Page 95 of The Truth of Our Past

I separate us so I can look him in the eye and he can see the truth in my words. “I don’t want to create art here–—”

“I can’t be responsible for taking away your passion,” Alec cuts me off. “Please, Viking. I’ve watched you work. You love it. Even if you never sell another piece. Please don’t give it up.”

I kiss him, ingesting his pain, replacing it with my love. The explanation is not simple.

Alec opens his mouth to protest, but I fuse our lips to shut him upandbecause he tastes so damn good.

“I’m not giving up art, but I need to figure out how to incorporate it into my life. Am I going to make it my job and risk hating it like fotboll? Am I going to make a few pieces to sell so I only work when I am inspired? I don’t know yet.”

Alec tilts his head up so our lips brush together. “But while you figure it out, you’ll have a place to create if inspiration strikes.” His lips move against mine as he speaks so we’re breathing each other’s air.

This man has my whole heart.

Chapter forty-two

Alec

“Jag älskar dig,” I say and hope I’m pronouncing it right.

Von growls and says, “I love you too.” He hauls me up over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry and strides out of the workshop, crosses the driveway, and enters the farmhouse.

“I’m going to learn more Swedish,” I proclaim. Looking around the room from my upside-down vantage point, the living room is furnished in a farmhouse style, with décor best left in the ’70s. “I like what you’ve done with the place.” I motion to the hand-knit afghan covering the couch and the avocado-gold curtains.

“The place hasn’t changed since my grandparents died, and redecorating isn’t my priority. Do you want to fuck me again or give fashion advice?” Von removes my boots.

“It’s a tough call.” I pinch his ass. “My gay sensibilities are offended by your lack of interior design knowledge, which is not the same as fashion.”

Von pulls out an old blanket and dumps me on the couch. “This is one of the times that I’m sick of hearing your voice. You’re going to choke on my cock for being anarsle.”

“Promises, promises,” I sing, my heart so full I’m a walking heart emoji. But Von’s serious expression sobers me. “What?”

“Alec, promise me you won’t sell your land.”

“We don’t have to decide anything now.” I won’t make a promise that I’m not a hundred percent sure I can keep.

“I love this farm. It’s an oasis and helps me put my life in perspective. This was my grandparents’ life, but it’s an escape for me. I will hire someone to help Hans, so this farm can still help families in need. You showed me how I can use my fame and money for the betterment of others. You’ve pushed me to expect more from myself. This farm can be a great thing for this community, but I will not be here working on it.” Von sighs.

“So you don’t want to live here?” My voice hitches at the end.

“I want to be in New York with you to build a life together. You are the one thing in my life that I can’t live without. You’re the biggest part of my dream. And that scares theskitout of me.” He straddles me.

“Well, we can be scared shitless together.” His ass fills my hands as I squeeze.

His lips are warm against mine, comforting. “So there is no need for you to give up your dream of building a queer youth center. If you do, I will never forgive you.”

“I can’t have that now, can I?” A shiver wracks me.

“Oh,älskling, we need to get you in the shower and warmed up. Such a hard task that I must remove all your clothes.” Von’s face splits into a wide grin, stealing all the air in the room. I could live in Von’s smile.

He’s such a caveman as he carries me into the bathroom.

He’s unfastening my pants and getting a peek at my new tattoo. I’m confused when he angrily yanks my pants. His eyes bore into mine with a possessive accusation. It’s explosive and a huge turn-on, but I wish I knew what the hell is pissing him off.

“You let another man touch you,” he spits out.

My stomach clenches, but my hands smooth over his shoulders. Then I slowly lift my shirt over my head and draw my pants down over my hips so he can fully see it.

“What did you do?” he whispers.

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