Never Leave, Never Lie

by Thea Verdone

It was just a game, right? Ian was calling his bluff. Well, Alek wasn’t bluffing. Falling in love with Ian had made Alek weak, and Alek would never forgive him for that. Never.

“Fuck you,” Alek said. “I thought that’s what we were doing.” “Careful. You’re beginning to make me mad.” “I like you mad.” The push and pull of power was what first brought them together and the only thing that held them together now.

I could forget everything about myself and still know that I love you.

“Knowing I have more money than you doesn’t make you feel emasculated?” Without opening his eyes, Ian said, “Do you want me to show you exactly how emasculated I don’t feel right now?” Alek wanted that, very much. “Another time. Go to sleep before I change my mind.”

You kissed me and when I closed my eyes I could still see the stars behind my eyelids, like you gave them to me, so I’d never be alone, so it would never be dark inside my mind again. That’s when I knew I loved you.”

After a relatively strong handshake, the girl named Briar let go and turned back to Alek. “Just look at the wingspan on his hand.” She clucked her tongue, then muttering something indiscernible, left them alone.