Make Me Soar by KC Wells Page A

sagged against Alan, out of breath and exhausted.
    “Easy now.”
    Alan rubbed his upper back with a gentle motion, soothing him. Dorian let out his pent-up breath and wept, his tears soaking into the thick shirt beneath him. He let it all out: all the pain, the humiliation, the rage, the impotence….
    And underneath it all was the sheer relief at letting it all go.
    “That’s it.” Alan’s voice held approval. “Just let it all out.”
    Dorian buried his face in the soft shirt and sobbed, until there was nothing left and he was as limp as a dishcloth. He kept his face pressed against Alan’s chest, aware for the first time of his aroma, a clean, fresh smell that crept into his nostrils and spread throughout his body. His hand rested against that wide chest, feeling the beat of Alan’s heart beneath his fingertips. Alan’s arm cradled him, holding Dorian against him.
    Calm seeped into him, and he closed his eyes, surrounded by Alan’s warmth and strength.
    God, that feels good .
    He was warm, held in a pair of strong arms, and for the first time in a few days, he let himself relax, knowing he was safe. And when was the last time he’d felt that?
    He couldn’t remember.
     
     
    A LAN COULD feel the instant Dorian had fallen asleep. His breathing slowed, and his body went limp in Alan’s arms. Alan held him, cradling him. He kept his breathing measured, his body still, not wanting to wake Dorian up. God knew he needed the rest.
    In his head Alan was filled with an impotent rage. He’d known it had been bad, but fuck , he hadn’t been prepared for the fury that had bubbled up inside him when Dorian had finally revealed what had gone on. And one thing plagued him as he gazed down at the sleeping lad in his arms.
    If only you’d stayed in the Lab, none of this would have happened .
    Of course, if Alan had known what Dorian had intended doing, he’d never have let the sub on the plane in the first place.
    Somewhere in the recesses of his mind, that inner voice snorted.
    Yeah, like he’d have listened to you. I mean, he obviously sets store by what you think, right?
    Alan was trying hard not to blame himself. The truth was, if he’d stepped in sooner, maybe back in October when Dorian had first caught his interest, then maybe none of this nightmare would have taken place. But no, he’d remained aloof. Up until that point, Dorian hadn’t even been a blip on his radar. He’d watched the sub in a few scenes, had sized him up almost instantly, and had dismissed him just as quickly. It had only been after his Shibari scene that Dorian had aroused his interest.
    He studied the young man’s face, brow furrowed even in sleep. There was something about him, a vulnerability that hadn’t been evident in the past that drew Alan to him.
    I want to know more .
    In the midst of all the horror he’d related, a couple of things Dorian had said had raised questions. And now that they’d cleared the air, maybe Alan could broach the subject.
    A car horn outside made him jump slightly. He had no idea how long they’d sat in that position. The faint noises of the city outside the window had become a background hum, something easily dialed out.
    Dorian stirred in his arms, letting out a soft sigh and opening his eyes. He gazed up at Alan, consternation evident in his expression. He tensed up.
    “Better?” Alan kept his voice low.
    Dorian nodded and eased himself off Alan’s lap, his cheeks glowing. “I’m sorry,” he began, “I shouldn’t have—”
    Alan held up his hand. “Don’t say another word. You needed to tell someone. After all, that’s why I was here, because I knew it was coming.” He tilted his head. “But it does feel better to have told me, doesn’t it?”
    Dorian sat still for a moment, as if mentally assessing his state. “Yeah, it does.” He appeared so much calmer. The tension seemed to seep out of him. Then he straightened and his face contorted. And just like that, the tension was