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did you ask everyone before you made that assumption?
 Cole...
 Abel, babe...I know it hurts. But sometimes it's the greatest things in our lives that cause us the most
pain. He squeezed his hands.  That's why it hurts so much...because they're so important.
 I can't stay, Cole. Abel choked, eyes filling.  You saw him... he shook his head and tucked his chin
to his chest, shuddering with sobs.  I did that to him, Cole. I did it.
 No. Cole said tightly, gripping his hands firmly.  You didn't. Craig did. All of this, it's his sin  not
yours.
Tears rolled down Abel's cheek and it ripped at Cole's heart to see the boy hurting this way, and to
this degree. He longed to put a stop to it, heal the boy's heart and bring the smile back to his lips  that
special smile that only Devlin could incite.
***
Dejá vu wrapped his mind as darkness fell like a heavy blanket over the city. Lights came on,
revealing the mundane activities of the private lives of those who didn't bother to close their shades.
To both his joy and his agony, Abel didn't seem to notice or care that his bare windows exposed him
to those who took a notion to look.
Devlin was one of the ones who took a notion as he sat in his car, parked across the street from the
apartment building, savoring and suffering each and every pass by the window that Abel made. His
heart begged him to go up, plead for the young man's forgiveness and  if the heavens were
particularly merciful this night  grant him his redemption and salvation in the arms of the very angel
he'd maimed.
But the onslaught of images from the hospital haunted Devlin. The boy was a mess, broken down to
the last tiny piece. And still he had told Devlin he was sorry? It was that anguished apology that
stabbed holes in Devlin's heart.
No, baby, don't you be sorry. Let the blame lay with me, all of it. Don't you carry such guilt. It isn't
your fault.
Why couldn't he just enter the building, climb the stairs to Abel's floor, then his door  and tell him all
that?
He didn't know what held him back, but rather than abandon the car in search of his elusive
redemption, he twisted the key in the ignition and drove away  leaving his damaged heart in the
empty space on the pavement next to the curb, where it could perhaps catch one last glimpse of its
love before it struck its last beat.
***
The limo hummed quietly, blocking out the sounds of the city as it weaved its way through the
crowded streets, forging a path that would eventually lead to the airport. Abel sat beside Kaplan, just
the two of them alone. Cole and Gabe had promised Savannah a trip to the zoo so she could take
pictures of the animals, and Kaplan had told them to take their time and let the girl enjoy herself. He
and Abel would wait for them on the plane.
 Do you think I'm weak? Abel whispered as he watched the city flash by outside the tinted windows.
 Why would you ask that?
 Because I'm running away. he said thickly.
Kaplan took hold of his hand and kissed it softly, drawing Abel's wet gaze to his face.  I've done my
fair share of running away from what hurts, Abel. I'll be the last person to stand in judgment of you.
Abel stared at him a moment, then asked quietly,  What did you say to him?
 Who?
 Devlin. Abel whispered, the very sound of his name gouging fresh wounds in his heart.  When you
left Savannah's room to go after him.
Sighing, Kaplan replied,  I told him if he walked out on you, it would be the biggest mistake of his
life.
His throat squeezing, Abel whispered,  What...what did he say?
Reaching up, Kaplan ran his fingers through Abel's soft hair.  What difference does it make now? he
murmured.  You're leaving him behind. You don't really care what he had to say... He slid his thumb
down the curve of his jaw,  do you?
His vision blurred and he turned away as warm tears began to slide down his cheeks.  No. he
shuddered and wiped his face with trembling fingertips.
Kaplan rested his hand on the back of his neck, massaging gently.  I didn't think so.
Silence settled between them until they were driving across the tarmac towards Kaplan's private jet.
When the limo came to a stop, the driver opened Abel's door. He started to climb out then noticed
Kaplan made no move to follow.  Are you...coming?
Kaplan smiled.  I have a few things to take care of before the flight. he said.  But make yourself at
home.
 Okay. Abel murmured doubtfully.
 Hey. Kaplan called when he started to leave. Abel turned back, and Kaplan motioned him back
inside. Abel frowned but slid across the seat, then was caught in a deep, passionate kiss as Kaplan
help him tight in his arms. When he finally drew back, Kaplan's eyes were glossy with tears.  Thank
you. he whispered, his words straining.
Abel wanted to cry and didn't understand why.  For what?
Stroking his cheeks, Kaplan smiled,  For everything. he kissed him softly on the mouth then pressed
his lips to his brow.  If anyone deserves to be happy...it's you. he dipped his head and brushed his
lips across Abel's ear.  I added a little bonus to your bank account...just for being so wonderful and
amazing.
 I don't... Abel started, but Kaplan motioned towards the door.
 Go on now. When Abel slid back out, he glanced at Kaplan once more. The man gazed at him as if
looking at him for the last time.  Love is a battlefield, baby...don't ever stop fighting.
Before Abel could ask him what he meant, the door closed and the driver returned to the front of the
limo. Moments later, the long black Cadillac pulled away, leaving him standing alone on the tarmac.
Abel watched the limo disappear, Kaplan's last words feeling heavy...as if he were saying goodbye.
But that made no sense. He glanced towards the plane. The pilot stood at the foot of the steps, hands
clasped behind his back. When Abel approached, the man smiled and shook his hand then motioned
him up the steps.
A startled frown pinched Abel's brow when the man closed up the door and locked it tight.  What...
Abel shook his head.  What are you doing?
 Mr. Kaplan's orders. was all the man said in explanation, then added,  Please take a seat for take
off.
 I don't understand. Abel started but the pilot disappeared to the front of the plane. His stomach
churning, Abel took a seat in one of the cushioned chairs by the window. What the hell was going on?
Abel closed his eyes and rested his forehead against the window as the plane began to move then it
was in the air and headed...where?
 Just so you know...this wasn't all my idea.
Abel jumped, eyes snapping open to find Devlin sitting in the seat before him. His breath caught and
staggered in his throat. Was he dreaming? Had he already fallen asleep? Devlin couldn't be...
 It was a unanimous decision that trapping you in midair was the only way to prevent you from
running away from me. he leaned forward and took Abel's hands in his, kissing them softly. Though
the pain was there in his midnight eyes...his love for Abel overshadowed it.
Tears welled up and spilled over.  Devlin...
 Don't. Devlin stood and lifted him to his feet, drawing him close.  Don't, baby. You have nothing to
be sorry for. You set me free...in so many ways. his lips moved close, barely touching Abel's mouth,
as the man whispered thickly,  The man I thought he was...didn't exist. You didn't take anything from
me...because I never had it. he closed his eyes, tears seeping down his face.  What hurt the most in
all this...was losing you.
Abel trembled, sobs building in his throat. He moved closer, touching his lips to Devlin's mouth in a [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]