pvtguy

It sounds as though Liam is starting to open up/thaw a bit. This may well be the beginning of allowing himself to love once again!

They are both doing a relationship properly this time: taking time to get to know each other and build a friendship that is comfortable, respectful, and a place to grow comfortably. Sex, then, is more than just a physical activity. Well done!

And here I think I am the old stick in the mud enjoying "single" life - Liam has me beat by miles! Of course, the difference is, he has Adrian trying to crack his self-imposed walls. I hope Adrian can do it soon!

And yet, we know why this happened. Years later, and another major confrontation has finally laid bare what really was meant in Brad's room. The question remains: If Alexander did not tell Brad about Lyn's mother, how did he find out? How did he find out about the "scholarship" Lyn had?

A very warm, supportive and loving chapter which portends wonderful things moving forward. The "Adam" scene has brought acceptance and the ability to live their lives with no guilt or regrets.

Great story...I can add no more than what has been said so articulately before! I do vote for another volume following the crew through their senior year.

All I can say to @Cane23's analysis is "WOW!" Very well done. The saying about letting love go and if it comes back to you, then it is real plays here: Will Lyn come back to Alexander? Friendship - true friendship - is a solid basis on which to build a relationship. Bella and Brad do have a chance at that if they choose it. Bella's assessment of Luke and his behavior comes from her own experience. The next chapter will be most welcome!

Great advice from Mark. Liam is afraid to step out of his self-imposed cocoon because he will have to face the grief, the uncertainty, the opening of emotions long closed off. And yet, in deepest recesses coming to the fore, the cocoon is starting to crack!

And so, part 1 ends with us readers eagerly awaiting volume 2. Ximo is telling the story but we don't know what has become of Gerardo yet. I love that historical actualities and fiction have merged so well that we get an accurate description of one man's personal experience with what living in that era was like while enjoying the story itself. Great job, @Gary L.

I'm wondering if there were prying eyes watching Ximo and Gerardo when they were out and about. Intrigue which will hopefully be addressed in Volume 2. Well done, @Gary L. I have enjoyed part 1.

It would be even better if the two detectives might well be present when Thomas Englert shows up! As for the other Tom - I am wondering if he might well be ill based on the description of his physical look.

Ah, the more things change, the more they stay the same!

What continues to amaze me is that with all their wealth, the children are raised to be very polite, appreciative and adventurous, especially with food! This was a very warm chapter focusing on the love of all the adults for this wonderful family!

Absolutely powerful writing that will challenge the reader to wonder "could this really happen or has it already been done?" Has any government, including our own, genetically engineer a human intel agent? And what would life be like for this agent? This story certainly addresses that question.

And I can truly see why this story is the #1 psychological thriller of 2025! It will take something very powerful to meet this challenge for 2026 unless you write it!.

Will Thomas Englert visit again? And if he does, will he get rough with Louis whom he thinks may be feigning ignorance about the object? Mystery abounds! Well done!

"It's OK, I think I understand. And some people just know. Mum and Dad were going out together from their teens, but didn't marry until they'd both qualified." I realise that this is a long way from real life and that someone in Gavin's position would never take a 17-year-old boy to cruising beach. But by doing so, I shook things up a bit in a way that was helpful for the plot. A similar theme, in my view, is expressed here: Is Rory too young to know what he wants? Of course, we all change as we grow older, and many couples grow apart as their interests and values might change. Still, others work together and deal with challenges together while respecting each other's changes. Simply said, love is a decision made daily to be and grow together - not just an emotional response to hormones. Rory and Slav can make it long term if they grow together. Time will tell on that. As for the age difference: Rory may be 17 chronologically, but in many ways, he is much older due to his life experiences. Many countries and cultures recognize the age of majority to be lots younger than 18 or 21.

The tension in this chapter was palpable! Wonderful writing. When comes the next chapter?

I can imagine that Tom may well be sick and not letting on yet. The relationship between Charlie and Louis has started on a strong foundation - friendship. This chapter provides a fresh start for Charlie, self-recriminations and all.

The story of Gerardo can find parallels in so many environments, but that in no way diminishes how awful his experience was. Tales of sexual abuse abound, unfortunately, and each one is very tragic in the effects it has had on the victims.

Well...I was totally wrong about Angel's reaction! I am surprised about his comment about sucking one of them, though! Such an enlightened family! Darren will add a lot to the team, I'm sure! Maybe we'll have an accepting team too!

So very "first time" enthusiasm! Esteban is very understanding and empathetic! I suspect Angel will do his best "big brother" razzing! Great chapter!

Both are doing needed reflection, but Liam has to realize Adrian is not Kevin, regardless of all the similarities. The distance at the moment will hopefully allow both to confront their feelings, their past, and what they want for their future. I like the pacing - they don't need instant love. They need to move into a relationship ready to accept one. And, yes, they definitely need to talk!

Brad is hiding his real feelings: he is not the truly straight one. Yet, he has an image to uphold. It seems that he and Bella may well be using each other to uphold a certain image!

And still, there are governments still that behave like this. either because of political power or religious beliefs and power. Power is always present in controlling the people. It will be very interesting to see how this story unfolds. I'm glad to see that a Part 2 is in the works!.