Page 3 of Promises Kept

Evangeline, who was standing next the elevator near the front door to Alec’s office, moved over to them with a worried glance. “Alec, what the hell happened with Iggy? Is he all right? Better question, are you all right?”

Alec nodded at his secretary. “I’m fine. Iggy went a little doo-lally and he needed his doctor. Allan will sort him out.” Alec ran a hand through his hair. “Vangie, be a love and cancel my appointments for the rest of this afternoon. I think I might go visit Iggy later now that he’s stopped pointing a gun at me.”

And with that, he disappeared into the reception area, then into his office. Dylan followed Alec, who was standing behind his desk, holding a pink gun and gazing at it with a frown. His dark brown hair was mussed and his usual fair skin appeared paler than usual.

Dylan’s heart stuttered in panic and he strode over to his lover. “Christ all fucking mighty, is that the gun the little wanker threatened you with? A fucking pink gun at that?”

Alec nodded, dark brown eyes staring into Dylan’s. “He was waving it around to frighten off the people after him more than me. But there was a time that I thought you might need to kiss this better.” He brushed his crotch and then gave a shaky grin. “But luckily I managed to get the gun off him before he did any permanent damage.”

Dylan thought Alec’s voice sounded more confident that he looked given his shaking hands as he held the revolver. Dylan took the gun from Alec and placed it on the desk then drew him against his chest. His boyfriend’s heart beat fiercely.

“You’re all right, mo ghrá,” Dylan murmured softly as Alec pressed himself closer. “You’re with me, in my arms, exactly where you should be. If you want to go visit the little psychopath later, I’ll go with you.”

“He’s not a psycho, Dylan,” Alec murmured as his lips found the pulse at Dylan’s throat, causing the most pleasant sensation in his groin. “He’s a mixed-up kid with a medical problem who could have shot my balls off. And thank you for offering, I’d like you to come with me.”

“I’ve cancelled your appointments,” Evangeline said quietly from the doorway. “You only had Jerry Trembler and Lizzie van Gorton. They’ve been pretty understanding about the reschedule so the afternoon’s yours.” Her gaze went to the gun and she shook her head. “What are you going to do with that? Won’t Iggy be in trouble if everyone knows he had it?”

Alec disentangled himself from Dylan’s embrace. “I’m not telling anyone about it. I’ll give it to Doc Cross this afternoon. He can decide what to do with it.”

Dylan scowled. “Alec, the little git threatened to shoot you. Don’t you think you should at least get the police involved?” He already knew what the answer would be, but he thought he might as well suggest it.

Alec shook his head and the full, rich lips that Dylan loved kissing pursed mutinously. “Iggy wasn’t in his right mind, and he would never have done it anyway. It’s all fine now and he’s getting the care he needs.” He frowned fiercely at Dylan’s raised eyebrow. “So let’s leave it there.”

Dylan shook his head in disagreement. “Sweetheart, I don’t want to get him in trouble any more than you do. The fact is though, the kid is dangerous to himself and others. Remember what happened to Cassie? I don’t want anything like that happening to you.”

Their friend Cassie had been stabbed, and was hospitalized because someone with the same type of schizophrenic condition as Iggy had attacked her.

Alec sighed. “I understand you feeling that way, I honestly do. Trust me on this, okay? I promise I’ll be careful, and at the first sign of anything weird, I’ll run for the hills.”

Dylan snorted. “Yeah, like that would happen. Fine, you can look after yourself, but that doesn’t mean I won’t worry about you.”

Alec reached out and caressed Dylan’s cheek fondly. “I know you will. It’s why I love you.”

He looked over to Evangeline. “Please order a taxi for about three pm to get us to the doctor’s office. Allan said he was going to admit Iggy to the clinic for a couple of days and he’d keep him there while he sorted him out. Oh, and maybe order a fruit basket or something manly to take over with me. I have no idea what a nineteen-year-old Goth boy band member would appreciate as a get-well gift.”

Evangeline heaved a deep sigh. “Yes, sir. On my way.” She flashed a quick, amused smile at Dylan. He laughed softly and motioned with a crooked finger to his lover.

“Come here, you. I’m feeling the need to kiss you senseless.”

Alec grinned and went over to cup Dylan’s face in warm hands. “I can live with that. I think I need a bit of cheer—” His words were cut off as Dylan’s mouth found Alec’s and for a moment, there was nothing else in the world for Dylan but the feel of his man’s lips on his, the taste of mint and cinnamon, and the hard contours of Alec’s willing body pressed against his. Alec was wiry and muscled, a little shorter than Dylan, who loved nothing more than holding his lover in his arms. Finally, they parted, and Dylan laid his forehead against Alec’s.

“I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you, mo ghrá geal,” he whispered, his voice catching. “You mean the world to me, you know that.”

Alec kissed Dylan’s chin gently. “I know, a rún. I was scared, too.”

They stood for a moment, embracing, then Alec chuckled. “God, Bennett’s going to have a field day with this story. He and Cassie are normally the one with all the adventures. They’ll both wet their knickers when they hear about this.”

Dylan snorted. “Bennett’s adventures beat yours any day. That man will be the death of me. It’ll be nice to have a little something of our own to tell even if it did nearly damage this.” He palmed Alec’s groin and Alec squirmed.

“Enough. Don’t go giving me a hard-on before we even go visit Iggy. That sort of thing can wait for later.” He leered as he moved away. “Come on. Let’s go see what Evangeline has organised as a present. Then maybe we can grab a coffee somewhere before we head over there.”

Dylan watched Alec’s Armani-clad figure disappear into the reception area. His stomach was still filled with dread at the thought that Alec could have been hurt. Dylan had lost the first love of his life, Sammy, to AIDS many years ago. He was damned if he was going to lose this one, too.

With a sigh, he made his way out to where Evangeline and Alec now sat debating the merits of get-well gifts. Alec’s smile warmed his heart and Dylan knew he’d do anything to keep it there.