Can We Really Get Away

Chapter 2

Iago scanned the small one-room apartment that had been assigned to Max when he arrived so many months before.

“I hope you’re not too disappointed. I know it’s a lot smaller than Beni’s place.” Max’s dimples disappeared as he frowned.

“It’s the most beautiful place I could imagine.” Iago wrapped his arms around Max from behind, nuzzling his neck until he heard the soft laugh he loved so much. “It’s much better than prison.” Max elbowed him in the ribs for that one. “Besides, this is ours -- just ours. We’ve shared Beni’s apartment, but this is the first time we have a home all our own.

Turning in Iago’s arms, Max looked into his eyes. “Are you really happy with your decision? No regrets?”

“Max, I don’t remember ever feeling like this before. We’re really going to build a life together. For a long time I didn’t think that would be possible. Now, I can’t imagine living without you.”

“Me neither.” Max crashed his lips onto Iago’s. The two clung to each other, gripping T-shirts, tugging them off, needing more. “I’ve always wanted you, even before I was brave enough to admit it.”

“You’re the brave one; you came to me at the kiosk that first time.”

“And then ran from you repeatedly.”

“You came to your senses soon enough. We’re a couple now, forever.” Iago winked.

Max smiled, his sweet dimples returning. Iago ghosted his fingers over Max’s lips and cheeks. “So beautiful.”

“As are you.”

Watching Max blush, his eyelashes batting sweetly, Iago felt something deep within. It was more than butterflies; it was like falling in love all over again.

Taking Max’s hand he guided him to the bed in the corner of the room.

“Aren’t you hungry? Maybe we should eat first.”

Iago tenderly peppered kisses along Max’s shoulder, caressing his back as he held him close. “There’s only one thing I’m hungry for now. The rest can wait.”

Max’s breath hitched. “I love you, Iago. I don’t know what I was thinking, trying to live without you.”

“Don’t ever do that again.”

“I promise, never again.”

The two finished undressing and lay in their bed together for the first time. Iago felt like it was a new first experience for both of them. Max was the only man he wanted for the rest of his life. Any man before paled by comparison.

“I love you, Max. Let me show you how much.”

The two held one another as they moved in a rhythm that was theirs alone.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

“What are you making?” Iago walked around the apartment naked, something he’d never felt completely comfortable doing at Beni’s, knowing Max’s father could walk in at any time.

“If you keep moving around like that, nothing will get made. You’re distracting me.”

Iago smirked. “Good. At least I know I don’t bore you yet.”

Max chuckled. “Bore me. That’s not likely to happen. Life with you is never boring, even when we just sit around and watch TV.”

“I’m glad you feel that way.” Iago smirked.

“You know, if you don’t get dressed, we may never make it back to the hospital.”

“We have the day off, remember.”

“We also have company coming.”

Iago’s eyes widened.

“Don’t you remember? Beni tried to call and text, but it didn’t come through well.”

“Are you sure he’s coming?”

“I tried to call back, but he didn’t answer. It’s strange. I don’t know how he’d get enough money gathered so fast.”

“He better not have sold the churros stand.” Iago stood behind Max, massaging his shoulders, making it extremely difficult for him to concentrate on the simple assembly of a couple of sandwiches. “He can’t possibly be thinking of moving in with us, can he?”

“What!” Max wiped his hands on a nearby dishtowel. “He’s got no reason to want to stay here.”

“He’s got you.”

“And Beni knows you’re with me. I don’t think he’d barge in on us.”

“Then isn’t it a little soon for a visit. We only left early this morning.”

Max shrugged, but his mind kept turning over the broken contact from Beni, earlier that day. Everything had gone better than planned. He and Iago were beginning their new life as partners on the right foot. If he could just figure out what Beni was babbling about. It was hard enough to understand his Papa when they were face-to-face, but this was impossible.

“Are you happy now?” Iago stood before Max, wearing a pair of slim jeans. No matter what his lover wore, Max would fantasize about how to remove it. That fantasy carried him through his long, lonely months alone in Mozambique. Now he knew for certain how much better the real thing is. “Max, did you hear me?”

“Sorry. Yes, I heard you.” Max gazed at Iago’s muscular chest, his erect nipples, cut forearms. “Shit, I can’t stop thinking about...”

“Let’s just make sure you get all the thanks you deserve for saving me from a life alone in prison.”

“Okay.” The two kissed and then sat down at the little table in front of the kitchenette.

No sooner did they begin eating than there was a knock on the door.

Iago stood up. “You don’t really think Beni came here right after us, do you? Hell, the police would be following him everywhere.”

“No. I’m sure it must be Rob or Kevin. Maybe they’re dropping off our schedules for the week.”

Nodding, Iago made his way to the door. “Ahhh, that makes sense.”

Opening it, Max couldn’t see who was on the other side. All he heard was Iago’s angry voice. “What the hell are you doing here?”
 

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