn't even having quick flings. I was just sucking other men and ingesting their essence. The sorry truth is I cannot even remember the last time I had real sex with someone. Until kissing you in the cabin, I cannot recall the last time I kissed someone on the mouth. Do you understand what I am saying?"
"I do understand," Gustavo answers. "Are you saying you must continue your promiscuity until you retire from your sport?"
"No, it is time I find power in a new way. Power not from strangers, but from someone who loves me. Whether I slip and my career wanes, or if I continue ascending and reach international fame and championship title belts, I want a meaningful life that includes affection. I want to build a life with someone I love. That person is you."
"We have only known each other a few days, but my feelings are intense and certain too. If what you want is a partner, not someone to take care of with your money, then let's do this. Let's pursue it together."
"Let's pursue it with everything we've got."
41
Intimacy
Night rain drizzles cool Aleksey's cheeks, scalp, and forehead. The faint sound of a distant party from a beach house further down the coast of the North Shore, a neighborhood on Oahu's northern coast, is no match for the soothing noise of the crashing and retreating waves near his feet. He finishes his coconut and papaya drink and considers the attractive young man still staring at him.
Both Aleksey and the stranger stand in front of adjoining two story beachside homes. The house behind Aleksey is a lemon-color family home with wide eaves and a large balcony. The stranger, dark-featured with a full beard and closely-cropped haircut, is stationed before a trail through brush leading to a lime-green two story home with extensive windows. Aleksey is dressed casually, while this man is in slacks and a grey, long sleeve, button-down shirt.
When Aleksey's nod is answered with a grin, he amiably walks toward the stranger through the thick sand, careful to avoid the dark and hidden boulders protruding along portions of the beach.
"I know that stance anywhere," Aleksey quips. "Are you a cop?"
"Maybe someday," the man replies. "Tonight, I am working security."
"As am I."
"Eric," the man says, introducing himself and firmly shaking Aleksey's hand.
"Aleksey."
"What kind of client do you have?"
"An entertainer," Aleksey answers. "You?"
"A Silicon Valley CEO and her husband. Are you on duty too?"
"I am always on duty," Aleksey chuckles. "But I can visit with you if you'd like."
"Please do," Eric responds and smiles.
"You have been staring me down, I noticed. Do you deem me a security threat?"
"No, should I? I admit I just can't keep my eyes off you."
"I appreciate your candor," Aleksey says. "You have my full attention as well."
Eric strolls the beach with Aleksey, circling so that they remain near the vicinity of the lime-green home. During their conversation they discover common ground with things important and trivial, from a shared work ethic and dedication to professionalism, to an affinity for classic movies and classic rock. Aleksey catches Eric stealing glances at his body. Even in the darkness, he notices Eric's impressive chest, broad shoulders, and intelligent eyes. Eric's humble spirit appeals to him even more.
The men change numbers after talking for hours. Eric relays that he will be at the home throughout the week of his client's vacation. Aleksey tells him that he hopes to remain on the North Shore for a long time to come, but his plans could change at any moment based on his boss's wishes.
"I can't wait to get to know you better tomorrow," Eric says, embracing Aleksey with a goodbye hug. "If for any reason you are gone before morning, let's pledge to meet again someday, wherever that may be."
"We'll have tomorrow," Aleksey answers. "My guess is we will be here all week too. But don't worry, if anything happens and we end up fleeing from here in the middle of the night, I won't forget you."
Aleksey leans forward and Eric kisses him. They push their bodies together. Aleksey gives Eric a last kiss on the cheek and turns to head back to the lemon-color rental home. Eric holds his arm.
"Don't go," Eric pleads.
"You are the one who has to check in," Aleksey counters.
"I know. I just don't want to risk not seeing you again."
"Tomorrow night we can sneak out of our beach houses, like teenagers, and get into some trouble."
"I'll be counting on that."
ZACHARY, BRUSHING HIS teeth, strolls from the balcony into the master bedroom. Gustavo, already mostly nude under the covers of the king size bed, removes his socks and tosses them onto the chair with his other clothes.
"Aleksey found a friend on the beach," Zachary says.
"Good," Gustavo replies, "he needs to be fortunate too."
"Aleksey is not attracted to men easily, so this guy must have special qualities."
"Where does Aleksey want to live?"
"Here. Hawaii."
"Really?" Gustavo asks. "I never heard him say that."
"Earlier tonight, I asked Aleksey where he wanted us to live," Zachary says, unbuttoning his shirt and removing his clothes. "He was taken aback. We already had an understanding that he would remain my bodyguard no matter where I chose to move to. I assured him again nothing has changed on that front. I just wanted to know his thoughts. Aleksey thought I was asking his opinion for me, but I corrected him and said I wanted to know where he would be happy. Aleksey answered he can be content almost anywhere. So when I finally got him to understand I wanted to include his wishes as part of the decision-making process on where we can live, Aleksey was very touched. Almost emotional. Aleksey said he would love to spend more time on the island."
"All of this was even before he met the guy out there. Another promising sign."
Zachary turns off the lights and stands nude by the bed. The moonlight glows on his skin and illuminates his musculature and wolf-like countenance. Gustavo folds back the blankets, exposing himself too.
"Come here," Zachary says. "I want to enjoy the reflections and discover your whole body."
Gustavo slides out of bed, takes Zachary's hand, and leads him close to the window. Gustavo's creamy smooth skin and flowing shapes contrast harmoniously with Zachary's hairy body, tattoos, and bulging shapes. Their fingers continue discovering each other's curves and sensitive places as they tenderly kiss.
Tasting each other's mouths, their intensity escalates. Gustavo kneads Zachary's nipples. Simultaneously, Zachary squeezes
Gustavo's butt cheeks and rubs his finger around the perimeter of his hole. The men return to the edge of the bed. Gustavo squats to the floor and Zachary enters his mouth, throbbing and leaking. Zachary's taste causes Gustavo to moan and tickle Zachary with the tip of his tongue for more. Zachary's hairy scrotum is heavy in his palm and Zachary reacts to every shift of movement.
Gustavo lays on the bed on his back. Zachary climbs between his legs, flicks his tongue over his toes, and massages his calves and thighs. Zachary flattens to the bed on his chest, lifts Gustavo's ankles up, wide apart, and explores under his balls. Gustavo's strained erection aches for release.
Zachary applies lube and a condom. He crawls on top of Gustavo, who traces his fingertips up and down Zachary's back as Zachary plunges inside him. Gustavo, though yearning for him, staggers from Zachary's hefty size. Zachary gives him a few moments to relax and adjust to his dimensions. In this moment, Gustavo's mind finds tranquility too. He sees and senses the piercing forces—red, grey, black—excitedly springing in Zachary's aura.
For the first time, Gustavo outright witnesses his own energy. Flowing, intricate strands, in shades of green and orange—as he had surmised when painting his self-portrait in his studio—cavort the length of his body. Zachary begins pushing deeper inside, then slowly twisting and retreating outward, for Gustavo's maximum pleasure. Zachary kisses Gustavo and nuzzles his neck as he speeds his pace and further develops their connection. Gustavo, overwhelmed with the physical and spiritual sensations, watches the strands of his energy envelop Zachary and his aura. Their colors and lines frolic, playfully merging together, separating, and creating new formations.
Gustavo's hands are clasped behind Zachary's back. Though he is not touching himself, the mounting pressure on his erection reaches its zenith. Gustavo cries out and trembles into orgasm while Zachary plummets further inside with profound thrusts. Zachary feels every pulsation from Gustavo and moves his body to heighten Gustavo's ecstasy.
Gustavo collects his seed that has rocketed onto his stomach, entwines it in his fingers, and rolls it onto Zachary's tongue. Zachary surges and bucks, savors Gustavo's taste, and swallows him as his own body can no longer restrain from climax.
Guarding His Desires (Passionate Security Book 2) Page 15