Betrayal, Part 4
Betrayal, Part 4
One Year Later
Dorian had never known such happiness. The Major and he had entered a relationship that was satisfying to both of them. It was not based just on sex, which had always been good, but on equality and respect as well and he hoped . . . on love. Dorian knew that he loved Klaus, but the Major had never said the magic words. It was also true that Klaus could not stop calling his lover by some rather crude names such as pervert and faggot, but those words were never meant seriously. In fact, Dorian often looked upon those times of banter as reflecting their true feelings for each other since the Major was able to lighten up and be more himself when he was with the Earl.
It had taken many months to gain Klaus’ confidence and willingness to experiment with various sexual activities but it had been worth it. Klaus was proving to be a wonderful lover and the two seemed to have overcome their mistrust of each other after the fiasco of the Gröhner heist.
Eberbach was still working for NATO so they seemed to spend more time in Germany, either at Dorian’s own apartment or the Major’s. Both men were in Bonn at the moment. Dorian had just flown over after a short visit to North Downs. His activities as Eroica had been scaled back a great deal out of respect for the Major’s position. Eroica never “worked” in Germany now except under the aegis of NATO and that was the way Klaus liked it. The German seemed quite happy to hear when Dorian found some sidelights while visiting England or France, but never admitted to those feelings.
It had taken several visits to various psychiatrists to help Dorian get over his loss of memory. He would not admit to the psychiatrist about his alter ego, Eroica, but the fact that he had forgot Klaus, the most important person in his life, had bothered him a great deal . . . so he visited several doctors for aid in overcoming some of his fears. The one fear that continued to persist, however, Dorian would not admit to any doctor and rarely even to himself - how long would Klaus stay with him as his lover before he tired of the man who adored him and reverted back to some of his old ways?
Dorian constantly told his lover that he loved him, but so far there had been no reciprocity from his beloved. The Earl was sure that the German loved him, but without the words, a nanoparticle of doubt and insecurity took place in the Englishman’s being.
Today, however, was not one of those days of doubt. Dorian had arrived at Klaus’ Bonn apartment as a surprise the evening before. They had made love as if they were starved for each other’s bodies and then later they had made slow, gentle love which ended in a climax that seemed to shake the earth.
Klaus had had to go to work this morning so that he could complete certain details before taking several days as part of his extensive vacation leave. Dorian had returned to his own apartment to air it out and make plans for the coming few days when he could lie with his Major and enjoy the precious hours that they had together.
Deciding to go out and do some special shopping, Dorian decided that he wanted to acquire some very skimpy, sexy looking tear-away briefs for his beloved Major. The man was always grumbling that Dorian was destroying his underwear since he seemed to rip them off the Major’s body so frequently. Dorian smiled as he thought of his desire to get at the Major’s muscular body and see all the “gifts” his lover had been endowed with. After all, the Major certainly had it, so why shouldn’t he flaunt it, and special tearaway briefs would be perfect.
Walking down the street, Dorian was in 7th heaven. In fact, he was having such a good time that he almost missed the sight of his beloved walking in Ballack’s which was a well-to-do jewellery store. Since the Eberbach family usually frequented Schimmelfennig’s for all their jewellery needs and had done so for years, Dorian was slightly surprised to see the Major, who was supposed to be working. **Maybe he’s buying me a present!**
Dorian giggled to himself as he edged closer to the entrance of the shop. Looking in he saw Klaus standing at a jewellery display, holding up what looked like a ring to examine. Fortunately, about that time, a crowd of tourists were being shepherded into the store to see what “a real German jewellery store” looked like so Dorian, who was dressed rather sedately, managed to enter the shop with them. It was obvious that this “visit” had been especially planned so security gave little notice to the small select group wandering around. Dorian found a place where he would not be seen and waited for something to happen.
Fortunately, Klaus was so wrapped up in completing his transaction that he did not notice his lover enter the store. It was obvious that the Major had made a previous visit to the establishment since he was not escorted to any of the small, discreet cubicles where business was usually conducted. Handing over cash for the valuable ring, the salesperson was the personification of politeness as he hoped to impress an individual who had purchased such a valuable item. “You have made an excellent choice, sir. I sincerely wish you well on your upcoming marriage. Could I show you something for . . . your bride?”
“Nein,” and with those words Klaus exited the shop.
Dorian continued to stand there, his heart beating rapidly, feeling totally shattered. Klaus was getting married? He had always known that the Major would have to marry one day to continue the Eberbach line, but to plan a marriage and find a bride while still sleeping with Dorian was a betrayal beyond all that Dorian ever had endured. The pain was so sharp that Dorian thought he was having a heart attack. Finally, he pulled himself together and somehow made it to his own apartment. He had been living there alone since he had been spending most of his time at the Major’s apartment.
Packing up a few garments and a few other necessities, the Earl looked around at the apartment where he had been so happy. He decided that it was necessary to leave a message for Klaus who would be relieved that the nuisance of telling Dorian had been taken off his shoulders.
Placing a call to Bonham to inform him of his change in plans and that he wanted to be alone for awhile, Dorian rang off then sat down to write the most difficult letter of his life.
Klaus
I have decided that our relationship will not work. I still love you, but this year has shown me that I was living in an illusion. I am sorry that I have betrayed you, but I need to be on my own again. I sincerely hope that you find someone that you can say the words, “I love you” to.
Take care of yourself,
Dorian
Folding the note carefully, Dorian put it in an envelope and laid it on the table. Assuming that Klaus might try to phone him when he did not appear at Klaus’ apartment, Dorian left a brief message on both his cell and apartment phones. Seconds after that, he exited the apartment, disappearing into the German landscape.
Klaus von dem Eberbach was finding it harder and harder to concentrate on the mundane duties at NATO. He wanted to be with his lover. He had picked up his wedding ring from Schimmelfennig’s the day before and Dorian’s today. He had taken the necessary precaution of purchasing two men’s wedding rings from different jewellers, especially since he was well-known as Schimmelfennig’s, but had never done any business with Ballack’s.
Patting his breast pocket, the Major thought of the look on Dorian’s face, when he asked the beautiful blond to enter into a civil union with him, both in Germany and England. After all, it was not illegal since both countries had enacted Civil Union laws some years before. The Major was now in his 50’s and wanted to be with his beloved. NATO had been enlightened enough to enact rules supporting the Civil Union law so the Major’s position was safe, and quite frankly the dark-haired man readily admitted - - if it came to choosing between NATO and Dorian, Dorian would win every time.
Sitting there smoking for a moment or two, the Major almost smiled at how far he had come in this past year. When he had lost Eroica for those months and Dorian no longer seemed to want him, the German’s green eyes were opened to what was really important to him. He needed Eroica, but he desperately needed Dorian as well. Since they were the same person and Dorian seemed to have forgiven him for his inexcusable betrayal, the Major decided that he would announce his commitment to his lover by asking him to marry him. There would be no husbands in this marriage - - only partners and lovers.
As he blew out a puff of smoke, he realized that his efforts to reduce his smoking had been successful. Instead of three packs a day, he now restricted himself to five cigarettes at work and even fewer at home. In a sentimental moment that overwhelmed him, he hoped fervently that his breath was now as enticing to Dorian as Dorian’s had always been to him. Almost laughing at himself, the Major locked away the materials that he had been working on, deciding to go immediately to his apartment where Dorian had promised to be.
Entering the luxurious two-level complex, Klaus was expecting to be met by the glorious blond and his mind-boggling hugs, but the entrance level was empty and it seemed as if the whole complex was deserted. Putting his key in the locks and re-setting the security devices, Klaus shivered in the quiet, dark, coldness of the apartment. He had noticed that the place always seemed that way when Dorian was not there, but where was the pervert? Klaus had envisioned several hours of lovemaking before taking Dorian out to one of his favourite meals.
Sighing, he walked into their bedroom and changed clothing. Pouring himself a drink, Klaus sat back in the most comfortable chair in the large lounge to wait for his lover. An hour later, he was still waiting. Since it was beginning to get dark, he decided that he had waited long enough. Planning to go over to Dorian’s apartment, he decided to call ahead first and see if maybe Dorian was on his way.
Instead of Dorian answering, however, there was a message directed at Klaus. It was short and to the point. Dorian would not be coming over tonight. In fact, he had left the country and IF KLAUS CARED; there was a letter on the table in Dorian’s apartment which would explain further.
The bitterness of the message shook Klaus to the core. He had never heard Dorian speak to him like that . . . not even in the terrible days when Dorian did not remember who Klaus was. What was going on? Within seconds, Klaus was out the door and on his way to Dorian’s apartment.
Klaus and Dorian had keys for each other’s apartments so Klaus quite easily was able to enter the silent apartment. Looking around the Major found the letter and quickly read the words that condemned his mind and body to utter chaos. He just couldn’t understand it. To say that Klaus Heinz von dem Eberbach was feeling a wave of furious despair was to say the very least. Intending on storming out of the apartment and taking up the hunt immediately was Klaus’ original intention, but he suddenly realized that he didn’t know where he would begin.
Grabbing a bottle of schnapps that Dorian kept there for his pleasure, the Major collapsed on the sofa and began to drink. He had been doing so for several minutes, allowing various emotions to wax and wane over his demeanour. For the first several minutes, his fury was the dominant emotion, but as the handsome face of his lover kept appearing in his thoughts, he rapidly began to slip into an abyss of despair.
Sitting slouched in the chair, Klaus’ confused mind began to wander into thoughts about the previous year and his relationship with Dorian and the contentment that he had discovered in the man’s arms and bed. How ironic that on the day that he had purchased their weddings rings; Dorian walked out on him . . . but why?
Suddenly, the fury returned as Klaus picked up the partially full schnapps’ glass and threw it across the room. If that was the way that perverted, disgusting faggot was going to treat him; then Klaus didn’t need him anymore. Preparing to bolt from the darkened apartment, Klaus stopped, rather unsteady on his feet, realizing that he could not drive in this condition and was not prepared to call anyone to pick him up.
Calming down, the Major sat down and began to think. Why would Dorian do such a thing now? If he was tired of the relationship, why had he made the special trip to Bonn just to be with Klaus for the few days that Klaus had managed to get for vacation leave? It did not make sense. Something must have happened. Had somebody blackmailed Eroica? Realizing that this seemed farfetched since Dorian was most discreet about his two lives and was rarely active now, what could have provoked his gorgeous Dorian into such an extreme act?
Suddenly the name Bonham popped into his mind. Reaching for his phone, Klaus quickly placed the call.
“Lord Red Gloria’s residence. Bonham speaking.”
“This is Major Eberbach. I was wondering if you have heard from Lord Gloria recently. I know that he was in Bonn yesterday, but he seems to have left rather suddenly, and I wondered if you could tell me where he has gone. NATO . . . needs him rather badly.”
For a moment there was silence then Bonham continued, “I had a phone call from him a few hours ago, Major. He just said that he had changed his plans; he wanted to be alone, and that he would get in contact with me when I was needed.”
Klaus’ heart fell since he was hoping that Bonham would be his best chance to locate the fugitive without too many hours of waiting, but now his alphabets would be needed. “Thank you, Bonham. If you do hear from his Lordship, would you ask him to call me or let me know yourself?”
“Of course, Major.”
Ringing off, Klaus stared at the apartment as if he had forgot where he was; then his well-ordered German mind fought off the confusion, heartache, and chaos and began to act. Calling A, Z, and three other alphabets, he issued orders to immediately begin a hunt for Eroica. The man was needed for a special operation that Klaus was planning. He gave them all the information that he had (which was little), and sat down to wait. He was sure that Dorian would not make it easy to be located, but he had great confidence in his agents and knowing their fear of Alaska, he was also sure that their motivation would be at an all time high.
It wasn’t as easy as Klaus had hoped, but within two days, the whereabouts of the elusive thief was known. Now the more difficult part began: what to say to the man when the Major was standing in front of Dorian, Earl of Red Gloria.
DKDKDKDKDKDKDKD
Dorian sat on in a secluded spot near the small cottage near Lavamünd on the Austrian border. He was sure that Klaus would not seek him out, but, just in case, he had chosen a place that he had never used before. The place was so secluded that his arrival was undetected. He had prepared many of these types of places in case he ever had to go on the run from one of his Eroica adventures, but this one was coming in handy for another reason.
He had been here for two days and while still feeling betrayed and devastated, he had begun to realize that he could not stay here and mourn the loss of the relationship that had been his heart’s desire for twenty years. After all, he had told himself that it was to be expected; it was just the way that the Major had done it. Of course, a man like the German would need to marry and carry on the family line, but he could have faced Dorian openly and told him the truth. This past year had been so happy and now everything was in ashes.
Leaning back in the comfortable chair that fit his body perfectly, Dorian closed his eyes and let past memories invade his thoughts for a few seconds then he ruthlessly crushed them. He was Dorian, Earl of Red Gloria, and he could cope with the Major’s betrayal even if it had been so unexpected. It certainly wasn’t like the Major to behave in such a way, but remembering how his former lover had lied to him about their previous relationship to get Eroica to do a job, it probably shouldn’t have been a total surprise.
The late afternoon was pleasantly warm, but as Dorian searched the horizon, he thought he saw some clouds forming over the distant mountains. Perhaps there would be a storm this evening. A storm was what he was feeling in his heart: a rage so devastating that it threatened to overwhelm him. Forcing himself to calm down, Dorian took a sip of wine and stretched out, determined to make do even though thoughts of Klaus weighed very heavily on his mind.
Normally, Dorian would hop out of one man’s bed and perhaps jump into someone else’s to relieve the feeling of disappointment and despair, but the beautiful blond couldn’t face the idea of bedding someone else so soon after being in Klaus’ arms. His sexual demands were still the same, but without the handsome German at his side, Dorian’s needs seemed less formidable.
Closing his eyes against the sun which was lowering very slowly, Dorian began to doze when he heard a sound that seemed to be coming toward him. Opening his eyes swiftly, he saw a dark figure that was haloed by the radiating sun. Although the Earl’s eyes seemed to water as they stared at the oncoming figure, it was not difficult to recognize the person that was making his way forward at a rapid pace.
“Major?”
Stopping several yards away after thoughtfully moving out of the direct line of the sun, Klaus Heinz von dem Eberbach stood staring at the feline creature who was stretched out on a chaise longue, trying to seem nonchalant, but was obviously tense in every fibre of his being. The Major said nothing. This was Dorian’s move since he was the one who had walked away. Klaus didn’t have long to wait.
Purring in his usual sexual way, Dorian oozed insincerity, “Why, darling, what a pleasure to see you!”
“Stop it, Dorian. I am here to find out why you are acting like an idiot. Why did you walk out on me?”
Blue eyes fluttered at him as Dorian tried to present a brave front of not caring. Feeling that attack was better than defending his actions, Dorian felt that the more outrageous he was the more likely that the Major would just go and leave him alone.
“Why, darling, I didn’t think you would be so gauche as to have to ask. I’ve found someone else, of course.”
The dark-haired man stood staring, a flicker of surprise showing in his green eyes before he quickly suppressed it. “You have found someone else? Why did you come to Bonn then, if you have an interest in some other pervert?”
Raising his golden eyebrows, Dorian purred again, “How do you know that he’s a pervert? Maybe this one is for money?”
The Major’s eyes hardened; his body tensed; his hands made fists, but he knew, for some reason, Dorian was deliberately trying to provoke him so he fought back his rage.
“I have money, if that is what you want. Tell me the truth.”
“Oh darling, you don’t have enough money to keep me and besides, I’m sure that your bride will expect you to spend your money on her and not some toy boy.”
Fortunately, Klaus concentrated on the last part of the statement rather than the first or there would have been violence spread across the lovely Austrian landscape. “Bride, what the hell are you talking about now, you pervert. I have no bride.”
Dorian’s blue eyes grew cold as glaciers, “No, but you will soon, won’t you?”
“Why do you think this?”
The words came out like shards of ice as Dorian decided to be blunt, “I saw you in Ballack’s a few days ago, and I know what you purchased.”
Ballack’s?????? Dorian had been at Ballack’s!!!! A glimmer of understanding began to thread through Klaus’ mind. “I see, and what did you think you saw?”
Dorian sat up and seemed to stretch his lithe body to impossible positions and then he flung his long tresses back in defiance and stated in a deadly tone, “I saw you purchase a man’s wedding ring, and I couldn’t help but hear the clerk mention that you were getting married.”
Since Klaus could not deny that he was getting married, he now realized how it must have seemed to Dorian, but the man should have had more trust, more faith in him. He was not the type to play his lover false by planning a wedding to some female while sleeping with Dorian.
“You have very little faith in me, don’t you?”
Dorian seemed slightly shaken at the obvious implication of the words, but he stood his ground, “This is not about me. You have obviously grown tired of me and want out of our relationship. You could have told me. I’ve been expecting it ever since . . . we started being with each other.”
“So I have obviously grown tired of you?” Reaching into his breast pocket, Klaus pulled out a small box and said, “That is obviously the reason that I bought this then.” Handing the box to the blond, Klaus commanded, “Open it.”
For a moment, Dorian hesitated but his curiosity could not be muted. Reaching in, he pulled out a man’s gold wedding band. It was exquisite. Dorian had not seen the one in Ballack’s very well, but the box had Ballack’s name on it so Dorian assumed it was the same. His heart breaking, Dorian assumed that this was Klaus’ way of confirming his forthcoming marriage since this was the ring that the German would wear on his wedding day.
Tears filled the blue eyes as he stared at the shining gold, but it felt as if the circle of gold was burning his hand so he started to return it to its container when Klaus said in his best military voice, “Read the inside of the band.”
Dorian’s agony increased as he realized that Klaus’ was going to humiliate him further by forcing him to read the inscription that had been placed there. For a moment, Dorian was ready to fight back but then he bowed to the inevitable and angled the ring so that the delicate inscription could be seen.
To D, From Klaus . . . with love.
Time seemed to stand still as Dorian forced his mind to try and understand what this meant. It was a man’s ring. Klaus was giving the ring to someone with the initial D, what did this mean? Suddenly, Dorian looked up at the man he adored and saw a face filled with love and affection. The green eyes were like nothing he had ever seen, not even when they were in the throes of lovemaking. Klaus, had actually bought him a wedding ring?
“I . . . I don’t understand. Why would you buy me a wedding band?”
Looking at the Earl as if he were an idiot, Klaus cleared his throat and replied, “Because, my beloved idiot, it has not been illegal for people like us to have a civil ceremony in either England or Germany for several years. I wish for you and I to make such a commitment in the near future.”
Dorian stared at his Major for what seemed like an eternity. Klaus could almost read the thoughts that were flitting through the man’s mind. The German knew to the moment when Dorian had made his decision.
“No.”
Klaus waited for more to be said, but when Dorian said nothing further, he demanded to know what he meant by the word, no.
Looking extremely sad, the blond whispered into the fading afternoon, “No, I will not make a commitment with you. Thank you for asking me, but you cannot risk your career or your family’s position. It might not be illegal, but I would not want your reputation damaged. I . . . I know what value you place on it.”
Looking down at the ground in order to avoid Klaus seeing the tears that threatened to swamp his blue eyes, Dorian did not see the frustration and agony that crossed the German’s face.
“So, that is how you see me? I place more value on my reputation, my family, and my job with NATO. Is that what you think?”
Looking up into the almost blazing green eyes, Dorian shook his head. “I KNOW that is what you value most. I have spent the last twenty years, hearing those exact same values thrown at me over and over. I know you have tried very hard in the past year to change your attitudes, but you are and always will be an Eberbach, and I will not demand that you give up your duty to your family. I would not ask that of you. Thank you for this past year, but I really would prefer that you would leave now.”
Consternation lit up the Major’s face, but he did not retreat. Instead he reached into his breast pocket and pulled out another small box. Opening it so that Dorian could see its contents, Klaus held out the matching ring. “I purchased this at Schimmelfennig’s where my family has done business for many years. It is to be the band that I will wear on our wedding day. NATO means nothing to me, if you are not in my life. I know this is difficult to believe, but I am asking you to trust that this is so.
Sighing as Klaus saw the lack of belief in the blue eyes, he continued, “I have designated one of my nephews to be my heir. I will be an Eberbach for the rest of my life, but I will be your lover and partner even beyond this life . . . if you will have me. I do not have to be in NATO; I do not have to produce an heir, but . . . I have to be with you. There are words in at least one wedding ceremony that I have heard of: I will plight thee my troth. I mean this, Dorian. Can you not trust me, once again?”
Klaus could see the slight change in Dorian’s face. The German had badly hurt the beautiful man who sat before him. Over the years, Klaus had abused him, cursed him, and ignored him. How could he expect Dorian to forgive all that? Finally, on the edge of despair, he tried one more time.
“Ich liebe dich.”
Dorian sat staring for a moment then whispered, “Thank you, Major for saying that. I would like to think that you mean it, but you mean more to me than anyone in the world, and I do not want you coming to hate me in the future as you realize what you have had to give up. Could you leave now?”
The Major stood staring, realizing that he had failed. He could not really blame Dorian. After throwing Dorian’s love in his face for twenty years, why should two circles of gold or three words make a difference? Seeming to shrink into himself, Klaus nodded as he replied, “Ja.” Without another word, the Major turned on his heels and headed back down the path that had led him up the incline.
He was nearly out of sight of the dejected figure when he heard sobs issuing forth from the shaking figure. He tried to harden his heart against the man who had rejected him so cruelly, but he was unable to do so. The sounds of devastation coming from the slender figure spoke volumes about Dorian’s feelings and what it had cost him to reject Klaus for his own good.
Turning, Klaus stood for a minute, contemplating his next move and then he reacted on instinct rapidly closing in on the bereft figure. Kneeling down beside the man he loved beyond all else, Klaus hesitated as Dorian seemed to recoil in terror. The Major pulled back as he remembered the times that he had used physical violence against this seemingly vulnerable man, but now was not the time to allow his suppressed emotional feelings dictate to him. Pulling his rose-scented lover into his arms, he cuddled him against his chest and allowed the lovely red nose to drip all over his impeccable suit.
Words of endearment flowed easily since his only thoughts were about the need to comfort Dorian and not to take revenge for the betrayal of his feelings and intentions to marry the scatter-brained fop who had stolen his heart.
Finally, Klaus’ words seemed to be working as Dorian quieted down while continuing to snuggle in the Major’s arms. Lifting his golden mane to stare with eyes full of tears at the man he loved, Dorian whispered, “Thank you, I’m all right now.”
The two men broke apart but stayed very close. As they looked at each other, Klaus hesitated then took the plunge with his next words, “Why have you been lying to me? Why did you say there was someone else? Why did you not wait to ask me about my feelings?”
Dorian smiled suddenly seemingly overwhelmed by all the questions the normally reticent German had just thrown at him. Straightening his lithe body into a more comfortable position, Dorian looked at his beloved German and answered, “I have chased you for twenty years; I have only had you for one year. You and I are no longer in our thirties; I thought . . . I thought you had decided to answer the demands placed upon you as an Eberbach. I could not truly blame you for being reluctant to begin a new lifestyle because of me. I guess I thought I was asking too much of you. I thought if I said that there was someone else; then it would make it easier for you to find a wife and go on with a new life.
Klaus stood staring at his lover. The sheer enormity of Dorian’s sacrifice made him shameful of how he had treated the man over the years. He had proven his devotion and love, and now Klaus could understand how Dorian must have felt each time that Klaus had betrayed him by lying to him and then by appearing to have lied to him about getting married. The question was not, how could he trust Dorian to keep a commitment, but how could Dorian trust him to do so?
“I have never been good about hearing about other people’s feelings. I have led an isolated life, and you are the first person ever that I have wanted to share my life with. Can you forgive me? I will understand if you do not want to commit to a ceremony with me for the time being, but say that you and I can remain together and rebuild what we almost lost?”
Dorian stared at the handsome man that he had loved for so long. Where had this new aspect of Klaus come from? This was not the Iron Major. This was a loving, concerned, and caring Klaus who was putting Dorian’s feelings above his own. Wiping away the last of the moisture from his blue eyes, Dorian whispered to his love, “I would like to remain with you. I have waited twenty years to be with you; I trust you with my life, but I want you to be sure that I am what you want.”
Taking Dorian into his arms, Klaus sealed his commitment with a kiss. “Danke, meine Liebe, we both need to be sure.”
Three Months Later
Dorian’s blue eyes opened as the quietness of the German dawn allowed him to see his lover, his partner . . . his husband, lying next to him. Klaus seemed so relaxed after the events of the previous three months. Quietly with as little motion as possible so he would not disturb the sleeping man, Dorian lifted his hand and stared at the gold circlet that adorned his right hand. He had chosen to put it on that hand to signify his commitment to his German love.
Yesterday, the two men had re-affirmed their commitment in the second Civil Union ceremony. They had said their vows earlier in England, spending a glorious wedding night at Castle Gloria before returning to re-enact the same ceremony in Germany.
Their first wedding night had been full of need and intensity. After his love had gone to sleep from their impassioned lovemaking, Dorian had lain in bed for hours, staring at Klaus’ wedding gift to him: The Man in Purple. It was in their bedroom above the fireplace mantle for the couple to see although Klaus had snorted at the implications of his mysterious and disreputable ancestor staring down at their night time activities. Dorian had laughed in the delightful way that Klaus loved to hear while pointing out that his portrait of himself as The King of Thieves hung next to Tyrian Persimmon and that made it all right.
The portrait of Dorian in a tight fitting black jump suit with hair tied back with a colourful scarf had been the Englishman’s idea for a wedding present for his German partner. They had decided to keep both portraits of their less than reputable sides at Castle Gloria or as Klaus liked to call it, “The Lair of the Thief.”
In Germany, the couple had mounted two staid portraits of two very professional men who could easily own the world. Dorian had had his portrait painted during a very unhappy time for him when he had lost most of his memory about Eroica and only thought of himself as the Peer of the Realm, Dorian, Earl of Red Gloria. Klaus had had an equally dignified portrait of himself made soon after they had decided to enter a life partnership. Both images were now on view. Dorian smiled as he remembered Klaus’ words about hanging the two paintings in the room where Dorian planned a future of wild activities. Wouldn’t those goings-on shock the portraits? Why didn’t Klaus hang his portrait in the long hall of Schloss Eberbach along with the rest of his dignified, stuffy relatives . . . past and present?
Klaus snorted once again and replied, “If I have to spend all eternity posing in my own home, I want to be next to you and not with those wooden creatures.”
For that comment alone, Klaus earned a tender kiss along with a sensual and less than dignified wedding night; a night that the Major was obviously still worn out from.
Getting up carefully, Dorian wandered over to the window, taking advantage of the drapes that were not quite closed and looked at his ring once again. Never in his more than twenty years of chasing his beloved German had Dorian ever imagined that he would be able to marry his Major. Had he done the right thing? Klaus kept telling him that NATO and his job were no longer the most important part of his life, but Dorian was now in his fifties; it was true he was a very youthful 52, and Klaus was a few years older, but would Klaus be happy in a commitment that could last for twenty or thirty years at the minimum?
NATO, thanks to their new policies seemed to be very understanding of the Major’s new status, but would Klaus really be happy as a “married” man as he moved on in a few months to his new position as a Colonel in NATO Intelligence? Would Dorian, in later years, become a burden to his position? Dorian knew that the Major had told him that he loved him, but would the years tarnish that love? Dorian thought that he would rather die than lose that look of love in the green eyes he loved so well.
So lost in thought was the beautiful blond that he did not hear Klaus moving behind him until two long arms wrapped around him and a brief kiss touched his temple. “What is it, Dorian? Not more thinking? This is our wedding night morning. You are supposed to look exhausted and slightly dissolute from the love that you have received the night before. Instead, you are thoughtful and doubtful, but still exquisitely beautiful.”
Dorian had never heard his Major be so verbal . . . was that a good or bad sign? Turning in his lover’s arms, Dorian smiled and said lovingly, “Yes, I imagine our two dignified professionals (his eyebrow shooting up at the portraits) must have got a real eyeful last night.”
“Hmmm, if you say so. I was only interested in one beautiful blond last night. My husband, my lover, my partner . . . my equal.”
“Oh Klaus you do have a silver tongue. We are equal in all things, aren’t we? I want to make you happy for the rest of our time together. Promise me if I do anything to make you angry that you will tell me.”
A look of concern entered the green eyes as he circled the slender body that had changed very little over the years. “I do not want you to change even one pfennig, do you hear me? I married you for what you are and not want you think I want you to be. You are my life now, Dorian.”
“Ich liebe dich, my Colonel”
As Klaus led the sensuous blond back to bed, he whispered, “No, I will always be your Major . . . that will be our secret, and your German really needs work. I am sure that it will improve over the years, Liebchen. Ich liebe dich auch.”
Smiling radiantly at this pledge of years to come, Dorian kissed his partner, wrapping his arms around the naked body, “Of course, my German will get better, Darling, I’ve heard it said that the best way to learn any language is in the arms of one’s lover and you are my one and only . . . always.” Lifting Klaus’ right hand, Dorian quickly kissed the ring that symbolized their union and then began kissing the rest of the delectable German body.
The End