Can We Really Get Away

Chapter 9

Max watched from the sidelines as Iago bid farewell to Gonzalo for what they both hoped would be the final time. Trying to remain silent, his fists balled at his sides, Max listened to the conversation between the former lovers.

“I’m sorry if I brought you any trouble, Iago. That’s the last thing I’d ever want to do.”

“I know.” Iago nodded. “You’ve always tried to take care of me.” Iago turned toward Max offering a half-smile, then back to Gonzalo. “When does your plane leave?”

“In about three hours. The taxi will be here shortly. It was all arranged by a police officer. Apparently you have friends in high places now.”

“It’s quite a switch from my life in Barcelona.” Iago snorted.

“I tried, Iago. I really tried to make it work for us. You know I loved you. Did you at least love me a little?”

Max cringed, not sure he wanted to hear Iago’s response, but felt he had to know.

“Gonzalo, I know you loved me and had my best interests at heart. I loved you too, but not in the way it should be for a couple who want to make a life commitment to one another.”

Gonzalo looked down at the dust covered road and kicked a stone near his shoe.

“I’m trying not to hurt you, but you have to understand; from the moment I met Max there would never be anyone else I could love as much, whether Max and I were together or not.” Iago stepped closer to Gonzalo and held a finger under his chin, lifting it so they were looking into each other’s eyes. Gonzalo’s were damp, but he remained in control of his emotions.

“I think I do understand now, although it’s no less painful. In many ways I’d always known if Max ever came back you’d be his. I just hope he doesn’t hurt you again.”

Max flinched. It felt almost as if he’d been punched in the gut, especially knowing Gonzalo’s words were true. He’d hurt Iago when he’d left and refused to communicate. Max was just grateful he’d have the rest of his life to make it up to him.

“The truth is, Gonzalo, I’d take all the pain in the world if it came with having Max in my life.”

“Do you think he’s as dedicated to you? You know I am.”

Max could no longer keep his tongue, but he was cautious not to go on the attack; there was no need for that. “I promised Iago I’d spend the rest of our lives with me loving him and standing by his side no matter what. He knows I’ll never break that promise, and now I’m letting you know too.” Taking a deep breath, Max said the words he regretted the truth of, but knew he owed to Gonzalo. “You took good care of Iago when I left. Thank you. I never meant to hurt him or you. I know I have, but I won’t make the same childish mistakes again.”

Gonzalo nodded as the taxi pulled up. The driver got out and loaded the suitcase into the trunk.

“I guess this really is good-bye, Iago. We’ll probably never see each other again since I doubt you’ll ever return to Barcelona.”

Iago shook his head. “I can’t.” He wrapped his arm around Max’s waist. “Neither of us can.”

“Right, he helped you escape.” Gonzalo stood in front of Iago, eyelids still moist. “I hope I can find my Max someday.”

Iago squeezed Gonzalo’s shoulder. “You will. You’re a good man. You deserve to be with someone who loves and wants you, and only you.” Iago leaned in and kissed Gonzalo tenderly on the forehead. He then stepped back and leaned against Max as the two watched Gonzalo drive off.

“Iago, can we really do this? Can we really leave everyone and everything behind forever? I feel like I forced you into this decision.”

“No, Max, we made this decision together, just like we’ll make all our important decisions from now on.” Iago discreetly took Max’s hand as they walked into their apartment building.

Once inside their own place Iago took Max in his arms and whispered in his ear. “As far as I’m concerned the only two people we need to think about back in Spain are Beni and Peris and we’ll make sure they visit someday.”

Max smiled, seeing the determination in Iago’s face and believing him completely. Threading his fingers in Iago’s beautiful, thick head of hair, Max pressed his lips to the full warm ones in front of him. When he felt Iago pull him in closer the kiss deepened as they shared the depth of their love in the tender action.

“Max, I want you.”

“You have me. I’m all yours... forever.”

Walking him backwards toward their bed, Iago ghosted his fingers over Max’s cheek making him shiver with anticipation.

“I love you, Iago.”

“I love you, Max -- now and forever.”

“Never to be parted again.”

“Never.”

No more words were needed as Iago slowly removed Max’s clothing followed by his own. When he entered Max their union was complete. Max knew this was how his life should be, joined with Iago from this moment on. They were right together. As he felt his lover move from within, Max felt whole.

For the first time Mozambique was no longer the place he came to when he ran away, it was home. Max’s only home was Iago -- he understood that now.

The two rocked together in a rhythm only they shared and when Max felt his orgasm build and carry him over the edge, he could also feel Iago fill him with warmth from the inside. Someday they’d be able to be completely barrier-free, but for now this was enough.

Iago clung to Max, their bodies so close no air could move between them. “I want this. I want you, and only you, from now on.”

“Iago, that’s what I want too.”

“We did it, Max. We really got away.”

Max kissed Iago, hungry to continue their connection. “I’ll never let anyone, including me, hurt you again.”

Iago matched Max’s hunger as the two shared their taste, heating up once again, unable to keep their hands from one another. This was their time and both men planned to make the most of it before they returned to work the next day.

Despite all the death, sadness, and fear he’d experienced in his young life, Max knew that with Iago the tide had turned. He had never felt more alive.
 

Return to Can We Really Get Away