by E. M. Leya
Part of him wished he had never gone to the beach to seek him out. It would have saved them both a lot of pain, but Sage couldn't really regret it. He found something with Gary that he hadn't ever found with anyone else. Gary brought him out of hiding and made him feel again.
The room grew silent and Sage opened his eyes to find the voting over. A group of specially selected men who had no stake in the election would now count the votes. Being there were only around thirty clans and not all had people nominated, it wouldn't take long.
He glanced around the room, trying to read the expressions on everyone's face to get a feel for how the vote would go. It was impossible to tell. No one was making eye contact and most had their heads bowed as they waited patiently for the results.
Heath shifted in his seat and glanced at Sage. "I didn't think I would be this nervous. You think we made the right choice?"
Sage reached over and grasped Heath's forearm. "It's almost over. We did the right thing, don't start questioning it all. It was the only way. He had to be stopped."
Heath nodded as he covered Sage's hand with his own. "What are we going to do with Father once this is over? He won't sit quiet."
"We are going to have to keep a guard with him at all times. I hope in time he will let this go and move forward, but I fear that he is going to be a problem. Him and Balick both." Sage frowned. "I hate that we had to do this."
"It's easier this way than it would be to watch him start slaughtering people," Heath whispered.
"I know, but it doesn't make it easier. I wish things were different." Sage watched the ballots being counted and sorted, one stack obviously larger than the others.
"Me, too, Sage."
Five minutes later, the ballots were counted and Tiko was called to the front of the room. Sage sat up straighter in his chair and glanced at Heath. He'd never seen his brother nervous and it was almost amusing to see the normally controlled Heath fidget and sweat in his seat.
"We have a winner with over seventy percent of the vote." Tiko gestured to the piles of ballots on the stone table beside him. "I am pleased to introduce you to your new King…" He paused and looked around the room. "Heath Caxton."
Sage heard Heath release a long breath as he looked over at him surprised. Sage reached over, hugging Heath tightly before nudging him to stand and accept his throne.
Heath stood, still looking shocked as he walked to the front of the room. He hugged Tiko and turned to face the others. Thanking them as he bowed slightly and smiled while everyone applauded.
Sage was surprised by the relief that rushed through him. He hadn't realized how badly he wanted leadership to stay with his family. He couldn't be happier that his brother was now King. He watched proudly as Tiko handed Heath the royal robe, making it official.
It took twenty minutes before the meeting ended. Heath was stuck receiving congratulations from the others, but Sage knew he needed to report the outcome to his brothers. He rushed from the chamber and down the short length of caverns to find Everest and Randy sitting near the Royal office.
The smile on his face should have told them everything, but they stood, staring at him as they waited for him to say the words.
Sage nearly knocked Randy down as he flew into his arms. "Heath won. He is our new king."
The three of them hugged, laughing and smiling as Sage filled them in on everything that happened. There wasn't much to tell, but his brothers wanted every detail.
"Did I miss a party?"
The voice had all three brothers turning around quickly to find their brother Barron watching them with interest.
"Barron." Randy was the first to recover from the shock. He went his brother, and hugged him tightly. "I was worried when you didn't come sooner."
"I was in Israel. I got word and started out. I ran into a few snags along the way, but got here as quickly as I could, especially once word of your arrest reached me." Barron stepped forward and hugged Sage and then Everest.
Barron looked good. His long black hair trailed to his hips and his dark tanned skin held a healthy glow. He and Sage could almost pass for twins if it wasn't for the ten years that separated them. Even with those years, the differences were few.
"The other clans arrived and had us released," Everest told him. "We hated that we had to call them. We tried to get hold of you first, but things happened too fast."
"There will be time to tell me everything." Barron looked around. "Where is Heath?"
Sage and his brothers smiled as Sage slapped Barron on the shoulder. "You mean your new king?"
"You're kidding?" Barron stepped back, staring at them, shocked.
"Nope. Just happened. That's what we were celebrating. He is still in the meeting room, talking to the other clans." Sage didn't even try to hide his excitement.
"I thought you were next in line for the throne. How did Heath end up with it?"
Sage took his brother's arm. "Come relax, we will tell you everything. We left your chamber just as you had it. Go get comfortable and meet us back in the office and we will explain everything."
"I will hurry back. We have so much to catch up on." Barron pulled away and turned, then hesitated as he looked back. "Where is Father?"
Randy sighed. "He is under guard. Probably in his chamber."
Barron frowned and nodded. "I will go speak with him once you have filled me in. I will be right back." He quickened his pace as he headed through the cave toward his chamber.
Sage turned to Randy and Everest with a smile. "Let's go prepare the office for our new king. We must make our new king feel welcome."
As he entered the office, he prayed that it would just be a few more hours before he could sneak away and go to Gary. With all the luck on their side today, he hoped it would rub off when it came to Gary, too. He needed all he could get.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Gary fidgeted with his tie as he glanced at the clock on the nightstand. His stomach cramped as he took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. The art show was in an hour and he needed to get there before the doors opened.
He flipped off the light switch and headed to the kitchen. He should have eaten something, but he was afraid if he had, it wouldn't stay down. The owner of the studio seemed pleased when he dropped off the paintings, but Gary wondered if he should have chosen others. Almost all of the ones he'd chosen were seascapes, and four of them were of Sage in the water.
He leaned against the kitchen counter as he thought about Sage. What a fool he'd been to think that someone like Sage could be interested in him. Three weeks now and still not a single word from him. The pain was slowly changing to anger, but it still hurt that he let himself be used. He really thought Sage was different.
Gary ran his fingers through his hair, then remembering where he was going, quickly dropped his hand, not wanting to mess it up. It didn't do him any good to think about Sage. It was over. What made no sense to him was that Everest was still gone, too. Gary couldn't remember the Coral Shop ever being closed this long.
Maybe that way why he held on to a little bit of hope. Refused to give up on Sage completely. What if something happened? Something was wrong? It was a long shot, but it was the one little thing he could still hold on to.
He glanced at his watch. He really needed to go. Being late would only make things more awkward for him. Keys in hand, he locked the door and made his way to the car. It was a ten-minute drive to the studio. He could do this without having a nervous breakdown. Reminding himself that everyone who had seen his art seemed to like it, he started the car and pulled out on the road.
Twenty minutes later, he was standing in front of a large display of his paintings as the doors to the studio opened. He was a bit shocked by the initial crowd that swarmed through the doors. He hadn't expected so many people. Once again, his stomach turned and he swallowed hard, praying he wouldn't get sick.
As people started to wander, Gary focused on the expressions of those who were looking at his painting.
He was pleased to hear them discussing his style and when a young couple asked him questions, he was honored to answer. His nerves started to ease as more and more people commented on how great his work was.
"I told you it would go well."
Gary turned and smiled at Derrick. "You came. Thank you." He hugged him. "It's going well. I haven't sold anything yet that I know of, but they don't look disgusted."
Derrick glanced up at the paintings. "They are fabulous. You had nothing to worry about. I can't believe you didn't show me these before."
Gary's face heated. "You really like them?"
Derrick gave him a hard stare. "I wouldn't lie to you."
Gary glanced at a man who was looking intently at one of the pictures of Sage. "I know you wouldn't. I didn't mean to imply… I just can't get used to people actually liking my stuff."
Derrick wrapped his arm around Gary's shoulder and turned him to face the crowd. "Look at the people. They love it. After tonight your work will be in demand."
"I hope so. It would be a dream come true."
Derrick pulled his arm from around Gary. "Can I get you a drink?"
"A glass of wine would be perfect."
"I'll be right back." He brushed his fingers over Gary's back as he left.
Gary glanced around again, pleased to see as many people looking at his work as the others. His nightmares the last few nights were of him standing alone while everyone walked past his paintings sneering. He hated to admit how stressed he had been about it.
"You're a hit. Just like I knew you would be."
Gary froze at the sound of the voice he wasn't sure he would ever hear again. He didn't dare turn around, scared he would find it wasn't who he wanted it to be.
"I'm sorry I was late. I'm even more sorry I haven't been able to get hold of you before now," Sage said.
Gary held his breath as he turned.
Sage stood a foot from him, looking at him with questioning eyes. He was dressed in a tuxedo, his long hair pulled back in a ponytail. He looked tired, and for the first time since Gary had known him, unsure of himself.
Gary fisted his hands at his side to keep from reaching out and pulling him close. "Sage."
"I know now is not the time for explanations. This is your night and I don't want to interrupt it, but I was finally able to get away and I promised you I would be here." Sage nodded to the paintings. "You picked well."
"Where have you been?"
Sage took a step closer. "I had some family problems. I will try to explain more when we can talk alone, if you will let me."
"Gary?" Derrick reached out and touched his arm. "You okay?"
Gary didn't turn, but nodded as he watched Sage's gaze travel over Derrick. Part of him wanted to assure Sage there was nothing between him and Derrick, another part of him hoped that Sage was jealous and wondering what role the large black man played in his life. "Yeah. I'm fine. Derrick, this is Sage."
"He's the one?" Derrick asked.
Gary nodded.
"Then I will leave you two to talk." Derrick set a glass of wine down on a small table and stepped away.
Sage watched him walk away and then looked back at Gary. "I've missed you."
"You could have called." Gary hated the slight shake he heard in his own voice.
"No, I couldn't. Trust me, if I could have contacted you I would have. It killed me to be away, but you have to believe I didn't have a choice." Sage stared at him with pleading eyes. "I understand if you're mad. I want a chance to explain. Not now, not here, but when you're ready."
Gary wanted the answers now, but Sage was right, now wasn't the time. "It's good to see you. I'm glad you're safe." God, why did things seem so awkward between them.
Sage glanced over where Derrick stood watching them from across the room. "Maybe I should go. We can talk later?"
Panic welled up inside Gary. "No. Please, stay. Unless you want to leave, but I want you here. I would like to talk later, once this is over."
Sage glanced at Derrick again. "You sure? I don't want —"
"Derrick's a friend. Just a friend," Gary assured him.
Sage visibly relaxed. "Then I will stay." He nodded to the paintings. "There are several more of me."
"You were all I wanted to paint."
"I'm so sorry I was away."
Gary held up his hand. "Later. You promised to explain later. Don't do it now. I can't…" He swallowed back the emotion and turned away so Sage didn't see the wetness in his eyes.
He was thankful for the crowd around. They helped him keep control of his emotions. He focused on a couple who were glancing at Sage and then back at one of the paintings.
"This is you?" The woman stepped toward Sage.
"Yes." Sage smiled. "Gary did a wonderful job, didn't he?"
"Amazing." The woman turned to Gary. "Are they for sale?"
"Yes, everything is for sale." He glanced at Sage, hoping he was still okay with that.
Sage nodded.
The couple smiled as they stepped away to discuss things.
"I guess I shouldn't have brought those in to sell without asking you."
Sage frowned. "I told you before I was fine with it."
"I didn't know if things changed." Gary glanced away.
"Hey." Sage was suddenly right in front of him.
Gary lifted his gaze to Sage's.
"Nothing has changed for me. Nothing. I know I have a lot of explaining to do, but I still want this. Want you."
Gary inhaled his scent, the sweet smell of salt water and ocean. He blinked several times. "I don't know."
Sage frowned, but nodded. "I understand. I had to come back and see."
"I'm confused."
"I know."
"Why?"
Sage stepped back as if he suddenly remembered where they were. "Not here."
"Tonight?" Gary was afraid if Sage left, he wouldn't come back.
"Tonight. I promise. I will give you all the answers I can."
Another couple approached Gary and he turned from Sage to answer their questions. Caught up in the art show, he didn't even notice when Sage stepped away.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Sage moved to the other side of the room, taking a glass of champagne and watching Gary from afar. He looked good. Sage was proud that he followed through on the art show, even prouder that he had chosen to use paintings of him.
After spending the day with his brothers, he finally cut out and snuck out of the caves. Careful to make sure Balick or one of his men didn't follow him, Sage made his way to shore and quickly started seeking information on any art shows going on around town. Luckily, there was only one.
He had watched Gary through the window for quite a while. His heart breaking as he watched the attractive black man wrap his arm around Gary and laugh with him. They were obviously close. Sage was sure he'd been replaced. Still, he forced himself to go inside. If nothing else, he owed Gary an explanation.
So far, things had gone better than he thought they would. He'd expected more anger, but maybe Gary was only holding it back because of where they were. He didn't see anger in his eyes, just confusion.
He understood that confusion and hated that when they did talk, he would be limited in what he could tell him. Truth be told, he still had no clue what he was going to say. He really couldn't tell him the truth. Saying something like his father had him arrested, without being able to give him the rest of the details wouldn't go over well.
He was right back where he started. Lying and deceiving Gary.
"He loves you." Derrick stepped up beside Sage and nodded to Gary.
"Love?" Sage's chest grew tight and he had to focus on breathing.
"He hasn't said so, but it's obvious." Derrick took a long sip of his wine.
"You have to be mistaken."
"You saw the way he looked at you."
"We hardly know each other."
"Doesn't always matter."
Sage glanced at Derrick. "You
want him." It was more of a statement than a question.
"And he knows that. But he also made it clear when we met that he was seeing you. Even after all these weeks of you gone, he's still refused to move on. Said he knew it was stupid to hold on after you treated him like this, but he just couldn't let go."
"Why are you telling me all this?"
"Because I'm not sure he will."
Sage didn't know what to think. He was shocked that Derrick mentioned love. Sage cared about Gary, wanted to be with him, but love this soon was a stretch. Or was it? He thought back to how bad it bothered him to be apart, how many times when he was locked up it was thoughts of Gary that pulled him through the long hours. "I'm not sure any of that matters after the last three weeks."
"He'll forgive you." Derrick set his empty glass on the table.
"You sound sure of that."
"I've been in his shoes. Love makes you do stupid things."
"You saying being with me is stupid."
Derrick met Sage's stare. "You're going to hurt him."
Sage sucked in a hard breath. A moment of anger flared, but quickly faded as he realized the guy was right. There was no way they could be together long term. The end result was going to be the same. He would hurt Gary because he couldn't be honest. Sage bit back a curse and looked away.
Derrick shook his head. "He deserves better. I've only known him a few weeks, but he's got a huge heart. I'm not saying this shit just so I can date him. I've watched him the last while and I don't want to see him hurt anymore."
"I don't want to hurt him. My life is just…" He shook his head. Why was he explaining himself to this stranger? "I didn't mean to hurt him. I don't want to hurt him again, but…" But what? It wasn't like he had a choice in the matter. Fact was they were literally from two different worlds. How could it work?
Sage glanced at the door, debating on just leaving. Maybe he shouldn't have come back at all. But the sound of Gary laughing at something someone said, pulled his attention back. He couldn't leave. He needed to at least explain. He would let Gary decide where this went. Sage just wouldn't make any promises he couldn't keep.
