55 When the Enemy is too Dangerous ...

Nowicki sighed. He felt stupid that he had blown himself out so easily.

"When I went to get my things, my apartment looked like someone was sending me a message. I got acquainted with her and that was the end of it."

"It means…?"

"I mean, don't worry about it. I'm not as clumsy as you might think."

"But ..."

The concern in the look and voice of Dominik, although they embarrassed Andrzej, also pleased him. Instead of himself, the boy was worried about him. It was so warm that he couldn't help but smile on his lips. Besides, he didn't even want to resist this smile.

"Everything will be fine" he assured the young actor in a reassuring voice. „Marczak knows that if I really wanted to harm him, I would have done it already, and so have you. He may be short-tempered, but he's no idiot. Neither are we. All we want from him is peace of mind. It probably won't cost him too much."

Apart from the departure of Śliwiński, the leading star of his agency. However, if he plays it wisely, he may even benefit from it. If what Duda said that winning the role for Dominik is getting more and more difficult, Marczak will be able to proudly say that he has got rid of the problematic star who, without his brilliant manager, should learn the bitterness of the film world and cool down.

It is Śliwiński who will be put in an uncomfortable, if not difficult situation. With his departure from the agency, he should change his behavior towards his colleagues from the industry and show that his earlier unavailability was due not to his ill will, but to the arrangements between him and the manager. That is why this party was so important.

Dominik's eyes never left his. The unease in them just couldn't just fade away. Andrzej began to feel confusion under this gaze. It was so unnatural that Dominik had to worry about him and so… moving.

"Everything will be fine, you'll see," he assured him gently.

The actor looked away sharply. Nowicki had the impression that at that moment his expression was changing.

"Yes, you are right" Śliwiński agreed, standing up and disappearing from his sight.

Why is he running away so suddenly? Andrzej wondered. Was he feeling bad?

"Dominik?"

"Sorry, bathroom."

Was he really feeling unwell? Recently it seemed that everything was back on track, Dominik was laughing, joking and even having a double date very boldly.

Only that all of this happened before Marczak's next attack.

He followed him and knocked on the guest bathroom door.

"Dominik!"

"Give me a moment."

"If you feel unwell ..."

"I'm better now."

"But ... Oh, okay. But if anything is not right, just call, okay?"

"Yea. I will!"

Andrzej stood undecided for a moment, but Dominik was entitled to a bit of privacy. The actor didn't sound like he was about to faint, so maybe the stress affected his intestines and Śliwiński just felt the usual biological discomfort?

In any case, should anything happen, Dominik knew that Andrzej was outside, who was always ready to help him.

***

Dominik was breathing hard. Painful thoughts attacked his mind and heart. He was afraid, he was really afraid for Andrzej.

He didn't want the whole situation to take such a turn, he just didn't think that he might put Andrzej in some dangerous situation. The photographer went to his aid without hesitation, and from then on he looked after and supported him, he gave so much that Dominik did not know if he would ever be able to express his gratitude in full, but because of all this Nowicki got involved in a situation that could turn out to be very dangerous. It's true, Poland is not America or any third world country where passion drives subsequent crimes, but someone has already made a mess in his apartment - probably on behalf of Marek. Someone broke into the place where Andrzej lives, violated his private zone and who knows what would happened if the photographer was inside?

Marczak had contacts with the criminal world, that was certain. Dominik never asked about anything, but it happened that in his arms Marczak mentioned something about "getting things done". Usually then, within a week or ten days, the newspaper gave more or less sensational news about the resignation of a politician or chairman of the board, about a minister's romance or the addiction of a sports star. Marek had many influential people in his hand and did not hesitate to manipulate them through blackmail and extortion. Officially, he was only a manager, the owner of an acting agency, but he had his share in the shadow economy and when someone was interested in a game that could not be enjoyed through normal channels, he could turn to Marczak for help.

Dominik had never been to one, but he knew a lot about them. He knew the dates and names of the participants. Of course, having tastes that were not accepted by the general public, he was far from judging others and would never use them against them, but if he wanted to, he could cause scandal that will overthrow many governments officials, not only from European countries.

One day, Śliwiński found out that his name was on the wish list of a fabulously wealthy sheikh. He didn't know why the deal hadn't happened, but he was glad it was as it was. The sheikh paid a lot, too much to be indifferent to such an amount, and yet Marczak ignored his offer. Then Dominik thought it was because Marek loves him and hates the idea of him ​​being in the arms of another.

Maybe then, four years ago, he really loved him, because now, shoving him into the arms of the second director for his role in the film, he sold him very cheaply. Dominik was no longer his love, but his property.

How can Marek react to Andrzej then? If he sees him as a threat to himself, will he not want to get him out of the equation as soon as possible? Andrzej had evidence against him, so he could have caused Marek a lot of trouble. Living with Dominik, he also restricted Marek's access to Dominik's bedroom, which he couldn't like. If he could let his lover go so lightly, he would not have fallen into a rage as soon as there was an request that they should stop seeing each other temporarily.

Andrzej may really be in danger. If so, he should withdraw from Dominik's life for his own good.

But without Andrzej ...

The actor felt a stronger, painful heartbeat.

Without him, without his strength, he will not be able to fight for himself. When Marek returns, he will take over his life and throw him into a golden cage again.

Dominik felt an overwhelming shame. How could he possibly have thought that his own life and happiness were more important than Andrzej's? How could he? How dare he?

It can't go on like that. He could fight against Mark but not at the expense of others. If there is even the slightest suspicion that Marczak may do something to Nowicki, the tactic must be changed. He will have to do some sacrifices.

Śliwiński took out his phone. He was surprised his hands were sweaty. He would have to call Marek and settle matters amicably. Get back to him. Marczak might want to punish him for his disobedience, but that's okay. It really won't be anything that wasn't there before. It won't be worse than before and Dominik endured it all and was even happy - or at least he thought he was. It is true that he did not know then that there could be something really good, warm and pleasant like a friendship with Andrzej, but somehow he will manage to be with Marczak again. Somehow he will ...

Dominik hands were trembling.