by Ts McKinney
Alexander blushed. “Well, there’s no business to run actually. My parents died six months ago in an accident overseas, and I’ve recently sold the family business.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Landry answered automatically. The rest of the room offered their condolences. Landry looked around the small room and knew that every person he loved was there with him. He felt…peace.
“Don’t be,” Alexander remarked just as quickly, causing every mouth in the room to gasp…except for London. London knew exactly what Alexander had gone through, what he’d dealt with where his parents were concerned. “They were the same people when they died as they were when they sent me to that camp—the parents that couldn’t love their child if he was gay.” Alexander shrugged. “So…don’t be sorry on my account. They never loved me, never accepted me. I hate that they had to die, but I’m glad they’re out of my life.”
Alexander’s words weren’t matching what Landry knew about his life. “Your wife? How’s she?”
Alexander barked out a laugh. “My wife took the money I offered her and ran. She was a friend at the beginning of the marriage but once she realized I couldn’t give her what she needed, the friendship quickly turned to hatred. I…I did her wrong by marrying her. She deserved better. I hope she has a happy life.” He smiled. “She’ll never have to want for anything, that’s for certain!”
“I…I don’t understand,” Landry stammered. “I looked you up online—you seemed so happy.”
“You saw the lie I presented to everyone. The lie I lived just to make my parents happy. I wasn’t brave like you, Landry. I didn’t have the mental strength to run away and start a life…a beautiful life. I took the coward’s way out and transformed myself into what they wanted me to be. My entire life has been a huge lie.”
London cleared his throat. “Was a lie, kiddo. That’s behind you now. You’re finally stepping out of their shadows and you’re ready to live your own life…live for you.”
“So, you’re still gay?” Landry asked.
Alexander snorted. “Of course, I’m still gay. You knew me, Landry. That was hardly something I was faking!”
“Too much information!” Landon bellowed. “I say that right here and right now, we vow to never speak of your friendship in camp again.”
Landry punched him in the gut. “Oh, you big, poof! We were kids!” He grabbed Alexander into another hug. “I’ve got so many friends to introduce you to! Baby, you haven’t been living! You’ve got to stay here on the island. Stay with me and mine. I promise that we’ll all take care of you.”
A pretty blush stained Alexander’s cheeks. “Are you certain? I don’t want to be any trouble, but the, uh, rest of my life is pretty open right now. Since selling the business, I’ve got money and time…way too much time. I’d…love to hang out with you guys for a while, learn to live again.”
Landry clapped his hands together with glee. “Jeezus! It’s like you’re almost a virgin. We’re going to have so much fun together. I own this club.” He waved his hands in the air in excitement. “Never mind, that. I’ll show it to you later. Hell, I’d introduce you to some hotties right now, but everybody in this room is…taken.” His eyes narrowed when he looked in London and Sage’s direction. The big man had pulled a chair up next to Sage’s bed and was playing with the boy’s hand. Cute. Very cute. Sage needed all the attention he could get.
Rory stepped up and said, “Not everybody is taken, Landry.” Turning his drop-your-pants-smile toward Alexander, he said, “Hey, there. I’m Rory.” As the entire room gasped in outrage, Rory held out his hand to Riley and said, “And this is Riley—my lover. My love.” Riley stepped toward Rory and wrapped his arm around his waist. “We’d love to get to know you better.”
The room was silent…except for Alexander’s heavy breathing. His cheeks flushed. His pupils dilated. After a few seconds, his tongue darted out to wet his lips. “Oh…okay…that sounds like fun.”
“Well, I’ll be damned,” Landry said with a huge smile on his face.
The End
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
T.S. McKinney lives in East Tennessee with her high school sweetheart/husband and all the countless dogs she picks up from deserted country roads. Her professional career has been in business but her heart has always belonged to the fantasy world found in books.
Creating wicked worlds where one can meet the perfect hero – and then do anything to him that you want – has been a hobby that has brought her plenty of hours of fun and naughty entertainment. When not working, reading, or writing, she loves to spend time with her family and forcing them (because they don’t really have another choice) to allow her to redecorate their houses…and listen to her naughty…sometimes sadistic stories.
PAINTED HEARTS PUBLISHING
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