Chapter 10

It felt so good; Dennis was tempted to turn his head into the large hand for a caress. Here was a haven. He felt as if he could drop his burdens for a time and this man would willingly carry them with ease.

He didn’t. With great will, he turned his head away from Luca and said in a broken voice, “Please, just leave me alone.” The tears Dennis held back for so long broke loose and streamed from his eyes into the starched pillowcase. All he could feel was the touch of Luca’s hand on his face.

“Let me see what I can do. Let’s see if this burden can be borne better by two,” Luca murmured. Dennis shook his head, too lost and tired to believe in miracles or saviors.

“Dennis, Dennis…” He must have fallen asleep again because he heard Luca’s voice as if it came through a tunnel. Dennis shook his head and opened his eyes. He looked up and the beautiful man that had inadvertently done him a huge disservice was beside him.