Choices - Prologue. Prologue

Prologue

Liam stretched tired arms over his head, feeling the delicious muscle aches that came after of vigorous sex. His hand came into contact with warm flesh… Alek. Rolling over, he leaned up onto his elbow, taking in the sight of his still sleeping boyfriend. Today had been wonderful. His big Russian had taken the day off and driven them out of town to a secluded pond. It was a beautiful, private location Liam hoped they could visit again soon.

<><><>

“Oh my God, Alek! It’s beautiful. How did you find this place?”

Aleksei’s grin was pleased as his eyes twinkled. “I’m glad you like it. The property belongs to one of my regular clients. He’s almost never in the area this time of year, and said I could use the swimming hole whenever I needed to get away.”

With a laugh, Liam wrapped his arms around his boyfriend’s neck, pulling him down for a kiss. “So?” he asked between heated kisses. “Does this mean we’re all alone out here?”

Aleksei’s grin turned wicked as he stepped back to pull his t-shirt over his head, revealing a muscular, lightly furred chest. “Get naked.”

“So bossy.” Liam winked before pulling off his own clothes, and throwing them onto a nearby tree branch. His jeans hadn’t yet left his hand when Alek started to drag him towards the water’s edge. “Hey, you big brute,” Liam scolded with a chuckle. “I like to go in slowly.”

“Hush,” Alek admonished, pulling him into the surprisingly cool pond.

With a squeal he would never admit to, Liam lost his footing and fell in, dragging Alek down with him. Alternately sputtering for breath and laughing, both men floated side-by side, holding hands. After a short swim, his boyfriend pulled out towels and a large blanket from the trunk of the car. The big lug had even packed a picnic lunch. It was only sandwiches and soda, but Liam was touched.

The rest of the afternoon was spent naked; alternately making love, cooling off in the water, and basking in the warm sun. It was the best day Liam had in some time.

“I love you,” he whispered, brushing his lips against Alek’s chest. “Thank you for today.”

“I love you too, Li. I know we haven’t spent a lot of time together lately….”

“This was perfect.”

When they returned to Liam’s several hours later, both men were exhausted. Not wanting to cook, they ordered a pizza, and fell asleep in each other’s arms within minutes of eating the last slice.

<><><>

Liam wished they could have more of these days. It seemed as though the longer they were together, the less he actually saw of his boyfriend. Frowning, he flopped onto his back. Could he even call Alek his boyfriend? He was positive they were both faithful, but their relationship was still a secret from everyone except a select few. After a year, Alek’s continued insistence on discretion was the cause of the majority of their disagreements.

“Why the frown, miliy moy?” Alek asked, his voice still rough from sleep.

“Just thinking...,” Liam responded, giving Alek a crooked smile. After the great day they’d had, he didn’t want to start a fight now.

“Thinking too much is bad for your health.” Aleksei leaned in for a kiss, and then looked at the alarm clock on the side table. “Damn,” he said, stifling a yawn. “It’s late, I’d better head out.”

“You could stay.” He offered every time, but Alek didn’t stay very often, saying he didn’t want his family to suspect he was seeing someone. Pointing out that Alek was seeing someone was not a popular response.

“You know I can’t, baby.”

“Yeah, I know.” Liam inhaled slowly, and decided to change the subject. “What time are you coming over on Saturday? Marty should be here at three, so if you arrive around six, we could have dinner and maybe go out somewhere after.” It was his birthday this weekend, and his friend Martin was coming into town for a couple of days to help him celebrate. They hadn’t seen each other in years, although they emailed, texted or talked on the phone several times a week.

Groaning, Alex slapped his forehead. “Shit.”

“What?”

“I forgot… a friend of my father’s just moved here from Russia, and my parents asked me to join them for the welcome dinner they’re hosting for him and his family.”

“Alek….” Bitter disappointment made Liam’s stomach sour. “You promised you’d be here. This is important to me.”

“Li….” Muscular arms reached for him, but Liam pulled away. “You know I want to be there, but my parents….”

“I’m so fucking sick of hearing about what your parents want. There’s always a fucking excuse with you,” Liam snapped, rising from the bed. He needed to put some distance between them. This wasn’t the first time Alek had let him down. “I… I don’t think I can do this anymore, Aleksei.”

“Liam? Please don’t do this. It’s one day.”

“No… this isn’t just about my birthday. I’m sick and tired of being in this god-damned closet. It’s not even mine! I won’t be second in your life anymore. I deserve better than being your dirty secret. If you can’t tell your family about us, we’re through.”

“Baby, please. Don’t do this. I promise, the next weekend, I’m all yours. We can do whatever you want.”

“I want you to leave.”

“Li….”

“No more excuses. I’ve been patient for a year, and nothing has changed. Either you’re here on Saturday, or I’m done.” The silence from the other man was telling, and Liam felt tears start to roll down his cheeks. This hurt so much, but he knew he was making the right decision. He’d allowed this to go on for far too long. With a determined nod, Liam turned to face the window.

“Just go, Aleksei. If you care about me at all, you won’t make this harder.”

When the bedroom door opened and was shut again, he felt as though his heart had shattered. The air went out of his lungs as the reality of what he’d done swamped him. Climbing into his bed he grabbed a pillow and hugged it close as silent tears dampened the fabric. He knew he made the right decision, but that knowledge did little to ease the hurt. Alek had chosen, and he didn’t choose him.