Michael Griffo: Unwelcome

“Never, nothing,” Michael assured him. “Yeah, I found him pretty hot, but even at my lowest, I would never betray you or The Well. I’m aware of the consequences.” Ronan responded by kissing the palm of Michael’s hand and held it to his cheek. “Plus, have you looked at your own reflection lately, Mister? You are smokin’, Ronan. And I’ve finally found you a nickname! Smokin’ Ronan, ’cause you know you’re hot.”

Laughing and kissing Michael at the same time, Ronan said, “And you’re daft, but I love you.”

Michael watched the rain caress Ronan’s face, making him look exactly like he did the night he first fell in love with him. “I love you too.”

“I didn’t want to admit it to myself,” Ronan whispered, “but I was afraid this might be the end for us.”

It was Michael’s turn to kiss Ronan. “There’ll never be an end for us,” he answered, his voice unmarred by doubt. “This is just a new beginning.”

They looked up when they heard the meadowlark’s song, da-da-DAH-da, da-da-da, and smiled, agreeing that the familiar melody was a benediction, approval that they were both exactly where they were supposed to be. They had no idea the lark was trying to warn them that they were being watched by a man with an archangel’s wings who was flying through the clouds high above them. But even though they couldn’t see David, they were no longer children. They knew that danger lurked just on the other side of the rain.

As it continued to shower, quietly, tenderly, Ronan held on to Michael’s hand that was draped over his shoulder. “You know, there will be other attacks, probably more dangerous ones,” he advised. “Now that David’s made his wishes known, he won’t stop just because he failed the first time out.”

“With you by my side, love,” Michael said, pulling Ronan closer into him, “I welcome the challenge.”

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Copyright © 2011 by Michael Griffo

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ISBN: 978-0-7582-7437-3