ã€ŠLove Lives In His Eyesã€‹


 Chapter 1 - A New Order From The Boss

    "Shit, I can''t put such photos in my magazine," the editor swore, unceremoniously tossing a bundle of photos on the desk. - Andrzej, finally understand that nobody cares about the peaceful life of the stars. People want scandals, sex scandals, domestic violence, divorces, no quiet dinners with their husbands!

    Andrzej Nowicki looked at the editor gloomily and once again thought that he was not fit for this job.

    "Look, you are a good photographer, you have a sense of the lens, but in this profession it''s not enough. Until the end of the month, bring me some compromising photos of Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, or we''ll have to say goodbye."

    It was just an hour ago today. Andrzej left the chief''s office furious, with a firm determination that he would stoop to being a paparazzi scandal, after all, as a student, he won two prestigious photo awards. He was too good to follow a star and take photos of it from behind a bush. Now, however, he was standing in the street, gritting his teeth, stuck a murderous look at a huge advertisement for a new Polish film production.

    The face of the man he was about to catch in the scandal stared at him from the billboard. Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, according to the media, was twenty-four years old and was a natural talent, a diamond that is hit in the cinema once in a million. He made his debut as a 17-year-old in a supporting role alongside the icon of European cinema, Fryderyk Kos. His delicate features, light brown hair and intense blue eyes made him a teen idol within weeks, and the box office success of the production brought him new film offers. The boy not only had a pretty face, but he could really play, so his career developed rapidly. However, unlike most stars, ?liwi¨½ski did not exist in the media outside his professional life, completely guarding his privacy.

    The fans, however, constantly demanded some news from his personal life. The girls wanted to know if he was seeing someone and their mothers - if he was eating healthy. Half of Europe was crazy about him, and the more he guarded his privacy, the more the world wanted to know it. Now Andrzej''s thankless job was to reveal some of his compromising secrets and capture it in his camera.

    "Shit!" he swore to himself, having the impression that at the moment he was being watched by ?liwi¨½ski. The star''s piercing blue eyes looked at him from the poster of the latest film in which he played the lead role. Every day "In the light of the accusation" broke new records, filling the pockets of its producers.

    Andrzej recognized ?liwi¨½ski''s talent, but was not one of his fans. He definitely preferred to watch Patrycja Maj, his partner on the screen, whose coquettish smile and other undoubted attributes made her an object of sympathy for the male audience. It is true that Andrzej would have liked to observe her, but he was glad that he was not forced to interfere with her privacy, which was not entirely private. Contrary to her on-screen partner, Patrycja Maj did not avoid the pages of colorful magazines, showing herself with more and more partners.

    "Shit!" Andrzej swore again. Being a paparazzi offended his dignity, but he couldn''t afford to lose his job. He still had a student loan to pay off and the rents weren''t falling either. This is not how he imagined his work when he graduated five years ago.

    The card with the actor''s address was in Andrzej''s pocket. ?liwi¨½ski was not shooting anything new at the moment, rumor had it that he had been invited to perform two productions, but he had not yet given an answer. Therefore, he was not on the set. Since the premiere of "In Light of the Accusation", he did not take an active part in the promotion of the film, as always. It was supposed to give it a certain mystery and the effect was actually achieved. Readers begged for any information about how ?liwi¨½ski lives, who he was seeing and even what he was eating for breakfast. It was this approach of fans that put Andrzej in this unpleasant situation for him.

    With ?liwi¨½ski''s address and guidelines for his own vantage point, Andrzej Nowicki did not go straight to the site. He was too annoyed by the humiliation to immediately start boring observing a guy''s life. Instead, he went to the family''s little restaurant, which also served delicious lunches, and sat down at the counter.

    "You look pathetic," said Paulina, the owner''s daughter, who, due to her father''s health, was the actual manager of the place, although she also worked as a waitress before lunch.

    Paulina was his friend from high school and a best friend for years. That was when Andrzej learned to come to this restaurant. The habit has remained with him so far. He liked the atmosphere, tasty food and service, which was always very cordial to him. After all, it happened that at one of the tables he wrote off math lessons under the guise of learning together. Paulina was great at science, which turned out to be salutary for Andrzej, who was at risk of not being promoted to the next class.

    "Give me a break," he waved his hand.

    "That bad?" she asked.

    "I studied photography for five years, I won two prestigious awards and what for? To take suspicious pics of some starlets now known only for being famous?" He couldn''t stand it and complained to his friend.

    "Why don''t you quit this newspaper?"

    "And I''ll go where? You think I''m not sending my CV?"

    "You wanted to be a freelance photographer and have your own studio."

    Sure he wanted to, but the prices of the premises in Warsaw were simply thieving and with his salary he will not be able to afford to rent for a good few years. The only thing that could save him was a fluke. If he had taken a really good photo that would have landed on the covers, he would have made a name for himself and then the rest would have gone somehow. Until then, however, he simply had to earn a living by putting off his dreams.

    "You''re too handsome to worry so much," she smiled brightly at him. "You''ll get wrinkles here," she touched between his eyebrows.

    Andrzej snorted, but felt better. Whenever he had a bad day, he could count on Paulina''s support. In all, she had been his friend for about fifteen years.

    "Anyway, you should find yourself a girlfriend," she said. "You know, it''s a little disturbing that someone with your looks and talent has not found anyone. It takes a chance from us, grays."

    Paulina, of course, was exaggerating. She was a lovely woman with suitable, not too big, not too small, breasts, of medium height, with a nice body and skin. Contrary to nerdy stereotypes, she was very successful at school. Andrzej on the other hand, although he was considered one of the more handsome boys not only in the class, he was not very successful. He was one of the taller ones, with hazel eyes and fair hair that he liked to keep a little longer. Now he trimmed the lower part of his head, but the top was still longer and the bangs fell over his eyes.

    Girls, later adult women, looked after him often, but they rarely had the courage to approach him, and when he tried to pick one up, they got weirdly nervous and the meetings were a little awkward. The girl he had kept with him the longest had been with him for three months, two of which were vacation months spent away from each other in their family homes. She broke up with him via text message at the end of August and pretended that they did not know each other in college. Andrzej was handsome, talented, but unpleasant for some reason. He was used to the thought and it didn''t bother him that much. He was too young to be married, and his affairs didn''t have to last more than two months - and they usually didn''t.

    "Ha, ha," he commented. Paulina chuckled.

    He could not be angry with her, after all, she was one of three or four women in the entire history of Andrzej who liked his company, but interestingly enough, he did not have a romantic relationship with any of them, although he once asked for a hand by one of them. He looked into her bright, unusually warm eyes and felt the bad emotions drain away from him.

    "I do make more noise out of it than it''s worth," he admitted, more to himself than to her. "I''ll look at him a little through the window, maybe I''ll follow him around town. I will take three photos of him as he looks at shop windows and I''ll get rid of the trouble. Editorial Aces are sure to find an explosive backstory as to why he stuck to this particular site and not another."

    "And that''s it," she tapped him on the shoulder in a friendly manner. "So what, are you falling out of your social life a bit?"

    "It looks. Why?"

    "Martynka wanted you to book the first of September for her."

    Nowicki smiled radiantly. This is the fifth woman who felt at ease in his company. How could he have forgotten about her?

    "Sure. I will not miss such an opportunity."

    "Thanks. She also mentioned that you could invite her to the movies. She would like to see this latest film with ?liwi¨½ski."

    Andrzej choked on his water.

    "Are you all right?" Paulina worried, patting him on the back.

    "Yes, sure," he coughed a few more times and wiped the tears that fell into his eyes. "I''ll think about it, but now I have to go. The sooner I do this job, the sooner I will finish it. See you soon!"

    Even here, even now, Nowicki could not escape ?liwi¨½ski, whose fans, despite the fact that he was getting older, were getting younger and younger.

 Chapter 2 - What The...?

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski did not live in any guarded housing estate. His house was in a nice and quiet neighborhood on the border with the suburbs. If Andrzej decided to go there by train, they were only two stations away. The photographer did not know what the actor''s day plan looked like, so he decided to be more mobile and not rely solely on public transport, so he drove his car to the house from which he was to observe.

    The house that ?liwi¨½ski lived was absolutely ordinary - the ground floor, first floor and a small backyard garden, where young thuja were used as a hedge. The editorial office of the newspaper, where Andrzej worked, rented a house next door to him by means unknown to him. Nobody ever lived there, it seemed. The floors were freshly laid, there was no furniture, and the air smelled of plaster and paint. There was no refrigerator or stove in the kitchen, but water and electricity were already connected. Only the bathroom looked fully finished. So the conditions were quite Spartan, but the vantage point was excellent.

    Both houses were new and the greenery around them was young and low. From the windows of the ground floor it was difficult to see anything in the neighboring building, but on the first floor, which was clearly intended to serve as a children''s bedroom, Andrzej had a perfect view of ?liwi¨½ski''s kitchen, his living room and bedroom upstairs - that is, the place where the most interesting actions could take place. .

    Potentially, the kitchen was the least interesting, unless someone liked to watch someone else cook. There were more or less official meetings in the lounge, so this space was quite interesting to observe. It could not be concealed, however, that the bedroom gave the most promises, provided, of course, that ?liwi¨½ski would invite someone to it. Andrzej sincerely hoped that it would happen soon and that he would finally be able to leave this place, which he disliked even before he entered it.

    Bloody work, he cursed and mounted the tripod in the upstairs room. Boring, ungrateful and not entirely ethical. But if he had not taken this student loan, he would not be able to study the field he dreamed of and would have no tools for the job. A good camera does not cost five PLN, and poor equipment will not allow even the best photographer to spread their wings. He could not count on the support of his family. His parents, when they were still alive, preferred him to go into management or banking, although he barely passed any math subjects. They wanted him to have a good, stable job, find a nice wife, and spend the rest of his life as an exemplary middle-class citizen. They did not understand his passion and did not share his dreams. They wanted well, but he wanted more.

    Which is why he must be playing voyeur now, he thought bitterly.

    All right, then where is the object of his observation?

    He was not visible in any of the places he watched. Andrzej did not know the layout of the rooms in his house, so he could only guess that on the other side of the ground floor there was a study, maybe a guest bathroom, or a guest bedroom. There was almost certainly at least one extra bedroom upstairs.

    The interiors were clean which indicated the frequent visits of the cleaners. There was no pile of dishes in the sink, there was a kettle on the stove and a small pot covered with a lid. There were no casual clothes scattered about in the living room or the bedroom as in almost any single man''s apartment. Everything was clean, tidy and surprisingly modest. Looking at the simple decor, it was easier to think that an ordinary middle-class man lives there than a movie star known on the streets.

    Andrzej wondered what secrets will they reveal in front of the lens?

    The living room felt warm thanks to the pastel walls in an apricot shade. There was a pentaptic on the wall depicting an arrangement of some maroon flowers with tulip-shaped cups. The couch and armchair next to the dark brown coffee table were a light beige shade and looked very comfortable. The room was nice, clean and pleasant but in no way intriguing.

    About an hour passed when ?liwi¨½ski appeared in the salon. It took Andrzej for a while to recognize him. He had never seen him in private and was not a fan of his work, of course he recognized his face in the posters, but that would be it. In "In Light of the Accusation" he played a tasteful young prosecutor fighting the mafia - in a good suit and neatly combed hair, while he saw a thin boy in a washed T-shirt and threadbare jeans, with long hair that reached his shoulders. He seemed smaller than on the screen, and utterly inconspicuous - at least until he looked up.

    Andrzej has never seen such blue and shiny irises. He considered those on the posters to be contact lenses or the work of a photographer, but being alone at home in such informal attire, the actor had no reason to wear lenses. Their color had to be natural and surely intrigued the people who talked to him more than once.

    ?liwi¨½ski looked thoughtful and busy. Only after a while Andrzej saw some papers in his hand. The actor tossed them reluctantly onto the low coffee table and headed for the kitchen.

    Although small, it seemed functional and quite cozy. Nowicki had seen it before and found that it was absolutely nothing special. ?liwi¨½ski put the kettle on and took a blue mug out of the cupboard into which he dropped an Earl Gray purse - nothing special, normal black tea from a normal grocery store. Even Andrzej drank this brand.

    The ordinary behavior of ?liwi¨½ski was surprising. For someone who already had his place on the promenade of stars and was the idol of women of all ages, his day was nothing special. He did not run around the house in anything controversial, did not drink alcohol since the morning, did not take cocaine and did not ask for girls. He ate, slept, worked, and watched TV from time to time. He cooked and cleaned himself, like most guys live alone. Nothing interesting was happening around him.

    Absolutely nothing.

    Andrzej sighed. It was going to be some bloody boring days.

    ***

    Time was running out and ?liwi¨½ski looked more and more like a Little Mr. Perfect. He got up politely at six in the morning, spent half an hour in the gym, then took a shower and had breakfast. He only changed routine on the days when he had to meet someone in the city, and they were always business meetings. Andrzej was so bored with the monotonous life of the actor that, for fun, he started counting the cups in his cupboard and reading the yoghurt labels in his refrigerator. How could a young, handsome and popular actor, idolized by women of all ages, lead such a boring life?

    Andrzej yawned. It was only two o''clock in the afternoon on the fifth day of observation, and he wanted to start tearing spiders'' legs out just to kill the long time with something. In addition, the heat returned, which made sitting in a newly built house without air conditioning a torment. The photographer shifted his uncomfortable position, yawned again, and looked around for some spider.

    Then a high-class silver German car drove up to the actor''s house. A well-dressed, maybe forty-year-old man with a very self-confident manner got out. Andrzej immediately got a boost of energy, recognizing Marek Marczak, ?liwi¨½ski''s manager, in the man. It might not be a compromising situation, but everything, absolutely everything, was more interesting than the actor''s everyday life.

    The manager pressed the intercom button and the gate gave way immediately, letting him into the property. Three several-year-old thuja blocked Andrzej''s view of the entrance, so he could not see ?liwi¨½ski''s face when he greeted the manager, but Marczak entered without even slowing down.

    They only appeared in the range of the lens after a long while, and the actor for some reason seemed moved by something. Andrzej cursed. He would have given a lot to hear the exchange that took place in the hall.

    However, it was not terrible, because Marczak was smiling with satisfaction. He unceremoniously sat down on the couch and threw his briefcase on the table. His host went into the kitchen, from which he brought chilled water and two glasses.

    Andrzej thought that he would like to drink cold water himself, but there were no household appliances in the kitchen yet, so he was condemned to the one that was heating with him in a room without air conditioning. Suddenly he wished that the bore would somehow do something interesting, so that he could shoot any quite interesting photo. Whatever, if Andrzej could finally leave this hot and boring place.

    For now, however, he had to be satisfied with what he had, i.e. an obvious business meeting. Marczak took out a thick bundle of papers from his briefcase and ?liwi¨½ski sat next to him on the couch so that they could look at them together.

    Andrzej yawned. Apparently, Marczak was just showing his actor the script, new or old - it didn''t matter. It was boring. No one is interested in such a scene, and Andrzej felt bored with the mere awareness that it was happening. Dominik took the papers and began to look at them carefully. Marczak was talking to him and he put his hand on the actor''s knee.

    What?

    Andrzej blinked his eyelids and looked more closely through the lens. Marczak''s left hand was clearly resting on the actor''s right knee. ?liwi¨½ski ignored her completely when immersed in reading the text.

    Nowicki''s finger moved while taking the photo.

    Marczak''s hand slowly moved up the man''s hip, approaching his crotch. It was unbelievable that the young actor could not feel her. In a moment it will be impossible to ignore it.

    In fact, ?liwi¨½ski moved restlessly, trying to move away from the man harassing him, and said something. In response, Marczak took his chin with his right hand and kissed him.

    Surprised, Andrzej automatically took another photo. And next.

    For a moment, ?liwi¨½ski tried to defend himself. The pages he was holding scattered in chaos on the ground. He tried to free himself, push the man away, but finally gave in and hugged his back.

    Andrzej''s heart beat uneasily. He swallowed hard.

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, idol of women, kisses a man?

 Chapter 3 - The Right Place At The Right Time

    Andrzej did not see Dominik ?liwi¨½ski''s face. It was obscured by the broad silhouette of Marczak. He only saw ?liwi¨½ski''s hands clenching tightly on his manager''s back. It seems that his previous resistance was only an appearance and the actor begins to embrace the man who kisses him with his whole body. His movements became more and more greedy and finally Nowicki had no doubts that this was not the first time between the two. Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was without a doubt gay, and he was involved in an affair with his manager.

    Andrzej will get a fortune for such photos!

    Although the mere fact of observing two men kissing was not pleasant at all, the prospect of the enormous money that Andrzej would get for such scandalous photos was exciting. His heart was beating fast, faster and faster as the situation in the next house developed.

    ''More'', the photographer thought. ''Show me more!''

    His desire began to come true. The men broke the kiss. Marczak said something to ?liwi¨½ski and he slipped off the couch, kneeling in front of the manager who sat comfortably and in an inviting position. Dominik''s hands shifted reaching to the leather belt of Marczak''s trousers.

    In this respect, Andrzej did not see any details, but he had no doubts that the young actor was starting an intimate caress. His head moved in a rhythm that stimulated photographer''s imagination. If Nowicki had had any doubts about ?liwi¨½ski''s orientation a moment earlier, he would have lost them now.

    Andrzej felt his throat dry. There was something very attractive about voyeurism. He has never seen a couple making love live, much less two men in such situation. First, he will sell a photo of their kiss to the magazine, and then he will be able to dictate the price for each new compromising photo.

    And there will no doubt be some of these. Marczak melted his fingers into the light brown, long hair of the actor asking for a pace that suited him better. There was pleasure on his face.

    The men, immersed in caress, changed their position and Marczak bared Dominik''s torso. Despite his slight build, his arms had tough muscle knots on them. Even Phidias and Michelangelo could not have dreamed of a more beautiful model, although his small build would also inspire Donatello. A natural work of art.

    Dominik''s athletic body, perfect in proportions, arched. His handsome face was on fire, making it impossible to take your eyes off her. Andrzej felt his mouth dry and his pants throbbing. Even though the whole scene was seriously indecent, there was something incredibly appealing about it. Something pleasantly erotic.

    Slowly, having all the time of the universe to themselves, the men pushed their caresses further on, until absolute satisfaction filled their bodies and reflected on their faces.

    Nowicki swallowed hard, feeling a strange anxiety in his body.

    Physical pleasure between two men was possible. Andrzej had lived in this world for too long (although he was not yet thirty) to doubt it, but the thought that one guy may another ... What he saw in front of his eyes, although it completely surprised him at first, was fascinating in its own way. There was a passion between the two that made the scene more romantic. It was not only physical closeness to satisfy physical urges, but also a certain emotional closeness and tenderness that indicated something more, something in their hearts.

    Andrzej tried not to think about what was happening in front of his eyes. He was a photographer on the job and the only thing he should care about right now is taking pictures well. He took a deep breath and continued taking pictures, trying at all costs to ignore what was happening to his own body.

    Marczak clearly enjoyed his lover. ?liwi¨½ski''s arms wrapped around his back and his head tilted back, indicating that the pleasure was mutual.

    Nowicki found himself stopping breathing for a moment.

    He couldn''t believe how lucky he was to be in the right place at the right time to take a series of hot shots so hot.

    The photos he took today were exactly what Andrzej needed. Such a sensation will increase the sales of any gossip magazine, and this is what the editor-in-chief expected of him. While observing ?liwi¨½ski, the photographer had no idea that he would be able to obtain such compromising and valuable materials. It took five days of boring voyeurism to find a golden duck. Not bad, really good, he praised himself even though he knew it was actually a fluke. He just was in the right place and time to use it.

    Having exactly what he was supposed to get, Andrzej packed his things and left this fragrant building house. Living here was not the worst, but there is nothing like your own cozy corner in Praga district. So he packed himself in the car and left the place without looking back. He was pleased, even very much, with a pass to tens of thousands of PLN in his bag and a better life. He just couldn''t help smiling at the thought of getting away from his hated job.

    His modest studio apartment in the Praga district welcomed him with familiar warmth. Home sweet home, he thought, throwing his bag by the door. The air was a bit stale, after all, he had been gone for a few days, so despite the fact that it was still hot outside, he opened the window. Immediately afterwards, he unpacked his laptop, plugged in the camera and began to download the photos taken during his observation.

    Most of it was rubbish with insufficient disk space, it will be dealt with later, the real pearls were only at the end. Andrzej felt a growing excitement waiting for them to appear on the laptop.

    He took pictures all the time without bothering to focus. There was no time for that. He knew some of them would be unusable, but he made so many of them that even one percent would be enough. Nevertheless, he had no idea whether this percentage would be a real bonanza or just a nugget. Therefore, waiting for the photos to be downloaded to the hard drive was taking longer than ever.

    At last, he thought as the system informed him that he was done. He quickly found the photos he wanted and began to look at them.

 Chapter 4 - Eat It Or Be Eaten

    The photos were surprisingly good, almost all of them. Andrzej could easily recognize the faces and anatomical details of both men. Two front-page faces caught in flagrante delicto enjoying gay sex were an appetizer for a long and high-profile media story. If things go well, now the covers of magazines will not only feature their faces.

    The success burst Andrzej''s heart, keeping him excited. All he had to do now was decide which photos to go to the editor with and how to play through the wage negotiations. Some of the photos were asking for exorbitant bonuses.

    Andrzej carefully examined every photo that caught his attention. He checked how much someone can see on it and what he can read in it. Each of them evoked in his mind a vivid image of movement, silent screams and groans that came from the lips of lovers. The photos were good, faithful and very meaningful. Nowicki himself was surprised how vividly they stopped time. He had the impression that they would come to life again, depicting the scene from a few hours ago.

    The heat made his shirt stick to his body and his throat felt dry again. If he was right, he should have two more cans of the brewery in the refrigerator. He got up from the computer and reached for a beer. The cool drink pleasantly cooled his body, restoring freshness. Andrzej sighed with satisfaction, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and went back to work.

    More photos flashed before his eyes, evoking new flashes of memories. The photos were good, damn good, you could say. ?liwi¨½ski really was photogenic and sexy - for women, of course. This topic, these photos will sell sensational. For example, this ...

    Andrzej looked at one of the photos, surprised that he had it. He did not remember when or how he zoomed in on ?liwi¨½ski''s face at all. He didn''t remember noticing it himself back then, on a regular basis. Everything was so shocking that he took most, if not all, of the photos instinctively. Perhaps instinctively, or by pure coincidence, he took a close-up at that moment, showing not naked, sex-entangled bodies, but the youthful, pretty face of ?liwi¨½ski in ecstasy.

    What Nowicki could define with only one word - beauty.

    Andrzej could not take his eyes off the face in this photo. He had never seen anything so cute before that would bring the most warm and pleasant emotions to his heart. Dominik''s expression, his sparkling eyes, and the fullness of ecstasy were a work of art unlike anything else. No painter can capture such a moment, no actor will be able to play it out. There was nothing in this youthful, beautiful face but the truth of ecstatic love.

    Andrzej Nowicki never thought that any man could be so cute, so pretty. Dominik''s delicate features made his face slightly feminine, but did not deprive him of masculinity. Moist, parted lips were so sexy that they invited to kiss them. The skin glistened with sweat, giving it a radiant glow. Somewhat long hazelnut hair spilled around his face in a golden-brown halo. But it was all nothing in the face of the gleaming aquamarine blue eyes in which the ecstasy of the first martyrs was visible.

    The ideal of beauty was before him.

    ''I can''t sell this picture,'' the photographer thought. ''If I did, I would feel like a profane to some holy relic. This face shows an otherworldly being, an angel walking among people, or even a young god.''

    The artist''s soul resounded in him, refusing to use something that is the highest art for low, material reasons. He did not mean the photo itself, but what was immortalized.

    Andrzej would be a fool lying to himself, or at least he would feel this way if he tried to convince himself that at that moment, in this photo, ?liwi¨½ski was not the most beautiful of the creatures he had ever seen in his life.

    "Shit," he swore aloud.

    The sound and the word itself brought him back to reality.

    Nowicki had about two hundred and thirty photos of the entire scene, from the moment Marczak put his hand on ?liwi¨½ski''s knee to the lovers parting. About fifty of them were wonderfully compromising, where you can see exactly who is doing what to whom. These photos left no room for guesswork - they clearly and distinctly pointed to the sexual relationship between the popular actor and his manager. This was the sensation the publisher of the gossip magazine for which Nowicki worked for. This information will drive the sale of their magazine to sky-high volumes and bring Andrzej so much money that he will be able to forget about working for a gossip magazine and finally take up real photography. Fifty photos that would make him a fortune, and one that would be obscured by his mightful resolve not to spare anyone.

    These photos will free him from credit and work that he hates. Not only that, they will provide him with funds for a completely new start. Thanks to them, he will be able to start his life anew¡­ ruining ?liwi¨½ski''s career at the same time.

    Andrzej had no doubts that in the world now, the disclosure that ?liwi¨½ski is gay would bury the actor''s career forever. No female fan who is in love with him will forgive him that she has no chance with him. No self-respecting lady of the house will want to watch a movie in which a gay plays devouring women''s hearts. Goodbye to the roles of national heroes, saints and lovers. Rumors that he came to fame through the bed would rob him of the remaining leading roles. The star that flashed quickly and brightly and has only just started to establish its place in the sky will go out in a flash, leaving nothing behind. ?liwi¨½ski will be finished.

    "Shit!" He swore again and got up from the computer. "What the fuck do I care ?!"

    Nothing, he told himself. Do any of the starlets care about the common gray man? Why then would he care about anyone? This world is not an idealistic utopia, it is a jungle where survival is fought. Eat it or be eaten - simple. Andrzej had enough brains to know that.

    He sat down at the computer and started the e-mail.

    He chose a new message and the address of his editor.

    The window looked at him with a blank side.

    Nowicki''s fingers hit the keyboard nervously without pressing any button.

    "Shit!" He cursed again passionately. Why can''t he do that?

    Too many sensations, he realized, and he closed his email program. You see such scenes not every day and not every day you come across a goldmine. He needs to rest, sleep with the topic, and then notify the editor.

    First, however, a shower, which was absolutely necessary for him. His sweaty clothes clung to him unpleasantly, and the heat and alcohol made him feel like his body was about to melt. Does he have too few problems of his own? He still has to worry about the future of a complete stranger for no reason?

    A stream of cold water immediately healed his absurd scruples.

    His own bed instead of a sleeping bag in an empty house welcomed him with pleasant comfort. The night was cold and his body was chilled by the shower, so he covered himself with a light duvet. For some reason, however, the sleep would not come to him. He rolled over from side to side, constantly remembering all the photos he had taken with ?liwi¨½ski that day.

    It was incredible and ridiculous for Andrzej that any man would want to have sex with another. After all, there is nothing more pleasant than the touch of a warm, female body. Nature divided the species into sexes and gave some advantages not to the reproductive process itself, but also to the pleasure that the sexual act itself gives and the accompanying additional caresses. A man is anatomically suited to make penetration and not to the opposite activity. It was absurd to think that any guy would voluntarily choose a female role during intercourse, and yet Dominik''s ecstatic face said it wasn''t that absurd. Or is there something about this act that most people don''t know, not only perverse pleasure, but something more biological? Or just¡­ love? This boy had a face filled with that feeling. He looked as if sex was just a physical reflection of his emotions to him.

    Love? Could it be that a man could feel this way for another man?

    Absurd, and yet the face he captured in the photo, those beautiful, sparkling eyes full of ecstasy could not lie.

 Chapter 5 - Plan

    It''s actually sad, Andrzej thought, his head resting on the pillow, still looking forward to sleep. To love someone of the same sex is to go against nature and social norms. ?liwi¨½ski should forget about his affair and become a decent heterosexual guy for his own good. The photo scandal should help him get back on track.

    But it can also destroy him.

    To hell with him, to hell!

    ''No, I can''t do that to him,'' Andrzej continued thinking. ''I may have to work for this tabloid, but I''m not that rag to ruin someone''s life. After all, the media will eat him alive, and someone with such a poetic expression must have a sensitive heart. Who knows how hard it will be to survive the scandal and this fall. What if he doesn''t survive at all?''

    Nowicki shuddered. After all, such things have happened - alcoholism, drugs, and even celebrity suicides who have sunk too low to rise. No, Andrzej could not afford to hold his conscience responsible for someone else''s life or even death.

    Damn it! Go to hell! Damn it!

    ''I can not do that. I cannot sell these photos. But I also don''t want to work in this vile place forever just because I have debts. Maybe I won''t go with the photos in public, but I can still earn money from them.''

    With a broad smile on his lips and an undoubtedly brilliant plan in his head, Andrzej was finally able to sleep peacefully.

    ***

    Buying two starters was nothing, but he had to invest a bit in phones. It is true that he chose the simplest and cheapest models, but his pocket felt unpleasant lightness before paying. Nevertheless, Andrzej was completely convinced of his simple but brilliant plan and its success.

    The purchase of phones was the first step.

    The second was the proper preparation of the photo.

    Andrzej chose one of the better ones, clearly showing the act of penetration and faces, and then in the photo processing program he erased all marks that could identify any of the partners. Only someone who participated in the act or was a witness to it will recognize who is in the photo. He prepared the printout on his own printer, as did the short text: "I know what you were doing yesterday afternoon. Get twenty thousand ready. Wait for further instructions. " For a moment he considered adding "Don''t notify the police," but it seemed completely unnecessary to him. There was no option for ?liwi¨½ski to inform the authorities. It is true that Poland is not America and the actors'' salaries were incomparably lower, but twenty thousand was a very reasonable price for not revealing such a shameful secret.

    As for this amount, Andrzej thought about it for a long time. This money would not even buy a car, but Nowicki did not want a new car, but freedom. To pay off the rest of the loan, he needed ten thousand, twice as much to set up his own studio. Sure, it wouldn''t hurt to have more money, he could then buy better equipment or rent a place in a really good location, but the higher amount could make ?liwi¨½ski more nervous. Andrzej decided that he would be able to get the sum of twenty thousand without major problems. Each magazine would pay him as much or more for one of his photos without batting an eye. Twenty thousand is a small price to pay to save your career.

    Andrzej''s plan was simple and therefore brilliant. He already knew the habits and schedule of the young actor''s daily activities, so he decided to pack the photo, letter and telephone in an envelope and when ?liwi¨½ski was gone, he would drop it in his mailbox. He himself will go back to the house he was observing from to check his reaction. He will see everything clearly at hand and when ?liwi¨½ski lays down in uncertainty and fear, he will give him instructions. He will know all the time if the actor is up to something thanks to lurking in an empty building. In this way, the plan will go exactly as expected.

    Satisfied with himself, Andrzej set to work as a blackmailer.

    ***

    This time to the place where Dominik ?liwi¨½ski lived. Andrzej Nowicki went on a high-speed train. It is true that there were not many people at the stations at this time, so he would not disappear in the crowd, but he did not want to risk showing his car there. He did not have to follow ?liwi¨½ski today and he did not even intend to do it outside his home, so he preferred not to show the same car again, so that someone would not remember it. Andrzej dressed as plain as he could, took a small travel bag with him and headed towards the station.

    Although blackmail is against the law, Nowicki did not feel like a criminal. The money he wanted was earned by him - he was a photographer taking pictures is his job, and selling them is. It seemed fairer to him to sell them to someone who would get into trouble because of them than to someone who might have caused the trouble. Anyway, it wasn''t even blackmail - after all, he didn''t threaten anyone to publish these photos if they didn''t get him the money. Rather, it was a normal commercial transaction. If that customer chooses not to purchase, another will. ?liwi¨½ski was lucky to get a discounted price.

    The two stations that separated their houses were quickly passed by the train and Andrzej left his unit as one of the few passengers. As he suspected, there weren''t many people here. Wola Grzybowska has always been a calm and quiet district, which is probably why ?liwi¨½ski bought a house here. The buildings weren''t too dense, the greenery was everywhere, and although aliens were rare here, no one paid any attention to them. After all, it was Warsaw, where new people were constantly appearing in search of lodging, work or just visiting. Besides, in this city you didn''t even pay attention to your neighbors, which in the present circumstances was very convenient for the photographer.

    Andrzej entered the street where ?liwi¨½ski lived as if nothing had happened. His heart was pounding hard, but it was more excitement than fear. Passing by the actor''s house, he put an envelope in his mailbox. He walked on, but didn''t turn right to his hideout. He walked a bit more and then turned back. He settled into his usual observation post, set up the tripod, mounted the camera, and waited.

    ?liwi¨½ski rarely left the house. He seemed to be uncomfortable with his popularity, so he usually went out shopping in the early mornings, when the adults were already at work, the children were politely in school, and the retirees had already returned from churches and waited in lines to see the doctor at their favorite clinics.

    It was exactly the same this time. Dressed in a gray T-shirt without print and fashionably washed jeans, ?liwi¨½ski, carrying his groceries, stopped in front of the mailbox and took out a brown envelope prepared by Andrzej. He looked at it carefully from all sides, but all he could find on it was the address and the name of the recipient. Nowicki saw the actor thinking for a moment what to do with it and felt a feeling of unease that he might want to throw it away without reading its contents. However, ?liwi¨½ski was interested, because holding the parcel in his hand, he entered his yard and home.

    The envelope landed on the table in the living room and the actor went to the kitchen to unpack his purchases.

    Andrzej felt a rush of frustration. He had not thought before that ?liwi¨½ski could ignore his letter or at least postpone its reading for later.

    Hopefully not very later, Nowicki sighed. If he waits until the evening, his banks will close and Andrzej will not see any cash today. Damn it. Because such an amount is unlikely to be withdrawn from an ATM.

    ?liwi¨½ski turned on the water, unpacked the groceries and made coffee. Cup in hand, he went to the living room, sat on the couch where he had been playing with his manager yesterday, and picked up the envelope. He looked around it again, weighed it in his hands for a moment and decided to open it. He set the cup aside and tore off the edge of the envelope. The first thing he took out of it was a photo.

    Andrzej watched his face turn pale and panic appeared. The young man''s hands began to tremble and for a moment the photographer was afraid that the mere prospect of revealing his secret would be too hard to bear for ?liwi¨½ski. The actor, however, pulled himself together and, as befits a tough guy, whom he played in films, he reached for the second page.

    There was fear in his eyes, but also determination. He looked at the phone from the envelope as if he expected it to ring in a moment, but the phone was silent.

    "That''s it," said Andrzej quietly. "Wait for instructions."

 Chapter 6 - The Price Of Freedom

    ?liwi¨½ski jumped up and took out his own phone. He started dialing a number but stopped himself. His hands began to tremble again and suddenly Andrzej felt somehow strange. It was a normal commercial transaction, no need to panic, but the actor looked like he was having trouble breathing.

    "Hell, I don''t think he''s an asthmatic or he has heart disease," muttered Andrzej anxiously. It would be wrong. It would be very bad.

    Nowicki decided to stop tormenting ?liwi¨½ski and called.

    The actor jumped at the ringing of the phone. Uncertainly, he reached for his cell phone.

    "Hello?"

    Andrzej heard his voice for the first time outside the movie - his own, not the character he played. ?liwi¨½ski tried to keep his tone calm, but the photographer watching him knew how difficult it was for him. After all, he could see him perfectly through the window.

    Nowicki put a handkerchief to the receiver and announced.

    "I have some similar photos. Since you are their hero, I offer you a right of pre-emption. Twenty thousand is not much. I know people who will give more ..."

    "No! He interrupted desperately. "I''ll buy them. And you won''t sell them to anyone else?"

    "You''ll get them exclusively."

    "I agree." Andrzej saw the actor nervously perching on the edge of the couch. "When and where should I deliver the money?"

    "How quickly will you get that amount?"

    "Today ... " a quick glance at the clock "before three."

    "You put the money in a regular travel bag. At three you will leave the house with her and leave her behind the first thuja from the gate. You will not close the gate to the code. You will go to the station and wait for the high-speed train to travel towards Sulej¨®wek. There will be a friend of mine on the train who will confirm your presence. You will remain on the platform until this train travels downtown and you will return home."

    "And the photos?"

    "They will disappear. Nobody will see them again."

    "Can I trust you with this?"

    "I have no reason to lie. I can always get new ones."

    A soft moan of terror escaped ?liwi¨½ski''s mouth.

    "Looks like I have no other choice."

    "It looks like it," finished Andrzej and hung up.

    Phew, he breathed out feeling the adrenaline rush through him. He had no idea the "deal" would get him so emotional. He hadn''t felt that excited since graduating from college. But it was really a new experience.

    ?liwi¨½ski was also full of emotions, although he gave the impression that he was unable to let them go outside or that he could not afford it. He sat curled up on the couch as if he couldn''t move, and stared at the phone he still held in his hands.

    Andrzej even felt sorry for Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, but it was the actor''s fault that he got caught in such a scandalous situation. If you want to have sex with a guy, at least think about keeping the blinds closed, idiot.

    ?liwi¨½ski moved and rubbed his eyes with his hand.

    "He''s not¡­?"

    He was crying now? Is it possible? He was so afraid that someone could see these photos? He was so afraid that his little secret would come out and ruin his career? It wasn''t sad anymore, it was pathetic.

    Contrary to the photographer''s expectations, ?liwi¨½ski did not cry like a wounded lady. He took control of his emotions in a flash, and with almost complete calmness he took his travel bag from the hall closet.

    "Hmm, so not so dim after all?" Nowicki muttered to himself.

    Andrzej''s letter and phone call were clearly a surprise for the actor, if not a shock, but he quickly recovered, even in no time. He did not seek support from anyone and took the burden of the situation himself. Andrzej was a bit surprised that Dominik did not notify his lover, but even he was impressed.

    ?liwi¨½ski was very calm considering the circumstances in which he found himself. The panic was only brief for him. He had three hours to get the money, but he was in no hurry to go to the bank. Instead, he started cleaning. Apparently different people had different ways of dealing with their stress. This ?liwi¨½ski made Nowicki worried about the fate of his money. It was going to be three long hours.

    And they were. The photographer watched with growing anger as the actor cleans the gas stove and wipes the dust instead of going to the bank.

    He doesn''t want to deceive him, is he?

    At two thirty PM ?liwi¨½ski finished his housework, took his bag to his bedroom and went to shower.

    At two fifty-seven, he stood with her outside the front door and looked at his watch.

    He left the house at two fifty-nine.

    Andrzej changed the vantage point to one from which he could see the actor walking towards the station. The young man was walking at a steady, normal pace that showed no signs of uncertainty. He had no bag in his hand.

    Which meant he had left it with the thuja.

    Nowicki was tempted to run away immediately and take the bag, but he preferred to wait a moment. The signal for him was to be a red train going towards Mi?osna. Another - Andrzej looked at his watch - another three minutes.

    The photographer was sure that the actor would be waiting on the platform for the train to pass. After all, he couldn''t have known that an accomplice''s confirmation of his presence was just a bluff. He will not want to risk the exchange failure.

    There it is. The red train appeared exactly at the appointed time, giving Andrzej a signal to act. As if nothing had happened, the photographer left the building and approached the neighboring one. The gate was actually open and there was a travel bag next to the indicated thuja. He was tempted to look inside and see if the actor was trying to trick him, but he preferred to do so in a safe place. If ?liwi¨½ski wanted to outsmart him, he would pay for it with his career.

    As if nothing had happened, he returned with the bag to the house he was occupying and immediately opened it.

    There was a lot of money in the bag.

    "Ooooooh ...!"

    ''It worked!'' he thought with growing satisfaction. ''It really worked!''

    He felt a rapid heartbeat and a flame all over his body. The action was perfect, without even the slightest disturbance. He had twenty thousand at his disposal, thanks to which he would be able to pay off his debts and start his own business.

    Thanks to these twenty thousand, he will be free!

    The train went the other way and after a few minutes ?liwi¨½ski appeared. He saw that there was no bag and entered the house. As soon as the door closed, he leaned against it. Andrew, now free from private concerns, felt a surge of compassion. He pulled out his phone and dialed the number.

    ?liwi¨½ski started and took his cell phone out of his pockets.

    "Hello?"

    "You kept your end of the deal, and I will keep mine. Nobody will ever see these photos. As a bonus, I will add some advice: be more careful in the future. You are in the spotlight of gossip newspapers."

    "Thank you ... thank you," he replied.

    Through the windows, Andrzej could see his leaning forward silhouette, his slim hands clasped on a cheap model cell phone, and his light brown hair falling over his face.

    He¡­ thank him?

    "Some newspapers will pay a lot for something scandalous with your participation" Andrzej added. His voice sounded strangely raw. "So be careful for the future."

    "Yes I will. But why?"

    "What?"

    "No, nothing. Excuse me."

    His hands dropped without putting down the receiver. Andrzej did not finish the connection, watching and listening closely. ?liwi¨½ski raised his head and looked above the ceiling. His aquamarine eyes shone strangely in his pale face, and on his lips there was a gentle and warm smile full of relief.

    Andrzej stood enchanted. It was a beautiful face, delicate and inspired. You don''t see such people every day. You hardly ever see such people. Nowicki felt bad at the thought that he had taken advantage of this man and obtained money from him.

    "Absurd," he muttered to himself, ending the connection. He took photos in which he could make a fortune and sold them fairly for the minimum price he needed. Plus he warned the idiot to be more careful. He has done nothing dishonest or immoral.

    So why did he suddenly feel like the last asshole?

 Chapter 7 - The Popularity Price

    Andrzej had enough money to pay off his debt and quit his job, but he preferred not to change his life so quickly and radically. People may start wondering where the money is coming from. It is true that he still persuaded himself that he had obtained it legally, but others might not see it that way. Besides, it could have seemed that the photos cost so much that they allowed him to completely change his life, and this would reveal ?liwi¨½ski''s secret. Andrzej took money from him not to accidentally lead to his downfall.

    But he definitely didn''t want to work for his newspaper any longer. Being paparazzi offended his dignity, which was a perfect excuse to quit his job. Everyone knew his fate in the editorial office was uncertain anyway, so it wouldn''t be a surprise if he just said he was throwing it all to hell.

    With such an attitude and an arrogant smile on his face, he entered the editorial office.

    He didn''t like almost everyone who worked here. The exception was Marlenka, an intern who had not yet soaked up the nightmarish odor of gossip. He heartily wished her not to get a job here. She was too nice and too sensitive to go to waste in a tabloid.

    "Good morning," she called out to him happily as soon as he showed up at the door. His editorial colleagues looked at him like wolves.

    "Hi, Marlenka. What''s up?"

    "Do you have any new photos of ?liwi¨½ski?"

    Her excitement seemed a little suspicious to him.

    "Maybe. What, are you a fan?"

    "He''s lovely," she beamed, "but that''s not the point." There are rumors that Henri Baptiste wants to shoot a historical romance in Poland and that ?liwi¨½ski''s name appears most often as a candidate for the main male role. And that would mean ..."

    Nowicki knew exactly what, so he stopped listening to her for a moment. The media will now attack the boy like ravenous vultures, knowing how marketable he will be. And not only domestic. The name Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was not completely unknown in Europe, but if Baptiste really considers him the main actor of his film, the whole continent will start sniffing around the young man.

    ''But that''s none of my business,'' thought Andrzej returning to his good mood. ''Let the kid worry about himself.''

    "The boss is in his office? He asked the girl excitedly."

    "Yeah. And waiting for some good news from you. From your smile, I guess you have something interesting for him."

    "That''s right, I just don''t know if he''s expecting something like this," he winked at her and headed toward his boss''s office.

    He knocked on the thin glass door and entered without waiting for an invitation.

    "Excuse me¡­"

    "Nowicki, it''s good that you are. Show what you got on ?liwi¨½ski."

    "I have nothing. The boy is so boring that those were the longest and most boring days of my life" at least those before Marczak appeared.

    "Bullshit," the editor growled. "Everyone has some dirt, only you can''t find it."

    "Look, he hardly ever left the house all these days, only going to the grocery store or for short walks." His life is so boring that if it came out, nobody would want to read about him."

    "You don''t mean to tell me that a healthy young man hasn''t crushed any lady. Don''t take me for such a naive."

    "Ladies? Come on. No starlet, no little lady or whore. Hell, he cleans his house himself."

    "Really?" the interest in the editor''s voice seemed strange to Andrzej.

    "Yes. I think he sees it as a way to pass the time."

    "Do you have photos?"

    "Are you telling me you''re so desperate to post pictures of a guy wearing an economic apron?"

    "And was he wearing an apron?"

    "That''s not the point! Why the hell did you get on with it?"

    "Nowicki, Nowicki, grow up finally. People have always been interested in the private lives of others, especially those who are famous. If we show that ?liwi¨½ski cleans his house himself, the questions will arise why? He can''t afford a cleaning lady or maybe he doesn''t trust them? Maybe he has obsessive compulsive disorder or at least he is a bacterial freak? Think, one sentence supported by a photo is enough and a whole network of discussions in articles is already energized. That''s why I ask, do you have a picture of him cleaning his house?"

    "Got it," he admitted. He was too surprised to react against it.

    "Show me."

    "E ... I''ll send them to you by email."

    "We have the house until the end of the month, so you have to sit on your ass and watch ?liwi¨½ski. I need photos of any of his suspicious activities before the competition gets them. Are you ready for this simple task or should I entrust it to someone else? Believe me, dozens of others are waiting for your place."

    "I know," he growled. "I''ll do it. I''ll be watching him until the end of the month. And no."

    "What do you mean ''no''?"

    "He''s not wearing an apron."

    "Send me these pictures and don''t leave this house until you have something really good."

    "I can see it with this bore."

    "Hopefully, because if not, I don''t see a future for you here."

    Andrzej left angry, refraining from slamming the door. After all, he went there to quit that vile job, how did he end up being a voyeur again?

    Shit, he cursed silently. Why are they all so on this boy? Why don''t they just let him live? Does the popularity price really have to be that high?

    Nowicki did not even notice when he left the train at the appropriate station. His legs carried him to the right place on his own. His anger passed a bit, but his bad mood remained.

 Chapter 8 - The Price Of Fame

    WARNING!!! The end of the chapter includes a scene of violence. Let me remind you that the book is for adult readers.

    ''What am I doing here?'' thought Andrzej Nowicki as he slowly trudged along one of streets of Wola Grzybowska, one of the districts of Warsaw. ''After all, today was supposed to be my last day at work. There is no reason why I should spend at least one more hour watching Dominik ?liwi¨½ski. I will discover nothing more sensational than his romance, and yet I have already decided not to use this information in the publishing house. So why the hell am I going back to this house?''

    And yet he was already there, setting up the tripod again and mounting the camera on it. He glanced towards the adjacent windows, but the actor was nowhere to be seen. Maybe that was a good thing, because he wasn''t sure he wanted to look at ?liwi¨½ski. He saw maybe two films with him and never paid attention to his roles, so he was definitely not one of his fans, and after all the action with selling him photos, Andrzej felt awkward being around him. Not that he had remorse or anything like that, it was just weird and unnecessary. After all, he knew that he would not take any new photos - unless ?liwi¨½ski was washing the dishes, preferably in an apron.

    And since his thoughts were already at the housework, Nowicki sat down and took out his laptop. He had to choose some boring photos like ?liwi¨½ski rubs the dust and send them to the editorial office. Could something so hopeless really attract people?

    Because these were private photos of Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, an actor who, despite his twenty-four years, was already one of the most famous actors in this part of the world and was considered by many to be the most beautiful face of Europe. Andrzej decided that he would send some decent quality, on which the actor would look quite decent. Hell, it wasn''t unusual for a guy to clean his apartment himself. Making this material for a press article was a bit pointless, but since the photos of Dominik ?liwi??ski with a cloth in his hand are better than nothing, Nowicki could try to make them really good. Reviewing the ones he did on the first day, he found that even in the most everyday outfit, even with rubber gloves on his hands and with a dust spray in his hand, the actor presents himself with a special charm. He was definitely eye catching.

    Okay, the photos selected by Andrzej should appeal not only to the editor, but also to the readers. He sent an e-mail without delay, closed his laptop and looked at the neighboring windows.

    ?liwi¨½ski was already in sight and had an unpleasantly nervous conversation on the phone. Since the actor was very calm during all the days of observation and even blackmail did not upset him for a long time, this behavior was rather puzzling. More out of pure human curiosity than reporter''s instinct, Nowicki began to observe him more closely, but he had already finished the conversation.

    After the call he made, ?liwi¨½ski seemed to Andrzej extremely nervous. The photographer was curious about who the young actor was talking to, but he had no way of checking it. Whoever it was, ?liwi¨½ski started pacing his living room back and forth, looking towards the door every now and then.

    ''Oh, so he''s waiting for someone. I wonder who?''

    For a lover? It flashed through Andrzej''s mind as he focused on the camera. His heart, for some reason, began to beat faster. ?liwi¨½ski was warned that he had to be more careful. After all, he knows his privacy is not safe even in his own home.

    It was time to pass the time by making guesses, but nothing more.

    Through the young thujas, Andrzej recognized a silver car driving up. So the lover after all, Nowicki smiled crookedly. Some people just don''t learn from their mistakes. A perverse decision was born in his head that if ?liwi¨½ski was caught having sex with a guy again, he would have to pay again.

    Marczak entered through the gate and did not even have to wait for the door to be opened, because ?liwi¨½ski opened it immediately when he saw a car approaching. He let his manager in and started talking right away.

    Andrzej would have given a lot to hear his words, because he guessed from his faces, gestures and strange tension in the air that it was not a love confession. Was it a lovers'' quarrel?

    Possible. Even likely.

    ?liwi¨½ski was nervous, he was saying something frantically avoiding the eyes of his lover. Marczak approached him quickly and grabbed his shoulders. He put his lips to his. Apparently he didn''t want to listen, or was going to use his own arguments. The actor pushed him away and took two steps back. Marczak did not like this. He quickly approached him and launched a punch at his face.

    "Oh shit!" exclaimed Andrzej in surprise, watching as ?liwi¨½ski thrown by the force of an impact smashed the coffee table with his body.

    ?liwi¨½ski was stunned. He tried to get up, but his hand buckled under him. The force of the blow must have shaken his body quite well. Meanwhile, Marczak leaned over him, grabbed his wrist and yanked it upwards. He was strong. The actor screamed, but his body was lifted and his arm painfully twisted back. Andrzej could clearly see the pain and terror in his face and eyes.

    Wait a minute, what Andrzej suspects is happening there is not happening there, is it?

    Pulled from the remains of the table, ?liwi¨½ski was thrown to his knees with blood on his lips. With his hand twisted, he could not defend himself. Marczak pushed him harder and the actor landed on his face. The manager''s other hand went to his waist¡­

 Chapter 9 - Encounter With The Beast

    Andrzej did not think. He did not wait to see what would happen next. He exaggerated the distance between the two houses and burst into ?liwi¨½ski''s salon.

    "Leave him, you bastard!" He screamed and punched Marczak''s head with his fist.

    The man rolled down from the actor trying to figure out the situation.

    "You better get the fuck out of here, I''ve already called the cops!"

    Surprised, Marczak stumbled towards the exit and after a while there was no trace of him.

    "Are you all right?" Andrzej leaned over ?liwi¨½ski lying on his belly.

    Silly question. Nothing was right. His shirt was pulled up and his pants and underwear were pulled to the knees. ?liwi¨½ski tried to get up, but his body was not able to do it under the pain or shock.

    "Don''t move" Andrzej was afraid that he reacted too late. "I''ll call an ambulance ..."

    "No! Please."

    "But ..."

    "Please, it''s nothing serious. I just ..."

    He slowly sat up, covering his manhood. He did not dare to look above floor level.

    Andrzej did not know what to do. He was afraid that ?liwi¨½ski might have been seriously injured, in the end this fall looked really dangerous, but he could not force him to go to the hospital, where they asked questions.

    "Who you are?" The actor still couldn''t look up from the floor.

    "I''m the asshole who took your pictures. Andrzej Nowicki. I saw what happened and ..."

    "Thank you."

    ?liwi¨½ski''s voice was weak and trembling.

    "I know you have no reason to trust me, but ..."

    "Can you help me up?" Asked a soft question.

    "Yes of course."

    Andrzej approached ?liwi¨½ski and helped him get up. The actor gritted his teeth so as not to groan in pain as his body shifted position. He''ll probably be pretty bruised, but he doesn''t seem to have anything broken. Nevertheless, he should see a doctor.

    "Maybe I''ll take you to the hospital after all ..."

    "No. Can you help me up the stairs? I want to go to bed."

    "As you wish."

    "Thank you."

    Andrzej threw his arm over his shoulder and embraced his waist. With the other hand, ?liwi¨½ski held up his pants.

    "Did you call the police? He asked as they walked towards the stairs.

    "I was bluffing, there was no time. I''ll do it as soon as I walk you to your bedroom."

    "Please don''t do this."

    "But he ... It was an assault."

    "No" ?liwi¨½ski turned his head.

    Denial, a typical reaction from victims of domestic violence and sexual violence. Shame it happened to them. That is why the torturers felt unpunished. On the other hand, is it possible to expect someone who has been treated so brutally to have the courage to relive this nightmare?

    "As you wish," he agreed without enthusiasm.

    Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the curvature of the actor''s lips that might have been a pale smile of gratitude. These lips trembled and Andrzej thought that ?liwi¨½ski was fighting tears. Emotions and pain must have torn his whole being, but he could not afford such a weakness. Not with a stranger.

    When they got to the bedroom, the actor fell heavily on the bed. His body began to tremble.

    "Should I call someone?"

    "No thanks."

    "I''ll make a strong tea. It''s good for nerves."

    "Mh ... The cups are ..."

    "I know where.''

    "Ah yes¡­"

    "I''ll put the water on. If you need anything, shout out."

    ?liwi¨½ski just nodded.

    I have to get out of here, Andrzej thought as he left the bedroom. I have to leave him alone, maybe then he will let himself cry. Damn, what exactly happened? How did it all come about?

    Andrzej walked away a few steps and stopped listening. A disturbing silence answered him.

    Maybe ?liwi¨½ski is also listening and waiting for his steps to be silent in the distance?

    The photographer went down to the kitchen and put on the water. He took out two mugs and placed a teabags in them.

    The kitchen in which he saw ?liwi¨½ski so many times had no secrets for him. He knew how strong he liked his Earl Gray and how much sugar he poured into her. Leaning on the kitchen counter, Andrzej wondered how it had all happened and what would have happened if he hadn''t reacted. But the most terrible thought was that it might not be the first time.

    "Animal," he vented his fury. "Fucking beast!"

    How could anyone do something like that? How could you use your strength so brutally, hit, overpower, and then¡­ After all, they were a couple, not more than two days ago they were united by passion, maybe love. For Andrzej, the whole situation was sick. If he, only a witness to these events, was shocked by Marczak''s cruelty, how could ?liwi¨½ski, his victim, feel?

    Nowicki looked up. The silence disturbed him. What if the actor got hit more than it seemed at first glance and lost consciousness? Shouldn''t he go upstairs and check?

    He heard the faint rush of water. The actor''s bedroom and private bathroom were above the kitchen. Was ?liwi¨½ski taking a shower? Very likely. Andrzej would not be surprised if he wanted to wash off that man.

    Bloody bastard!

    Nowicki remembered the face from that photo, full of love and ecstasy, sincere and beautiful. Immediately after that, today''s terror and pain obscured her. One has to be the meanest of creatures to hurt someone so beautiful and gentle.

    The kettle whistled, snapping him out of his thoughts. He made some tea and went upstairs with both cups.

    "Knock knock," he called, both of his hands full.

    He heard no answer, but the stream of water was clearly heard from behind the door. What if he fainted in the shower, Andrzej got scared.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski!" He raised his voice.

    "Excuse me! Please come in!"

    The water stopped. When he was crossing the bedroom door, ?liwi¨½ski came out of the bathroom, dressed in a dark bathrobe. Water was dripping from his wet hair onto his collar. He was calmer and even dared to look at the photographer for a moment. His eyes the color of the purest blue were still staring uncertainly, and his cut lips were slightly trembling, which ignited Andrzej''s heart with anger. How can anyone want to hurt such a beautiful person?

    "Sorry about my outfit." His voice was still low and uncertain. "If it annoys you, I can change ..."

    "Don''t worry about me," said Andrzej quickly. "How''s the hand? Isn''t it dislocated?"

    "No" ?liwi¨½ski lowered his eyes "just a bit battered."

    "Get you some painkiller? If you have nothing, I can jump to the pharmacy."

    The actor seemed to be considering the offer.

    "Thank you, I have something in the nightstand. I guess I haven''t thanked you for saving me yet. Thank you."

    He did not meet his eyes. Andrzej did not feel offended. It wasn''t ingratitude, he guessed, but shame, emotional pain at the memory of events that were not quite in the past yet. Instinctively, ?liwi¨½ski covered himself more tightly with his robe, although little was visible except for a small triangle just below his neck.

 Chapter 10 - The Intruder That Is Needed

    Andrzej was an intruder here, an uncomfortable witness of a humiliating incident, someone who should not exist in ?liwi¨½ski''s world at all and knew it well. But he couldn''t bring himself to leave. Someone who has been attacked less than a quarter of an hour earlier should not be left alone at home so as not to summon demons.

    "Your tea," he held out to him the cup the actor always used for himself.

    "Thank you."

    "If that''s not a problem, I''d like to stay in the lounge at night. In case he comes back."

    ?liwi¨½ski''s shoulders shrank slightly.

    "I''ll prepare the bedding ..."

    "There''s no need to. You should rest now. Please don''t worry about me. I promise not to cause you trouble."

    "I know" ?liwi¨½ski sat on the edge of the bed, both hands embracing the hot mug. He tried very hard to smile and look at his visitor, but instead his shoulders began to tremble. "Sorry," he quickly wiped indiscreet tears.

    ''Damn, what should I do?'' though Nowicki

    Andrzej wanted to go over to him and hold him tight enough to stop him trembling, but he was afraid to do so. He had no right to invade someone else''s personal space, especially at a moment like this.

    "It''s not true that men don''t cry," he said without moving. "They just have to have a reason. I think today''s events qualify for that."

    ?liwi¨½ski sniffed.

    "I''m making an idiot of myself."

    "I promise not to tell anyone."

    He laughed nervously, briefly.

    "Thanks."

    He seemed to relax a little. His eyes were still moist, but his mouth was already forming a tentative smile.

    "I''m sorry you had to witness all this. Usually, Marek doesn''t go that far, but today ... I told him that I wanted our contacts to remain purely professional for a while. I don''t think he liked the idea."

    "So is it because I took these pictures ...?"

    "Not quite," ?liwi¨½ski shook his head, looking at his cup. "You were right that I should have been more careful. It''s not that I want to live a secret lie, but I''m not ready to face social prejudices yet. I didn''t even tell my parents, so if they found out from the media ... But Marek ..."

    He closed his eyes. He couldn''t hide the pain he was feeling.

    "As for the pictures, I''ll give you your money back" Andrzej said.

    "What? No!" He objected vehemently. "I''m grateful you sold them to me! Keep the money, please!"

    "But ..."

    "Please!"

    With what intensity those aquamarine eyes were staring at him! Andrzej had the impression that he was looking at a kitten begging for a caress. What an absurd association, he thought, shivering down his back.

    "We''ll talk about it another time," he conceded halfway. "Drink your tea while it''s warm."

    "Ah yes, thank you."

    ''How polite and kind he is. It''s downright unnatural. But it''s cute in its own way. Shit, why am I starting to think of him that way?'' wondered photographer.

    The hot drink blushed the actor''s cheeks. In the evening light, Andrzej could see that his eyelids grew heavy. ?liwi¨½ski was really tired both emotionally and physically.

    "You should sleep" Nowicki announced, stretching out his hand for the cup. "Don''t worry about anything and just relax, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski. I''ll be downstairs just in case. Just call me if you need me."

    "Dominik."

    "What?"

    "Can you call me by name, Mr. ... Nowicki?"

    "All right, Dominik, I''m Andrzej."

    ?liwi¨½ski smiled. The fatigue was more and more evident in his face and sluggish movements.

    "Make yourself at home, Andrzej."

    "Fine. Good night, Dominik. If you need anything, just call out. Okay?"

    "Okay."

    Andrzej left his bedroom feeling a painful stab in his heart. How terribly lonely Dominik ?liwi¨½ski must be if, after such traumatic experiences, there is no friend he would like to call. How he desperately needs anyone if he allows the man who blackmailed him to roam his house with impunity and feel at home. How he desperately needs intimacy when he is passing on a name to someone he should hate.

    Nowicki entered the living room and looked at the place where the attack had happened. He recreated the whole scene in his imagination and gritted his teeth. On the floor were magazines scattered and a shattered coffee table that faded into the fading dusk.

    This is evidence of a crime, he thought. They should remain as they are until the police arrive. However, the police will probably not be called, and the sight of the battlefield will only hurt Dominik when he gets up in the morning. The boy has been through enough. Why recall drastic memories?

    However, you never know if some evidence of this incident will ever be useful. Andrzej put the mugs in the sink and returned to the living room. He pulled out his phone and took some photos. Then he closed the window blinds, turned the lock, turned on the light, and took a few more photos. Then he started cleaning.

    Here Dominik hit his shoulder. It must have hurt. His back hit the edge of the table - it''s a miracle that the piece of furniture slammed, not the spine. Here, Marczak pinned him to the ground. There were two drops of blood on the panels.

    How cruel! How mean!

    Andrzej cleared away all the remains of the furniture in a garbage bag. He collected the magazines and placed them in a pile on the dresser. He took a basin of water and a cloth from the kitchen and wiped the blood off the panels on his knees.

    When he finished, he turned off the light and sat down on the couch where he saw two men having sex. It was a strange experience, but the piece of furniture was absolutely clean and smelling as if it had just come from the factory. Andrzej was not going to sleep that night. Not only was he moved by the whole incident, but he was worried about ?liwi¨½ski all the time. He wasn''t sleepy at all, but he didn''t want to turn on the TV he was sitting in front of. He was afraid that he might not hear the voice coming from above.

    He lounged back on the couch and stared at the ceiling.

    He was ready to respond to any call.

    ***

    Andrzej woke up nervously and saw a figure above him. It took him one and two tenths of a second to recognize ?liwi¨½ski in the light coming from the kitchen. The actor bent over him and covered him with a blanket.

    "Dominik?" He asked surprised. "What are you doing here?"

    "Sorry, I didn''t want to wake you up ..."

    "That''s not the point. Something happened?"

    Andrzej was seriously concerned. He had a feeling that by respecting the actor''s privacy and emotional wounds, he might have inadvertently ignored his physical injuries, which could have turned out to be serious.

    "No, northing." Young actor assured him. "I just woke up and couldn''t go back to sleep, so went down to get water. The nights are cold so I figured I''d put a blanket over you."

    " Thanks."

    Andrzej was fully awake. He noticed that Dominik had changed. Now he was wearing a dark gray T-shirt and pajama pants with a fine check pattern.

    "So you can''t sleep, right?"

    "Mhm."

    "Do you want to watch TV?"

    He considered the offer for a moment, but whatever argued against was defeated against the desire for human companionship.

    "I want."

    Nowicki shifted on the couch making room for him and Dominik sat down next to him, pulling his knees up to his chin. He turned on the TV with the remote and they started selecting programs.

    "What do you want to watch?" ?liwi¨½ski asked, looking at the screen.

    "I don''t know what''s on TV. Rarely watch TV."

    "Me too," he admitted, and changed the channel.

    "Maybe they play some comedies somewhere?"

    The actor nodded. He chose the canal, and after a while they saw the familiar silhouettes of two older men standing by the fence, arguing with a Bug River accent.

    "May be?" Dominik asked.

    "Perfect."

    The actor put the pilot between them and rested his chin on his lap.

    Andrzej liked ''Sami Swoi''. He considered the film one of the best comedies ever made. He watched her dozens of times and yet she still made him laugh. Today, however, he devoted only part of his attention to the film. He focused the rest on the man sitting next to him.

    The young actor was pale, or just the glow of the black and white film made him feel like that. He was slim, and although his body was nicely sculpted with exercise, he seemed more fragile today than the characters he played, which he made up for in their vigor and bravado. He had a really attractive profile, where almost feminine delicacy and beauty were harmoniously combined with masculine strength and firmness. The left lip, slashed with a fist, gave the impression of a bloody forget-me-not flower.

 Chapter 11 - Body Pain, Heart Pain

    Dominik laughed at some funnier scene, a bit hesitant and shy, but it looked like the comedy had done its job. Andrzej remembered that he too should react, so he laughed too, though not very sincerely.

    Marczak is unpredictable, he thought anxiously. What if he attacks Dominik again? He is twice as large and stronger than him, the boy will not stand a chance. Damn it! Only that was what Dominik lacked! First the vultures, now the wolves.

    For some reason, the thought that Dominik was completely vulnerable and exposed to blows made Andrzej feel pain in his chest. Hurting ?liwi¨½ski was as simple as taking a candy from a child, and just as mean. Does Dominik have someone, anyone, to protect him?

    He probably thought he did until he was betrayed by that person.

    Andrzej did not know much about ?liwi¨½ski. All he knew about his real life was what he had observed all these days. The man did not lead a lush, social life almost without leaving home. Nobody visited him, except for Marczak. He wasn''t sitting on the Internet for hours or hours on the phone line. In the morning he exercised on his atlas, then took a shower and had a light breakfast. After that, he started reading books or scripts. Before noon he would go out shopping and then do some housework. He cooked himself a dinner and after eating it, he started reading again. Sometimes he studied recordings for an hour or two, probably to improve his acting skills. All this time, apart from Marczak''s visits, he was completely alone.

    Nowicki realized that the end credits were already flying. He shifted on the couch and looked at ?liwi¨½ski. The young man was asleep with his head tilted to his left shoulder. He looked so innocent and gentle that Andrzej with all his heart felt the desire to protect him.

    They may have been complete strangers, but Dominik didn''t seem to have anyone else.

    ***

    The sounds that Andrzej heard while in the kitchen showed that Dominik ?liwi¨½sk had already woken up. Andrzej leaned out through the door niche and called out:

    "Good morning. Did you sleep well?" Nowicki asked.

    "Good morning" disheveled Dominik blinked his eyes and smiled warmly. "It''s okay, thank you. Ouch!"

    The blanket slid to the floor as he tried to get up. It is true that Andrzej at night put him in a more comfortable position than the one in which he fell asleep curled up on the couch, but apparently yesterday''s injury made itself felt painfully.

    Concerned, Andrzej approached him.

    "Can you move?"

    "Yes, just¡­ not too fast," he replied through gritted teeth.

    "Show me your back."

    "What?"

    "You hit them on the table, don''t you remember? Show me your back," he demanded again.

    Dominik turned his back to him, but Andrzej had to pull up his t-shirt.

    ?liwi¨½ski hissed.

    Nowicki bit his tongue.

    A vast dark bruise grew on the actor''s back.

    "You should see the doctor with this."

    "No," he blurted out awkwardly. His movements were pain limited. His wrist was also blue. "You promised you wouldn''t tell anyone. You promised!"

    Andrzej gritted his teeth.

    "Okay, but it still needs to be treated. Do you have any ointment for bruises?"

    Dominik thought about it.

    "Probably not¡­"

    "Then I''ll go buy it. Does anyone have keys to your house?"

    ?liwi¨½ski looked at him, eyes wide.

    "No," he replied.

    "No one?"

    "No one."

    "We''ll do it like this, you lend me the keys to your house, I''ll lock you inside and go to the pharmacy. You will not open anyone during this time. You will lie down politely so as not to force your back. When I get back, we''ll put some ointment on it and I''ll make you breakfast. Would you like something special?"

    ?liwi¨½ski looked at him for a moment with eyes as large as saucers and finally said:

    "Waffles with white coffee."

    "Then I''ll make you waffles with white coffee. Lie still, it shouldn''t take me more than a quarter of an hour. Keys ..."

    Dominik pointed to a bamboo bowl with a decorative motif standing on a dresser under hangers by the door.

    Andrzej grabbed them and immediately ran out of the house. ?liwi¨½ski was stubborn as a donkey, but he had the right to decide when and whether to use a doctor''s services at all. It did not change the fact that a large hematoma had grown on his back, which is certainly very painful and makes it difficult to move.

    Nowicki once had a quite serious injury, so he knew how such bruises can hurt, but he also tried various measures. So he didn''t even have to ask for advice from the pharmacy. He chose the ointment he had proven himself and the pills, and without waiting he headed back.

    Andrzej found Dominik sitting on the edge of the couch. At the sound of the door opening, the actor looked towards the entrance. His eyes sparkled, but his face was expressionless. Nowicki was unable to read any emotions from her and thought that ?liwi¨½ski had put on his acting mask. It took a moment for him to notice that the young man had a cell phone in his hand.

    "I got a really good ointment. Two days of use and you''ll be like new."

    Dominik smiled faintly. The mask began to fall. At the moment he looked sad.

    "Did something happen?" Andrzej instinctively looked at the phone.

    "Nothing," ?liwi¨½ski replied with a hint of bitterness in his voice. "And that''s the point."

    "You thought he''d call?" Nowicki guessed sitting next to him.

    "I know, it''s stupid, but I thought so. I thought maybe he would be worried about me. After all, he''s got good money of me."

    Andrzej knew it wasn''t about any money. The two were connected by something more than just professional relations, so the pain in ?liwi¨½ski''s voice was understandable. He remembered his face photographed during intercourse with Marczak again. Dominik could really love him. If so, what his lover did was all the more painful and in Andrzej''s eyes ¨C unforgivable.

    "If he called, would you forgive him?"

    ?liwi¨½ski stared at the phone he was holding tightly.

    "I don''t know," he admitted honestly.

    "You should not. You are not his property."

    "Yes but¡­"

    "Do you want to make excuses for him?"

    Dominik looked down.

    Hell, what an idiot! Yesterday he had almost been r***d by the other guy, had been battered to the point where he could hardly move, yet he wanted to forgive him and just waited for an opportunity to do so.

    Is this what love looks like? Stupid!

    "I''d like to give you an ointment. It is best if you lie down comfortably on your stomach."

    Dominik obeyed the command without saying a word, lying on the couch. Andrzej pulled up his T-shirt and squeezed a large dose of an ointment smelling of camphor and mint on his arm. He smeared it on his hands and placed them on the actor''s back.

    ?liwi¨½ski made no sound, but his body tightened when touched. Andrzej tried to be as gentle as possible, but he suspected that they were causing him pain anyway.

    "Done," he said when he finished and gently lowered his shirt again. "You should lie down a bit."

    "Thank you."

    Nowicki took a blanket and covered ?liwi¨½ski''s back with it, then stood by his head.

    "Give me your hand," he ordered.

    "I myself can ..."

    "I already have ointment on my hand. Show off your wrist."

    Dominik timidly extended his hand, which disappeared into the photographer''s massive hands. The bruise on her was not as macabre as on his back, but it required some effort. Contrary to that, he was constantly in ?liwi¨½ski''s sight, reminding him about painful experiences.

    "I also bought some good pills, but you shouldn''t take them on an empty stomach. I will make breakfast. Waffles and white coffee, right?"

    "Yes," came a very soft reply. Andrzej was already leaving for the kitchen when his name said by Dominik stopped him. He stopped.

    "Yes?"

    "Why are you doing this? Why are you taking care of me?"

    "Don''t be offended, but it looks like you need help and don''t want it from anyone else. Actually, I should be asking why are you allowing me to help you?

    This question was actually a joke. Andrzej did not expect to hear the answers, so he was surprised when Dominik''s voice sounded:

    "Because I''ve already seen your darkest side."

 Chapter 12 - His Darkest Side

    For a moment Nowicki stood not understanding. What is ?liwi¨½ski talking about? He was looking at the man lying on his stomach, who in turn was looking at the place where yesterday he has been knocked to the floor and brutally pinned to it. It was probably then that he realized how much evil and cruelty there was in someone whom he trusted so far.

    ''My dark side, huh,'' the photographer thought. Perhaps in the context of these events, the blackmail he had committed and the work of being a hyena did not look too bad?

    Getting down to breakfast, Andrzej sighed.

    It''s not that he chose to be a paparazzi because he loved it. He loved taking pictures because there was something romantic and magical about it, as if he was keeping beauty and time in place, making them immortal. Some events were worth keeping forever. Peeping and chatting for someone for something sensational to happen had nothing to do with the noble profession of a photographer. Andrzej had to admit, however, that although he despised this task so much, at that moment he was extremely grateful for it. To think what would have happened to Dominik if Nowicki had not been around ...

    Andrzej could not forget these events. He still felt a rush of adrenaline and anger at the mere mention of them. If he thinks and feels this way, the young actor must experience everything much more. Although he still hardly knew him at all, he knew one thing - ?liwi¨½ski did not deserve to be treated like that. Nobody deserved it. Well, maybe Marczak.

    The aroma of fresh waffles and boiled milk filled the kitchen and probably the living room. Dominik appeared in the door niche as soon as Andrzej poured milk over his coffee. The actor stood on the wall for a moment and looked at the man bustling about the kitchen, then blushed abruptly and looked down. He slowly walked over to the kitchen table and sat down. He was avoiding eye contact again, as if afraid to look someone in the eye.

    Suddenly Nowicki felt like a disruptive intruder.

    "You showed up very quickly yesterday," Dominik said softly. He looked at his hands on the table. The bruise on his right wrist glistened with ointment that had apparently not yet fully absorbed.

    There was no point in lying or hiding anything. ?liwi¨½ski already knew who took these compromising photos.

    "I was there," Andrzej pointed to the neighboring house, which at this angle seemed to be completely hidden by young thujas. ?liwi¨½ski looked up at him, but he probably did not think that one could see anything through the bushes. "The upper window" explained Nowicki.

    "Did you take pictures like he ..."

    Andrzej looked at the actor for a moment feeling ashamed. It really was a reflex that the photographer didn''t even register. Only later did he realize that yes, he had a camera in his hand and used it.

    "Yes," he admitted.

    "I want to buy these photos from you."

    This declaration surprised Andrzej.

    "It''s your job to take and sell photos," the actor continued. "I want to buy back these photos, just like the other ones. I''ll give you a hundred thousand."

    Andrzej felt strange, as if he had just been hit with something heavy in the head and chest.

    Hundred thousand? Hundred thousand?

    "No," he said firmly.

    "Not enough?" Dominik suddenly lost control of himself. He lifted his flushed face to him and stared at the photographer with desperately shining eyes. "Then tell me how much?"

    "Nothing, damn it!" He exploded. "Such photos ... Such photos are not sold! I may be a paparazzi, but I have my honor!"

    ?liwi¨½ski looked at him silently, surprised. His lips were slightly parted. They began to tremble.

    "I''m sorry that I shouted" Andrzej''s tone was calmer. He was ashamed that he had taken advantage of the actor. But he still felt angry.

    Dominik hid his face in his hands. He was trembling gently, as if fighting tears.

    "How long have you been watching me?" His voice was barely audible.

    "Several days.???

    "Sorry for what I said. I''m a little nervous now."

    "That is understandable."

    "Marek has always been for me ... He has never ... What happened yesterday was the first time" Dominik regained his energy and looked at Andrzej in the eyes with undisguised passion. "He never, never tried to force me to do anything. It was only once so I don''t want him in any trouble. Marek certainly regrets it ..."

    "For sure," Andrzej said sarcastically. He wasn''t going to be harsh, but he couldn''t help but say the words. Dominik was just lying to himself.

    The actor fell silent.

    ''I hurt him again,'' Nowicki thought with shame. Hurting ?liwi¨½ski was like taking out a kitten - child''s play, and at the same time mean and low. Is this boy really not getting enough suffering?

    "You don''t know him," the actor replied emphatically. "Marek was with me always, from the beginning. It was he who got me into acting. He took me through all these years in the cinema. If it wasn''t for him, I wouldn''t have starred in any movie and wouldn''t have what I have now ..."

    ¡­ Ie bruises all over the body?

    "You love him."

    Dominik nodded.

    "He''s the only man I''ve ever loved. I know what they say about gays that they only have sex in their heads, but me and Marek are really something more. My feelings for him are really sincere ..."

    "I know" admitted Andrzej. This time his voice was warm and soft. "Sorry, it shows."

    ?liwi¨½ski blushed and smiled. Just for a moment. His face looked suddenly depressed. The emotions raging in him were now a terrible mess.

    "But if he had loved me, he wouldn''t have raised his hand to me." That''s what you think, right?"

    "Yes."

    "I always wanted to believe that he loves me too. Naive, isn''t it? He told me that, he assured me. All his betrayals ... I forgave him because I wanted to believe. Just. But those were lies. All the time ... God! I was just stupid."

    ''Am I just seeing his heart breaking?

    Andrzej sat across from him at a small kitchen table. He should probably tell Dominik to forget about Marczak, but it wasn''t that easy. What the hell was he supposed to do at a time like this?

    "The coffee is getting cold," Andrzej said softly. "Waffles too. It would be a pity if they went to waste, because I worked a little on them. Besides, my grandmother always said she had bad thoughts on an empty stomach. So what, breakfast?"

    "Breakfast," ?liwi¨½ski agreed.

    They ate without further scenes, although Andrzej could not stop surreptitiously watching Dominik. At first he did it out of sheer concern to respond to any sign of physical pain, but after a while he did it just for the pleasure of his eyes.

    There was something graceful about Dominik''s movements, including holding a cup or waffle. Seeing him so closely in natural daylight, Andrzej could not believe that any man could have such long eyelashes. The shadow cast by them on the cheeks made a very charming impression, and Andrzej was ashamed to find that he was beginning to think of this face as attractive. Dominik was undoubtedly a man, but in this light he looked hotter than many women.

    ?liwi¨½ski did not notice his perhaps too intense gazes or pretended not to notice them. He was acting naturally, or at least as much as circumstances allowed him.

    "Your waffles are very tasty," he said. "Honestly speaking, I did not think that you would know how to prepare them."

    "I can do it. My friend''s daughter loves waffles, so I learned how to make them."

    "Oh!"

    "We know each other from high school," added Andrzej quickly, feeling the need to clear up a misunderstanding that might have arisen. "We have always been good buddies, so since she is a single mother, I sometimes help her with various things."

    "She must be having a hard time."

    "She works hard, it''s true. She runs a family restaurant. They serve really good homemade dinners there. You should go there sometime. It''s nothing fancy, but the atmosphere is very nice."

    Dominik replied with a polite smile, but left the idea without comment. Given the recent events, it was hardly surprising. He tried to be polite, but Andrzej felt more and more an intruder. The terrible evening and the night that could bring the most demons is over and now ?liwi¨½ski should regain his right to privacy.

    The breakfast was over and Nowicki took a packet of medication on the table.

    "It''s a strong remedy, so be careful, take only one a day. I have tried it and I know it works great with the ointment. Well, I will go now."

    Dominik looked at him as he got up. His eyes were wide, intense, and unusually blue.

    "One more time thank you for everything."

    "You''re welcome. And you take care of yourself, okay?"

    In response, the actor nodded.

    There was nothing else to do here. Andrzej could not devote his entire life to protecting ?liwi¨½ski. The boy had to face certain issues on his own and find courage in himself.

    Or at least let him think he is alone. Anyway, Andrzej did not give up his task of being his paparazzi.

 Chapter 13 - Invitation

    Out of habit, Andrzej sat in his window, following Dominik bustling around the kitchen. He had no intention of taking pictures of him, and now that the actor knew about his presence, all the less he would do nothing worth photographing for the tabloid, but for several reasons he did not want to leave his observation post. First of all, if not Andrzej, someone else will take his place and although ?liwi¨½ski was, as usual, the Little Mr. Perfect, he could have made a mistake by accident. Or - and this worried Nowicki more - Marczak could appear, and then there was a possibility that the situation would develop really unpleasantly. It is true that two days have passed without incident, it did not mean that the next ones will be equally peaceful.

    Dominik was very normal when preparing breakfast for himself. His movements were quite free, which allowed Andrzej to believe that his back was no longer bothering him. His right wrist also almost completely regained its natural color. At the sight of this, Nowicki felt a real relief, because in his heart he felt a little remorse that he had not forced Dominik to see a doctor. Everything seemed to go smoothly, however.

    The actor spent more time than usual preparing breakfast. A huge mountain of cheese pancakes rose on the plate in front of him, and Andrzej felt his drooling at the sight of them. He glanced down at his unappetizing packed lunch and sighed.

    The ringing of a phone he did not recognize brought him out of his thoughts. Was there a stranger here and left his phone? No, the sound is coming from his bag. What the hell is going on?

    It took him a moment to realize that he had two phones. He had his private one in his pocket, but in his bag - the one he had used to blackmail ?liwi¨½ski. But who could know this number? After all, he did not pass it on to anyone. Probably the customer service people, he thought, and pulled out the still ringing phone. It surprised him that he recognized the number.

    "Hello," he said this time, without using a handkerchief to modify his voice.

    "Good morning, Dominik here. Dominik ?liwi¨½ski. I wonder if you would come over for breakfast ..."

    Andrzej turned his face towards the window. In the kitchen of the neighboring house, Dominik was standing with a cell phone to his ear, staring at it closely. Aquamarine eyes sparkled in a slightly flushed face.

    "... I fried a little too many pancakes ..."

    "I''ll be right there," he replied immediately.

    Andrzej ran downstairs so quickly that it was only at the exit door that he realized how unnatural his behavior was. After all, as much as he liked pancakes, he hadn''t rushed like that to any breakfast since he was a kid. It was the pancakes that called him like that, or the willingness to spend time with Dominik?

    Pancakes, he answered himself immediately, and decided not to bother anymore.

    The gate to ?liwi¨½ski''s estate was open. Dominik greeted Andrzej at the door before he could even ring the bell. He was smiling shyly but warmly, and his blue eyes shone like two suns. There was no trace of terror from two days ago. At the sight of this, Nowicki felt not only relieved, but also a pleasant lightness in his heart.

    "Come in" Dominik invited him inside. "I thought you might be next door. I couldn''t see you through the blinds, but I had a feeling you were there. If your boss told you to watch me, you might as well do it up close. You are probably as bored alone as I am."

    "I was a little bored," he admitted. "How are you?

    Dominik''s face changed its expression for a short moment, or maybe Andrzej was just anticipating himself. ?liwi¨½ski smiled even wider when he replied:

    "Very good, really. This ointment works wonders. I used it again this morning, but the bruise is almost gone. Look" he showed Nowicki his wrist, on which only a slight discoloration was visible.

    "Good," Andrzej vented his relief. "Wow, it smells good. But it''s not just pancakes."

    "No, only pancakes ..."

    "But¡­ I smell something different, like chocolate, but not quite."

    "Oh, this" the actor laughed "it''s cocoa. I made it for myself for breakfast. Do you want too?"

    "Er ... yes, please."

    It was a bit like a return to a carefree childhood, the flavors and smells of breakfast prepared by Dominik. Pancakes with cheese, scented with cream and vanilla, and warm cocoa, it wasn''t a grown man''s breakfast, but Andrzej didn''t mind. He sat down at a table where two sets of plates were waiting and felt quite nice.

    ?liwi¨½ski put a huge plate of pancakes on the table and prepared a cup of cocoa for the guest.

    "My mother always said" said Dominik "that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It puts us in a good mood and gives us the strength to get through all the difficulties that await us."

    "Your mom is a wise woman."

    "Yes, although she only finished vocational school."

    "Mmmm, good" Andrzej said, taking a piece of pancake in his mouth.

    "I am glad. I don''t know if you know, but I went to a gastronomic technical school."

    "No, really?" Andrzej was genuinely surprised.

    "It is true that only for two years, but I learned a little there."

    "Then what? High school?"

    "No, I didn''t finish high school. I started acting in movies."

    It was surprising news for Andrzej. It is true that he still knew almost nothing about ?liwi¨½ski, but concluded that he was an intelligent and educated guy. He had impeccable manners and shone with refinement when he appeared in the company.

    "You mean you don''t even have a high school diploma?"

    "Exactly. You look surprised. I thought they wrote about it in magazines."

    "I don''t read them. There are only rumors there."

    "You''re probably right. But then why are you working for one of them?"

    The question was one of the usual questions in normal conversation, but Andrzej felt a bit uncomfortable after all. His work has always been a somewhat sensitive topic for him.

    "It turned out that way," he said. "After graduation, I needed a job and I was glad to earn a living by taking photos."

    Dominik''s smile became very warm and his eyes shone even more.

    "So you like taking pictures? I''d like to see your work sometime. What do you specialize in?"

    "In portraits."

    "Really? So you would make a portfolio?"

    "Why not," he replied indifferently.

    "Would you do mine?"

    Surprised, Andrzej stopped eating, staring intensely at ?liwi¨½ski. Under his gaze, the actor blushed deeply.

    At this point, he looked so charming that Andrzej also involuntarily blushed.

 Chapter 14 - A Warmth Spread Through His Heart

    "I was thinking," Dominik explained quietly, "that I should update my portfolio, but as you may have noticed, I have trouble trusting people and I wouldn''t be able to be natural in front of a photographer I don''t know. You saw everything and ... " his face turned scarlet.

    "But you''ve only seen one picture I took. How do you know they''re gonna be good?"

    "Three."

    "What?"

    "I saw three: the one you sent me, the one that appeared on the Internet today, and the one for which you won an award in college. I''d like to see more, but I already know now that you are good."

    Andrzej felt a bit confused.

    "On the Internet today?"

    "The article is a bit infantile, but the picture is pretty cool."

    The actor took out his phone, where he found the website of the magazine where Andrzej worked and showed him a photo he had taken, in which ?liwi¨½ski was dusting off the dust.

    "I''m sorry," Nowicki was ashamed. "They wanted to have anything, otherwise they would not let go and I thought that such a photo was better than an alternative."

    "Everything is fine" ?liwi¨½ski assured. "I don''t know what outrageous intentions your magazine had, but the readers'' comments are very favorable."

    "You pay a lot of attention to what is said and written about you," the photographer noted.

    "I suppose so," he admitted shyly. "I come from a small town near a not very big city in the east of the country. My first film role received a lot of coverage in the local media, but it was my family that had to embrace both positive and negative contributions. During one of the films, I had to explain that it was not reality, and it happened that someone wanted to make an appointment for a doctor I was playing. I try to avoid the media in the hope that they will get bored with me, but they just won''t let go."

    "It''s because fans like you so much. Now it gets even louder. International production ..."

    Dominik lowered his head as if the thought of this film was sad for him.

    "Did I say something wrong?"

    "No, just ... It was Marek who strongly insisted on this casting. He was very anxious for me to go beyond Polish cinema and to be taken into account at all. He made me learn French so that I could pass the audition more easily and understand the director''s instructions better. He cared about this movie."

    Andrzej could hear the pain and longing in Dominik''s voice. He had never had a tough break-up because he had never really been in any kind of relationship, but he guessed it couldn''t be anything nice.

    "He spoke to you?"

    "He asked in a text message when I would be able to meet with the second director."

    So it wasn''t an apology or a voice of concern for his health and well-being. It wasn''t even a phone call to hear if he was okay in his voice. Marczak sent him an ordinary, business, text message without any emotion or concern.

    It is true that Dominik demanded such professional relations from him, but that was before Marczak attacked him. Treating the assault as if it had not happened was another attack on the actor. This time, ?liwi¨½ski suffered mostly spiritually, because even the slightest ''I''m sorry'' was not said, which would allow him to forgive and move on with these events. Ignoring the whole incident, Marczak ignored Dominik.

    "You wanna play in this movie?"

    ?liwi¨½ski shook his head firmly.

    "I don''t like the script, I don''t like my character, I don''t like this director''s films, but this is a great chance to enter the international market. A chance not only for me, but also for other Polish actors."

    "But you don''t want to play there. Do you have to?"

    The actor looked up at him without understanding.

    "If you don''t star in this movie, will your career as an actor be over?"

    "I do not think so¡­"

    "Are you on the verge of bankruptcy to have to take on every role offered to you?"

    "No¡­"

    "Is your dream to go out to international markets and be recognized all over the world?"

    "No, definitely not. I want to play in movies that will bring me fun."

    "Then quit."

    Andrzej had the impression that he saw a whole range of emotions and feelings on the face of the young actor. Looking at her, he couldn''t help but think that Dominik was very lonely and that there was absolutely no one, except Marczak, whom he could ask for advice.

    There was something sad about it, something that tugged at the photographer''s heart again.

    "And you will make me a new portfolio?" asked ?liwi¨½ski after a moment''s reflection.

    "I''ll make it for you anyway. Dominik ?liwi¨½ski''s photo session is a chance for every photographer."

    The actor smiled radiantly and Andrzej felt a warmth spread through his heart.

    ''What does it mean?'' he thought.

    It was fun to spend time with Dominik. Somehow, he liked his company. He liked him with all his delicacy and a certain amount of naivety. He liked that beautiful smile and the eyes that shone so fantastically when joy and elation appeared in Dominik''s heart. That smile could steal the heart of any woman, and she would love to give him body and soul. So why, instead of a normal, healthy heterosexual relationship, ?liwi¨½ski got involved in an affair with his agent?

    "You wanna ask me something?" Dominik smiled, tilting his head slightly."

    "Sorry, this is too personal a question ..."

    "If it''s too personal, I won''t answer it. Do you agree?"

    Nowicki felt uncomfortable, but his curiosity was stronger in him.

    "Have you ever had a girlfriend?"

    "No. Actually no" he blushed.

    "Why? Are you not attracted to?"

    "Women scare me. When I''m with them, it feels like they only want my money and fame. They''re all so bold and go-getting and they still want to be given all the attention."

    "Was that even before you became an actor?"

    "I was just a teenager then, but the boys were only for show. Girls could be possessive and cruel to weaker friends. It was so barbaric."

    "I think I have to agree with you but only a bit" Andrzej smiled at the memories. "I don''t know how I was able to date some of them. But they''re not all that bad. They gain a lot when they are older. You don''t have any woman as a friend?"

    "No."

    "You don''t have many friends at all, do you?"

    "I don''t like people," he admitted.

    "Really?" This confession surprised Nowicki. Dominik made such a nice and warm impression that his declaration was almost unbelievable. Besides, since they met, he was very social with him. "Why?"

    "People are terribly superficial. They only live by rumors and scandals. They don''t care what damage their tongues cause. They only think about pleasing themselves. Find entertainment."

    "But probably not all of them" Andrzej felt touched by the opinion that Dominik had about people.

    "Of course not. But the crowd is only hungry for sensation. He is not interested in what others feel."

    "Would you like everyone to know your feelings?"

    "I wish ... I wish I didn''t have to hide them ..."

    Andrzej felt a pressure in the dimple. It was supposed to be the twenty-first century, but there were still forbidden feelings, prejudices and intolerance. Dominik didn''t like people because he was afraid of them. He was afraid that when he showed his true self, he would be rejected and even socially lynched. For someone with such deep sensitivity, the very thought of such an eventuality must have been very painful.

    "I know what you mean" he smiled at ?liwi¨½ski warmly, with understanding and support. "But you cannot close yourself from everyone, because in the end you will be left alone."

    "I''m not alone! I have¡­"

    Did he mean, ''I have Marek?'' Was there really no other name that came to his mind? ?liwi¨½ski really had no one else? How is it even possible for someone so pretty and popular to be so lonely?

 Chapter 15 - A Great Word

    "Remember when I told you about my friend from school and her restaurant? I invite you to lunch there."

    "What?"

    "You will meet new, nice people. The ones who don''t care about your fame."

    "Actually ..."

    "No excuses. If I''m going to make a portfolio for you, I have to see you in different situations. Anyway, I need some fresh air and I really want Mrs. Zosia''s buckwheat stuffed cabbage, and I have to keep an eye on you, ergo - you are coming with me."

    Dominik looked at him for a moment, completely overwhelmed by what Andrzej was saying. His eyes were huge, like the eyes of a cat in an animated story, and just as cute. He gave the impression that he wanted to flinch in a moment, so Nowicki was surprised when he heard:

    "I agree."

    The word was spoken softly, but emphatically, as if ?liwi¨½ski was convincing himself with it. Who knows, maybe he was?

    "I''ll come for you at thirteen" Andrzej felt very nice and light. "Thanks for the pancakes," he stood up, "they were really great. But you will see how Mrs. Zosia''s buckwheat stuffed cabbage is unmatched. Mmm¡­ real heaven in my mouth. I''m going to come home to get my car and finally get a decent shower."

    "You can shower at my place ..."

    "Hey, don''t invite any random man to your house, it could end badly for you."

    "As far as I remember, today I invited you for the first time. Earlier you came by yourself," he replied in a joking tone.

    "Maybe," he admitted, feeling confused for a moment.

    Dominik gave a sparkling laugh. There was something very beautiful and attractive about that laughter.

    "Why are you looking at me like that?" He asked, still amused.

    Exactly, why?

    Andrzej could not find any meaningful answer. His thoughts and language were completely tangled as he spoke:

    "Thought I already knew why you were so popular with women. You should laugh more often."

    For some reason, Dominik blushed and looked away.

    "Anyway" said Andrzej changing the subject "I''ll be here at 1pm. Try not to get into trouble until then."

    It was supposed to be a joke to say goodbye in a cheerful atmosphere, but it did not came out completely.

    "I''ll try," Dominik promised without looking up.

    Nowicki felt the weight of this moment''s weirdness.

    "Then I''ll go. See you soon."

    "Yes. See you soon."

    Andrzej left ?liwi¨½ski''s house and smiled to himself. The sun was shining brightly, heralding another heat day, but the photographer had to admit that Dominik''s smile warmed more intensely. The actor was one of the few people whose inner light was so strong that it also touched the surroundings. It was very pleasant, and Andrzej thought he was lucky to have met this man.

    Eighteen years ago, Andrzej''s car was one of the best in its class, now it has had its heyday and its only advantage was relatively cheap maintenance. And while he didn''t look great, he rarely broke down and didn''t use too much gasoline. Nowicki did not drive it often - during his studies he got used to public transport, which was cheaper and in most cases fulfilled his needs. The car served him on special occasions like dates, going out of town or so on.

    Andrzej drove up to Dominik''s house two minutes after 1pm. The delay wasn''t long or deliberate, yet it made him uncomfortable. He hoped that ?liwi¨½ski would not turn out to be petty about it. Nowicki always valued punctuality, but sometimes it was simply impossible to avoid being late, even after making corrections for traffic jams. He got out of the car and headed for the front door.

    The gate was ajar and the door swung open before he could ring the bell.

    Dominik was wearing a beige, silk shirt that looked as if it had been made to order at the most expensive tailor, but it was the actor''s eyes that caught Andrzej''s attention. The irises in a shade of deep, light blue shone dazzlingly with a dose of uncertainty and excitement.

    "Ready?" Nowicki asked.

    "Yes. Where are we going?"

    "Praga. I was born and raised there."

    "Oh!" Dominik found it interesting. "But you don''t speak with a typical Warsaw accent."

    "High school and college knocked it out of my head, but occasionally when I''m nervous I''m speaking like true Warsaw man."

    Dominik smiled as he closed the door.

    "I had to work a lot to get rid of my accent. It was not very blatant, but people recognized that I came from eastern Poland. In my first film it wasn''t a problem, on the contrary, it helped me get the part, but then it wasn''t so sweet."

    They got into the car, which did not quite correspond to the dazzling appearance of ?liwi¨½ski and Andrzej felt a bit embarrassed.

    "Sorry about my car. It is not used to transporting stars."

    "A car is a car," Dominik answered lightly, "and yours is not so bad. You would try to fit a family of five into a maluch[1]."

    "Seriously?" Andrzej bared his teeth in a smile. "Are they still running?"

    "This one is not. My brother crashed it as soon as he got his driving license."

    Nowicki joined the traffic and glanced at the actor''s profile, which was as attractive as the front view. A clearly defined, definitely masculine jaw, a prominent Adam''s apple, a long, straight nose made it clear that he was a hundred percent guy, but long black eyelashes and delicate, slightly parted lips were as sexy as a woman''s. They could undoubtedly seduce even a man.

    Although Andrzej saw Dominik having sex with the guy, he couldn''t convince himself of the idea that the young actor was gay. He had no doubts that ?liwi¨½ski had something especially in common with his manager (or at least that was the case until recently), but he watched Dominik for a nice few days and there was nothing faggy about him. He was behaving quite normally (except that he hardly left the house). If he had not seen it with his own eyes, Andrzej would never have suspected him of homosexual inclinations. It might seem a little suspicious that someone of his beauty and popularity did not meet any woman, but with Dominik''s shyness it ceased to be surprising.

    ''I wonder why Dominik sleeps with his manager?''

    "You want to ask me something, right?" said ?liwi¨½ski.

    "Actually ..."

    Andrzej could not, however, bring himself to ask this question. Dominik''s private life was his own affair. It was not only tactless to ask about such intimate matters as his love life, but also gross meddling. It is true that the actor had already said that if he considered the question too personal, he would not answer it, but Nowicki could not do his task anyway. Maybe because they were only two acquaintances sharing a few secrets?

    "I thought you would want to become invisible with your dislike of people," he said instead. "Meanwhile, you are very eye-catching."

    "Would you prefer if I wear something else?" He asked excitedly.

    "No! You look great," Andrzej assured Dominik. "But are you not afraid of being recognized?"

    "My photographer and friend invited me to lunch. It would be suspicious if I wanted to hide this fact."

    ''Friend?''

    For some reason, Andrzej was pleased with the Dominik''s answer. Friend. It was a great word, at least for Nowicki, and although he had many acquaintances, he could only call Paulina a friend.

    [1] Maluch is a common name for Fiat 126p, little car with 2 doors, very popular in Poland in last decades of 20th century and at the beginning of 21th century.

 Chapter 16 - Meeting New Friends

    Sometimes Andrzej Nowicki wondered why this was so, why he couldn''t forge more intimate bonds with others, and he concluded that it was because they were all so independent that they didn''t really need anyone''s support. Paulina helped him when he had learning difficulties at school and later, after his father''s death. She always supported him when he had any problem or worry. He was with her throughout the entire period of pregnancy and single motherhood, when the child''s father refused to accept responsibility. For a moment he even considered the option of marrying her so that Martynka would have a real family, but he and Paulina both decided that it would be nonsense. Although they liked each other very much and relied on each other, there was no chemistry between them and the young mother refused to do so. She believed that they both still had a chance for love and should wait for her. Instead of becoming the girl''s adoptive father, Andrzej became her godfather.

    Dominik probably treated the matter of friendship even more seriously, or he was so thirsty for it that he offered it to a random person. Who knows? But Andrzej was not a completely random person for him. Not anymore. Not only did he know his scandalous secret and remained silent, but he also saved him from serious unpleasantness and helped to deal with the trauma. Their acquaintance, though so fresh, had been seriously tested and might in fact deserve to be called friendship. Andrzej had absolutely nothing against this turn of events.

    "Right," he admitted. "Friends have the right to have lunch together."

    Dominik smiled radiantly, leaving in Nowicki''s heart the impression that he was afraid of his answer.

    "Hope the cuisine in this restaurant is really good," said the actor. "I was so excited about going out that I hadn''t eaten since breakfast."

    "Me too" laughed Andrzej. "Paulina will be happy that she will be able to feed the two starving men.

    "Tell me about her," Dominik asked.

    "Too late. We are there."

    ***

    In Warsaw, as in most cities, there has always been a problem with finding a parking space. The entire street space was cluttered with cars. Andrzej did not pay attention to it and drove into the gate, where there were only a few cars.

    "Being a school friend of the owners'' daughter has its privileges" he winked at Dominik as he turned off the engine."

    They got out of the car and ?liwi¨½ski looked around at the old tenement houses surrounding him, not looking the best ones. From the street, the buildings looked nice, but from the yard they bore a distinct mark of time.

    "Don''t say you have never been to Praga."

    "Well, actually ..." Dominik blushed to the tips of his ears.

    "You have nothing to fear. This neighborhood has a bad reputation, but we are nice to our people. Besides, we even have posters promoting your latest film."

    This comment, spoken in a light tone, gave ?liwi¨½ski enthusiasm. The young actor nodded and said.

    ??Let''s go then. I''m really hungry."

    How many customers would not be in the restaurant, there was always a place for Andrzej. This time, however, Nowicki was not alone, so he called earlier and reserved a table. Although the traffic in the restaurant was usually moderate, he didn''t want to risk waiting in line - not when he wanted to show this place to someone. Warned that Nowicki will bring the guest, Paulina came out to greet them personally. When she came close enough to recognize Andrzej''s companion, she squealed in delight.

    "Behave," growled Andrzej, poking her shoulder.

    "Sorry ... sorry," she said. The look of surprise and delight never faded from her face. "Dominik ?liwi¨½ski in my restaurant ..."

    "Nice to meet you," the actor bowed politely.

    "You!" this time it was Paulina who poked Andrzej. "How could you not tell me who you invited ?!"

    "Because you would be unnecessarily excited about this event all day, acting emotionally unstable.??

    "But, but ... I''d like to prepare something special ..."

    "Daily food served here is special. Now take us to the table, because we are unnecessarily outstanding."

    "Oh yes, of course. I''m sorry, sir. This way please."

    "Sorry about her," Andrzej said softly, when he was sure his friend had moved away enough not to hear them. "I didn''t think Paulina was your fan. Though it shouldn''t surprise me."

    "It''s fine. It was even quite nice. Just like this place."

    "Do you like it?"

    "So far, yes."

    Andrzej felt satisfied. He was not quite sure what made him want to invite a star like ?liwi¨½ski to a small family restaurant. It was an impulse, a moment weighed down with jitters and doubts as to whether he had done the right thing. However, he wanted to break the actor out of his shell of loneliness and fear of people, so the first place to do what he could think of was where he always felt comfortable.

    "Here''s your table, gentlemen," said Paulina, trying to control the excitement in her voice. "Please, call me when you are ready to order ..."

    "I already know what I want" Andrzej grinned. "Daily special, please. Dominik?"

    "Are these the stuffed cabbage rolls you talked about and praise very highly?"

    "Oh yes."

    "So I will also take them" ?liwi¨½ski addressed Paulina directly. "I have to find out if they really are so unearthly."

    She blushed at these words and was about to leave when Nowicki called after her.

    "Paulina, join us when you find a moment."

    "What? I?"

    Although Andrzej did not share this idea with Dominik earlier, he joined the invitation.

    "We will be very pleased. Andrzej mentioned that you have known each other for a long time. I''d like to meet his friends."

    She looked at them in surprise.

    "Thank you. I''ll sit down for a few minutes after you have your main course."

    When she left, Nowicki looked apologetically at his companion.

    ?liwi¨½ski shook his head.

    ??I know why you do this and I think it is very nice. Sometimes I thought about it too, but I guess¡­ I don''t have the courage to go out among people."

    "If you''re so shy, why did you become an actor?"

    "I suppose that''s why," he confessed. "When I play, I can be anyone, because I''m not myself" he looked down embarrassed. "I know, that sounds stupid."

    "Not at all. In the movie, you can allow yourself almost anything, because you are not Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, a real person made of flesh and blood, but some totally imaginary character without real life and loved ones that you are worried about. You are such a Twardowski prosecutor for a few days of shooting, and you will remain ?liwi¨½ski for the rest of your life.

    Dominik blushed and smiled.

    "Exactly. Your friend Paulina makes a nice impression. She is also very pretty."

    "And smart. Especially when it comes to exact sciences. She was brilliant at math and physics. Thanks to her, I passed my high school diploma. Can you believe me when I say that I wanted to marry her?"

    ?liwi¨½ski opened his mouth in surprise and looked towards the room, where Andrzej''s friend was talking to the waitress. He watched her for a moment, then replied trying to sound completely natural.

    "I don''t know why you didn''t?"

    "She did not want to marry for reason, without love. Although she has a hard time raising her daughter alone, she was right. Martynka is my goddaughter, so I get a card for Father''s Day and, if necessary, I will go to the parents meeting at her school. At least that''s how I will help Paulina, who has a lot of duties in the restaurant. This place has always had a nice family atmosphere, but since she took over, it has started to pay off."

    Dominik looked at Paulina again and then his eyes swept the whole place, over its warm decor and customers who felt quite at ease here.

    "You said it was a family restaurant."

    "It was founded by her father, but he has been suffering from heart disease for several years, so Paulina took over his duties. She even set up a website for this place. It was a bull''s eye. Now even foreign tourists come here to try typical Polish cuisine. Like this aromatic dill soup."

    The smell of fresh dill and warm cream spread right at their table when Paulina personally brought their order.

    "Enjoy your meal," she smiled radiantly, though there was a hint of anxiety in her eyes. Walking away a little longer, she fixed her eyes on the famous guest.

 Chapter 17 - Not A Disease, But ...

    "Shit, I did not think she would care so much" Andrzej worried. "She is so curious about your reaction that she is about to bump into one of the tables."

    Dominik thoughtfully scooped a spoonful of milky-green soup and carefully tasted it. Looking at him, Andrzej had the impression that he was watching the taster while tasting a new blend of teas. The actor''s face hardly changed expression. The corners of his mouth twitched slightly - nothing else. However, he quickly reached for a piece of bread and started eating the contents of his plate. The enthusiasm of his gestures spoke for itself.

    "Good, is it not?

    "Don''t waste your mouth on talking" he replied, putting a piece of bread in them.

    ?liwi¨½ski was a good actor. On the screen, he could be completely different than in life, Andrzej knew, however, that outside the film set, pretending and lying are difficult for him. That is why he was afraid of people and that they would discover his true, sensitive nature. The enthusiasm with which he devoured the first course was completely honest.

    "Uf," he sighed as he emptied his plate. "You want to ask for more."

    "I don''t advise you," Andrzej shook his head. "Don''t forget the stuffed cabbage rolls."

    "Um, you''re right," Dominik admitted, and looked around the room again.

    The photographer felt happy looking at him and his reaction to his surroundings. ?liwi¨½ski, although he had figured out Andrzej''s perfidious plan, gave the impression that it did not bother him at all, on the contrary, he opened his mind and heart to new experiences and people. Nowicki did not expect such cooperation. He had no idea why such a positive reaction from the actor was coming from.

    Paulina showed up and replaced the empty plates with new ones full of aromatic stuffed cabbage in tomato sauce. At the mere sight of them and the smell of them, Andrzej''s saliva flowed into his mouth. Not wanting to waste time talking, they immediately started the main course.

    The portions were large and filling, and although both of them were hungry before coming to the restaurant, after emptying their plates neither of them thought about more. Dominik stretched out in the chair, easing the pressure on his stomach. He looked completely relaxed. His eyes shone brightly, and his mouth, on which the mark of the cut was almost completely invisible, smiled pleasantly.

    "You were right, the food here is amazing. I''m glad you brought me here," he announced. "I was supposed to refuse, but ... I don''t regret trusting you."

    Andrzej was also happy. Today he was the stimulus that made Dominik dare to leave his safe hiding place, show himself in front of people and found out that not all of them are so bad. Who knows, maybe tomorrow he will take a step further and reach out to them himself?

    "Is it very hard for you to trust me?"

    "No. After all, you saved me," he replied very softly. "If you hadn''t come then ... I''m really glad you were there. Someone else might just sit still and take pictures that later ..."

    "It''s not true. Anyone in my position would have done this."

    ?liwi¨½ski gently shook his head.

    "It is your modesty that makes you say that ..."

    And what makes you say so, Dominik? Wasn''t what happened that afternoon an isolated incident after all? Although the actor assured that for the first time Marczak intended to do something against his will, how many times did he bend his will to his, making the young actor succumb despite internal opposition?

    "Have you¡­ had many partners?"

    The question came unexpectedly and it was one of the very intimate ones, but Dominik did not look surprised. He probably expected Andrzej to ask about something like that sooner or later. He didn''t even blush when he replied:

    "No. Marek is the only one. I''ve never been with anyone else - not a man or a woman."

    "Never?" The answer he received surprised him more than he had expected.

    "Never."

    There was silence for a moment, during which Nowicki tried to absorb this information.

    "Have you been together for a long time? You know, in a romantic way."

    "Since my first movie.

    Since his first¡­ That means Dominik was seventeen then! Or eighteen?

    Andrzej immediately imagined a beautiful young boy whom an older and experienced man seduces with sweet words and promises. He says it''s nothing, it''s just fun, that everyone does it and it''s no pity and no risk, because he cannot get pregnant and he will feel wonderful. He seduces a sexually and live inexperienced youngster and wraps him around his finger. He makes him a star, but the price is hard work, dog loyalty and his own body. Bewildered by the old pervert, the boy does not even realize that he is being used in all possible ways - he earns his manager a lot of money and serves him as a sex toy. Isolated from his family, addicted to his lover, he is unable to make independent decisions and actions. He is his beautiful, practical doll with which you can do whatever you want, because there is nowhere to run away or ask for help. Worst of all, he probably doesn''t know how passive he is.

    "Why are you looking at me like that?" ?liwi¨½ski was worried.

    "What? No, it''s nothing like that. I thought to myself that I was also glad that I was there then."

    It was the honest truth. Although the assignment of paparazzi jobs offended his professional dignity, thanks to it, Andrzej was able to discover what trouble this young, sensitive man was in. Knowing the problem is the basis for solving it. Nowicki knew that he had to save ?liwi¨½ski from the swamp of his life, especially erotic. Instead of being exploited by a middle-aged guy, Dominik should include another beautiful and young woman.

    "Am I interrupting?"

    Andrzej shivered hearing a woman''s voice next to him. He turned his head to see Paulina with three apple pie plates on a tray. One of her waitresses was taking back empty dishes after dinner. Nowicki did not even notice when they were taken.

    "Oh no," Dominik said cheerfully. "The invitation is still valid. Let me introduce myself formally" he stood up politely "Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, at your service."

    "Paulina Kowalczyk. It''s an honor."

    "The pleasure is all mine. Please."

    ?liwi¨½ski only sat down when she took her place. Andrzej, still busy with processing information about the actor''s toxic relationship with the manager, did not even notice this symptom of exaggerated haberdashery in his eyes. He listened to their conversation only three by three.

    Dominik didn''t seem to be gay at all, he just didn''t know anything else. Andrzej was far from inferring that homosexuality was a disease or a degeneration, but he was convinced that it was nothing natural. It is true that in nature there were relationships of partners of the same sex, but only when the partner of other gender was out of reach. Sex only with members of the same sex was an aberration that became simply fashionable among people despite social opposition.

    Dominik thought he was gay, but he couldn''t be one hundred percent sure until he slept with the woman. It would be easier for him in his private life and in his career if he had a nice, beautiful female partner with whom he could show up among people and introduce her to his parents. His scandalous romance with his own manager, even if it were to come to light, would only be an intriguing youth adventure forgiven by all circles.

    So there was hope that ?liwi¨½ski would lead a normal life. It was enough to find a suitable partner for him.

 Chapter 18 - Is It Wrong To Care For Someone?

    Andrzej looked at Paulina. The woman was his year, so she was two to thirty, so she no longer looked like a teenager, but was still very pretty. She was quite tall for a woman, so she should avoid too high heels with Dominik. Although she was four years older than him and already had an eight-year-old daughter, her maturity could prove to be something a sensitive actor could rely on. She was strong and brave, so she gave herself support. Physically - very feminine - she often attracted the eyes of men. Andrzej loved her like a sister and knew how wonderful a person she was. He knew Dominik less, but had already liked him a lot. The two could really fit together.

    Paulina laughed, which brought Nowicki back to reality. He looked at both - they seemed to get along quite well. The photographer smiled under his breath and with a fork cut a piece of apple pie.

    "I did not know that you know Andrzej" he heard the voice of his friend.

    "It''s quite a new thing" explained ?liwi¨½ski and looked at Nowicki. "Would you let me tell the story?"

    Dominik looked relaxed. It was as if going out and meeting a new person was something liberating for him. Just not to be too relaxed. Andrzej was afraid that, in his naivety and innocence, he would want to entrust Paulina with his painful secret, and although she was trustworthy, they still remained in a public place.

    "Actually¡­"

    ?liwi¨½ski turned his head away from him and devoted all his attention to Paulina, who was just radiant in his presence.

    "We met a few days ago. I had a little accident at home. Andrzej, seeing that I was a bit darkened, ignoring the fact that he was supposed to remain invisible, came to my aid. He didn''t leave until he was sure I was okay. He was incredibly caring."

    "All Andrzej" laughed Paulina. "When my Martynka has the flu, Andrzej is the best nanny for her."

    "Hey!" He was indignant at revealing the secrets of his personal life so openly. He felt uncomfortable under Dominik''s attentive but warm gaze. Without knowing why, he was tempted to run away with his gaze into a piece of cake. Why was he suddenly embarrassed?

    He knew the two were still talking, but he paid no attention to their dialogue. He pretended to be busy with the apple pie, while all the time he had Dominik''s last glance before his eyes flashed away from him.

    It''s completely natural for a guy to have an instinct to protect the weak. After all, that is why, since the dawn of time, men carried clubs, spears and swords with them. Historically, they were mostly doctors and shamans, so why was such a stir that he would look after the goddaughter during her illness? Or someone injured? What was abnormal about it?

    Nothing, goddamn it, absolutely nothing. So why was Dominik looking at him so penetratingly and warmly?

    This isn''t about me, he realized, it''s about him. It is he who has been in a toxic relationship for seven years, which separates him from the normal world and makes what is natural for everyone to him become foreign. It is Marczak''s fault that ?liwi¨½ski has been deprived of his faith in man, and that the only thing he feels about him is fear.

    "Will you take me home? He heard unexpectedly."

    "Hm?"

    "It was a very nice experience but tiring and I would like to lie down."

    "Eh, sure. Sorry, I didn''t think."

    In fact, he did not think that ?liwi¨½ski''s back might not be completely right yet. Even the best ointments and lozenges will not work that quickly.

    They got up from the table and Andrzej looked around in search of Paulina.

    "She already said goodbye to us."

    "What? Really?"

    "Man, you really drifted away" smiled ?liwi¨½ski.

    Andrzej felt that he was blushing. He was angry with himself. He invited Dominik to dinner, and meanwhile, preoccupied with his own thoughts, had almost completely forgotten about him.

    No its not like that. All the time he thought about Dominik, making theories about his past and future. He just forgot that he had a real man from the present in front of him.

    They returned in silence. Andrzej could not believe that they had spent more than two hours at lunch. No wonder that ?liwi¨½ski felt tired, which was clearly visible in him. He fell silent completely in the car, and apparently feeling safer here than in the restaurant, he allowed himself a slight pimple on his lips.

    And yet he was playing, thought Andrzej. But did he act like an actor or like any normal person who doesn''t show everyone his whole self? Nowicki apologized to him again, at which Dominik smiled warmly, though a bit pale, and announced that he had not had such fun for a long time. Andrzej did not know if this confession was one hundred percent true, but he did not want to tire the actor even more with conversation.

    Once in Wola Grzybowska District, just a few hundred meters in front of the actor''s house, Dominik turned his face towards Andrzej.

    "If you want, you can come in and make yourself comfortable. I stand by what I said before that you can feel at home with me. However, I definitely go to the shower and then to bed."

    "Thanks, but I should do my job. I have several directories to sort".

    "Ok" ?liwi¨½ski smiled faintly. He was really very tired.

    When they got to his house, he was sitting in the car for a while, looking at his lap.

    "Thank you," he said softly. "It was a really very¡­ good day."

    "So maybe we''ll do it again sometime?"

    The aquamarine eyes fixed on him shone like real jewels.

    "I''m taking your word," he said quickly and jumped out of the car.

    Strange, thought Andrzej. Weird but in a positive way. He really liked the boy and smiled to himself at the thought of going out to dinner together someday.

    What Andrzej said when he was parted about having a job was not entirely true. Whether on purpose or not, their relationship became more intimate. The photographer even took ?liwi¨½ski to his favorite restaurant and introduced him to his friend. Privately, he knew so much about him that he could impress more than one tabloid, but he didn''t really know him at all. He also still had almost no idea about his acting, and was starting to feel a little uncomfortable with it. He decided that he was missing something and on the way home he bought all the films he could find with ?liwi¨½ski. There weren''t that many, just seven, and each title had made him head over heels more than once due to box office success or a prestigious award - or both.

    The photographer entered his slightly neglected flat and threw his shopping on the table. As always, the first thing he did was open a window. Dry, warm air forced its way inside. There was something heavy about it that made you suspect that there might be storms. It hasn''t rained for a long time, so even he will enjoy withering nature. Andrzej returned to the table and started selecting the film.

    He decided to start over. "It''s not your fault" was ?liwi¨½ski''s acting debut, and that was how the inscription on the cover screamed, where his teenage face was as exposed as the stars he was partnering with. Seven years ago, the cover looked completely different. It was the success of the young actor that made many people reach for this maybe too ambitious film. His name and face were driving the sale.

    It was a debut that brought fame to both the actor and the production.

 Chapter 19 - A Little Chat For Bedtime

    Nowicki read the summary. The movie was really going to be boring. It was about a social activist who deals with lost street youth. ?liwi¨½ski played one of these boys - a fugitive from the provinces who comes to the capital to escape his pathological home.

    Despite Dominik''s fame, Andrzej did not expect much from this film. He was not interested in social issues, and he generally avoided cinema other than comedy. ?liwi¨½ski was a total debutant in a supporting role, so he could not expect too much, and the leading actor, according to Nowicki, had his best years behind him. Andrzej did not expect anything but boredom and for the first thirty-nine minutes of the film he experienced nothing else. And then he showed up.

    It wasn''t how the camera showed him, but how he showed up in camera. His hair was lighter than it is now and longer, almost completely obscuring his face. He was one of the three boys standing in front of the gallery. He was neither the tallest nor the lowest, dressed like the rest, and seemingly unremarkable, if not for the fact that he drew the viewer''s attention to himself. His attitude, rebellious and aggressive, when the protagonist approached them, gave the impression that he was looking at a young wolf with piercing eyes.

    Andrzej blinked. The character he saw was completely different from the Dominic he knew, yet totally real. Was the boy such a good actor, or has his personality changed over the years?

    The movie suddenly attracted Nowicki. The problem of the boy who ran away from the alcoholic home suddenly became very important to him. He wanted to get him out of all the troubles the teenager was getting into. The boy, however, gave the impression that he did not want to be saved and finally ended up tragically causing Andrzej to experience something that he had not experienced while watching the film since he was a child - emotion.

    "Shit," he swore, standing up in front of the monitor.

    The kid had talent, no doubt about it. It came as no surprise that all women, young and old, began to adore ?liwi¨½ski while watching this movie. The boy completely took over the screen - a slender figure and a pretty face with a piercing look, so unusual for his age, and a slightly hoarse voice with a singing, Eastern accent made him something fresh and attractive.

    Andrzej did not see such a brave look in the real Dominik. In life, the actor was much quieter and gentler. He wasn''t looking for trouble and was not noticeable. It is as if they were two completely contradictory personalities.

    That''s probably what good acting is all about.

    But too often, people mistook movies for reality. Thus, they expected that in the real world, ?liwi¨½ski would also be brave, aggressive and dark - as tragic as a romantic hero loved by Polish women. Yes, in his real way, Dominik was even more tragic, but the world did not want to see him like that.

    But I don''t want to see him like that either, Andrzej suddenly realized. I do not want to see him tragic but happy. And he won''t be happy as long as he has to be afraid.

    Lightning struck outside the window. Nowicki saw the approaching black clouds, heralding a downpour.

    So there will be a storm after all.

    Darkness was coming quickly, and soon the lights had to be turned on. The rain hit violently along with the gale and thunder. It was a very sudden storm, and such storms usually last a short time - a few, maybe several minutes. Andrzej didn''t even bother to close the window.

    An incoming text message made him jump up. It wasn''t his phone, it was ...

    The photographer walked over to his bag from which he took out a cheap model of a cell phone. He had one missed message.

    ''Thanks again for today. You''re right, there are more people like you. ''

    "Like me?" Andrzej said at laud. "What''s his point?"

    ''There are still places and people I would like you to meet.'' He wrote back.

    For a few moments there was no reaction and when Andrzej was about to put down the phone, he felt vibrations flowing from him.

    ??I''m looking forward. Will we discuss the details tomorrow at breakfast?''

    Nowicki smiled.

    ''Make a signal when it''s ready.''

    ''Ok :D Good night.''

    ''Good night :D''

    ''I''ll have to top up that account,'' Andrzej thought, feeling quite nice. It was nice to receive good night wishes, even by text.

    ***

    Dominik seemed to be awake all night. His eyes were clearly dark circles and his conjunctiva was cloudy. Andrzej even suspected that he was crying, but he couldn''t ask for it.

    It''s not that he thought a man couldn''t cry, but it was a very intimate experience that can only be shared with someone close to you. In any other case, there was a risk of ridicule. The man showing the tears showed his weakness and thus became susceptible to attacks by the stronger. After all, it was a brutal world full of stereotypes, where any deviation from norms invented by someone was a crime.

    Andrzej did not think that Dominik''s greater sensitivity made him inferior, on the contrary, he believed that because of her, ?liwi¨½ski was unique in his own way and valued this trait in him. Others, however, may not have known it that way. Dominik was right in pointing out that at school the stronger girls preyed on the weaker ones. It wasn''t limited to school or to women. There was a tendency in human nature to use whoever they could for their own purposes.

    Nowicki was no better. The blackmail he committed against the actor weighed more and more on his conscience and honor.

    Therefore, for this meeting he took the money he had extorted from Dominik. That day, the actor told him to keep them, but it wasn''t fair anyway. The money he had gained too easily, and at someone else''s expense, did not give him satisfaction. He wasn''t able to spend even a single cent of them.

    Andrzej crossed the threshold of the actor''s house.

    "Maybe it''s not the best time," he said. "You look tired."

    "Wrong. All this made me fall behind a bit and kept working."

    Perhaps, thought Nowicki, not entirely convinced. He looked more like he was crying his eyes out rather than reading scripts, but the photographer wasn''t going to ask.

    "I brought some of my works as if you wanted to see them. Assuming, of course, you still want me to make your portfolio."

    "Of course."

    "That''s cool. You''ll see what style I''m working in, and then we''ll talk. But¡­ what the hell does smells so good here?

    Dominik mentioned a name that Andrzej could not even repeat. It sounded exquisite, appetizing and French. The photographer had no idea what was underneath it, but the smell alone made him drool. It was definitely not hard-boiled eggs in mayonnaise.

    "I went to the gastronomy more by necessity than by vocation, but I liked cooking. Of course, it''s more fun to do it for someone else, not just for myself."

    It could only seem to Nowicki, but he sensed a note of nostalgia in ?liwi¨½ski''s voice. Did he miss the times when he prepared breakfast for Marczak after intoxicating nights?

    For some reason, the photographer felt disgusted. The thought that Marczak, this brutal man, had so much taken possession of Dominik''s heart and body ...

    "Andrzej ...?"

    "Yes?"

    "You''ve been very pensive lately. I''m sorry if I distract you from your responsibilities ..."

    "No, no, what are you saying?" Nowicki felt embarrassed. "You gain a lot from getting to know you better, so I''m glad that we will work together."

    Dominik smiled - probably for the first time today. His face changed instantly, taking on a glow.

 Chapter 20 - Good Luck!

    Is one nice word enough to please him? Is he so sensitive? Andrzej decided that he needed to be more aware of how he was behaving and what he was saying.

    "Actually, there''s one more thing I want to talk to you about," he announced lightly.

    "Yes?"

    Andrzej was already sitting at the table, and ?liwi¨½ski was serving him a plump and aromatic omelet. The orange juice was waiting for him, and the coffee was finishing its brewing process.

    "I thought a lot about it. Actually, I couldn''t help but think about it and to be honest, I''d rather get it off my conscience." Andrzej took an envelope with money out of his briefcase. "Maybe it''s not the best time, yes over breakfast, but I really can''t keep the money. I couldn''t spend them."

    Dominik stared at them glumly, holding the coffee pot in his hand.

    "I explained to myself" continued Andrzej "that I only sold the photos that I took. After all, I am a photographer and this is my job. The truth is, however, that by taking these photos and threatening to publish them, I exceeded certain limits of decency. Not only was this unfair, it also took a heavy toll on my honor. I''m sorry."

    Without a word, ?liwi¨½ski took the envelope and threw it into one of the drawers, as if he immediately wanted to remove it from his eyes and memory. He poured coffee into mugs and sat down across from his guest.

    "There was no case," he announced, looking him straight in the eye. Andrzej had trouble reading his expression. Dominik''s lips were smiling, but his eyes were moist.

    It couldn''t be that he was enjoying the money back. Maybe he felt sad because he remembered how the money came to Nowicki''s possession? Andrzej was unable to figure it out, so he gave up.

    "Thank you."

    "As for the portfolio," continued Dominik "I don''t know when we will be able to start the session. Today I am meeting with the manager to discuss the movie proposals I have received. Only then will I know what my schedule will be for the next few days and weeks."

    So Dominik meets Marczak! No wonder he looked emotionally tired. Andrzej remembered how sorry he felt when the next day after the attack the man did not give a sign of his life. It was only the next day that he spoke purely for business, which was another blow for the actor. They''ll probably meet today for the first time since that traumatic event and it was perfectly understandable that ?liwi¨½ski was nervous at the thought of meeting his long-time lover.

    The photographer wondered if Marczak finally apologized to Dominik.

    "What about your schedule?" asked ?liwwi¨½ski. A softly sounding voice snapped Andrzej out of his thoughts.

    "I''m actually a freelancer, but it looks like I''m quitting my job anyway."

    "Really?" His amazement was sincere.

    "I was supposed to do it a few days ago. It took a while, but the decision has already been made."

    "But ..." Dominik instinctively looked towards the neighboring house.

    "The editorial office rents it only until the end of the month. I quit my job last August. In September, a family with a little son will live there. The room upstairs will be his. You''ll be safe from voyeurs by now.

    "Ah, yes ..." said Dominik. Andrzej again had a problem with reading ?liwi¨½ski''s reaction. He had no idea if it was a voice of relief or disappointment. But why would he be disappointed? Absurd.

    They ate the rest of the meal in silence as it grew colder and colder. The breakfast was tasty, to say the least, and the photographer decided that even if Dominik quit his job as an actor, he could confidently run a restaurant.

    "There is a new, interesting movie proposal?" Nowicki asked over coffee.

    "Not really. Another romantic comedy and some independent cinema, the script and the protagonist of which I do not understand - it will probably be cult in a few years, but I do not know how I will survive on the set. By the way, can I see what you brought?"

    "Of course" Andrzej brought out his own portfolio.

    Dominik looked through them in silence while Andrzej drank his coffee and watched him closely over his mug. The actor devoted a few moments of attention to each photo, but he did not comment on any, which made the photographer''s heart beat faster. What if he doesn''t like his work? What if Dominik resigns from cooperation and Andrzej will quit the tabloid, he will remain destitute, but with a nice loan?

    ?liwi¨½ski finished watching the album and returned to its beginning.

    "You arranged the photos in an interesting way," he noted. "It''s like telling the story of your romance with the lens."

    Nowicki was surprised by his perceptiveness.

    "That''s right," he admitted. "Most people think that they are arranged by subject, while they are arranged in chronological order."

    "And it is the subject of interest, not yours point of view, that has changed over time. You are a very good portraitist, but ... why exactly portraits?"

    "The man on the front page is my grandfather. On my fifteenth birthday, he gave me the first camera in my life and this is one of my first photos. I was a real jerk back then, and I wasn''t really interested in what was happening around me. Grandpa had cancer, which I didn''t know. He died a few months later and I was left with this photo of him. When I come back to it, memories come back too. I want to capture a fragment of the passing time and keep it forever for those who remain."

    Only after he had finished speaking did Andrzej notice that Dominik was staring at him with glittering eyes. There was something about that aquamarine gaze that made his heart beat faster. Dominik grinned suddenly.

    "I want you to capture me. Me as a human. People know me for my roles, but that''s not me. When I am gone, I will only be left with a few lies."

    "You don''t have ordinary photos from ordinary life?"

    "No. Maybe that''s why I liked that photo you took when I cleaned up so much."

    This simple answer surprised Andrzej and made him sad. Who was supposed to take ordinary, everyday photos of Dominik, if there was no one in his ordinary, everyday life?

    He smiled at him.

    "I was just thinking of that. I want to take you to several places and take pictures there, but also to follow you with the camera. Surely you''ve heard more than once that the camera loves you. As for me, you come out best in unposed photos."

    Like the one that I can''t tell you about because it''s too intimate for you to let me keep.

    "Could you leave this album for me for a while? I''d like to watch it again."

    "Sure," Andrzej stood up. "Dominik ..."

    "Yes?"

    "Good luck in your meeting."

    "Thanks."

 Chapter 21 - Do You Still Remember What Your Job Is?

    Andrzej got a call from the editorial office, which was rare. Marlenka was not very effusive talking to him, which made him wonder what he had screwed up this time. He found out immediately after entering the boss''s office.

    "What the hell is this?" Chef editor roared, throwing a tablet with the cover of a competing magazine on the desk.

    "Tablet," Andrzej replied indifferently, knowing full well that this was the wrong answer.

    "Nowicki!" The editor roared. "Don''t be so cheeky. It was you who was supposed to take such pictures and not let them be taken of you!"

    It was an undeniable fact. For some reason, Andrzej did not think that other magazines might also have their own photographers targeting ?liwi¨½ski. This photo was completely innocent and showed two men at lunch, but what if someone besides him witnessed assault or sex between Dominik and Marczak? Not good.

    "Sorry," he muttered remorsefully.

    "I do not know by what miracle and when you got into such a friendship with ?liwi¨½ski, but we have to use it."

    "What? Why?"

    "We cannot afford for them to sell more than we are! Speak."

    "What should I say?"

    "Don''t play stupid ..."

    It was not good. It was very bad. If he doesn''t give them anything, they''ll snoop around until they find something, and Dominik had too much to hide. Maybe if he had friends supporting him it would be easier for him to survive the scandal, but being completely alone with his sensitivity, he will collapse under its weight. It was too early for him to reveal the secrets of his life. Journalistic hyenas will eat him alive, leaving no bones behind. Andrzej had to give them something, anything.

    "What do you want to know?"

    "His love life."

    "Does not exist. He focuses on work."

    "Nothing turns it."

    "He got three scripts. Today he meets with the manager to discuss them. He''s been working hard on one, but it looks like he''s not going to make up his mind."

    "What about this from Baptiste?"

    "I''m talking about this one. ?liwi¨½ski learned French to better communicate with the team and act out his French-speaking lines, but he is not happy with the script and intends to withdraw his candidacy."

    "That''s bad," muttered the editor.

    "Bad? Why?"

    "Polish cinema is not a powerhouse and despite our best efforts, we do not have export goods. Language and accent are the barrier, many say. French actors, however, are able to get through this and gain worldwide fame and notoriety, drawing attention to the rest of French cinema. ?liwi¨½ski has everything that would allow him to go beyond our borders: beauty, presence, talent and most importantly, he can get rid of our accent."

    "Then what, he has to play something he doesn''t like just to please others?"

    "He''s a goddamn actor! He is a public figure! His life serves to please others!"

    Andrzej wanted to tell him what he thought about such reasoning, but he bit his tongue. Not yet, he thought to himself. First, I have to build a network of friends for Dominik that he can lean on if everything collapses.

    And it will collapse for sure. It''s a miracle that he has kept his secret for so long, but the more famous he becomes, the more they will sniff around him. Now it''s only a matter of time or luck. Of course, you can stall and make some sort of act that will satisfy the vultures for a few weeks, but this will have to be discussed with Dominik. Andrzej wondered how Dominik''s meeting with Marczak is going?

    "I know it''s not fair," the editor surprised him. "Twenty, even ten years ago, we respected the privacy of our stars out of respect for their work and themselves. Unfortunately, the world has changed. Well, we wanted globalization. Most of our readers are women from the age of fifteen to thirty-five, with a clear indication of the younger ones. You know how teenagers are. I guess they no longer knew the meaning of the word privacy."

    "Shouldn''t we remind them of him?"

    ???Maybe. But then we''ll go out of business. Everyone, including you, will lose their jobs."

    Nowicki bit his tongue again.

    "I know you don''t like this job. You consider her below your dignity. Maybe you''re right. I hired you because I saw your winning jobs and thought they were really good. I still think of them that way. You have talent and sooner or later you will fly away on your own wings, but we will stay. We have to adapt to the needs of the market otherwise we will not have enough to support our families. Therefore, I will ask you here and now, can we count on any interesting material from you about ?liwi¨½ski, or should I delegate someone else?"

    "I don''t think anyone will find anything. He''s just boring. Little Mr. Perfect."

    "Who visits him?"

    "Marczak. And me" he confessed.

    "How did you meet?"

    Andrzej decided to use the story that Dominik used earlier.

    "I was observing him when I saw him stumble and fall on the table. He hadn''t moved for a while, so I imagined the worst. I ran to help but everything was fine. He didn''t do anything serious to himself."

    "You blow your cover?"

    "Yes."

    "How did he react?"

    "At first he didn''t say anything, then he thanked me. If the fall had been less fortunate, he figured, my reaction might have saved his life."

    The editor thought about it.

    "In fact, there''s not much you can get out of it. This restaurant, whose idea was it?"

    "Mine. This is my friend''s place. I figured she would be happy to have a famous guest."

    "By the way, you shot her ad."

    "By the way," he admitted, although he absolutely did not expect this to develop.

    "What hobby does he have?"

    "He likes to cook. He liked it at school. Old Polish comedies make him laugh. He hardly watches TV. He spends a lot of time learning French. He gets up in the morning, works out in his own little gym, takes a shower, eats breakfast, studies for a few hours or reading. Sometimes he goes out to the grocery store. He cooks dinner for himself, after that he will clean up a bit or he will put in the laundry and learn again. He reads a book to his pillow."

    "What kind of book?"

    "Different. Crime novels, romances, philosophical, historical."

    "And his erotic life? No woman?"

    "None" such an answer to such a question was absolutely not a lie. Andrzej was relieved because he was afraid he would get confused in his testimony.

    "The man has his needs, so maybe he ..."

    "I didn''t look under the covers" Andrzej growled, blushing "but I don''t think he does."

    "All right, all right," The editor-in-chief withdrew. "But we won''t really go far with this."

    And thank God, Nowicki sighed with relief.

    "Try anyway. You have until the end of the month."

    "Sure."

 Chapter 22 - Dominik, Where The H*ll Are You?

    It was strange that the editor-in-chief didn''t push any more, but maybe he saw the potential in one of his men developing a closer relationship with ?liwi¨½ski. It would be quite logical reasoning. The actor had never been close to the media, and now he was going to dinner with the paparazzi. With such a development of the situation, Nowicki should start to fear whether there is a vigilant eye of the lens on his back. The thought struck him extremely ironic. But if a larger number of photographers targeted Dominik, you will have to be more careful, or actually make some sort of act and get rid of them for a while.

    He took out the phone from which he only made calls to ?liwi¨½ski and checked that there was no message. He should have warned Dominik that the vultures had started to flock, but he wasn''t sure if he should disturb him. How is it actually going?

    There was no cause for concern. I guess. The meeting was strictly business-like and certainly took place somewhere neutral. This is probably the time when it is happening and both men discuss professional matters like professionals. Confirmed in such reasoning, Nowicki quite calmly reached the house in Wola Grzybowska. But when he crossed the threshold and the phone was still silent, he felt anxiety again.

    Andrzej was waiting impatiently for a message from Dominik. It is true that they did not meet, but in the light of the recently born friendship, it was completely natural. Nowicki hoped that the meeting took place without any excesses and that the actor did not suffer too much from it. He and Marczak had a lot to say to each other.

    Time passed and Dominik was silent.

    The photographer trampled the floor of the house where he had his observation post. Every now and then he glanced anxiously towards the driveway and windows of ?liwi¨½ski''s residence. There was no trace of the actor, and it was already dark outside the window. His phone also remained mute, although he did not let it go even for a moment. As a result, Andrzej was filled with the worst thoughts.

    What if in his brutal drive, Marczak did something to Dominik? What if the actor ended up in the hospital, or worse, his body is just being hidden from the eyes of the police and witnesses and the traces of the crime are obliterated?

    Damn!.

    ''I just wanted to ask if you''re okay?'' he wrote and sent a text message to Dominik. He expected a quick response, but was disappointed. His phone was silent.

    It does not mean anything. He might have the sounds off, his battery might run out, or he didn''t take the phone with him at all. After all, it was not his private number (Andrzej did not have it), but the one he had given him during the blackmail. Dominik could have thrown it out completely now, although he had used it before. So the lack of answer might be absolutely nothing, except it was bloody annoying.

    But Andrzej''s imagination may go too far. Maybe the men came to an agreement and discussed professional matters all the time. The director of one of the planned movies could join the meeting and they are now discussing the details of the cooperation. These talks can end late at night or in the morning, so there''s nothing extraordinary about them.

    Of course, if such a meeting takes place at all, and not Dominik''s body, it lies somewhere wrapped in a plastic bag.

    ''I''ve watched too many thriller movies,'' he thought to himself reproachfully. This is not the case here. This is Poland, not some third world country. Crimes of passion do not happen here ... and yet Marczak tried to r**e Dominik. What if¡­

    "Shit!"

    What if he go to Marczak''s agency and ask what''s going on? But by what right? They won''t even let him enter his premises. He was totally nobody, so he couldn''t expect anything but a kick in the butt. He will not notify the police either, because he did not have even the slightest premises to report the crime.

    Time was passing and it was getting really dark outside. Even the streetlights had gone out, and Dominik''s house was deaf and blind. It was the first time in all those days that an actor had spent the night away from home. May he do it out of his own, free will.

    Shit, he cursed again. Is Dominik okay? Please, let everything be alright!

    It was a long night during which Andrzej did not sleep a wink. He was even afraid to leave the window for a moment, that he would miss the moment when ?liwi¨½ski returned. The actor, however, did not show up even for a moment, making Nowicki suffer the agony of anxiety. Eventually, with sunrise, he figured he had screwed up. He should have gone to Marczak''s agency and checked with his own eyes if Dominik was okay, or at least called and asked the secretary, pretending to be an assistant to a famous director or something like that.

    It was just too late for that now. If something was going to happen to Dominik, it had already happened. And it will be Andrzej''s fault for not trusting his gut feelings.

    It was just before nine o''clock when his phone announced a new text. Like a drunkard on a bottle of vodka, he threw himself at the phone and read the message.

    "It''s ok. I''m sorry if I bothered you."

    Andrzej sighed with such relief that he felt a pain in his chest. So Dominik was fine after all.

    Or not. After all, it was a text message that anyone could write and send on his phone. And even if it was Dominik, he might just not want to bother someone with his problems and just pretend everything was fine.

    ''I''ll only find out when I see him.''

    He waited on. At that moment, there was nothing else for him. He might have sent him another text message or made a phone call, but the late night full of anxiety made itself felt and Andrzej could not fully concentrate his thoughts. He felt like a father whose teenage daughter had spent her first night away from home. He had to see for himself that she was fine. That''s why he waited.

    A taxi drove up to ?liwi¨½ski''s house. A familiar figure loomed through the window, and Andrzej breathed a sigh of relief. Dominik was tired, but calm and smiling. Nothing terrible happened that night, nothing that would leave a trauma in his mind. He looked relaxed and content as if ...

    Did he fucking sleep with Marczak? He forgave him and jumped into his bed? What a moron! What a fucking idiot! After all this? After this shameful r**e attempt?

    Andrzej did not understand this. He couldn''t and wouldn''t understand how someone could be so exploited? You have to be a total idiot to forgive something like this and get back to what it was. You have to be such a fool as there are few in the world. You have to be very much in love or very lonely ...

    It''s his life, Andrzej thought resignedly as he sat down against the wall, and his decisions. Let them not cost him too much.

 Chapter 23 - Only Dream Is To Be Happy

    Andrzej woke up in the afternoon in the same place where he fell asleep. He felt uncomfortable and his joints were numb, but at least he slept off his late night.

    Next to him was a telephone with one single number encoded in its memory. His display showed information about three missed messages. Yawning, he started reading them. They were all from Dominik.

    ''The meeting was long but it ended well. Will you come over for lunch? I will tell you everything. I''m waiting at one o''clock.''

    Time of news - nine ten. The next one was posted five minutes past one:

    ''I understand you don''t have time. Drop in when you have a moment.''

    The third was sent a few minutes ago and the sound of it probably woke him up for good.

    ''Now I am worried. Let me know that everything is fine.''

    "All right, huh?" Andrzej muttered to himself rubbing sleepy eyes.

    He looked out the window. Dominik was sitting on the couch reading a book. Or he pretended to be reading. He looked distressed. Andrzej was angry with him that he slept with Marczak again, but it was not his business. The two were seven years together. It''s not that easy to sever ties that have lasted so long. In some ways, they were like an old married couple who got so close that they forgave each other basically everything.

    Anyway, Dominik loved Marczak. Whether he was seduced and used by him over the years or not, his love was sincere. True love will forgive everything, as the words of the old pre-war song said: "Betrayal, and a lie, and sin."[1] It may have been naive and stupid, but reason had no tools against the heart.

    Anyway, maybe Marczak really regretted his act? Maybe he also loved Dominik in his own way and only realized it when he was about to lose him? It wouldn''t be weird. ?liwi¨½ski was a really good and kind man and only a fool would reject his feelings. After all, there are probably not so many gays in Poland to be very picky, and Dominik would be the dream of each of them. Marczak would be stupid not to try to stop him.

    Anyway, in the morning the actor seemed very happy. If he was affected that way by coming to terms with his lover, that might be a good thing. After all, he himself knows what is best for him.

    Probably.

    Andrzej sighed and wrote an apologetic text explaining that he was sleeping off his late night. Seconds after it was sended, Dominik lifted something from his lap and smiled. Surprised, Nowicki blinked his eyes. ?liwi¨½ski had a phone from him so close to him? Was he¡­ really worried?

    He felt something strange in his heart. After all, he and Dominik hardly knew each other. They ate three breakfasts and one lunch together. They spent one night under the same roof. They talked several times and that''s it. Andrzej was worried about him because he saw his fragility. He would be concerned about any victim of violence he knows. He felt responsible for him because he was strong enough to help him. But why was Dominik worried about him?

    His phone buzzed.

    "I am waiting. Drop in when you want. "

    Nowicki was surprised that his heart beat faster. Is that what it feel like when you know someone is waiting for you?

    "I''ll be there in fifteen minutes."

    He might have been in fifteen seconds, but he had to shower. He spent almost a day and a half wearing these clothes, which was painfully noticeable in such heat.

    Washing away sweat and sleep, Andrzej thought it was nice to know that someone was waiting for him and worried as much as he was about that person. Since his parents passed away eight years ago, only Paulina and Martynka have shown him these feelings. Maybe that''s why he proposed to Paulina. Being for someone and with someone, showing them concern and knowing that they are mutual was not something every day. Not for him. And apparently not for Dominik. People don''t have to know each other all their lives to be able to trust themselves.

    Refreshed, he took his camera bag with him. He thought that ?liwi¨½ski looks cute when he is happy and whatever the reason for this happiness is, it is worth taking advantage of this moment. He will immortalize it for himself, so that over the years and experiences he would remember that he could be happy even for a moment.

    No, always. Dominik should always be happy. He shouldn''t let anyone take that feeling away. So if Marczak gives them to him ... Maybe Andrzej really made a mistake about this man and those events were just a single outburst of desperation?

    "Andrzej, I was so worried" Nowicki stopped at such an unexpected greeting at the very door. He didn''t even have time to raise his hand to the bell when he saw Dominik in front of him.

    The actor smiled radiantly. His eyes were jewels reflecting the light of a thousand suns. It was inconceivable that such a beautiful creature should walk on earth. No wonder that fans from all over the country and from abroad wanted any news about this beautiful man. It is a pity that at the expense of his privacy.

    "Sorry," Nowicki greeted hesitantly.

    "It''s fine. I''m glad you''re okay. Come in. Are you hungry?"

    "Actually ... like a wolf."

    Dominik laughed.

    "That''s good. I heat up the stew. It should be ready soon."

    "Have you ever thought about starting a restaurant?"

    "No. I have no business skills. Anyway, it is difficult for me to imagine what I will be doing in a week, let alone a few years."

    "Don''t you think so far ahead?"

    "No, what for? I never planned on becoming an actor and see how I ended" he laughed.

    "You didn''t want to be an actor? So who?"

    "I don''t know," he admitted. "I don''t think anyone special. I went to gastronomic school because it''s a good profession."

    "You don''t seem pragmatic to me. More like a dreamer."

    "My only dream is to be happy. No matter what I do or how I earn my living. I don''t know if it makes me a practical person or a dreamer ..."

    "You look happy today," Nowicki noted. "Did something good happen yesterday?"

    "It shows?" He blushed. Is it really possible to talk about happiness with such timidity?

    Andrzej smiled at him. Dominik wanted to share his joy with someone so much that it was leaking out of him like a colander. Although he was sure what he would hear and did not support this turn of events, Nowicki had neither the right nor the heart to criticize Dominik and his choices. If he considered himself his friend, he should support him in them.

    "Tell me," he asked. ?liwi¨½ski''s eyes glowed with joy.

    Dominik really wanted to say something, but he paused and seemed to be ashamed.

    "I saw Marek yesterday ..." He announced turning off the gas. For some reason he avoided Andrzej''s eyesight. "I know that what he tried to do to me then was wrong, but ..."

    "But you love him."

    The actor sighed, nodding his head.

    When I saw him, he was tired and pale. He begged for my forgiveness and explained that he couldn''t bear the thought of breaking up, so he went mad. He really loves me¡­" He looked at Andrzej from above the steaming plate.

    ''Maybe yes or maybe not. But you want to believe it'' thought Andrzej.

    "You made up" he said aloud.

    "Yes" Dominik admitted timidly.

    "That''s good."

    Surprise was clearly visible in ?liwi¨½ski''s face.

    "Do you really think so? I thought you didn''t think well of him."

    "Because it is so. I do not think about him well" Nowicki sat down at the table while the host put a plate in front of him. "He should go to jail for what he did to you. But apparently there is no escape from love."

    [1] The song is called ?Mi?o?? ci wszystko wybaczy".

 Chapter 24 - First Quarrel

    "Yes, it''s true," Dominik beamed as he sat down opposite him. "I tried to be angry with him and hate him, but I couldn''t."

    "Your heart is too soft."

    "Maybe do," he admitted. "But I''m glad, really. You know, you were the first person I thought I''d like to talk about it."

    This confession surprised Nowicki, although it should not. After all, he knew that he was one of the few people who knew Dominik''s secret, and using the word ''few'' he suspected that he could count all of them on one hand.

    "So you spent the night with him?"

    "Yeah, but how ... Don''t say you were worried about me and you didn''t sleep because of me."

    Andrzej tried to hide his embarrassment in the fumes from the plate.

    "I''m so sorry!" Dominik called. "I''m sorry very, very, very much!"

    "Come on! What do you mean?"

    "How could I forget? I just ... Nobody ever cared for me except Marek, so I forgot that it was you after all this ..."

    "Nothing has happened," he muttered, confused.

    "Thank you! You really are my friend! I know you don''t trust him, and yet you think ... I''m so happy ..."

    "Hey, what are you ..."

    Dominik wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. Andrzej had no idea what was going on or how to react.

    "I was always afraid that when people found out I was gay, they would turn their backs on me. They will point their fingers at me and look at me like I am a freak. But you ... You know who I sleep with and it doesn''t bother you at all ..."

    "It''s a little disturbing," he muttered in confusion. "You can afford someone better."

    "Maybe," he laughed through his tears. "But knowing I was gay you didn''t turn down any of my invitations. You look at me as a normal human being, not as some sick, perverted freak."

    "Because you''re a normal human. Almost¡­ You''re prettier than most people, and a little more talented, but otherwise a perfectly normal guy. It''s up to you who you sleep with and it has nothing to do with anyone else. It doesn''t affect what personality you have or what kind of person you are ..."

    "If everyone thought this way ..."

    ''And you''re a bit of a naive idealist,'' Nowicki was tempted to add. ''And a dreamer after all. Counting that people will simply accept that Dominik ?liwi¨½ski is gay ...''

    Andrzej himself did not fully accept this, so he felt uncomfortable during this conversation. It is true that for him it made no difference whether the actor sleeps with men or women, but for the world the difference will be huge. As long as ?liwi¨½ski is perceived as heterosexual, everything will be fine, but as soon as his orientation is revealed, the scandal will be shocking. Dominik dreams of being happy. In this world as gay? - no way.

    Nowicki also wanted the boy to be happy. The face was far too beautiful to be marked by tears and suffering. And it will be so if Dominik stays with Marczak.

    However, these were all just conjectures and fears. Andrzej had no evidence to convince ?liwi¨½ski. Anyway, in this state of mind, no argument would reach him, and Dominik deserved a few moments of joy before real trouble appeared on the horizon.

    "Many people know that you prefer men?"

    "No. We are really very careful. We always meet under the pretext of work. I think his secretary might know, I think she knows, because sometimes I feel like she''s covering us. She is very nice, but I never dared to ask her directly."

    "You didn''t ask Marczak?"

    "I tried, but he is mysterious in this respect. I think he is afraid that I might start talking to her about it and an outsider would hear."

    Certainly the manager is afraid of this, or rather the possibility that his completely dominated lover will find an ally, a person who will open his eyes.

    "Did you tell him about me?"

    "No, there wasn''t a time. It may surprise you, but we talked a lot about work."

    In fact, Nowicki was surprised. Maybe he shouldn''t, but he was.

    "Did you tell him you didn''t want to play for Baptiste?"

    It was unbelievable in some ways - Andrzej saw Dominik on the set impersonating various characters and in various scenes, where absolutely nothing changed his expression. On the set, he was an excellent actor who is all himself in the role. In his life, ?liwi¨½ski was completely open and honest, he could not hide any emotions in his face. He didn''t have to say anything for Nowicki to know his answer. It was enough to look at his blush and confusion in his eyes.

    "I understand love and sex, but this?" Andrzej was honestly surprised. "You really didn''t want to be in that movie. When you talked about it, you did so almost with disgust. I don''t understand why do you force yourself to do this?"

    "It''s not like that" the blush did not come off his face, but his eyes moved away from Andrzej. "Marek explained to me ..."

    "Did he explain or did he talked to you with sweet words?" Nowicki did not know why he raised his voice and his body.

    Dominik became more and more confused and intimidated. His voice was low as he continued:

    "He convinced me that I would gain a lot from this project. Sometimes you have to sacrifice a little for a greater purpose ..."

    "A bigger purpose? You''re not a fucking martyr!"

    "I am an actor and therefore I should take advantage of the opportunities ..."

    "You are human and you shouldn''t be forced into anything. Do you know how much Marczak will get for you playing for Baptiste? Do you know how many new actors will be begging for him to be in charge of their careers? He made you for money! He has used you!"

    "Stop ..."

    "You know how much he makes from you with each film. If you left him, he would lose a hen that lays golden eggs ..."

    "Stop it!"

    Dominik was standing too. They looked at each other from opposite sides of the small kitchen table, resting their hands on the table top. ?liwi¨½ski was trembling, but his eyes flashed flames.

    So you can fight for yours after all.

    "I''m asking you to leave," Dominik''s voice was cut short, but the sound within him made it clear that he was serious.

    Andrzej was furious. Does Dominik not see how much he is being used? If, after reconciling them, Marczak did not insist that the actor should play in the film against himself, it would mean that he actually loves him and cares about his good, but if, seeing his aversion to the role, he persuaded him to do so, it meant that the only thing he loves is the money that ?liwi¨½ski earns for him.

    "You''re an idiot" Andrzej announced and straightened up. "You''ll find out badly about it sooner or later."

    "Get out."

    "Thank you for dinner," Nowicki felt he must have the last word. He turned on his heel and left.

 Chapter 25 - A Perfect Duo - Idiot And Impertinent

    Andrzej was so furious that he wanted to curse. How can you be so stupid and so blind as to not see when you''re being abused? Sure, Marczak used the most beautiful words and the sweetest apologies to soften Dominik''s heart. After all, he committed a criminal act on him that he could go to jail for, and after his release from prison no self-respecting actor would like to cooperate with him. Marczak would be out of the industry sooner than he would say his name. His career would be over.

    Of course, Dominik would not go through it without harm either. However, he would be seen as a victim, so part of the audience would stay with him out of sympathy and pity. After all, he was just a kid when it all started, and it is the adults'' responsibility to look after minors. It would all depend on how the media directs such a scandalous story, but it could be settled.

    By the way, it''s interesting where Dominik''s parents and teachers were when Marczak took the boy under his not-so-protective wings. Did any of them even think for a moment how dangerous it could be for such a young man to enter show business under the guidance of a complete stranger?

    Probably not. They had seen the opportunity that their lovely son could become rich and famous, and suddenly their poor gray life would take on color. They probably sold it themselves for a handful of Polish zlotys.

    Dominik hardly talks about his parents, he did not visit them, he did not call them. He also did not receive any phone calls. He was totally entangled by Marczak and isolated from everyone. He was used by him, but maybe in a way he wanted to be used himself.

    It was even more irritating and even sadder.

    Damn!

    On the way home, to his own home, Andrzej felt his rage dissipate. His conscience began to seize him again. Shouting at Dominik was so easy! The boy hardly defended himself. When he finally stood up to him, he trembled with excitement. It was so easy to imagine grabbing his hand and shaking him until it finally hit his empty head like a moron. Only, going so far, Andrzej would have acted like Marczak. In fact, what he did in verbally harassing him was only a little different from the manager''s behavior.

    ''And yet Dominik had me for a friend. He believed me, trusted me, and I trusted him ...''

    No! The friend supports, but when he sees that a friend is making a mistake, he does not stand idle and silent, but expresses his opinion. That''s friendship, not to let your buddy make stupid mistakes. If Dominik is blind, you have to open his eyes. Even brutally.

    It didn''t change the fact that hurting him was mean. But it is probably better that he hear a few words of bitter truth now than he should fall into despair later.

    After leaving the train, Andrzej decided that he would not go home. He was too nervous and wanted to talk to someone. On the way, he began to feel overwhelmed by doubts as to whether he had the right to intervene in ?liwi¨½ski''s life after all? But he couldn''t stand idly by and watch the boy being used on all fronts.

    Paulina will surely know how to behave in such a situation. They have known each other for years, so she will best judge both his intentions and the effects of his interference. After all, she knew people better than he did.

    It was past four, so traffic was pretty heavy. But he never had to worry about the seat, especially since he sat in the corner by the bar.

    "What can I get you?" Asked one of the waitresses who had already recognized him as a regular visitor. "The usual?"

    "Just water. Is the boss here?"

    "She''s out for a few minutes. Surely nothing stronger? You look like you need to shoot yourself."

    "No, I''ll wait for your boss. But thanks."

    Well, if someone can see that he needs a drink, that''s all wrong. Andrzej sighed with resignation. Why do he even bothers with this idiot? If he is fine as he is, why am Andrzej is trying to make him aware of it? Do he really have to care about some orphan like actor? Who is Niwicki, Mother Teresa of Calcutta?

    Two images flashed before his eyes with the pace of lightning - the beautiful, inspired face in the photo in a moment of ecstasy and the same face contorted with terror when a body that had previously offered him pleasure gave him suffering.

    "Shit," he muttered to himself, and ruffled his hair in a habit he hadn''t used in quite a few years.

    "Uuuuu, it''s bad" he heard Paulina''s really concerned voice above him. "What''s up? Do you want to talk?"

    "I do not want to disturb you¡­"

    She waved her hand casually.

    "Which is more important, work or friends? Come."

    She led him to her little back room, which at least seemed to be private. Andrzej knew that they would not be eavesdropped here after all. More than one serious conversation of theirs has taken place here, and has yet to be echoed in rumors.

    Paulina really was amazing. Although he knew that her father''s health was not improving at all and that the woman had more and more responsibilities, she always found time for him. She was a real dear friend.

    "I should thank you for the ad," she smiled. "The photo does not show the full name of the restaurant, but I have half as many visits to the website. People start calling with reservations."

    "You should thank ?liwi¨½ski" he said resignedly.

    "I''d like to. When are you bringing him back? Maybe he would agree to a photo that I can put on my website?"

    "You''ll have to ask him about it," he muttered without enthusiasm.

    "Okay, what''s going on?"

    "This guy is an idiot! Total, absolute idiot! He''s just¡­" He ran out of words.

    "¡­ Idiot. What did he do?"

    Andrzej was silent for a moment, not knowing where to start. For Paulina to fully understand the complexity of the situation, she had to know everything, but Nowicki could not reveal everything to her. Finally, he promised Dominik that his secrets would be safe. He could not so breach that trust, even if he confided the secret to someone he was sure he would not reveal to anyone.

    How could he explain the complexity of the situation to her without revealing details?

    "It''s complicated. Simply put, he allows himself to be manipulated by people who benefit from him, and he doesn''t want to see it. He thinks what they''re doing is for his own good."

    "Are you sure it is not so?"

    "Yes."

    "Why?"

    "Because I myself..." he interrupted. He almost would have confessed to blackmailing ?liwi¨½ski. Admittedly, he had done it very briefly and had rectified his misdemeanor, but the fact remained. Anyway, what does it matter now? "Because I used him myself," he admitted. "He''s the perfect target. He''s gullible, naive, and so easy to dodge that it''s downright boring."

    "You told him about it."

    "Yeah ... Except that this blind man cannot understand that he is being used!"

    "And you''re impertinent."

    "What? And where did you get this from?" Nowicki was irritated.

    "Why are you pissed off, you know you are. Didn''t it occur to you that he knows how naive he is too, or at least guesses? However, one thing is to know and another to hear it!"

    "If he knows how naive he is, and yet¡­" Andrzej shook his head.

    "You''re an idiot too. I only talked to him for a few minutes, but I know he is a very nice and sensitive man. And this cut on his lip - I''m not stupid, I know where these marks come from."

 Chapter 26 - The Painful Truth Cannot Be Hidden Forever

    Nowicki opened his mouth in surprise.

    "My father is a good man, but when I was little he drank a lot. My mother walked with bruises more than once, and yet she did not leave him. It was only recently that I had a conversation with her about it. She admitted that she loved my father after all. Sometimes she wanted to leave, because such love not only hurt her body, but she had nowhere or to whom. Divorce in those days was almost taboo, so she gritted her teeth and told herself it would get better soon. And it was. She forgave him and they continued to live together until another drunken bout of aggression. Then she swallowed tears and waited for my father to calm down. Of course, she didn''t tell anyone about her suffering."

    "Sorry, I didn''t know."

    "After my father got hepatitis, he stopped drinking and he was no longer violent. So far they live in harmony. But I am different. When ?ukasz raised his hand to me after he found out I was pregnant, it was our last meeting."

    "The fucking ..."

    "That''s why I didn''t tell you. You are not holy and you have a lot of flaws, but you have one great advantage, I feel safe with you. You have the need to help every injured person or animal. You can''t stand passively and watch someone suffer."

    "Well, you gave me quite psychoanalysis."

    "But tell me, that''s not why you became friends with Dominik?"

    Yes, that''s probably why. When he saw someone suffering, he just couldn''t stand and watch. He also couldn''t bear the thought of someone taking advantage of someone. That is why he got into fights at school and therefore, without thinking, he ran to help ?liwi¨½ski. He would probably do it for anyone, but Dominik was special in his own way. Andrzej was not a poet, but remembering the expression on the actor''s face and his eyes made him think of the most precious works of art and the most delicate flowers of spring.

    "You''re very sensitive, you know?" Paulina smiled to him.

    "Well, here you already exaggerated" he was more embarrassed than angry.

    "I mean human misfortune. That''s why you''re so angry with him. You think you can''t help him."

    "I don''t know if I have the right."

    "Of course you do. And, believe it or not, you''re really helping him. If my mother had a friend like that, she probably would have avoided a lot of bruising."

    "But Dominik, he ... He stays with this person."

    "You can''t change your heart in a second. So far, I love ?ukasz in my own way and sometimes I wonder if I should have stayed with him. Wait, I know what you want to say" she stopped him. "My point is, it''s not that easy to stop loving someone and give up wanting to be close to that person, even if it hurts you. However, if you told him the truth, you planted a seed in his heart that would grow."

    "But until then ..."

    "Everyone makes their own decisions and makes their own mistakes."

    And he pays the price for it, however high it is. Andrzej hoped that the one that ?liwi¨½ski would have to regulate would not turn out to be too excessive and would not lead him to emotional bankruptcy.

    "Have you ever been afraid that your dad might go too far and hurt your mom so that it cannot be reversed?"

    "Is it that serious?" She lowered her voice, alarmed.

    "I do not know. I hope not. Dominik is too valuable financially, but who knows how things will turn out when emotions come into play again. He believes it was only once, but his judgment is obscured by feelings. Paulina, it looked terrible."

    "It was that bad?" She covered her mouth with her hand. Her eyes widened with concern. "Poor boy."

    Nowicki has never had a tendency to exaggerate. Even in his photographs, he showed the world as it was. He did not want to bother Paulina with the problems of others, but she was the only one he could rely on to solve a problem he was unable to deal with.

    "I don''t know what to do," he confessed. "I cannot interfere in his life, I have no right to slander the person he loves in front of him, but I am afraid that something terrible may happen to him."

    "Have you thought about notifying the police?"

    "You don''t think I not? But it would be hard for an ordinary person to survive all these investigations and trials. With his fame¡­" He shook his head.

    "Yeah. You say it was only once?"

    "I know about one."

    Paulina was silent for a long moment. Andrzej was full of hope that she would find a brilliant solution as usual.

    "You should wait for now," she said. "You can''t save him by force, so you have to give him time to see the truth. You got him the truth about his man lover, now you must ...

    "What did you say?" He was frightened by what he heard. Has she figured out the truth? How?

    "I can add two and two, it''s really not that hard. And don''t worry, my mouth will be closed and the restaurant door will be open. I''m worried about him too, but there''s nothing we can do yet. There are things that a person has to deal with alone. It is important that he knows that he has someone to turn to. You''re that kind of person to him, aren''t you?"

    "I suppose so," he admitted hesitantly. In light of today''s quarrel, he was not sure.

    Paulina smiled warmly at him.

    "You are an idiot, but I can''t be angry with you for too long." Otherwise we wouldn''t be friends for so many years."

    "Thanks," he muttered.

    "He won''t be mad at you either. If you feel sorry, call him or write to him."

    "Yes you are right. Thanks, Paulina."

    "No problem."

    Nevertheless, Nowicki did not decide to contact ?liwi¨½ski right away. It took two days to text him. Since the lack of answer was an insult to him, he gave Dominik three more days before returning to his observation post in the house next door. He was still pissed at him, but he grew more and more anxious. Okay, Dominik might be angry with him and not want to talk to him, but that didn''t change the fact that he might need help, even though he was too stupid to realize it.

    At this time, the actor should be sitting down to breakfast, while he was still in bed. Who knows, maybe he had a very hot night with his lover and he was sleeping her off now?

    Noon has long passed and ?liwi¨½ski did not leave his bed. He must be really exhausted and sleep soundly. No, he''s not asleep. Nowicki noticed movement under the sheets, as if the man lying there was curled up into a tight ball.

    Andrzej''s heart beat uneasily. What if he''s sick?

    You live only once! Nowicki will wake him at most, he thought, and dialed his cell phone number. There was a signal, but no one answered, and ?liwi¨½ski buried himself deeper into the bedding.

    Something about this figure curled up on the bed disturbed Andrzej. It was not the position of a relaxed man, but someone who wanted to hide from the world or fall into nothingness.

    It''s not like Marczak did anything to him, right?

    What if so?

    Nowicki was already rushing to the neighboring house. He breached the gate and burst through a door that was unlocked.

    "Dominik!" He cried, fear in his heart. "Dominik !!!"

    He stormed through the apartment and broke into the actor''s bedroom with impetus. He ran to his bed and revealed his pale, half-awake face.

    ?Oh my God! Dominik !!!"

 Chapter 27 - So Fragile

    Andrzej was terrified. Dominik looked like he was on the verge of life and death. He was pale and so haggard as if he hadn''t had anything in his mouth for a week. He seemed even more fragile and vulnerable than when Marczak twisted his arm and pressed him to the ground.

    ''It''s my fault,'' the photographer thought desperately. ''My fault. I knew what could happen and despite everything I did not prevent this misfortune. ''

    Andrzej took this frail body into his arms, praying that it would not be too late. Begging for it to only look so bad

    Under the influence of the warm touch, ?liwi¨½ski''s eyes opened slowly, tired and sad, full of deep pain. Eyes that looked at Andrzej as if they didn''t see him at all. Those beautiful, aquamarine eyes¡­ At the sight of them something broke in Nowicki''s chest.

    ''I will kill him!'' Andrzej felt his rage fill him. "I''ll beat him like a dog! Marczak, you are already a corpse! ''

    But he couldn''t say it out loud. There was no time for that anyway. Now he had to save Dominik.

    "Hang on, I''ll call an ambulance right now ..."

    The actor forbade "No" in a weak, strange-sounding voice.

    "This time I won''t let go. Look at you¡­

    "I''m fine," he assured, trying to smile and sit up on his own. "I''m just tired."

    Tired?! Dear God! What could Dominik do to make his body look like this? How many nights did he have to stay awake for his eyes to take on such an unconscious expression and sink into his skull!

    However, ?liwi¨½ski wanted to prove his good condition so much that Andrzej had no choice but to help him sit down. Dominik hung his arms on him and nestled against his chest like a child in his favorite plush mascot or his beloved mother.

    Andrzej hugged him, cold despite the hot summer and the bedding. Fragile despite all sports training. He embraced him strongly, apologizing for not protecting him when necessary, and giving him all the warmth of his body.

    "It''s okay," Nowicki said in a gentle, soothing voice and stroked the actor''s head. "I promise you, nothing bad will happen to you now."

    "Um," Dominik nodded, and his grip loosened. Andrzej felt that he was slipping out of his embrace.

    He''s not losing consciousness, is he ?!

    Panic seized Nowicki''s heart. What if the actor is really hurt or sick, if he has serious injuries, for example internal, only his pride and stubbornness prevent him from admitting it? What if he has an internal bleeding and life is flowing out of it?

    ?liwi¨½ski fell heavily on the pillows, but his eyes were open. Feeling unrelenting fear, Nowicki inspected his body as much as he could looking for signs of injuries, but found nothing, no bruising, abrasions or injuries. Unless ... But there wasn''t even a drop of blood on the sheets. That calmed him down a little. A little.

    "Where does it hurt?"

    "Nowhere," he replied softly. "I''m not ... It wasn''t like that. You were right!" he exploded and covered his eyes with the back of his hand. In vain. Andrzej knew he was crying. His whole body trembled in spasms of sobbing.

    So it wasn''t a physical attack this time, thank God, the photographer breathed a sigh of relief. But Marczak did something that hurt Dominik''s heart so deeply that he did not have the spiritual strength to get out of bed. How long it took? Judging by his pallor and weakness, it wasn''t the first day. Marczak, you ...

    Looking at Dominik Nowicki did not feel triumph for being right. He would rather be a hundred times wrong than see this delicate being suffer. ?liwi¨½ski''s only fault was that he trusted the wrong person and now his heart, and perhaps his mind, was in tatters.

    "He ... sold me," Dominik sobbed in a voice full of pain. "He sold me ... to Baptiste''s assistant ..."

    Andrzej felt as if he had been hit in the head by something heavy. Dominik''s lover, the man he loved and trusted, did what? Sold him? Sold him? Like the slave?

    Or like a whore?

    Or like¡­ an animal?

    Without thinking, Andrzej grabbed Dominik into his arms and hugged him with all his might. The small body trembled and Andrzej had the impression that the sobbing would tear ?liwi¨½ski''s chest at any moment.

    ''Cry,'' he thought. ''Cry out all the tears. Then it''s time for your revenge. I''m not gonna let you cry anymore because of that brute.'' He hugged him even more, wounded, crushed by the cruelty and selfishness of another human being - someone he loved.

    "He will pay for it" Nowicki promised in an icy tone. "And this time you won''t protect him, do you understand?"

    Dominik could not calm his crying for a long time, and Andrzej could not calm his anger. At this point, Nowicki would have given many, even years of his life, to take some of the suffering off his friend. He knew it was his fault. How could he leave Dominik, the most trusting and naive man he knew, to the prey of the wolf? It was because of him and his carelessness towards friendship that the actor was now filled with pain. It was unforgivable! Both Nowicki and Marczak will pay a high price for these tears.

    There will be time for justice and vengeance, however. Now the most important thing was to take care of the actor and his broken heart.

    After this sudden outburst of emotions, ?liwi¨½ski calmed down and fell asleep. Before he closed his eyes, he looked at Andrzej. Their blue was blurred not only with suffering but also with deep fear. Will this experience take away his trust in people that he was just beginning to build? If so, his loneliness and fear would completely consume his soul. Someone so sensitive and warm cannot be left alone in this cruel, violent and evil world.

    ''But¡­ he trusted me now. Even after what happened to him and after I treated him badly at our last meeting, he didn''t turn me down. Although it''s my fault Dominik is suffering now, he didn''t reject me. So maybe¡­''

    Maybe this fear has a different dimension and Dominik is afraid to be left alone with his demons?

    Anyway, Andrzej has already made his decision.

    "I will not move from this house," Nowicki assured him, "until you throw me out. I will not leave you alone. "

    The photographer thought he saw relief in his face. Only after this reassurance did Dominik fall asleep, quite peacefully and deeply. Andrzej stayed with him for about half an hour, then he went down to the ground floor and called the only person he trusted completely.

 Chapter 28 - A Broken Heart Cannot Be Ignored

    "Paulina, do you take take-out orders?"

    Nowicki didn''t even realize how heavy and disturbing his voice sounded.

    "Andrzej, is it about Dominik? How is he feeling? Will he be okay? "

    Nowicki was not even surprised that Paulina realized so quickly that it was about Dominik and that something bad had happened to him. Sincere anxiety in her voice made him feel grateful.

    "He''s broken and weak. Sleeping at the moment. But when he wakes up, I''m going to try to make him eat something. I''ll force him, if needed"

    "Don''t you dare force him to anything!" she strictly forbade him. "Give me the address, I''ll be there in half an hour."

    "But¡­"

    "Don''t argue with me, just give me the fucking address!"

    There was no point in arguing, especially since she used a curse, which only happened to her in a state of high agitation. Anyway, she was right. After all, he called her to help him. He did not know how ?liwi¨½ski would react to another stranger in his home, but he was ready to take the risk.

    Andrzej gave Paulina the address, poured a glass of fresh water into and returned upstairs.

    Dominik was still asleep. Surprisingly quite calm and deep. He was frighteningly pale and his cheeks sunken, taking away some of the beauty of that face, giving it a martyr''s look. His eyes were also recessed into the skull and the rims around them were blue.

    How long did a young, sensitive man cry alone in his bed with no one to turn to for some comfort and help?

    Andrzej closed his eyes, which began to stung him.

    It was his fault. He knew it perfectly well. He should do something, anything, to convince Dominik that Marczak is bad man. He should have talked to Marczak and threatened that if something happened to ?liwi¨½ski, anything, then the whole world would find out what kind of manager and man he was. And most of all, he should not, even for a moment, leave the actor completely alone so that he lost faith in him and did not seek support from him.

    "I am sorry," whispered Andrzej and stroked ?liwi¨½ski''s hair. "I''m so, very sorry."

    He must have lost track of time because the doorbell rang too quickly. ?liwi¨½ski was sleeping so deeply that he did not react to its sound. Nowicki, however, did not feel anxious about this. It was a quiet, deep sleep of a child who, having cried all his tears for his mother, is now sleeping to regain strength. Andrzej went down to open the door. Paulina, standing in the doorway, looked deeply moved.

    "How is he feeling?" she asked forcing herself inside.

    "He''s still asleep."

    "Where''s the kitchen? Oh, it''s here! "

    Paulina immediately felt at home taking the food supplies out of the bags. Some of them were put in the fridge, some in the freezer and some of them were put into bags and saucepans. She did not forget about the dessert, a light cold cheesecake with fruit mousse.

    "I brought you stuffed cabbage rolls, croquettes and roulades. Don''t you dare give them to him now," she threatened Nowicki with her index finger. She was firm and serious, ruled almost like a dictator, but the fact that she took the initiative was a relief for Andrzej. "First, a light broth with lots of vegetables and some cooked chicken meat. You know what happened?

    Her tone changed suddenly from a dictator to a worried mother. Probably all women had this magical trait that allowed them to take command in times of a similar crisis and be one moment a field marshal and the other a protective mother. Andrzej admired this trait and envied it in women.

    "More or less," he admitted, resigned. "It was difficult to get consistent information from him ..."

    "What did the doctor say?"

    "There was no doctor. Dominik says he''s fine and refuses. I looked at him a bit and I don''t think he has any physical damage. I haven''t seen any bruises or abrasions or anything like that. I think it was his heart that was brutally broken. As if his whole world had fallen to splinters. "

    Paulina thought, worried.

    "If that''s the case, the doctor won''t help much. But if Dominik is exhausted, maybe he will need something to strengthen him? Any vitamins? Maybe I''ll go get some medications after all? "

    "No, rather not. At least for now. Maybe when he wakes up and eats something, he will be more willing to talk and maybe agree to see a doctor after all? I do not know. It''s just a broken heart ... "

    "A broken heart cannot be ignored" Paulina was indignant at Andrzej. "I thought you were smart enough to know this. Even a man can become depressed because of this, and what the consequences may be, you can imagine. Where is his bedroom? "

    "Upstairs, but ..."

    Paulina, however, did not listen to him. She hurried up the stairs so fast he was having trouble keeping up with her.

    "Hey, you can''t just roam someone else''s house," he called after her in a whisper.

    "Shut up," she replied softly, though bluntly, and slipped into Dominik''s bedroom.

    Angry at her for violating ?liwi¨½ski''s privacy, but also glad that she had taken the initiative into her own hands, he followed her and saw how, with a truly motherly concern, she put her hand to Dominik''s forehead, measuring his body temperature.

    "Has an elevated temperature."

    "He was cold when I found him."

    "He is very weak and susceptible to infections. Oh good morning," she suddenly exclaimed brightly. "Do you remember me?"

    "Dominik!" Andrzej immediately went closer to bed.

    "Yes, Mrs. Paulina," the young actor replied softly. He still looked very weak, but his eyes were calmer now - still full of pain and sadness, but at least they looked at them alertly.

    "You really remember! We''ve only met once! " she smiled. "I would like to talk to you in private for a moment. Can I? Andrzej, come out for a moment. "

    "What? For what?" the photographer was surprised. He wanted to be with Dominik. Not because he was afraid that Paulina would do something bad to him, but the young actor is not used to the company of strangers and may feel very uncomfortable in the company of Paulina.

    "Don''t ask stupid questions," the woman was indignant at him, "just leave this room out of your grace."

    Nowicki looked at Dominik, who did not understand anything. The boy was confused but did not seem scared. Paulina was clearly not a threat to him. ?liwi¨½ski signaled for the photographer to leave. So Andrzej had no choice. Although reluctantly, he left the room.

 Chapter 29 - You Are The Same

    Andrzej Nowicki was waiting just outside the door, leaning against the wall, wondering what the hell Paulina was up to? Are there any secret agreements between her and Dominika? What kind? And how, when did this happen?

    The minutes passed annoyingly slowly. Andrzej, while waiting for any information from Dominik''s bedroom, began to feel awakening frustration. What have these two been doing there for so long?

    Finally, Paulina left ?liwi¨½ski''s bedroom. Nowicki immediately pulled away from the wall. He did it so violently that he almost stumbled.

    "Come to the kitchen," she instructed.

    "But¡­"

    "Dominik is taking a bath," she explained, "and we have to talk."

    It''s not like Andrzej had a bad feeling. But he was worried, he was very worried that Paulina had some terrible news for him. Dominik could feel safer with Paulina than with him and tell her the terrible truth ... Will the woman now convey this truth to him?

    Nowicki obediently followed her. He was anxious, but knew he needed to remain calm. There will still be time for the murder of Marek Marczak. When Paulina started to heat the food, Andrzej was politely sitting in his chair and waiting.

    "I told him I knew about his orientation," his friend began to say. "I figured it out myself, so it''s not your fault. I pulled his tongue. Some things are easier to talk to a woman about, especially when they involve men. It seems there was no physical contact, and luckily. If they''d hurt him like that. "Paulina shook her head. Her voice was calm, but her eyes glowed with murderous intent. "If he had done the worst to him, we would not have managed to do without a specialist. However, I think that Dominik will open up to us. He''s an honest and trusting boy who, for some reason, likes you enough to accept your company. "

    "It''s good that he trusted you," Andrzej sighed with relief, ignoring his friend''s teasing. "He likes people, only afraid they will reject him when they learn the truth about him."

    "What I haven''t done. Neither you," Paulina smiled at Andrzej surprisingly warmly.

    "What''s the difference to me?" he was indignant.

    "None, apparently."

    The smile, however, began to fade from her lips. Her thoughts returned to the unpleasant situation that befell Dominik.

    "To think that someone might betray his lover''s trust like this ..." she shook her head again, again having the murderous intent in her eyes. "Unforgivable. You will stay with him, right? "

    "Of course" confirmed Andrzej.

    "Good, because I have to get back to my baby. If you need anything - call me. I''ll come by tomorrow anyway with new provisions. Take care of him, okay? " Paulina hugged Andrzej. "And these hugs are for him. Give him my cell phone number. Let him call when he wants to. "

    "Hey, what are you so caring about him?"

    "He''s your friend after all, isn''t he? My friend''s friend is my friend. Don''t let him get out of bed at least until tomorrow, and make sure he takes the vitamins he has in his nightstand drawer, unopened. Be a good and caring nanny for him, okay? "

    "You don''t have to ask me for this."

    "I know, but ... I can''t even imagine what I would feel if something like this happened to me ..."

    ''Me too,'' he sighed. Some things are simply unimaginable, and when they do exist, the shock prevents you from accepting reality.

    "Take this bowl to him. He doesn''t have to eat everything, although it would be good. And let him drink a lot. It looks like he might have become a little dehydrated¡­" Paulina was giving him final orders before leaving the house.

    "Go now," he pushed her gently out of the kitchen. "Martynka is waiting!"

    "Yes, I''m going, I''m going," she assured, but stopped at the threshold and looked at the top of the stairs. Andrzej saw compassion and sympathy in her eyes. He understood her feelings because he had similar feelings himself.

    He closed the door behind her, took the tray prepared by Paulina and went upstairs with it. When he knocked, a soft "please come in" replied. He stepped uncertainly over the threshold.

    He promised to stay with him, but he didn''t know how to act. He couldn''t pretend it was okay, but he didn''t know how to talk about it all.

    Dominik was back in bed. Andrzej noticed that he had changed sheets and a fresh T-shirt and his hair was damp. He was sitting back on the cushions and he looked really bad. It wasn''t his tired, pale face covered with shadows, but his aquamarine eyes, which, without glare, escaped from light and human contact. Wounded and painfully sad, they resembled beautiful but dead dolls.

    "I brought food. Thanks to it you will regain your strength."

    Dominik nodded vaguely, so Andrzej set the tray in front of him. The actor took a spoon in his hand, but was not eager to get the broth. He stared at him blankly until Nowicki, who was closely watching him, thought that he would throw up in a moment.

    "Hey, he''s not that gross," he joked.

    "I''m sorry I can not."

    Andrzej''s heart trembled. What a weak voice ?liwi¨½ski spoke! It seemed as if all he was dreaming about was a sleep. There was not even a grain of energy in him. It was as if just breathing and keeping his eyes open were draining his strength.

    "Fine. You don''t have to eat now" he took the bowl. "At least drink the juice."

    He took a few sips. Nowicki had the impression that he did it only because he did not have the strength to argue.

    But even those few sips were a success for Andrzej. It was always the beginning, and when his dormant digestive system starts working, it will demand more.

    The situation was quite awkward and Andrzej had no idea how to act or what to say. Fortunately, he remembered his friend''s recommendation.

    "Paulina asked me to give you her number. You can call her whenever you want." He looked around for a piece of paper and a pen. There was a notebook on the bedside table. "Can I?" Dominik nodded. "By the way, what have you been talking about for so long? That was weird."

    "She wanted to know if I had been ra**d."

    Andrzej felt even more insecure and his heart leapt nervously. Hearing such brutal words from Dominik''s subtle lips was not right. They were made for beauty and poetry, not to talk about violence in such a blunt, straightforward way as if it were nothing.

    The voice was so unlike the warm, kind Dominik that Nowicki trembled. Was ?liwi¨½ski lying to Paulina? Does anyway ...

    "Dominik ..."

    "Sorry, I''m tired," he answered dryly and lay on his side, covering his head with the quilt. The topic was finished.

    ''What can I do?'' Andrzej thought, standing in the same place and watching Dominik hide in his shell. How can I help him? Can I at all?

    He thought he should search the Internet for advice on how to deal with similar cases. There are certainly pages devoted to this topic, because violence was a constant of human life. Andrzej never got her in this way, he was never a victim, although he had seen many of them once. What are such people afraid of? What do they think about themselves?

    Nowicki could not wait and leave Dominik in his own world of fears. He had to trust his intuition.

    "Dominik, I know that you are still awake, so listen to me. Whatever happened, it doesn''t change the fact that I like you as much as I liked you before. I consider you a friend and nothing will change that. I''m sorry I wasn''t there when you needed me, but I am now and I''m not going to leave you alone with your problems. Paulina doesn''t either. So you can cry, scream, swear, you can do whatever you want, but don''t you dare to close yourself. I am your friend and I don''t want to lose you. Whatever happened, you are the same in my eyes. You are the same. You have to remember that, did you understand?

    In response, the figure on the bed curled up into a fetal position, and stayed that way.

    "Anyway, I''ll be in the kitchen because I''m hungry."

    That was all.

 Chapter 30 - Whats In His Head

    ''If something so unpleasant and humiliating happened to me,'' Andrzej thought ''I would be afraid that people would look at me differently, with pity, as if I were regrettable. I would be afraid that our relations would change forever, because they would look at me not through the prism of who I am but from the angle of what happened. I would be afraid to look them in the eye lest I see how poor and pathetic I am. Their pity would be torture.''

    So no pity, he decided. False or true. Plain, harsh reality and truth. And if that doesn''t help ...

    He left, allowing Dominik a moment of privacy and sleep if he did. The actor knew where to look for him and that there was another man in the house who, if necessary, would become a buffer between him and the evil who wanted to catch him. He was hungry but had no appetite. His nerves were too troubled to swallow anything. He was not surprised ?liwi¨½ski that he did not want to eat. He sat down at the table, rested his elbows on the counter, and waited.

    The soft sound of footsteps made him jump to his feet. His eyes registered the growing darkness. He turned on the light and went out to see if he had misheard.

    Dominik was standing at the top of the stairs, holding onto the wall. He was breathing with effort, but his eyes were hard and determined. Andrzej was next to him in a few steps.

    "You should rest. Go back to bed."

    "I don''t want to," he objected firmly.

    There was a power in his words which indicated that ?liwi¨½ski was regaining his will to live.

    "Hell, Paulina''s going to kill me, but whatever," Nowicki resigned. "Come."

    He took his arm and helped him down the stairs.

    "Kitchen," was a silent command. "I''m hungry."

    "Good," laughed Andrzej, feeling the tension drain away from him. A man who wants to eat wants to live too. Whatever bad happened in Dominik''s head, it must have been all gone. Or at least it passed.

    "Just not broth, I hate broth."

    "Tsss, how picky. But you know you are not allowed to eat anything heavy."

    "Just yogurt. I should have had some in the fridge."

    Nowicki politely reached for the indicated product.

    "This is the last one," he observed. "I''ll have to ask Paulina to shop tomorrow on the way. Think about what else you will need. Your supplies look like they''re about to get legs. "

    It was a joke intended to point out how stale the items in Dominik''s refrigerator were, but the joke wasn''t funny. It was downright annoying because it indicated how long the actor did not look into the refrigerator and thus eat.

    Andrzej was unable to understand how anyone could ever bring himself to such a state. But he could not understand by what right Marczak did not think of ?liwi¨½ski as the beautiful creature he was, and as a thing. There seemed to be a lot of things in this world that Nowicki found difficult to understand.

    The photographer watched Dominik surreptitiously. The man ate reluctantly and seemed to be forcing himself to do so. It was as if one part of him wanted to escape into oblivion and nothingness, and the other understood the need to sustain life. Fortunately, something gave him strength to fight and motivated him not to become depressed. Whatever it was, Andrew was grateful for it.

    "I''ll put the kettle on," he offered.

    ?liwi¨½ski looked at the window, behind which it was already night. Andrzej had no idea what was going on in the actor''s head, but whatever it was, he was glad that something was happening at all. If he had remained in the stagnation in which he found him a few hours ago, as Paulina noticed, it would not have been possible without a specialist. Now the chance has opened that he will recover from his despondency on his own. Maybe with just a little help from friends.

    "Marek said" Dominik said suddenly, drawing Nowicki''s attention to him, "that it will be such a small party to show the French Polish hospitality. There were few people, most of them I didn''t know. He showed me Baptiste''s assistant and asked me to make a good impression on him, so they''ll give me this role even without the casting. They saw my films and were satisfied, they just wanted to see what kind of person I am and whether they could work with me. The conversation was pretty nice and my French was very useful, especially when the French started hitting on me. I was not very surprised, because I had such advances before. Then the assistant told me that it was Marek who told him how good I was in bed. Marek even suggested that he try what I taste ... When I got the sense of these words, I felt sick. I don''t remember getting home or ending up in my bed. All I know is that I had terrible dreams. It was only when you appeared above me, when I felt your touch, that I woke up from a nightmare.

    He lowered his eyes and covered them with heavy lids.

    "You were right and I didn''t want to believe you. I thought¡­"

    Cry, shout, curse - no matter, as long as you do not withdraw into yourself.

    "If I had to count how many times I was an idiot¡­" growled Andrzej and shook his head.

    Dominik''s short story, closed in just a few sentences, shocked him for some reason. How could Marczak be so cruel to the man who loved him? Did he not realize that giving someone your own lover is a betrayal of that person? A betrayal of trust? Is this the behavior of someone who really loves? To hell with this whole Marczak! If only he appears before Andrzej''s eyes, Andrzej will simply murder him. But to kill a cattle and go to jail as for a human ... No matter, as long as he was removed from Dominik''s life!

    ?liwi¨½ski did not need any disturbing thoughts now, however. He should, if possible, think of something to distract him from the memories.

    "Yes, a terrible idiot," he repeated. "But not in matters of the heart. I''ve never been in love. "

    "Never?"

    "Never. It seems I''m scaring off the fair sex."

    ?liwi¨½ski blinked his eyelids with exceptionally long and dark eyelashes.

    "Why?"

    "Don''t ask me. Maybe Paulina will tell you this great secret of humanity'' he smiled crookedly.

    "She''s a good girl. I like her."

    "Mutually. She came running as soon as she found out that you were feeling unwell."

    "I have to thank her."

    "I''m sure she''ll come by tomorrow too. As long as you are not one hundred percent able to dance, she will tire you with her concern. By the way, you really look bad. You''re not going to faint here, are you?

    "I''m not. But I don''t want to go back to bed. I want to watch TV."

    "I do not see the reason why you could not do so. Just¡­ don''t talk about it to Paulina, because she won''t let me live."

    "Okay," he agreed, and shuffled heavily into the living room.

    He sat down on the couch, tugging his legs up to his chin, just like that night, and turned on the TV. A dull glow from the advertisements flooded the dim interior and his sad face.

    Andrzej made a tea and went to the living room with two mugs. He set them on the new coffee table and went to get the blanket. He covered Dominik, whose sad eyes did not even have the strength to express gratitude, and sat down next to him. There was a colorful, English-language film on TV, to which Nowicki did not pay any attention, although he was staring at the screen all the time. He remembered sitting in the same way under very similar circumstances.

    Only this time Dominik wasn''t laughing. Maybe it wasn''t a comedy, or maybe it wasn''t his type of humor, but he didn''t reach for the remote to switch channels. He stared at the image on the screen blankly, as if there was nothing there.

    Colorful figures moved on the screen. Something blew up, someone was shooting at someone. Neither of them paid any attention to who to whom. They sat side by side, not too close. Their bodies did not touch each other, but they felt the presence of another human being. At least Andrzej was aware of Dominik. They didn''t say anything, they just continued until Nowicki felt the actor''s head on his shoulder. He heard a quiet, steady breath and when he surreptitiously glanced at him, he realized that ?liwi¨½ski fell asleep.

 Chapter 31 - Even A Broken Heart Can Be Healed

    Andrzej was awakened by pain in his numb limbs. He wanted to move when he felt on his body not very big and warm, but still a weight. Bright daylight brought him back to consciousness and he realized that he was sitting on the couch with Dominik''s head and shoulders resting in his lap. He remembered that the actor had fallen asleep while watching TV. Apparently, in deep sleep, he slipped to a horizontal position and used Andrzej as a pillow.

    To the photographer''s surprise, ?liwi¨½ski''s violation of his personal zone was not an unpleasant feeling. He had never been so close to a man before, and he could not even imagine that he would allow anyone such intimacy, but Dominik was special. Yes, he was a guy, not an intruder or an aggressor, but a friend. His physical presence was a touch of warmth, as if Andrzej had a small furry animal on his lap.

    Nowicki touched his light brown, almost hazel hair falling on Andrzej''s legs. They were a bit long for the current fashion, which just added charm to ?liwi¨½ski in front of the camera and in life. Soft and silky to the touch, almost like a woman''s hair, it provided a really pleasant experience.

    ?liwi¨½ski shuddered and apparently woke up. After only a few seconds, he got up from Andrzej and rubbed his sleepy eyes.

    "Sorry," he said softly, "I had to fall asleep."

    "How are you? Are you all right?"

    "Not really. My head hurts."

    "You had a slight fever yesterday" Andrzej put his hand to Dominik''s forehead to check the temperature. The men''s eyes met up close, and the photographer felt that he might have exited himself.

    His throat felt dry, and his heart beat faster. Did he catch the same virus as ?liwi¨½ski? It would be bad.

    "I don''t think your fever go up overnight, but you should still be in bed tonight and take your medication."

    "All right," the actor moved away from him. His face turned red, and Andrzej thought that maybe he had misjudged his temperature after all.

    "I will make breakfast. Would you like something special?"

    "Not really," Dominik got up and headed for the stairs. His movements were slow and numb, and his head was down. With his emotionless voice it felt painfully.

    ''What could I expect?'' Nowicki sighed softly.

    "Should I ask Paulina to buy something special?"

    "There''s no need to."

    "But¡­" He stifled a second sigh. It hurt him to see Dominik as he was right now.

    The landline phone rang, and Nowicki jumped at the sound.

    "Ignore it" ?liwi¨½ski ordered without turning around. He was already halfway up the stairs. "Or completely unplug it."

    Andrzej felt the need to sigh for the third time and pulled the plug from the socket.

    What to do, he thought desperately, Dominik hadn''t smiled once today. If this goes on ...

    The mere thought of the consequences shivered. ?liwi¨½ski was on the verge of a nervous breakdown or depression - not being a psychologist, Andrzej relied on knowledge taken from films - and this could seriously harm Dominik. Just screw ?liwi¨½ski''s career and media! His physical and mental health will suffer the most. The boy may contract a serious illness or even try to commit suicide ...

    No, no, no, it absolutely cannot be allowed to happen. Even a broken heart can be healed, and Andrzej had no plans to quit before that happened. He had absolutely no intention of stepping back and watching a pretty decent guy go to waste. No, no, and once again, no. As recently as yesterday, he had assured him of his friendship, so he would have been a worthless bastard if he had withdrawn after encountering minor difficulties.

    To begin with, it will be necessary to strengthen his weakened body, and for this it is necessary to eat. Yesterday''s yoghurt was not enough for anyone, even someone as thin as ?liwi¨½ski, to regain strength, but it was the first step. While going to the kitchen, Andrzej wrote to Paulina informing her that Dominik slept through the night, that the fever was not progressing, and that she should buy some fruit yoghurts along the way. He promptly received an affirmative reply with a happy smiley face, and began prepare breakfast.

    He did not expect that ?liwi¨½ski would have fresh bread, but what he found had long since lost its right to be called stale and started to resemble amateur penicillin farming. The sausage has lost its appetizing color and the white cheese has taken almost all the colors of the rainbow.

    How long has the actor not looked into the refrigerator that its contents have changed to this condition? How long has Andrzej not seen him?

    Five days. Two days after the argument, he sent him an apologetic text, but it was only after another three that he came here, and then it was too late.

    He shuddered. It couldn''t be too late.

    It couldn''t.

    Waffles, it dawned on him. Dominik liked his waffles, which were quite light and tasty, so they should smoothly pass through the throat tightened with suffering. He set to work with energy.

    There was a carton of unopened milk in the refrigerator, which allowed him to make white coffee. Exactly such a breakfast was prepared for ?liwi¨½ski after that event, which Andrzej could not call by name as an attempted r*pe. It was just too¡­ blunt. First that physical attack, now the betrayal of trust. So much brutality and cruelty towards someone so innocent and sweet.

    Sweet?

    What the hell is he thinking about? Sweet! The guy''s not a cake, damn it!

    But being with Dominik was as pleasant as the childhood memories of going to the pastry shop for your favorite wuzetka[1].

    Where did such associations begin to come to him? He becomes childish in old age or what? He shouldn''t, after all, he will not turn thirty until December next year. It''s probably the influence of the surroundings. He was too often in the company of Paulina, who, after all, ran the restaurant. It was true, however, that he could not think of Dominik except with warmth and sympathy.

    ''When did this happen? When did I like him so much? How did I stay at his house more often and feel better than at home?''

    ''Why do I want to help and protect him so much? After all, there are many people in the world who need care more. Why him?''

    A pretty face with a piercing gaze of purest blue and a warm, uncertain smile. Ecstasy was immortalized in a photo that was impossible to forget. The terror and pain of the innocent betrayed ...

    [1] The name of the Polish chocolate cake with cream cream.

 Chapter 32 - Unexpected

    Andrzej''s heart hit hard, almost painfully.

    ''I don''t have time for the flu,'' he thought angrily as he had lit the last batch of waffles.

    Angry at himself for bothering himself with stupid things instead of doing something useful, Andrzej prepared a tray of breakfast and carried it upstairs. He knocked, but entered without waiting for an answer. His gaze naturally turned to the bed, which was empty.

    Bathroom? No, Dominik stood at the window, staring out at the sun-drenched neighborhood. Although no, he looked at him closely and felt a twinge in his heart - the actor was not looking at anything. His eyes were empty and fixed on nothingness, like the eyes of a beautiful doll.

    "I brought breakfast."

    Dominik''s eyelids drooped heavily as if they weren''t going to rise any more, and his chest rose in a silent sigh. ?liwi¨½ski turned to Andrzej with a stony expression on his face. He didn''t answer, but he forced himself to move his limbs and walk over to the bed. He sat on the very edge of it.

    Watching him, Andrzej tried to imagine how difficult it must be for him. If he had suffered such a humiliation¡­ well, he wouldn''t have happened to him because he is not gay. In a similar situation, he would laugh or slap the guy in the face and that would be it. If the proposal was made by a woman instead of a man, it would be more interesting. But if it was his own woman who was trying to get someone else to have sex with him, it would be a little different. He just didn''t know if he would treat the situation as an aphrodisiac or whether he would actually feel betrayed.

    Only Andrzej was different from Dominik and he knew it well. He was not so sensitive and emotional, he had been coping with his life for many years without having to or even being able to rely on others, while ?liwi¨½ski was completely overwhelmed and addicted by Marczak. Nowicki was used to loneliness, while Dominik desperately needed human warmth.

    Andrzej sat down next to him. As in the evening, their arms were not touching, but he could feel the warmth of his body.

    "Enjoy your meal," he smiled at the actor.

    Nothing happened for a moment, then Dominik put the tray on the nightstand. Andrzej felt pressure on his wrist and suddenly his eyes were blocked by a pretty face with glowing eyes. Before he knew what was going on, he felt the hot touch of foreign lips against his lips and his body was upset and his back slammed against the sheets.

    Surprise did not allow him to react immediately. A passionate, hungry kiss broke into the depths of his mouth, flooding his body with pleasant sensations. For a moment, Andrzej''s mind was empty, allowing him to take purely physical pleasure, but finally he realized that something was completely wrong with this situation.

    "Dominik, stop it!" He pushed him away, trying not to be too brutal. "Are you insane?!"

    The actor was not looking at him. His face was turned and lowered, as if he wanted to hide her expression from Nowicki.

    "This is not the way! To go to bed with a random person for what, for revenge?!" Irritated Andrzej raised his voice.

    Dominik turned even more, as if he wanted to become invisible.

    "Am I so repulsive? That is so hideous who I am?"

    The questions were asked so softly that for a moment the photographer wondered what he had actually heard. When he got his meaning, he grabbed his shoulders and gave him a little shake.

    "No, you are absolutely not repulsive! You are sensitive and beautiful, but you cannot treat yourself and others that way. Such casual sex will only aggravate your pain because you will feel more ... empty ..."

    The last words hardly passed his throat. The actor''s aquamarine eyes were immersed in salt water, shimmering with the rays of the morning light. Andrzej''s lips were burning where they met Dominik''s lips and the photographer''s throat felt dry. The pressure in his heart reappeared, making him feel a little dizzy.

    "Eat your breakfast before it cools down," he ordered, getting up and turning to the door. "I have to wash ..."

    ''Quick, get out of here quick and not look into those amazing eyes. Don''t feel that warmth. Drink cold water and shower, preferably ice cold.''

    An icy shower?

    Oh hell!

    Andrzej did not fully understand what actually happened? Why did one kiss make his body feel so anxious? And a kiss ... with the other man?

    No matter with whom, he thought, trying to make sense of his feelings. He was just following a moment. The guy gets excited easily, it is enough to stimulate his imagination or stimulate the erogenous zones. It''s quite natural for any man''s body to feel stimulated upon such a passionate kiss.

    Andrzej touched his still burning lips. He remembered those amazing, piercing eyes and immediately washed his face with cold tap water. That sobered him a little, but the lump in his throat still bothers him. He drank a glass of cool water and gritted his teeth.

    ''Or maybe I shouldn''t spend so much time with him?''

    Doubts started creeping up on him as he tried to calm his nerves.

    As his heart beat slower, he smiled to himself and his thoughts. After all, nothing big really happened. Dominik is depressed and doesn''t think straight now, so that''s just how it turned out. After all, no one got hurt from some idiotic one kiss. It would be childish to let such a little thing keep him awake at night. It''s best to act as if nothing has happened. It would be best for both of them.

    In order not to be groundless, Nowicki started washing the dishes. Wiping his hands after clearing the last spoon, he looked at the ceiling, wondering if Dominik had finished his breakfast. His eyes were so sad when Andrzej pushed him away that the photographer suddenly felt remorse.

    Nowicki gritted his teeth. Too bad, he thought, I''m not one of those people who abandon their friends. And Dominik is his friend after all.

    When did this happen? They knew each other for a short time, less than a month, and they already called themselves by that name. Only that during this time more happened than among others in their entire lives. Like it or not, Andrzej knew the actor''s most intimate secrets and Dominik had to trust him.

    What kind of paparazzi he is, he thought sarcastically, since he kept the most compromising photos in history that would have sparked a scandal like a head of state''s affair with a porn star to himself? But what kind of man would he be if he allowed them to come out and destroy someone''s life?

    He hoped he hadn''t hurt Dominik too much.

    He hadn''t even realized it, and was already standing outside his bedroom door, raising his hand to knock on them. His hand hung in the air.

 Chapter 33 - Dominiks Proposal

    ''Why am I hesitating? Why is my heart beating so fast?''

    Absurd, Andrzej pulled himself together and knocked. He entered without waiting for an answer.

    Dominik was already in bed. He was lying on his side, his face turned towards the door, and when he opened, Dominik looked straight at Andrzej. His eyes were sad and dull and his mouth was expressionless. He looked very weak and frail, which made Nowicki''s heart unable to calm down. Surprisingly, however, actor was the first to speak.

    "Thanks for breakfast."

    The voice came out with difficulty and it sounded oddly heavy. Andrzej looked at the bedside table and saw two waffles on the plate - two of the five he had prepared. Seeing this, Nowicki felt real relief and joy. He didn''t even notice that he was smiling.

    "You''re welcome. You look a little better. Did you take the medicine?"

    Dominik blushed slightly and looked away like a child who had messed up.

    ''My God, how cute he is,'' the photographer thought, and swallowed.

    "I''ll give them to you right now," he announced, turning so that ?liwi¨½ski could not see his face. For some reason, he felt strangely uncomfortable.

    "Is it true? What did you say before that you won''t leave this house until I tell you to leave?"

    And where did that come from?

    "Stupid, right?" In response, he laughed nervously. "But yes, I mean it."

    "What if I asked you to stay here permanently?"

    "What?"

    "If I asked you to live in this house?"

    Andrzej heard his words but did not understand them. How so " live in this house "? Together with Dominik?

    He was looking at the back of the lying man who was hiding his face from him.

    Why is he asking this?

    "As¡­ roommates?" he wanted to make sure.

    There was no reaction for a few seconds, then the answer came softly, very softly:

    "Yes."

    Dominik''s proposal completely surprised him, but it did not come out of nowhere. Actually, Andrzej himself told him that he would stay. He meant only a few days until the actor regained his balance, but the given word remained a word. Yes, ?liwi¨½ski needed help and care now, but at some point he had to stand on his own feet.

    But it seemed that it was not yet. Anyway, the boy doesn''t think quite sober now. He is upset and hurt and since he thinks that he needs Andrzej''s presence now ...

    The doorbell interrupted his thoughts.

    "I''ll open it. I think it''s Paulina."

    Dominik grunted in agreement.

    ''If I move in,'' he thought as he descended the stairs, ''the media would be clawed at it. But if I refuse, Dominik will be completely alone, and at the moment it cannot be allowed to do so. The fact that I agree does not have to mean that I will live here permanently. After all, neither of us knows how it will work out. Maybe we''ll get on our nerves and he will kick me out after a week?''

    But then it would be his decision.

    Only there was still the question of their kiss. Nowicki had no reason to believe that for ?liwi¨½ski he was more erotically than a wedge on a broken heart, but the relationship between them may be at least strange. He made him a promise before the kiss, but does that change anything?

    The bell rang again. Paulina was very insistent, but he was glad she had come. He will be able to discuss Dominik''s proposal with her.

    "It''s good that you are here, listen ..." He broke off in mid-words, seeing that it was not Paulina standing at the door, but a man.

    Not some stranger, he corrected himself. It was Marek Marczak.

    ?liwi¨½ski''s manager was almost as tall as Andrzej, but he looked more massive and broader in the shoulders. The elegantly trimmed dark hair and aristocratic nose made him classy. He was even handsome and he certainly had no trouble finding a partner for himself, which made Nowicki even more irritated. How could someone with such decent appearance be so rotten on the inside?

    Although he was a few centimeters lower, he looked at Andrzej with superiority.

    "Please inform Mr. ?liwi¨½ski that his manager has arrived."

    For a moment Nowicki looked at him speechless with this arrogance. This one has the nerve.

    "Dominik doesn''t receive guests today" he replied, putting in his words the right dose of venom.

    They looked at each other. Andrzej felt such a hatred for this man at that moment that he forcibly refrained from smashing him with his bare fists.

    "I want to hear it from him."

    "No way."

    "Get out of my way man, I want to see my actor."

    "Then go to the cinema for the afternoon screening."

    "What insolence," he tried to push past Andrzej.

    "Mine?" Nowicki stood in his way. "I don''t think you looked at my face. After our last meeting, you must have had a headache for a long time, since you suffer from amnesia, Mr. Marczak" he draws out the last two words as if they were disgusting, which he accidentally took into his mouth ...

    The manager seemed to remember the incident from several days ago. He frowned and looked at Nowicki with hostility.

    "I have already discussed that matter with Dominik. We have it behind us.

    "Yes, but I''m afraid there are new¡­ contentious issues."

    "Then I will discuss them with him in private."

    "I already said no."

    "Get out of my way ..." he growled.

    "No. This house is already closed to you. You''re supposed to leave Dominik alone. If he experience any unpleasantness on your part, and I emphasize the word any, the photos I took of you then will end up in the prosecutor''s office."

    The manager''s gaze was full of fury. The tension between them was so thick that the air began to vibrate - or at least Andrzej got that impression.

    ''Get the fuck out of here,'' he thought passionately. ''Get the fuck out of here before Dominik sees you and just seeing you will hurt him.''

    ?You don''t dare ..."

    "No? Then we''ll find out. From now on, it''s my home too, and I don''t want dog shit on its premises. Now get out of here, because I feel sick. Goodbye" he slammed the door in his face, admiring himself that he hadn''t fucked up this garbage.

    He could feel the adrenaline buzzing in him, and maybe that''s why it took him a long time to realize what he had just told Marczak.

    "From now on, it is also my home ..."

    It seems the decision was made by itself, he thought resignedly. Well, if so ...

    He looked towards the stairs and Dominik''s bedroom, in which the actor struggled alone with a broken heart and in which Andrzej experienced his first kiss with another man.

    Heterosexual tabloid paparazzi and a homosexual movie star living under the same roof - a combination at least bizarre.

    Well, let''s see what comes out of it, Andrzej shook his head resignedly and went to inform Dominik about his decision.

 Chapter 34 - The Irony Of Fate

    Andrzej Nowicki was no longer an inexperienced minor who made decisions on impulse, so standing in front of his apartment and taking the keys to it out of his pocket, he wondered how it happened that he would move to another man?

    It''s not that the social situation forced him - Andrzej had an apartment in Praga, one of the districts of Warsaw, and he was absolutely not going to give it up. The guy he was moving to had no problems maintaining the house either, so materialistic considerations were not the cause either. The proposal to live together slipped from Andrzej''s lips on the spur of the moment when he saw his new friend in a tragic emotional state. Although he was handsome, talented, rich and famous, the young actor Dominik ?liwi¨½ski had a toxic relationship with his manager and lover for years. Their parting was stormy, and for Dominik all the more painful, as Marek Marczak from the beginning of his career was the actor''s only support and even his only friend. So when Marczak crushed his heart for the second time, ?liwi¨½ski had no one but the paparazzi he had met a few weeks ago, Andrzej Nowicki.

    Andrzej knew that he was the main reason why ?liwi¨½ski decided to end his romance. On a commission from his editorial office, Nowicki watched the actor in his home for several days and witnessed an erotic scene with the participation of him and Marczak. After taking compromising photos of them, he did not go to the editorial office with them, but sold them to ?liwi¨½ski. The actor understood how dangerously close he was to reveal his scandalous relationship and asked his lover to stop dating for a while.

    Marczak''s reaction was disproportionate to the request, aggressive and inhuman. Only the intervention of Andrzej, who was her witness, saved Dominik from very serious consequences.

    These events marked the beginning of the end of ?liwi¨½ski''s relationship with Marczak and the first step towards forming a friendship between the famous actor and Nowicki.

    The photographer was surprised how quickly he liked Dominik. Knowing him earlier only from the covers of magazines, he had no opinion about him. Andrzej has never been a fan of him or his work. ?liwi¨½ski, with his pretty face and enormous personal charm, was the idol of women of almost all ages and had his fan base among men, but for Nowicki he was as indifferent as last year''s snow. During these few days of observation, however, he had the opportunity to see his real, different from what the media suggested: shy, sensitive and extremely lonely. His natural beauty and grace of a woman rather than a man made him nice to look at. Everyday Dominik at home was a hundred times more charming than the one created in the cinema. The brutal attack against him by the enraged lover triggered a protective instinct in Andrzej, which did not go silent until that day. After Marczak crushed ?liwi¨½ski''s heart for the second time, he had no choice but to support him in any way he could. And so he ended up proposing that he would stay with Dominik as long as he wanted.

    Andrzej was sure that their cohabitation would not last long, so he decided to take only a few of the most necessary things. Now ?liwi¨½ski''s body was exhausted and he was consumed by a slight fever, so he actually needed someone''s care, but in a few days he should recover and he would not need the help of Nowicki. They will remain buddies, but living under the same roof will start to become burdensome for the actor who values ??his privacy and Andrzej will be able to easily return to his own flat. He was convinced of this.

    The key finally hit the door, but the apartment was not locked. Strange, Andrzej perfectly remembered closing them. So what then ...

    He pushed the door open and froze.

    Andrzej thought that such scenes are seen in movies, not in real life.

    He slowly crossed the threshold, not believing his eyes. His apartment looked like a tornado had passed over it, or someone had subjected it to a not-so-subtle search. Torn cardboard boxes with food were lying on the ground, clothes were taken out of the wardrobe and all its plates were broken.

    Nowicki felt his heart beat faster. It wasn''t a tornado or a robbery. His TV and players remained in place. Someone had to look for something, but Andrzej did not have any secret information or compromising materials ...

    Stepping on one of the broken plates, Andrzej gritted his teeth. Yes, some compromising materials are in his hands. He still had photos of the erotic scene between ?liwi¨½ski and Marczak. He also had other, even more important ones, where the manager commits assaults against Dominik. He had left them as a security if Marczak tried to hurt his former lover again. Marek Marczak had been warned about this and, apart from him and Dominik, was the only person who knew about these materials. Nowicki had no doubts that his apartment looked so and no different precisely because of him.

    "Fucking dung," he swore, feeling his fury rising.

    He wasn''t angry because a stranger had burst into his apartment and destroyed so many things. After all, these were just items that could be replaced by others. He was furious because Marczak did not understand his mistake, he felt no remorse towards ?liwi¨½ski and he wanted to remove his only ally from his path.

    Andrzej was not, however, one of those people who would be easily intimidated. On the contrary, when pressed against the wall, he offered even more resistance. Marczak will regret starting with him.

    Of course, Andrzej will have to play everything reasonably. After all, he couldn''t risk Dominik getting a backlash when they exchanged fire.

    Andrzej packed his clothes and toiletries. He took the flower pot with Benjamin''s ficus from the window and left. Didn''t bother with cleaning. If Marczak wanted to send him any message, he will leave him his own - fuck you, I don''t care what you''ve done with my apartment.

    He turned the key in the lock and slung two travel bags over his shoulder. One was his and he packed his clothes with it. The second was associated with a number of interesting, if a bit embarrassing memories - it was in it a few weeks ago the young actor Dominik ?liwi¨½ski provided him with money for compromising photos. After they became friends, Andrzej returned his ransom, but the bag was still tangled around his apartment. It''s funny, Nowicki smiled sadly, how this little blackmail resulted in an unexpected turn. Andrzej Nowicki, the paparazzi working for one of the gossip magazines, became the only man who learned ?liwi¨½ski''s secret and, over the course of events, his only ally. He got tangled up in something he shouldn''t care about, and as a consequence was now standing in front of his dilapidated apartment with travel bags moving out to the other guy.

    Andrzej sighed, recognizing the irony of fate.

 Chapter 35 - The Beginning Of A New

    "Good morning!" Andrzej heard a cheerful, female voice. He looked up and saw Marta smiling, his neighbor. The girl studied veterinary medicine and during the summer holidays she worked as an assistant in one of the animal clinics. She was only a little shorter and slender than him. She had a pretty face and brown hair cut short. "Are you coming back or are you leaving?"

    "I''m moving out," he explained.

    "Oh," she was genuinely surprised. "You didn''t mention that."

    "It came out suddenly and I''m not moving out permanently. A friend has a little trouble and we''ll be roommates for a while."

    Marta also had a roommate. It was not surprising when the prices of flats in Warsaw looked like they were and the students were poor everywhere in the world.

    "Do you rent your apartment?"

    "No. I think we will deal with this problem quickly" he smiled at her although he was still not happy.

    "If there is anything I can help you, let me know."

    It was nice of her, but he couldn''t expect anything else from this intelligent, lovable, and in a way sweet girl. Although he knew her much shorter than Paulina, both of them were good friends for him and he could always count on them.

    "For sure."

    "I''ll see you. And speak up sometimes."

    "Sure. Hi."

    Marta entered her apartment, so Andrzej had nothing left but to pack his old car and go to Wola Grzybowska.

    Before he left for the street, Nowicki sat and thought for a few minutes. If he goes to ?liwi¨½ski now, he will not be able to leave his house for some time, and Marczak''s impudent behavior required that the matter be dealt with as soon as possible. He doubted the manager would visit his apartment personally. Probably hired someone to do the dirty work. If it was someone local, there is only one person who will be able to help Andrzej in this game.

    Although reluctantly, Nowicki took out the phone and made the call.

    ***

    Dominik looked haggard, but much better than two days ago, when his exhausted body did not even allow him to get out of bed. Freshly bathed, with long hazel hair still damp, he sat on the couch wrapped in a soft blanket. Hearing the door open, he looked in their direction. Andrzej met his gaze and felt a painful stab in his heart. Dominik''s beautiful, always cheerful aquamarine eyes, which could seduce even a nun, were now dark with sadness. The corners of ?liwi¨½ski''s lips lifted slightly, as if he was trying to smile, but the effort was too hard. Andrzej could see that this unsuccessful attempt to warmly greet him, actually was painful for Dominik. He tried so hard not to burden others with himself, but at this point in his life he desperately needed someone. The conflict he fought within himself was a loser, because no matter which side wins, he will have a feeling of defeat.

    "You look better" Andrzej smiled warmly. He wanted to be the support he needed for Dominik, a pillar on which to rest his sadness. "And how do you feel?"

    "Okay, thank you."

    "I''m sorry it took so long" Nowicki went to the couch. "I wanted to take care of a few things right away."

    "Do not worry about it. I had time to think about this and that."

    "Yes?" Andrzej felt anxiety. Dominic spoke perfectly calmly, but his sad eyes showed that he was in suffering. Petite and brittle, he looked as if he was about to break into pieces.

    "Can¡­ I have a request for you?"

    "Yes, of course."

    "Please call someone from your editorial office. I want to make a statement."

    "Statement? On what topic?" Andrzej felt a strange anxiety. Dominik wasn''t quite himself now, but didn''t he come up with any extreme idea? If so, his career could be put in jeopardy.

    "I want to officially announce that I will not be in Baptiste''s film. If you don''t call someone from your editorial office, I will contact another magazine."

    "All right, I''ll do it. When?"

    "Preferably right now. I want to get it over with."

    "But ... don''t you think you''re too weak now? You should rest ..."

    "I should make a statement before someone else does," he said firmly, and then looked Andrzej deeply in the eyes. There was such determination in his gaze that Nowicki felt completely defenseless.

    "As you wish. Just don''t exert yourself too much."

    "Thank you for taking care of me."

    Something in the tone of his voice and that insanely sad gaze moved another string in Andrzej''s heart. Once again he felt hatred for Marczak for how much he had hurt Dominik.

    ?liwi¨½ski was weak and sick, but his explanation made sense. The media boomed from rumors about his participation in French production. Dominik''s decision to resign from this venture after the recent events was irrevocable, so it was natural that he would want to curtail this topic. But what will he give the reason for his decision?

    Dominik''s face expressed determination, sadness, hope and gratitude. This mixture made Andrzej only sigh. In addition, the actor looked determined. His first interview with the media in years was inevitable, and the fact that he chose Nowicki''s magazine testified to the trust that the photographer had his favor. Andrzej took out his cell phone and called the editor in chief. His reaction was entirely predictable.

    "What? ?liwi¨½ski wants to talk to our journalist? I am sending Piotrek immediately."

    Andrzej immediately associated a short-cut blonde in designer glasses, about his age. It was he who wrote the article about ?liwi¨½ski''s housework. It was not a work of art, but it was not expected from material like this. Even Dominik didn''t mind that article.

    He didn''t have to give the actor''s address, after all, he had one himself from the editorial office. He hung up and looked at him.

    "You got it. He''ll probably be here in twenty to forty minutes."

    "Thank you" ?liwi¨½ski was very serious. His mouth has obviously forgotten how to smile since the events of the party. "Could you please welcome him? I''ll go get ready."

    "Oh yeah, sure."

    "Thank you," he said once again. "Sorry to burden you with all this."

    "Come on! What are friends for?"

    Dominik looked at him for a moment. Andrzej could have sworn that he sees him trying to smile again.

    You''ll be smiling again. You will laugh and feel joy. I promise.

    Andrzej watched his slender figure struggling up the stairs. Will everything be alright? Isn''t it too early to appear in the media? It is true that it is only a newspaper, but will a journalist sent by the editorial office not smell the sensation in his tired appearance and create another rumor? Nowicki recognized the reporter''s face, but did not know what kind of person he was.

    He looked around the apartment with a watchful eye. ?liwi¨½ski did not clean in it for about a week, but it was so well-kept that no dust settled on the shelves. Andrzej picked up the abandoned blanket from the couch and put it in the dresser. He carried his belongings to the upstairs room he was now in and went back downstairs. Just in case, he wiped the table and swept the floor and waited.

 Chapter 36 - Actor Is Only Human Too

    The doorbell rang about twenty-five minutes after his call. Dominik was still upstairs, so to meet his request, Andrzej opened the door.

    "Hi, I guess I didn''t get the address wrong?"

    "Come in, please." Nowicki recognized Piotr Duda and invited him inside.

    It is true that they were talking to each other for the first time in their lives, but they did see each other in the editorial office and, in line with the Western custom, they all called each other by name.

    "Thanks. The old man was surprised by your call. He did not expect ?liwi¨½ski to ever agree to an interview. How did you get him to do this?"

    "I did not persuade him to do anything and I do not know if it will be an interview per se. He said he had something to say to the media. To tell the truth, I don''t know the details myself."

    "Whatever, I''ll see for myself soon. Where is our star?" Duda looked around the room.

    "Upstairs. Would you like something to drink?"

    "Water. Ehm¡­" he nodded his head appreciatively "nice house, but modest. You could say that quite ordinary ..."

    "And what did you expect, ebony panels? Sid down" he pointed to the couch and then looked towards the stairs and called: "The reporter has already come!"

    "Thank you! I''m right down!"

    Andrzej was already placing a glass of water in front of the journalist sitting on the couch, when he noticed Dominik coming down.

    The actor looked radiant in a shiny white shirt and beige linen pants. He was fashionably groomed and there was no sign of fatigue or breakdown on his face. Instead, Andrzej Nowicki saw a beautiful, charming smile with which ?liwi¨½ski seduced from the screen.

    For some reason the sight made him sad again. He knew what he had in front of him was a lie, a play he had to take to trick a reporter. Nowicki did not want to see the mask that had cost Dominik a lot of effort to put on. That he had to pretend to keep his appearances cruel to him.

    "Sorry to keep you waiting," Dominik turned to the reporter who stood up to meet him. "My name is Dominik ?liwi¨½ski."

    "I am pleased to meet you. I am Piotr[1] Duda" he shook the hand that was offered to him.

    "Thank you for taking the trouble. Please, sit down. Andrzej, don''t stand there. Please keep us company."

    "Yes of course."

    Dominik sat down on the couch with Duda, although he kept a very decent distance. Nowicki settled into the armchair and waited with interest for the course of the event.

    "I am glad that you decided to give us an interview. I''ve been a fan of your work for years. Can we record our conversation?"

    "Of course. Before we start, however, let''s establish one thing - I decide how far we go in the conversation."

    "As you wish," he pulled out the recorder. "Can we start?"

    "Yes. I asked you here because there are rumors in the media about my participation in a French film. True, there were discussions about it and I met a few people from the production, but we didn''t even get to the casting stage. I know a lot of people would like to see me in a Baptiste movie, but I withdrew from applying for the role."

    "Readers will surely be interested, why such a decision?"

    "Let me explain. Your editorial colleague made me realize how much interest my private life is among my fans, meanwhile I discovered that by devoting myself to work, I stopped having any private life. Even in the privacy of the house, the only thing I pay attention to is preparation for the role. Although a role with such a talented director would have brought me even more fame, it would have robbed me of any hope of any personal life."

    This answer frankly surprised Andrzej. Dominik did not imply with a single word or gesture that something inappropriate had happened between him and someone from the production. Of course, Nowicki did not expect the actor to cry during the interview and to complain about his misfortune, but his cold professionalism and diplomacy really impressed Andrzej. Dominik withdraws from the project not because he doesn''t like it, or because he doesn''t like the director etc. He does it because his job takes up too much of his private life. Such an argument will not offend anyone and nowadays everyone will understand it. It is true that ?liwi¨½ski was not the busiest actor in the world, but everyone who worked professionally must have had a moment in their life when they wanted to take a long break.

    But does it not mean that Dominik will not also play a role in another production?

    Yes, it was likely. It''s a pity, it''s a real pity, but since his manager did such things to him, it might be better for him if ?liwi¨½ski really retires for a while, rests calmly and recovers his strength.

    "You would definitely find some time to meet someone you love" Duda pointed.

    Here it starts! Personal questions that interest fans so much and tease artists so much. Andrzej gritted his teeth and waited with uncertainty for Dominik''s answer. He hoped the touchy topic would not be too hard for him.

    "Unfortunately, to fall in love you have to have time to meet someone"

    ?liwi¨½ski smiled sadly and Andrzej could have sworn that he saw a longing for love in his eyes. He had no idea how much truth there was to it and how much media play, but if he did not know what the young actor had been through recently, he would have believed in the sincerity of this look.

    The expression on Piotr Duda''s face told Nowicki that the journalist believed Dominik and the longing of his eyes completely.

    "I would also like to bear in mind" Dominik continued with nostalgia in his voice "that the person I am feeling would be under the constant scrutiny of sensational media. I respect my fans and I am grateful to them for their interest and support, but I have a heartfelt plea to them - if you respect and cheer me up, please let me live peacefully without media pressure. I am also only human and I would like to be able to go out for a beer with friends or for dinner in a nice restaurant without fear that I will be attacked by media gossip."

    "It''s a bit harsh on the media" said Duda.

    Dominik looked at Andrzej.

    "Journalists and photographers only do their job, which is to fulfill the wishes of the readers" Dominik replied. "But yes, sometimes the media forget its true mission to tell the truth and go a little too far. Although the actor is a public person, it does not mean that he has got rid of basic human rights. It would be nice if the media, instead of mindlessly following the voice of readers or viewers, from time to time reminded them that certain limits should not be exceeded. People may forget, but the media shouldn''t. "

    [1] Earlier, another version of his name appeared, Piotrek. This is not a mistake. Piotrek is a diminutive of the name Piotr.

 Chapter 37 - Dominiks Position On The Market Is Not So Beautiful

    Harsh, maybe to harsh. Nowicki shuddered at these words. The editor-in-chief had told him almost the same thing earlier.

    "I understand your work and the desires of my fans," continued Dominik ?liwi¨½ski "so I can say a few words about myself. My favorite color is blue, I love old Polish comedies and I dream about playing in this type of production. Although you can''t see it, I like to eat a lot and eat well. Polish is my favorite cuisine. I value privacy very much, and yes, I like housework that distracts my mind from preparing for the role. I love animals, but I don''t have any, although if I had to choose I would go for a cat, a gray Persian with yellow eyes. In my childhood I always dreamed about it, but never told anyone about it."

    Andrzej listened to the actor''s words with interest. Some of these things he already knew, others were completely new to him. All information revealed the real Dominik bit by bit. They were quite intimate, but without exaggeration, and they will certainly satisfy the appetites of some female fans, giving them food for some time to discuss in their own group. Nowicki had no choice but to smile. ?liwi¨½ski played it very nicely.

    "As for the lady of your heart. What is the woman of your dreams?"

    "As clich¨¦ as it sounds, I have no preferences in terms of appearance, and I don''t mind if the person I love is taller than me. I don''t mind being short. The most important thing is that I feel comfortable with such a person and know that I can trust her with everything, including my heart."

    A person, thought Nowicki. ''How neatly he got out of that question.''

    "Since you''re not going to be playing for Baptiste, have you picked another movie yet?"

    "Not yet. As I said, I want to take some time off, but I''m open to suggestions."

    "Is there a role you would especially like to play?"

    "Nothing specific, but I would like to try at an original comedy. As a nation, we have a captivating sense of humor, but lately I think we''ve been forgetting what it''s like to laugh. Everyone is so chasing success, including commercial success, that jokes are simplified to the most primitive. I would like to be able to say in front of the camera tailored words: ''Court as a court, but justice must be on our side.''[1]"

    "So we wish you such roles and we keep our fingers crossed."

    "Thank you and I hope that my next role will not be a disappointment for you."

    "Thank you for the conversation."

    "Thank you."

    The voice recorder was turned off and put in a pocket.

    "I''m really grateful to you for this interview," said Duda. "You have given us a lot of material that will surely interest our readers. But it is a real pity that you are giving up this chance."

    Dominik shook his head.

    "Professionally, maybe I would really gain a lot" he admitted "but I was honestly saying that I lose too much from my own life. I have the impression that I am missing out on too many experiences of my youth. If it goes on like this, I look back one day only to see, that I am a lonely old man."

    "May I ask, besides the recording, why our newspaper?"

    "I don''t know if you heard when I met Andrzej?"

    "I have heard some rumors, but I always prefer to listen to the source."

    "As you know, Andrzej was supposed to watch me for several days. One day I stumbled thoughtfully and fell on the table. It collapsed under my weight and I was stunned for a moment. Suddenly I saw a stranger above me asking if I was okay. The fall was not serious, but it could have been otherwise. We started talking and I thought to myself that even the media, when you get to know them, are not so scary. If the employees of your magazine think more about someone''s safety than about obtaining material, I can trust such people that they will also be honest in their articles."

    His story of how they met was a lie. It contained a lot of truth - yes, Dominik fell on the table, yes, Andrzej came running to help him, but there was someone else pressing the actor to the ground, tearing his clothes off and trying to force himself on him. Only this part of the story was impossible to speak out loud. Dominik avoided r**e, but his attempt was a huge shock for him.

    As for the part relating to trust in the media, Andrzej had no idea if the actor was speaking according to his beliefs. The whole interview was so masterful that he should have won an award for it. Undoubtedly, however, referring to the honesty of journalists, he will make Duda think at least twice before writing anything harmful.

    The meeting was actually over. Nowicki escorted the journalist to the door. Right outside the door, Duda turned to him and said softly:

    "I know he didn''t tell me the whole truth why he is giving up trying to star in this movie. He played well, but I''m not the worst journalist. I will not pursue the topic, but ... I feel sorry for him."

    "Sorry? Why?"

    "You don''t know this from me, but he might have trouble getting a good role right now."

    "How''s that?"

    "?liwi¨½ski is gifted, too gifted. It is increasingly difficult to choose partners for him. Actors refuse to play in the same movies because they know they will be eclipsed by him. The role with Baptiste would take him a bit from the Polish market. Marczak has to sweat more and more to invite ?liwi¨½ski to the casting."

    Andrzej was so surprised that he and Duda went outside and closed the door behind him.

    "Is it that bad?"

    "The audience loves him, but the competition hates him."

    What Duda said was highly disturbing, unfortunately likely. The journalist toured the film world often enough to know his mood. Admittedly, it was strange for Andrzej that the environment would reject someone for being good at what he did, but jealousy was in human nature. If Dominik was better at something, and he was, he could actually face symptoms of envy.

    "I don''t think it can be that bad," Nowicki smiled crookedly. "I won''t believe that all the actors are against him."

    "A few larger names are enough for the smaller ones to follow. ?liwi¨½ski is not a loner, he is completely associative. I don''t know anyone who would consider himself his friend, so he is left without support. According to them, he is a little prince who does not even bother to be friends with them."

    It''s not true! Dominik is not like that! He is gentle, sensitive and sweet. He doesn''t look up, just afraid of people. It was Marczak who taught him this fear. Andrzej felt an ardent hatred for this man again, no, for this animal. When will his misdeeds finally stop affecting ?liwi¨½ski''s private and professional life?

    "Why are you telling me all this?"

    "Because I wasn''t lying when I said I was a fan of his talent. His playing is¡­" Andrzej had the impression that Duda was blushing "very emotional. I don''t want him to disappear from the screen."

    "Any ideas on how to avoid this?"

    The journalist looked like he didn''t know if he could tell.

    "Listen, Piotr, you started this topic ..."

    "Fine. I think that he should find allies, create a group of people to support him."

    "You mean the actors?"

    "Them to," he admitted. "Also it wouldn''t hurt if he showed up at some party and paid tribute to a few people. If he continues to isolate himself, there will be no one to support him. Marczak alone is not enough, even though his back is so wide."

    "How wide is his back?

    "Do you remember the scandal from three years ago? The one in which a few politicians were involved? Two ministers handed over the positions. It is said that the party was organized by Marczak and the heads that flew back then belonged to the hurdles. Of course, nothing was proven to him ..."

    [1] A famous quote from the old Polish comedy "Sami swoi". The comedy is about two neighbors fighting each other.

 Chapter 38 - False For Show

    Andrzej was increasingly speechless. Of course he remembered the sex scandal three years ago. A few more or less prominent politicians attended a party so sexually free that the media compared it to feasts at Caligula''s court. There were fancy sado-maso games, also with the participation of minors, and very inventive performances. Of course, everyone who was proven to be with this place said they had no idea what type of party it would be. Nevertheless, two ministers returned their briefcases, several of their colleagues had some sentences for jail, and three young, just rising stars disappeared from the scene. If Marczak was the organizer of this game, was Dominik a part of it?

    If so, he did not do it of his own free will. He was too sweet, too naive to even think of this way of satisfying himself or others. He was also, unfortunately, in love with his manager and, at his urging, could participate in something equally humiliating.

    Andrzej felt a great desire to see Dominik''s face now, check how he feels after the interview. Fortunately, Duda also wanted to start working on the material right away, so he said goodbye quickly and disappeared out the gate.

    Nowicki went inside immediately. He immediately caught the tiny figure of the actor sitting in the same place.

    "How did I present myself? Was it a good interview?" Dominik asked with a serious expression. Andrzej was surprised how quickly he threw the mask off his face. Was ?liwi¨½ski relieved that he no longer had to pretend?

    "Perfect. You were quite honest, right?"

    "Yes."

    "You didn''t say about breaking the contract with Marczak."

    ?liwi¨½ski did not answer, but his eyes darkened with sadness. He still suffers from this betrayal, Nowicki thought. He still loves him. Does he not understand how vile a creature his former lover is? Andrzej wanted to tell him about mess in his apartment and what he had just learned from Duda, but he couldn''t. He had no evidence against Marczak, and Dominik is suffering so much now.

    "You think this article will be favorable?"

    "For sure. This journalist is really your fan."

    "It''s nice."

    It wasn''t enough, however, for the actor to smile.

    "Sorry, I''m a little tired," he said, getting up from the couch.

    He staggered.

    Andrzej was immediately there to support him. For a moment he felt his body heavy only by the force of inertia. Dominik was so fragile that he was afraid to grasp him tighter, so as not to crush his bones. His skin felt hot even through the thin fabric of his shirt and trousers.

    "Sorry," whispered Dominik, looking away. "Sorry to be so weak."

    "You are exhausted and you have a fever," Nowicki said roughly into his ear. "You were supposed to take it easy, and see what you did. Paulina will kill me if she finds out."

    Andrzej was angry, not at Dominik, at himself. He should have stopped him when he wanted to give an interview. ?liwi¨½ski was a terrible stubborn, but Andrzej should not succumb to him.

    "I''m sorry," he replied. His voice, however, was soft. Nowicki felt his hair on his shoulder and a pleasant, mild scent in his nostrils.

    "I will live. It''s not the first time that she will try to kill me" photographer joked.

    ?liwi¨½ski, supported by him, was able to walk. They slowly climbed the stairs to his bedroom. With each step, Andrzej had the impression that Dominik was clinging to him more and more, as if he wanted to completely blend in with his arms. Again he thought of a kitten looking for a warm caress of a human hand.

    They entered the room and Nowicki made him sit on the bed. The actor gave the impression that climbing the stairs would deprive him of all his strength and he was about to fall asleep.

    "I''ll help you undress" offered Andrzej.

    He met no objection when his hands began to unbutton the buttons on his white shirt. He accidentally brushed his bare torso, and Dominik stepped back a millimeter. His skin was disturbingly warm and soft.

    "Sorry, my hands are cold."

    "It''s all right," ?liwi¨½ski assured, looking away. Andrzej suddenly felt a strange feeling as if Dominik wanted to run away from him. He didn''t expect Andrzej to attack him, right? After all, quite recently it was him ...

    Nowicki slowly moved away from him to a safe distance.

    "Where''s your pajamas?"

    "Second shelf from below," he said softly.

    Andrzej pulled the first one out of the bank and helped him put it on. He forgot about delicacy on purpose. He did not want to be harsh with Dominik, but he realized that being a gay actor, ?liwi¨½ski may perceive men as women do, i.e. as possible partners or a sexual threat. Two days ago, a depressed ?liwi¨½ski made an erotic step towards Andrzej. The photographer flatly rejected the offer and pretended that nothing had happened. They have never discussed it afterwards, but Dominik may be afraid that Andrzej will change his mind anyway and try to take advantage of his weakness. While such an accusation would normally offend Nowicki''s dignity, the actor was excused because he had already faced sexual violence against himself. His behavior, therefore, resulted not from pure paranoia but from experiences that must have remained vividly in his memory and was more of a protective instinct than a conscious act.

    Therefore, instead of anger, Andrzej felt sympathy for him. Taking care that his touch could in no way be associated erotically, he put Dominik down and covered him with the sheets.

    "Did you eat while I was gone?" He asked.

    "Some."

    Nowicki shook his head.

    "I''ll get you something quick. Get some rest, but don''t fall asleep. You should eat something warm first.

    Dominik nodded, but avoided his gaze. Andrzej bit his lip. He hoped the actor would not begin to see him as a threat

    ***

    Andrzej could not sleep.

    Not because he was in someone else''s house, alone in a strange bed. He couldn''t sleep because he was really worried.

    Everything always looked nice on posters, in newspapers and on TV. ?liwi¨½ski was a young god, a miracle child of cinema, the idol of crowds. Always strong and beautiful. Ideal.

    False for show.

    No, it''s called "media image," he mentally corrected. The image that was supposed to make him the most desirable creature not only of the film industry. But the truth was, vox populi wasn''t the voice of god now. The other screen gods had something to say, too, and had just decided to throw him off his throne. The real Dominik was completely different from the image created by Marczak, and this caused misunderstandings.

    At this point in his life, Dominik did not have the strength to fight for anything and with anyone. Fortunately, the fever subsided again, but his appetite did not return. He ate less than the diet model, and he couldn''t shake his despondency. Andrzej had seen him try to do it, he just wasn''t strong enough now. The whole situation did not look very interesting. Nowicki was satisfied with only one thing - Dominik did not play before him and did not hide his pain.

 Chapter 39 - Andrzejs Life Had Become Terribly Complicated

    Andrzej remembered how the younger man rested his head on his shoulder as he climbed the stairs. Its mild scent made the memories intense. Dominik needed kindness and warmth now. His behavior was based on instinct rather than conscious action, and Andrzej was all the more moved by his honesty. Nowicki realized that he was unable to satisfy this need for closeness. Only a family member, a close friend, or a lover can do something like this. Andrzej did not have the appropriate qualifications because he was not one of the above. He is definitely not the best choice either.

    Unfortunately for Dominik, he was the only one.

    But what about his mother then? A mother should always love her children, completely unconditionally. Dominik was still very young, so he needed her support all the more. However, he had never seen the boy speaking on the phone to anyone in his family. Maybe they didn''t have relations with each other at all? Andrzej remembered that when they raised the subject of the ?liwi¨½ski family once, Dominik spoke about them normally, there was no pain or anger in his voice. So it looked as if they had a fairly normal relationship.

    Mother, Andrzej thought, is a special person. If she knew her son was in pain, she would surely want to help him. Dominik might not have turned to her for various reasons, after all, young men do not run with their problems to mum, but who would better alleviate his suffering than a person who loved him unconditionally?

    He would have to talk to Dominik about her. If there is even a shadow of a chance that this woman will allow him to regain peace of mind, Nowicki cannot fail to take advantage of it.

    However, the next day he was unable to bring up the subject with his roommate. It is true that the actor got out of bed, but he looked as if he still did not want to live. Not only that, as opposed to the previous days, when in Andrzej''s presence at least he tried to show any energy, now he began to avoid looking into his eyes and even himself. It was getting worse every day.

    It was not a good sign for Nowicki, as it could prove that the actor was falling into depression again.

    ''Maybe what we''re doing with Paulina is really not enough,'' he thought. ''Or do we go about it the wrong way? Shouldn''t we use the help of a specialist?''

    He was sure Dominik would not agree to it. The boy was stubborn, scared and introverted, there was no way he would open up to someone he did not trust and there was no way he would trust someone completely stranger, especially a psychologist. A thousand times over, he would rather collapse into the ground than risk revealing that he must use such aids. Gay going to a psychologist? The scandal would simply be too great.

    But if his malaise persists or even worsens, they will have no choice. Neither Andrzej nor Paulina will bear the responsibility if Dominik does something stupid. And it was not about criminal liability. Their hearts would not stand this grief and guilt if something happened to Dominik and they could have prevented it.

    It is true that ?liwi¨½ski avoided him, but Andrzej got the impression that he wanted to tell him something, but for some reason he held back.

    Such approaches are stupid, Nowicki thought. A guy should say certain things to a guy. It didn''t make sense to wrap around the bush and wander around a topic. He decided to put an end to it and take a direct approach.

    "Okay, what is it?" He asked directly. "What did I do wrong?"

    "Excuse me?" Dominik looked scared.

    "You walk around depressed, you don''t look at me ... Whatever I did, I''m sorry. Are you fed up with me? Do you want me to leave?"

    "What? No, I¡­" He suddenly blushed to his ears. "But maybe you don''t want to be here ...?"

    ''So he wants me to move after all. He found that living with me was not all that cool. This is what I expected and that''s why I brought only the most necessary things here.''

    "I don''t care where I keep my bones. I''m gonna pack my things and leave."

    It was completely predictable. Andrzej expected this moment, indeed, he even expected it, and yet he felt something unpleasant in his heart. Yes, he got used to Dominik''s company and he didn''t feel uncomfortable living with another man, but there was more to it. Being in the same house, he could keep an eye on him, monitor his moods and intervene when needed ...

    No, that''s not exactly that either. Dominik was a really nice guy whose company, even on his worst days, was pleasant and warm. Andrzej had many friends, but only ?liwi¨½ski had something so special in him - a bond of total trust. Only Dominik knew his dark side, and instead of scaring of it and running away, he accepted it without any questions. The actor could stop pretending and acting in the company of Nowicki, but it happened both ways. ?liwi¨½ski was the first friend before whom Andrzej could be one hundred percent himself.

    Perhaps, however, such a great deal of honesty was not the solution.

    Nowicki sighed. Whatever, he thought. The fact that they lived together was unnatural, and the fact that the actor wants to stand up on his own should be a cause for satisfaction.

    Andrzej smiled. He must trust Dominik and his judgment.

    He took his bag and went down the stairs.

    Dominik was standing in the exact same place with his head bowed the same way. It was as if he hadn''t moved at all during that time.

    This worried Andrzej. Something wasn''t quite right. Nowicki did not like such unclear situations.

    "What is it? What are you standing there? You wanted me to leave and now you''re pouting like a young lady."

    "I ..." Andrzej heard a soft, trembling whisper "I am sorry."

    "Sorry? For what?"

    Nowicki did not really understand Dominik.

    "For all of it. For what I said, how I behaved, for making you come and live with me. I am a man, I should be stronger, braver, but ..."

    At this point, the photographer was completely lost.

    "Then you want me to live with you or not?"

    ?liwi¨½ski''s hands clenched into fists, as if he was gathering all his strength just to answer.

    "I don''t want ... to force you to anything, but I''d be happy if you stayed. I''m sorry."

    He apologized again, as when he was attacked by Marczak. It was as if, despite the money and fame, asking someone for anything for himself was a sin for Dominik.

    Andrzej looked at him for a moment. After those few days, when he didn''t even get out of bed, Dominik started to make up for the lost weight and stood more confident, although the photographer thought he could see his muscles trembling. His long, hazelnut hair covered his face, but he still looked beautiful - innocent and defenseless, but beautiful.

    Such lovely people, men too, simply couldn''t exist.

    "Well, I think I''ll go unpack," Nowicki announced and headed back to his room.

    He didn''t understand Dominik. He had no idea what he meant. He stopped on the stairs and turned around. He found enormous aquamarine eyes, the cool glow of which stung his heart painfully, which began to beat faster.

    He couldn''t shake the impression that his life had become terribly complicated since he met ?liwi¨½ski.

 Chapter 40 - Get Ready For The Next Step

    It took him another two days before he decided to talk to Dominik about his mother. More or less this time was needed for the relations between them to return to normal and ?liwi¨½ski ceased to look away from him.

    Despite the fact that the intimate secrets of his life became for Nowicki, it was not easy for him to raise such a personal topic as the relationship between a mother and son. Finally, after having a light breakfast together, when they got up from the table and entered the living room, he dared to touch on this subject.

    "My mother?" Dominik asked, confused. "What about her?"

    "I was wondering what kind of woman she is?"

    "Hmmm ... I think she''s decent. She has worked hard all her life. She is ... a mother."

    "Why don''t you tell her you''re gay?"

    Dominik bit his lip.

    "My parents are very religious. Homosexuality is a terrible sin and a disease for them. If they found out that their son was a degenerate, my mother''s heart would break."

    Oh, Dominik, even now you think about others first, not yourself, the photographer sighed in his mind.

    "Will her heart not break when she finds out that you did not turn to her when you suffered?"

    "I''m an adult. Grown-ups don''t run to mommy with their problems."

    "I would have gone to mine, if she had lived."

    "And you would say to her: ''Mommy, I''m gay and my lover ...''" he could not finish his sentence.

    "''... and my lover,'' what? Why did you stop?"

    "I don''t want to¡­ talk about him" Dominik replied grimly.

    "You should" Andrzej stated firmly. He didn''t know if he was doing the right thing, but he wanted the young actor to face the truth, to speak it aloud. If he stifles her, she will at some point choke him and take his breath away. "I know what your lover has done lately. Maybe I''m the only person in the world who knows this besides him and you. You think I''ll be shocked by the truth?"

    "No, I¡­"?liwi¨½ski seemed to be withdrawing.

    "Do not run away!" Andrzej stopped him. "What is your lover? What''s your lover like? Say it! Say it to hell!"

    "He''s a beast!" Dominik shouted with tears in his eyes. "He is mean, violent and heartless, and yet ... yet I ... still love him ..."

    Tears flowed from his eyes as if they had let go of the last dams. Maybe it was so, thought Andrzej, watching Dominik tremble.

    He''s about to fall to the ground, Nowicki thought in horror. His sobs shake ?liwi¨½ski so hard that he will not stay on his feet.

    Andrzej couldn''t let that happen. He wrapped his arms around Dominik and pressed him tightly against his chest. He felt hot tears on his chest, he felt the spasms of crying shake ?liwi¨½ski''s body.

    ''Cry, thought Andrzej,'' cry as much as you can, because this is perhaps the last such occasion. ''

    What Piotr Duda said about Dominik''s uncertain situation on the film market was disturbing and Nowicki knew that ?liwi??ski, lost in sadness and apathy, would not be able to cope with this situation. You had to be tough in this market or you would be eaten by hungry wolves. Fighting for survival, Dominik will not be able to show weakness, let alone tears. He will have to be strong, much stronger than he is now. But to get this strength, he needed to face the brutal truth about Marczak. He had to get out of this pain and leave it behind him.

    Andrzej did not stop hugging Dominik until the actor calmed down.

    Dominik was the first to make the move. He stepped back at arm''s length, staring down at the ground.

    "Thank you," he said. "I feel better now."

    "You want to be with him? With Marczak?"

    ?liwi¨½ski shook his head.

    "Part of me loves him, it''s true. I cannot forget that he taught me love and¡­ pleasure. He always looked after me so I didn''t have to worry about anything. But sometimes he had certain requirements that¡­ it wasn''t easy for me to meet. I agreed, because this is what love is all about, to give another person happiness, but Marek knew that I didn''t like it, and yet he asked. If he loved me, he wouldn''t be doing it."

    Suddenly Dominik laughed bitterly. He rubbed his tearful eyes with his hand.

    "I don''t know if I will ever stop loving him," he added. His tone changed to calm and firm. "But I certainly don''t want to have anything to do with him."

    "That''s good" Andrzej felt real relief. He forced ?liwi¨½ski to confront himself. He was afraid of the result of this fight, but the effect was satisfactory. Together with Dominik''s tears flowed this painful bitterness And now the young actor could slowly begin to face reality. "Then check this out."

    Nowicki extracted the latest issue of the magazine, on the cover of which Dominik''s face was smiling at the readers.

    ''Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, a young actor who has been winning the hearts of female fans with a hit for several years, decided to reveal a few details about his private life and how his work influences his life. He''ll also make a shocking confession about why he doesn''t star in the Baptiste blockbuster.''

    Dominik sat down on the couch. His hands were trembling.

    "Shocking confession ..." he almost whispered.

    "Read on."

    Then there was an interview with him by Duda. At the very end, the author added a paragraph:

    "Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, as he said himself, is only human. So he has the right to be tired or discouraged. For us, however, he is more than that. His work gives viewers the intensity of emotions and the pleasure of communing with Art. ?liwi¨½ski sacrifices some of his personal happiness for such effects. So let''s support him with his decisions and let exist him not only as an actor, but also as a man."

    The actor put the newspaper down on his lap and remained silent. Andrzej sat down next to him, taking out the tablet.

    "The article received a very favorable response. The most common comments were that people were not aware of how much effort and commitment you put into your work, because everything seems so easy for you. People really want to watch you. A long thread of comments was devoted to Polish comedies. Most of the readers picked up on your idea. One of the actresses who partnered with you commented on your article on her social profile. Have a look."

    It was the profile of Oliwia Bartnicka. He played with her once or two years ago in a romantic comedy. The actress was a charming, petite blonde with whom the media briefed ?liwi¨½ski in an affair in real life. She was currently the star of a very popular series.

    ''Everyone in our industry knows about the loss of privacy. Some of us like to shine in front of cameras and are happy to interact with the media. Others, and ?liwi¨½ski is only one of them, prefer to completely separate their private and professional lives. Sometimes it''s good to be able to just relax and chill out without worrying that some hilarious or compromising photo taken by a professional or amateur paparazzi will end up in the tabloids. Then we feel robbed of fundamental human rights ... ''

    "Didn''t her picture appear in the press this summer in an oversized bathing suit?"

    "Only the top was too big ..."

    "''We feel robbed of fundamental human rights ...''" repeated Dominik and a pale smile appeared on his lips.

    For some reason, Andrzej felt like Christmas had come.

    "So, let''s try, what is the real response of your interview? Do you feel up to the fresh air?"

    ?liwi¨½ski turned his eyes on him. They weren''t as warm and lively as ever, but Andrzej could have sworn he saw the first sparks in them.

    Dominik was ready for his first challenge.

 Chapter 41 - Life Awakening In Dominik

    "It means where?" Dominik asked with a little excitement. "Where should we go?"

    "I do not know" Andrzej was hesitant. "On the Wis?a, to ?azienki Park[1] or to Paulina''s restaurant. Anywhere."

    They stared at each other for a moment, then, for unknown reasons, Dominik blushed, and his response was extremely low.

    "I think we can go to this restaurant."

    Nowicki did not expect to receive his consent. As it rained, he felt his friend begin to recover. The tears that Dominik shed were not in vain. He cleared his body of negative emotions and was now able to take normal human actions and even face his anxiety.

    Andrzej was only worried if the actor''s body was physically ready to leave the house. The fever left him fairly quickly, but his appetite returned slowly. Maybe the smells of the restaurant''s kitchen and Paulina''s smiling face will remedy this problem?

    "Are you sure you can do it?"

    "Yes," he replied firmly. "If you stay with me, I can handle anything."

    This response caused strange feelings in Andrzej''s heart. He was surprised that he had become such a support for Dominik, he was glad about it, but also worried. He did not want the actor to change his addiction to Marczak for an addiction to him.

    ?liwi¨½ski had to go out among people as soon as possible, meet new people and make friends. The more people around him, the less he will be dependent on a specific individual.

    "Just don''t play the hero. If you feel worse, tell me immediately."

    Andrzej fixed his eyes on his face. He wanted to see every twitch of her muscles when he heard the answer. He had to convince himself that he could trust Dominik and his judgment.

    The actor was also looking at him. His aquamarine eyes grew brighter and brighter at last with a subtle light. His pale cheeks flushed slightly and the corners of his mouth lifted up in a warm, though shy smile.

    "Of course," he said cheerfully. He looked as if he was recovering what his lover''s betrayal had torn from his heart. "I want to thank Paulina for everything" he announced, moving towards the stairs. "You think we can stop by some flower shop?"

    "Sure," he replied, surprised. It was nice to see life awakening in Dominik.

    "Great! So we''ll leave before three o''clock."

    The actor had already run up the stairs and disappeared from Nowicki''s sight.

    ***

    Dominik closed the door to his room behind him and leaned against it. He took his phone out of his pocket and, holding it with both hands, slumped to the floor.

    His heart ached. It hurt so much that it was hard for him to breathe. Why did Andrzej have to move so many sensitive strings today?

    Andrzej ...

    Dominik was clutching the phone as if he wanted to hug it, but the device was too small for him to do so. At that moment, it was the only source where Mark''s voice was drawn. His lover recorded several messages for him in which he asked for contact. No, he was ''asking'' that too little of a word, he was begging. Part of Dominik''s heart was struggling to answer him, to throw himself into his strong, dominant arms and entrust himself entirely to them - soul, career and body.

    He would have done it had Andrzej not been in his house. He would have succumbed to the sweet temptation, though he knew Marek would only be good to him as much as he liked. It has always been this way, every time. Dominik knew he was not strong enough to stand up to him alone, which is why he needed Andrzej so desperately, his courage and strength. If not he¡­

    He knew it wasn''t fair. He used Nowicki and his goodness, but what else could he do? If Andrzej was not around, he lost himself in his painful memories and, pinned down by them to the ground, he did not even want to live. No one else was able to motivate him to breathe.

    ''My mother,'' he thought, feeling a new feeling of bitterness. He knew she loved him, but since the opportunity had arisen for him to star in a movie, she had insisted that he go this way. She decided that her son had received a precious gift from God that he should share with the world and prompted him to go to the first casting of his life. She didn''t mean to be wrong. Her son had a talent and the idea to live off of it was, according to her, the most appropriate. After all, she directed him on this path.

    It''s not like Dominik regretted being an actor. He had learned to like his job, only in those seven years he had suffered too much disappointment and suffering. His relationship with Marek was full of passion, but also a constant fear of discovery, loneliness and selfishness.

    Dominik knew his mother had no idea what her son''s life had turned into. It wasn''t her fault his heart was crumbled to dust now. What he accused her was that she let him out of the nest too early. He was not yet eighteen when she allowed him to go into the great world that had so quickly become his prison. True, he and Marek were happy then, but now he knew how empty that happiness was ...

    ?liwi¨½ski rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath.

    Now it will be different, completely different. He has met new people who are ready to become his friends. Andrzej is brave and strong. He gives him kindness and support, expecting nothing in return. Not only that, being with him, Dominik always had the impression that Nowicki cares primarily about his happiness. Only when Dominik feels good does he feel satisfied.

    It''s so different from what he had so far in his life.

    Andrzej wanted to help him get out of his prison so much that he shared his friends with him. And for this Dominik was eternally grateful to him.

    To Paulina too.

    However, while expressing gratitude to Nowicki will be difficult and awkward for the actor, for Paulina he will give her a beautiful bouquet of flowers and say, "thank you." This was not enough to express the true gratitude of his heart, but his usual habits will allow him to symbolically convey his emotions. Andrzej, on the other hand, was something else, something more valuable. There weren''t enough gestures, symbols and words to repay what he did for Dominik.

    Someday, however, he will find a way. He was sure of that.

    [1] ?azienki Park, or ?azienki Kr¨®lewskie, is a 17th classicist complex built for the last king of Poland, Stanis?aw August Poniatowski. Currently one of the tourist attractions of Warsaw.

 Chapter 42 - Strong Hearts

    Paulina showed surprise at the sight of both of them.

    "What are you doing here?" She asked. "Dominik, you should rest ..."

    "No, I should finally come out among people. For too long my world has been limited to one man. And I would like to thank you for looking after her" he gave her a huge bouquet, which he spent almost half an hour preparing in the florist''s shop.

    "That for me ...? Thank you!"

    Paulina looked at him intensely, for a long time until her eyes were glazed.

    "Hey, are you okay?" Andrzej was concerned about her condition.

    "Of course," she snapped. "I''m just glad to see Dominik. And these flowers are lovely."

    "You''re not happy to see me?"

    "Not so much to cry."

    "Thank you," ?liwi¨½ski interjected.

    Paulina looked up at him with teary eyes and smiled warmly. Dominik thought that was how his mother should have seen him.

    "Let''s not stand there," she said. "Please come to the table."

    "Paulina ..." Dominik turned to her. The woman looked at him. "Will you please me and join us? Please."

    His proposal pleased the woman, it was visible in her eyes and smile.

    "With pleasure."

    They sat down at the same table as before. Dominik really liked the atmosphere of this place, although it was difficult for him to feel at ease outside the house, among strangers. Marek was always the only person he went out with anywhere and due to the nature of their relationship, they always had to be careful not to revile it, so he could never feel at ease in public. However, Paulina''s restaurant, warm, cozy and really family-like, made him feel good here.

    But most of all it was people. Dominik never thought that he would meet a woman who would be like a friend to him, knowing his orientation.

    "I read today''s article," she began the conversation. "I don''t usually buy gossip magazines, even the one where Andrzej works, but my daughter saw your picture on the cover and she wanted to know what they wrote about you. Whether we like it or not, we both read it."

    "Your daughter ... Martynka, right? Andrzej''s goddaughter?"

    She looked surprised.

    "Did you remember?"

    "I try to remember important things."

    And this one was important for him. Dates of birthdays, anniversaries, names of family members of his friends ... Not that he had many to remember so far, but each of them was even more valuable.

    His answer seemed to please Paulina. She looked at him as warmly as if she were the sun. It was enjoyable, but also embarrassing. Dominik blushed and looked at Andrzej, who was staring at him as usual. He felt his blush grow larger.

    Being here with them was a strange but pleasant experience. These people were for him. They wanted to be. When he, wounded and all alone, he saw no hope and future for himself, they ran to him and offered him a hand. Despite his orientation, they cared about him.

    "Did you like it?" Andrzej''s voice broke him out of his thoughts. The question was not, however, directed to him.

    "Very much," she admitted. "It doesn''t often happen that the press writes favorably about someone. I think this article will attract many people''s kindness to you."

    "Do you really think so?" asked Nowicki.

    "Of course. True, there will also be negative voices, but that''s always the case. But Martynka is already tormenting me about a gray Persian cat" she laughed out loud.

    "Sorry," Dominik felt shy.

    "No need. I knocked that cat out of her head, explaining that if you are able to resist temptation, so should she. Setting you up as a role model has worked."

    "I don''t know if I''m a good role model ..."

    Paulina grew serious.

    "Maybe this is not my place to say this, because we''ve known each other so recently, but I consider you a very good person who works hard to bring joy to others. Why shouldn''t someone like you be a role model for an eight-year-old girl?"

    Her answer surprised him. After all, it was obvious that his orientation could not be a model for anyone. He wanted to tell her this, but Paulina continued:

    "When her father found out I was pregnant, he hit me. He thought he was so wonderful that I want to catch him on a baby. He stated that I am a whore who can''t even be fucked properly because she''s about to go with her belly. Believe me, when it comes to male role models, I would a hundred times prefer to give my daughter an example from you than from her own father."

    "I''m sorry, I didn''t know ..." ?liwi¨½ski felt confused.

    "Nothing to talk about," she returned to smiling. "It was a long time ago and I have it behind me. Almost completely," she added. "It''s not easy to share such experiences. Even to Andrzej, I confessed it only when I met you. Although I loved ?ukasz, with this one behavior he crossed everything between us. Even his right to a daughter."

    Dominik felt shame as he realized how pathetic his own behavior was. Every day, hundreds of women suffered violence at the hands of their partners - he knew that there were also opposite cases - no less the victims try to move on, just like Paulina. They do not take time to feel sorry for themselves or sink into an unproductive depression that only makes them feel worse. Dominik was hurt by his lover, but if everyone who had suffered any suffering because of love behaved as pitifully as he did, humanity would have long stopped in development.

    He discreetly looked at Andrzej, who, while eating, was answering a question of Paulina.

    The photographer was brave and strong. The first time they met face to face, it was when he saved Dominik from Marczak trying to rape him. Everything happened so quickly, and ?liwi¨½ski was so stunned by the physical and emotional pain that he did not immediately realize how heroic Andrzej''s behavior was. Only later, after the first shock was over, did he realize how dangerous the situation was and who he should thank for saving him.

    He then went downstairs, aware that there was a strange man in his living room. The man who had just demanded twenty thousand of him for a picture he made, now under his bedroom, was watching over his safety. Dominik wasn''t sure he could trust him completely, but he had no one else - not after what Marek had done to him. He turned on the light in the kitchen and looked at the couch where the sleeping body rested.

 Chapter 43 - Little Lady

    His name is Andrzej, ?liwi¨½ski thought then, looking at his tall, not very muscular figure. This strong name suited his male form and demeanor, which combined bravado and kindness of heart. The light was not the best - Dominik did not want to wake him up by accident - but he could see that the photographer had a handsome face. His exterior was pleasing to the eye, but this daring demeanor made the actor look at him with a growing sympathy for him.

    It was gratitude, he realized, and admiration. This stranger rushed to his aid as soon as he realized Dominik needed it. Now he was devoting precious hours of his life to him. He was here just in case Dominik needed someone again. Before he fell asleep, he even cleaned up the traces of the evening incident.

    ?liwi¨½ski wiped the tear that had fallen to his eye. Too many impressions, too many emotions was his share today. He has not come to an understanding with them yet. He knew, however, that it was getting chilly at night and Andrzej would be cold if Dominik did not cover him with a blanket.

    Andrzej was smiling now as he was talking to Paulina, but at one point the two men met their eyes - furtively, as if looking at the other was a crime. Dominik felt a flush of heat. It wasn''t the first time that he had caught Nowicki''s watchful eyes, investigating the situation, forcing him to follow his gaze. It was so amazing to have someone in your life who would pay attention to you not out of empty curiosity but out of concern.

    "You are very good friends," he remarked, turning to Pauline. "And you fit together."

    "Oh, thank you," she said, "because I suspect it was a compliment."

    "Yes, it was," he said hotly. "You are both¡­ very strong people."

    "I suppose so," she admitted. "For me, the motivation to act is Martynka. I became a mother very young, but I have no regrets."

    "Is it hard for you alone? I mean," he corrected right away, "isn''t your daughter asking about her father?"

    "Not now. I explained to her that her daddy and I liked each other very much, but then we had a hard time communicating with each other and we had to say goodbye, as she did to some of the children from her kindergarten. Besides, she has a godfather. Did you know that Andrzej proposed to me?"

    "I''ve heard something, but I''d love to know more."

    "It was right after he found out I was pregnant. We were not yet twenty and we never dated and he suddenly pops up with a proposal ..."

    "Hey," said Andrzej. "You talk about it like it is the stupidest thing I could do!"

    "Not at all," she laughed. "You were then wonderfully sweet and your marriage proposal was an act of sheer heroism ..."

    "Would you give up on that past...?"

    Dominik laughed, feeling a lightness in his heart that he hadn''t known in a few good days, when he suddenly saw two brown eyes staring at him intensely.

    That piercing, almost intrusive gaze belonged to a small woman in a white and pink striped dress and with a pink headband on long, fair hair. The girl stood between Andrzej and Paulina, about a meter behind their backs, so she avoided their eyes so far. The creature was small, but it looked at him quite insistently and boldly, as if to make sure she could see well.

    "Good morning," he said politely. After all, he was dealing with a young lady.

    Paulina and Andrzej turned simultaneously and the girl moved closer to the woman. Taking her hand, she asked:

    "Mom, is this Mr. ?liwi¨½ski?"

    "Yeah baby. Don''t be rude and answer to Mr. ?liwi¨½ski."

    "But ..." the girl moved even closer. Dominik suspected earlier that it was Martynka. Now he knew it for sure.

    The eight-year-old girl gathered all her childish courage, took the edges of her dress with her fingers and with the refinement, as princesses in fairy tales do, curtsy hiding behind the table top.

    "Good morning. I am Martynka Kowalczyk."

    Such courtesy required an appropriate response. Dominik got up from his seat, came closer to the girl and, to the delight of everyone gathered, bowed to her like a real fairy-tale prince.

    "Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, at the service of the young lady."

    Martynka beamed with her whole self.

    "Really? At my service?"

    "Of course, with permission of young ladies mama."

    "Then let''s go to the zoo."

    "Excuse me?" Dominik really didn''t know if he heard it right.

    "Let''s go to the zoo! Pleeeeeee ..."

    At this point, Andrzej could not stand it and huffed out laughing, which made Dominik feel intimidated again. Paulina rushed to help the actor, who absolutely did not know how to react.

    "Honey, that''s just what you say," she said gently to her daughter. "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski is a very busy man and he doesn''t have time to go to the zoo with little girls ..."

    The disappointment in Martynka''s face was too great for Dominik to bear it calmly. He told the eight-year-old that he was at her service so he wasn''t going to be groundless.

    "No," he said firmly. "If Miss Martynka wishes to come with me to the zoo, we will go to zoo. If only her mother and godfather find time to accompany us."

    "I? Nowicki asked in surprise."

    "Uncle, please! Please, please, please, please, please ..."

    "All right," he conceded with a sigh.

    "Then let''s go," she exclaimed happily.

    "Oh, no, my young lady," Paulina objected, "not today. You just got back from your friend. It is not healthy to have too many impressions for a day."

    "But mom, this is Dominik ?liwi¨½ski ..."

    "I know who it is and Mr. ?liwi¨½ski is not going anywhere. He''ll take you to the zoo on another day. Right, Dominik?"

    "Of course," he assured, and smiled at the girl. "Is there any particular animal you''d like to see?"

    "Kangaroos," she called. "I want to see the kangaroos!"

    Are kangaroos in the Warsaw Zoo? The actor had no idea about it. He was ashamed to admit to himself, but he had never been to a zoo.

    "You are a little kangaroo yourself" Andrzej ruffled her hair. "Every time we go to the zoo, you only want to see them."

    "Because they''re cute! Aren''t they beautiful?" she turned to Dominik.

    "I never thought about it, but you''re right, they are."

    Her broad, sincere smile lit up the whole interior. Dominik could do nothing but answer her the same. His mouth curled up on its own. He crouched down in front of her and announced confidently.

    "You actually look like a little kangaroo yourself. All you need is a tummy bag and a tail. Or are you a kangaroo?"

    "No" she replied as if explaining something to an a little stupid child "I am a human, not a kangaroo. When we go to the zoo, I''ll show you the real one."

    "I''m looking forward to it," he replied, and to his surprise he found that he really did.

 Chapter 44 - Zoo

    The day was cooler than expected, yet they did not cancel their visit to the zoo. It was the last Sunday before September 1[1], so quite a lot of visitors gathered, but it was not so crowded that you could not get through the alleys. Well, maybe with monkeys, lemurs and meerkats, but they were supposed to watch kangaroos first.

    Paulina was walking next to Andrzej in a friendly manner from his shoulder. Their pace wasn''t too fast, so the two ahead of them advanced a bit, but not so much to lose sight of them. The energetic eight-year-old pulled Dominik ?liwi¨½ski by the hand, confidently leading him through the curious crowd.

    "Do you think they can handle it?" Andrzej could not stand it and asked his companion. "It looks like the little one has completely dominated him."

    "If she starts to get on his head, then we will intervene. So far, there is no indication that Dominik needs help. You got attached to him, didn''t you?"

    Nowicki walked for a moment collecting his thoughts.

    "I suppose so," he admitted. "He''s a good boy. A bit naive but decent."

    "But you remember he''s gay?" Paulina asked.

    "What? Of course. Why do you ask?"

    "Because it looks like he liked you too. He is heartbroken, you are very handsome and you show him a lot of kindness and support. You live under the same roof ... Didn''t it occur to you that it might confuse him?"

    He stopped and looked at Paulina without understanding. What is she insinuating? Probably not¡­?

    "Come on," he smiled crookedly. "I''m not interested in men and we all know it. He knows it too."

    "But his heart might think otherwise. What will you do when he falls in love with you?"

    "It is impossible."

    "Why?"

    "Because ... he''s a guy ..." Andrzej couldn''t put it into words, but the possibility that ?liwi¨½ski might endow him with a romantic feeling was simply ridiculous.

    "Just like Marek Marczak."

    "It was different. This¡­ this individual seduced him when the boy was seventeen or nineteen and had been messing with his head ever since. As soon as Marczak disappears from his sight, Dominik will return to normal."

    "To normal? Paulina sighed, shaking her head. "And I thought you were more tolerant and open."

    "I am!"

    "So how come you find homosexuality abnormal?"

    He wanted to tell her that it wasn''t normal for a guy to prefer men over women, but such thinking was almost intolerant.

    "His sexual habits aren''t typical," he said instead, "but I think they''re just habits, nothing more."

    "Maybe ..." she admitted with a sigh.

    Andrzej really believed it. In his eyes, the gay man had a typical image of someone effeminate and fond of wearing women''s clothes. Dominik wasn''t like that. Yes, he was softer and more sensitive than most of the guys he knew, but he was an artist, hence his more poetic personality.

    "You can be calm," he added. "I really don''t believe that he could fall in love with me. I''m not the type to get someone''s affection easily" noticed Andrzej.

    Andrzej Nowicki felt Paulinas stronger touch on his hand. They were both unlucky in love and Andrzej had even less of it than she. Dominik was right when he said that they were very similar to each other.

    "You know" she almost whispered, "if Dominik had loved you anyway, I would have cheered him on."

    "Don''t make me gay!"

    "Do not behave like a child! There is nothing more beautiful than love. You don''t know because you''ve never been in love. "

    "You have an idiotic sense of humor."

    "But just look at him. Dominik is a very pretty and sexy man and I bet he has an equally alluring body. He is a very good and kind man who would not hurt a fly. He is warm and talented, and he quickly made contact with Martynka."

    Instinctively, Andrzej looked at ?liwi¨½ski. The actor was crouching in front of the kangaroo run and pointing at something with his hand. He was smiling radiantly and Martynka standing next to him clapped her hands and jumped up. A weak wind tugged at his long, light brown hair and his eyes glowed aquamarine. The girl turned to them and waved. Dominik did the same. At the sight of this, Nowicki felt his throat tighten.

    He was not gay and the sight of ?liwi¨½ski did not excite him, yet when he did not see him, he often found himself worried if he was okay. Being in his company was pleasant and the actor''s penetrating glances and his shy, warm smiles made you want to be with him all the time. Although they had known each other so recently, Andrzej got used to being around him and he didn''t even remember what it was like before he met Dominik.

    But that''s what friendship is all about, he assured himself. He felt the same way towards Paulina.

    Similar but not the same. With Domonik it was special in so many ways¡­

    He had known Paulina for years, he smiled to himself. The acquaintance with Dominik was fresh and not fully established. He would not have allowed him to walk with the slung on his arm as Paulina was doing now. He was amused by the conclusion.

    "What are you laughing at?" Paulina asked curiously.

    "Nothing, actually." Nowicki replied innocently. "I thought that as we go along, we might seem like a couple in love."

    "What, you don''t love me?"

    "I love you," he admitted without thinking. "You''re like a twin sister to me."

    He looked at Dominik and Martynka. The actor was for him a bit like a younger brother, whom he never had. He required defense and support, but each of his successes of independence made him proud.

    "You and Martynka are like family to me," he said softly. "He, in a way, too."

    The girl was happy to lead ?liwi¨½ski wherever she wanted. Usually she was cheerful and full of energy, but on that day in the zoo she turned into a real element of nature that was everywhere. Looking at her and at ?liwi¨½ski, who could barely keep up with her, Andrzej could not help feeling that not only she was having a great time. He got his cell phone out and took some photos of both of them.

    "Still paparazzi?" Paulina asked sarcastically.

    "No, these are for him."

    "I understand," she announced.

    Nowicki doubted whether it was really true. Yes, she might have thought she understood, but was she really aware that Dominik, apart from the two of them - now three, Andrzej corected right away - had absolutely no one in his life?

    [1] The first day of the school year in Poland. The school year runs from September 1 to June 25 (until Friday, so sometimes it is a bit later, sometimes earlier). In winter there is a Christmas break and a two-week winter break, the dates of which are movable and fall in January and February. Then the first semester ends and after the winter holidays the second semester begins.

    So the action takes place on the last weekend of summer holidays.

 Chapter 45 - The Invitation

    These photos will be the first that Nowicki intends to take for him, according to the actor''s wishes. ?liwi¨½ski wanted to have proof that he really existed as a human being, not only as a figure on the wide screen. Andrzej knew where such an unusual wish came from and promised to fulfill it. Today, at Martynka, Dominik not only smiled, he laughed sincerely and radiantly, which Andrzej had not had the opportunity to see before. This laugh was so precious and beautiful that it had to be immortalized.

    The day passed quickly. Martynka took over Dominik so much that neither Andrzej nor even Paulina at the end of their visit to the zoo were able to keep up with her. Finally in the afternoon she ran to them despite the cold, blushed and blushed, carrying a huge, plush kangaroo. ?liwi¨½ski appeared right behind her, looking exhausted and happy for it.

    "Phew, never again," he panted, resting his hands on his knees. In this position, he tried to catch his breath.

    His mouth said no, but his eyes shone so brightly and the smile on his face was as serene as if his whole body was screaming in big letters YES!

    Nowicki suppressed his own smile. He didn''t understand why he was so happy too? Probably because emotions are contagious. The two of them actually exuded satisfaction and it was impossible to escape from it.

    "Wait a minute, what have you brought here? Paulina pretended to be angry."

    "It''s a kangaroo," Martynka exclaimed happily. "Dominik bought it for me!"

    "It''s not nice to ask Mr. ?liwi¨½ski for gifts."

    "But I ..."

    "It was my idea," he looked at her with the eyes of a begging kitten. Andrzej wondered if he had done it on purpose, or if this look in his eyes was coming naturally to him. "Martynka promised to feed him herself and take him for a walk, so you don''t have to worry about him at all."

    Paulina looked sternly at her daughter.

    "Are you really going to take care of him yourself?"

    "Mh!"

    "Well, I guess I have no choice ..."

    Andrzej looked at all three of them feeling grateful that they were part of his world. Paulina and Martynka were at that moment the women of his life, and Dominik ...

    Dominik stared at him with eyes full of happiness.

    It was one of the most beautiful paintings that Andrzej had seen in his life.

    ***

    There was an envelope waiting for Dominik in the mailbox.

    "You have the mail!" Andrzej called as he closed the gate, noticing the package.

    "I must have won a trip to an exotic country. Or a new car."

    "I do not think so. Unless the ProAnime Foundation has changed customs."

    ?liwi¨½ski looked as if his joke did not amuse him at all.

    "Throw it out, it''s just trash."

    "Really? How do you know?"

    "Because I get these envelopes every year."

    "Seriously? What is this?"

    "The invitation" Dominik replied indifferently.

    "Cool. For what?" Andrzej was curious, however. He never received invitations from such famous organizations. The only invitations he received in the mail were for a promotional presentation of merino bedding or stainless pots, where a man was urged to buy the things he needed.

    "To a charity event."

    For one of those famous parties for famous people, where the cream of society would meet to expand their contacts under the cover of charity? If so¡­ A idea was beginning to form in Nowicki''s mind.

    "When?" Andrzej asked feeling excitement spread within him.

    "In a month."

    "Will it be very formal? Will you wear a tailcoat?" Andrzej joked.

    "I will not go."

    "What? Why?" Andrzej was surprised.

    "I don''t go to such events."

    "But why?"

    "Do you really have to ask?"

    "I''m sorry for speaking."

    "It''s not that," Dominik growled irritably. "I don''t go to parties because there are too many people there."

    Right. Dominik is afraid of people. He likes them, maybe even loves them, but he feels insecure in company of many people. Strangers, especially the crowd, are a threat to him.

    But today there were crowds at the zoo and the actor had a really great time. He did not show at all that he was scared or even worried.

    "I think you should go," Andrzej said gently to him as they crossed the threshold. "Remember what you said in the interview about how much life experience do you lose? This party is one of them.

    "Yes, but¡­" ?liwi¨½ski trailed off as if he had no argument.

    "You see, you know I''m right. You should go once, see what it looks like and if you don''t like it, let go of the next one."

    "But ..." Andrzej had the impression that Dominik was softening. "It is fitting to go with an accompanying person, and I don''t know anyone."

    "How do you know no one? Andrzej was surprised. "And the actresses you played with?"

    "We''re not in touch. It would be weird to invite one of them."

    "Even the little one who backed you so nicely on her website?"

    "I don''t think her fianc¨¦ would be glad we''re going together."

    "Right," Novicki admitted.

    He looked thoughtfully at his young friend and for the thousandth time he had to admit to himself that the boy was simply beautiful. Adding to this his personal charm and subtle personality, ?liwi¨½ski was made for seduction, whether he wanted it or not. It is enough for him to show up in several places and create circumstances to meet someone, and he will be able to choose between girls.

    Andrzej felt a slight twinge of jealousy. Though he himself looked fine, he never attracted the fair sex. It was as if he had an aura of inaccessibility around him.

    The feeling was momentary. At this point, they were going to be busy finding a girlfriend for Dominik, and it shouldn''t be that hard.

    "Don''t worry about the partner," he told the actor. "We''ll find one for you."

    "We?"

    "You are Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, every woman could let herself be cut into pieces to go to a party with you. If you advertised that you are looking for a companion, half of Poland would apply."

    "But I don''t want to ... If I decide to go to this party, then with someone nice. Maybe I will invite Paulina ... She will definitely agree."

    Only that there is no chance of an affair with Paulina, it dawned on Andrzej''s mind, and this opportunity would be great for getting to know someone in a more¡­ intimate way. If Dominik went to a party with some nice and sexy girl, and she succumbed to his natural charm, the situation could take the right course.

 Chapter 46 - In Need Of A Woman

    "It will be a public event" Nowicki thought aloud carefully, though stealthily. watching Dominik "so there will be media there. There will be rumors about to start soon. I don''t know if they will be good for Martynka ..."

    "You think so? Then maybe we shouldn''t have gone to the zoo ..."

    "This is something else entirely," he assured him reassuringly. "We were a whole group, almost a family trip, but such a party ... Let''s say it''s embarrassing to show up with your sister."

    Dominik smiled very pleasantly, blushing at the same time. Andrzej had no idea what he meant, but if the boy showed such an expression in public, the fans would not let him cross the street, but would attack him and tear his clothes on him. Maybe it was actually safer for him not to leave the house too often?

    "It just so happens," Nowicki added, resigning from trying to guess what that smile meant "that I know some nice, free girls, and they have their friends. I can bet I''ll find a good companion for you in three days."

    "Really?"

    "Of course."

    Dominik looked at him for a long moment as if he were assessing the reality of a given promise.

    "Then I''ll leave it to you," he said. "I''m hungry, I''ll make us something to eat."

    ***

    In the evening, Andrzej came to the conclusion that the three days might be too short. He needed to find a pretty, sexy (but without exaggeration) girl, and with a personality that could capture Dominik. Only Andrzej had no idea what type of personality could do it.

    Moving in the journalistic world, after all, Nowicki met dozens of women. Most of them were purely passing acquaintances based on business relationships. Choosing among them a candidate for a girl who was to seduce ?liwi¨½ski was not easy.

    He needed someone brave and strong to support Dominik if he faced unexpected difficulties at the party, but again not too much that she would not dominate him. She had to be intelligent not to embarrass him in the star world, but here also without exaggeration, it is better not to get smart. She should be nice and warm, but not enough to start mothering him - after all, Andrzej wanted to find a woman for him, not a nanny.

    No, it was a task too difficult for one evening, Andrzej thought, turning off the light and burying himself in the covers. He has become used to his room in ?liwi¨½ski''s house, located on the opposite side of the corridor from his bedroom. It was even a perfect inverted copy of it and - it was the greatest extravagance noticed in ?liwi¨½ski''s house - its own bathroom. The room and bed were comfortable so Andrzej usually didn''t have a problem falling asleep. Even now, although his head was busy looking for a couple for an actor, his body felt pleasantly heavy and passive ...

    ***

    Dominik was walking a few steps ahead of him. Andrzej did not know why he pushed his way forward. Ah yes, he remembered. After all, I was paying the iceman. It was hot, but fortunately the light breeze gave a pleasant feeling of coolness and moved Dominik''s long, hazel hair.

    Andrzej was walking quickly, but did not come closer to the actor. He felt angry. Dominik shouldn''t go too far. What if someone comes along and wants to hurt him?

    "Dominik!" He called after him. "Dominik, wait!"

    The actor stopped and started to turn - in slow motion like in old movies. Extremely slowly he pulled the ice stick out of his mouth, which he had just been consuming. A thick, creamy trickle flowed from the corner of his mouth.

    "Look what you''re doing," he called to Andrew with a soft excuse.

    Nowicki looked. His vanilla ice, which he hadn''t even had time to take in his mouth, was dripping down his hand toward the sleeve of his shirt. He reached over to take out a handkerchief when he felt a touch on his hand with ice.

    Dominik''s tongue licking the melting vanilla cream sent a shiver through his body. Aquamarine eyes burned, lighting something unusual in Andrzej''s body. Dominik''s lips were all covered in sweet cream and Nowicki felt an irresistible temptation to clean them. He brought his face close to his and stuck out his tongue.

    It was pleasantly sweet, but not bland. His skin was inviting with its softness and his mouth with the firmness of the juicy fruit.

    It was hot. Neither the wind nor the ice gave any cooling.

    And yes, they were in full sun, on hot sand, Dominik''s naked body stung Andrzej''s skin. His breath was a living flame devouring every millimeter of his existence.

    The fire engulfed them both, and no one, however wet a kiss, could extinguish it.

    The passion burned in them so much that the world lost its texture turning it into a white, sticky liquid of fulfillment ...

    Awakened Andrzej looked at his erection.

    "Shit," he swore, scrambling out of bed.

    This whole evening of thinking about finding a girl who would seduce Dominik had an impact on himself. Or maybe he dreamed something?

    Maybe Andrzej didn''t remember and honestly didn''t care. However, it would be nice if he also managed to meet intimately with a woman. It''s been a while since his last affair, and yet he too had needs.

    For now he had to deal with the most pressing issue so he went to the bathroom to relieve himself. He was in the process of doing so when he heard a knock on the door and then Dominik''s voice.

    "Andrzej, I will put the laundry. I want to take your dirty towels!"

    "I''ll get them myself!" He shouted back from the bathroom.

    "Fine!"

    Andrzej felt his penis twitch. He looked at him in surprise. Did he react to Dominik''s voice ...?

    He shuddered a second time as the name flashed into Nowicki''s mind.

    Impossible, after all Dominik is a guy!

    Extremely pretty and sexy, with a seductive look with incredibly aquamarine eyes. It was strange, however, for his body to react to him like this.

    It''s not like I got excited about him, he tried to explain to himself. His member was already excited and Andrzej caressed him for several minutes. It was just a coincidence. Dominik, whom he saw while having sex, became an additional stimulus, but not the cause.

    Everything can be rationally explained, he said as he shot in the toilet bowl.

    The fact, however, remained a fact - Andrzej''s body began to demand the woman''s company.

 Chapter 47 - A Quest For A Black Notebook

    Andrzej took a quick shower, got dressed, and carried the wet towels downstairs. Dominik was in the laundry sorting white on color.

    "In my old age I will be able to boast to my grandchildren that the famous Dominik ?liwi¨½ski did my laundry "Nowicki joked."

    The actor laughed sharply. Andrzej felt strange at this sound.

    "And he made breakfast. Except they may not know my name. Famous now, but in a few years no one may remember me anymore."

    "I don''t think you will soon fall into oblivion."

    "Who knows? Fame is capricious."

    "Believe me, it''s not easy to throw you out of mind."

    Immediately after saying these words, Andrew thought that they might be misunderstood.

    "I meant your acting is in a class of its own."

    "Thank you, but now that I am leaving Marek, I will not be able to stay in his agency. I''ll have to find someone new quickly, or I''ll have to say goodbye to playing."

    Andrzej''s jaw dropped.

    "You are Dominik ?liwi¨½ski. The producers are, I am sure of that, will try to kill themselves for you."

    "Did you see me get any script to look at? It is Marek who has all the arrangements."

    "It may be, but he is not all-powerful. In an interview you yourself said that you work too much. I bet that''s the reason¡­"

    And I would lose, he mentally added.

    Dominik smiled. He looked unconvinced. Was he not as naive as he might seem?

    "For now, your latest movie is being shown in theaters. ''In the light of the accusation'' breaks popularity records" Nowicki noticed. "Nobody in their right mind gives up such a box office star as you."

    ?liwi¨½ski pretended to believe in these arguments, but Andrzej was not deceived. It was unfair to Dominik that one man had such an impact on his private and professional life. This will have to be changed. And fast.

    "Look, I need to go out."

    The actor broke away from putting the towels in the washing machine and looked at him curiously. Although he didn''t ask anything, Andrzej felt obliged to explain.

    "I need to find a suitable partner for you, and I left the notebook with my contacts in my apartment."

    "Black notebook?" Dominik asked with exaggerated seriousness.

    "Don''t be foolish, it''s not America. It is brown."

    "Aaaaah¡­ that changes things. You know, you don''t have to tell me if you want to go out."

    "I know, just ..." Andrzej didn''t quite know what he wanted to say. He was worried about Dominik, that was all. However, he did not want the actor to think that he did not trust his emotional state.

    And yet it just happened. Dominik smiled faintly, gently.

    "Thank you, but I feel really good. It''s true that when I remember¡­" He broke off. "Exactly," he added with an apologetic smile. "Fortunately, I can shake off these thoughts. I promise when you come back I won''t cry on my pillow."

    "I do not¡­"

    "You know, I actually have no preferences for my partner for this party" Dominik changed the subject. "I will trust you completely."

    "I don''t know if I can handle this responsibility."

    "Hey, it was you who offered to take on this task! Will you be back for dinner or not?"

    "I''ll be back. I''m just going for a notebook, not for hunting. Plus, my apartment is only two stops away."

    "Only two?"

    "I''m getting off at the Warszawa Wschodnia Station. By rail is even faster and more convenient than by car."

    "By rail?"

    "Don''t say you didn''t drive rail."

    "Not for quite a few years."

    Andrzej looked at him trying to guess if the actor was telling the truth. Well, he could. A star of his caliber did not have to travel public transportation. Marczak surely took care of a private car and a chauffeur every time ?liwi¨½ski needed to go somewhere.

    "Then someday you''ll have to go for a ride like that."

    Dominik smiled seductively.

    "Then I take your word for it."

    ***

    Only on the train, Andrzej remembered the mess left in his apartment. He sighed at the thought of having to get into this mess and try to find his brown contact notebook.

    These weren''t numbers for his ex-lovers or girlfriends. At least not all of them. Andrzej did not maintain such a collection that would testify to his conquests. Neither he was that type of man, nor would his collection be quite impressive. In the notebook, he had contacts with journalists, less popular stars of show business, people with whom he had encountered his paths and with whom acquaintance could turn out to be beneficial in unforeseen situations - such as finding the right partner for a party for a famous actor.

    The real problem, however, lay not with the girl herself, but with Dominik. Nowickie had no idea if the actor was now able to trust any woman and suspected that he was almost certainly incapable of engaging in erotic intimacy with her, no matter how sexiest she was in the world.

    "Oh, Andrzej," a woman''s familiar voice surprised him. "Are you going back to the old garbage?"

    He smiled at the sight of his young neighbor, Marta, carrying a bag of groceries.

    "Not yet, but soon. Let me help you."

    "Thanks. Like everyday errands and it has accumulated. Tell me, how are you?" She called the elevator.

    "All good. I quit my job."

    "What? Really? Congratulations" she rejoiced. "I know how much you didn''t like her. So what now, private activity?"

    "As if. I''m going to work with one actor a little."

    "You have to tell me everything. You have time? Come to me for a coffee."

    "Actually ..."

    "Do not be like this! We are only the two with Ewelina all day long and we need a different company. Don''t make me ask."

    "Fine. I need a change of scenery."

    They were already in the apartment and Andrzej was putting her shopping on the table.

    "Ewelina, we have a visitor! It''s Andrzej!"

    "I''ll be right there," Marta''s roommate replied from behind the door of her room.

    Marta moved closer to Nowicki.

    "You don''t know this from me, because I promised not to tell anyone anything, Ewelina likes you."

    "Seriously?" this information surprised Andrzej.

    Here she is, and he was just wondering how to pick up a girl.

    Suddenly he had an idea.

    "You are not dating anybody now, are you?"

    "I''m not. Why do you ask?"

    "Because I would need a big favor ..."

 Chapter 48 - Andrzejs Brilliant Idea

    The coffee, as usual made by Marta, was very tasty. The girl did not have any culinary talent, so the cookies she served were from the store. It didn''t really matter. The most important thing was that she wanted to listen to him.

    "The man you''re talking about is the friend you are staying with?"

    "You guessed it right. He was in a relationship with this person for a long time and their breakup was very painful for him. He''s out of his mind right now for any romance or social events, but he should be at this party. If you could accompany him then, you would be of great help to him."

    "Is this a wedding? Class reunion?"

    "It will be more formal. You will surely be able to meet many famous people. You see, he is recognizable too, even famous, so to protect the privacy of the person he was with, no one but a small group of people knows they were together. It didn''t work out and that''s all, why should the media feed on their relationship and breakup?"

    ??I suppose so. But it''s kind of silly to go to a party with a complete stranger."

    "I agree, so we could go to the introductory evening. Kind of a double date. What do you think, Ewelina? He turned to the young blonde who had just entered the kitchen. "Would you go out to dinner with me? We will serve as chaperones for these two."

    "Which two? She asked."

    "I am asking Marta to help my colleague in one case. So what, shall we go all together?" He asked, looking from one to the other.

    The girls looked at each other.

    "Actually ..." Marta began.

    Andrzej knew that tone. He breathed a sigh of relief.

    "Great. Ewelina?"

    The girl blushed. She was younger than Marta by two years, so the difference of six years in her eyes made Andrzej a mature man and she probably felt a bit intimidated, but after a moment''s hesitation she agreed.

    Andrzej stayed with them for a few more minutes, discussing the date of the date. Considering all the circumstances, as well as the possibility that Marta and Dominik would not like each other and he would have to look for someone new, Nowicki wanted to organize the meeting as early as possible. So they arranged a double date next Friday.

    Leaving the house this morning, he had never imagined that this day would bring results so quickly, and that it would be so abundant. What was to take him three days, he did in less than one.

    He could really be pleased with himself. He will only have to persuade Dominik to such a meeting. He did not expect it to be extremely difficult, the discussion had to take place anyway. With the support of the girls, however, he was sure that the most difficult part of the task was over.

    Andrzej wondered if ?liwi¨½ski was ever on a normal date? Probably not. He once recalled that Marczak was the first person he fell in love with. They had been dating since he was seventeen or eighteen, and before that, Dominik had no one. Teen girls intimidated him too much, and by the time he really got interested in girls, he was already in Marczak''s hands. With his agent, in order to avoid a scandal, he did not go anywhere purely romantic, so even if they had dinner somewhere in the city, they could not hold hands or give each other a goodbye kiss while in a taxi. So Dominik was twenty-four and had no dating experience. It just had to be changed.

    The idea of ??a double date came to Andrzej suddenly. He did not quite know if it was the best, because he had never been to one himself, but something told him that otherwise there is no point in trying to persuade Dominik to meet a woman. However, if he plays the "be a good friend" card, ?liwi¨½ski will not refuse. In this way, the actor will meet a charming young girl (there is no option that they would not like each other) and Nowicki will have the opportunity to go on a date with the sweet Ewelina.

    This can bear fruit very productively. He made a plan in his head all the way back, and upon crossing the threshold of Dominik''s house he immediately called out with enthusiasm.

    "Good news, I have the perfect girlfriend for you. I set you up on a date."

    "What date?" Dominik leaned out of the kitchen.

    "You know, dinner, wine, walk, etc."

    "Thank you" the actor answered in a completely indifferent tone.

    "Dominik, don''t be like that." Andrzej pretended to be disappointed. "The girl is great, I''ve known her for years. This is not some shouting fan but a vet student. After all, the party you are going to is to save endangered species - just right for her."

    "But it has nothing to do with a date."

    "Hey, you don''t want a girl going to a party with a guy she doesn''t know at all, or do you? You don''t want a companion whom you know nothing about either."

    "We can just meet somewhere and talk ..."

    "This is a date - two people meet outside school or work to talk and get to know each other better."

    "From what you say, our lunches at Paulina''s can also be called dates."

    Andrzej never thought that way. But I guess someone might have thought so. Technically, by his own definition, it might have been a date, but it was just a meeting of two colleagues. Damn, Dominik is too smart!

    "Err ... Not really. The date is a bit more romantic and may end on an intimate side."

    "Are you kidding me!" Dominik exploded "There is no way my meeting with any girl is going to end intimately!"

    This is exactly the reaction Nowicki expected. There was no way this stubborn young actor would agree to go on a date with a woman of his own free will. That''s why a trick was needed.

    "Hey, don''t get so fire up there." Andrzej pretended to be outraged by Dominik''s behavior. "I''m not kidding a bit! Not every date ends like this, and the first one hardly ever ends, but how do you know? You haven''t been to any, have you? Listen, you really should try this. You don''t have to go to bed with her right away, and I would be very disappointed in you if you did, because Marta deserves more respect than sex on the first date. But you said yourself that you had too little private experience because of your work. You were right! That''s why you should, you really should go on a date with a girl."

    "But I''m not interested in girls!"

    "It''s all about the date itself, not a girl" Nowicki brazenly lied. "You haven''t been to any of date either with a girl or a boy. Am I right? Even with him, right?"

    As usual, when the topic came too close to his relationship with Marczak, Dominik''s eyes darkened.

    "I wasn''t," he admitted gloomily, "but ..."

    "Don''t be lame. Besides ... I haven''t been on a date for a long time. Marta, the girl I''m talking about, has a roommate. I really like Ewelina, but we know each other too little and she is a bit shy, so Marta and I thought that maybe we would go on a double date¡­

 Chapter 49 - First Photos

    "Double?" Dominik''s eyelids fluttered.

    "The girls will feel more at ease with mutual support. Both have already agreed. They would be disappointed if none of this came out."

    "I still don''t think it''s for me" the young actor announced but hesitantly.

    "It''s just a new interesting experience and an opportunity to meet nice people" Andrzej assured. "Besides, we already agreed that you should show up with an accompanying person at this charity party. For you this meeting will be a way to get to know Marta, for me it will be an opportunity to get to know Ewelina better."

    Andrzej knew Dominik would give in. The actor stubbornly and firmly claimed that he was absolutely not interested in any women, but allowed himself to be persuaded to go to a party with Nowicki''s friend.

    "All right," ?;iwi¨½ski finally resigned. "Except ..." He blushed to his ears.

    "First we will go to the theater or cinema, then to a restaurant and finally we will take the girls to their apartment along a picturesque route. I have everything planned" Andrzej reassured him.

    Almost everything. He already had the general outline, but he will still have to work on the details.

    "I don''t know why I let you talk me into it" ?liwi¨½ski shook his head resignedly.

    "Because you are a good friend."

    Andrzej patted him on the back. He felt really great. Dominik agreed faster than he could have expected. Nowicki knew that he did it mainly for him, but he did not feel guilty about it. He was absolutely, completely convinced that both of them would do well in this situation. Marta was just perfect for Dominik.

    "I guess there is no need to postpone this meeting. How about this weekend?"

    "This wee..." Dominik''s voice stopped in mid-sentence.

    "Something''s wrong?"

    "No, nothing like that," the actor smiled. "I don''t mind this weekend."

    "Great, I''m calling the girls."

    ***

    Andrzej cleaned the lens of his camera and looked through the camera at ?liwi¨½ski''s salon. He tried a few zooms and how the interior looks in the morning light. He spent a long time on everything. From today it will be his hunting ground.

    He took the first photos for the new album of Dominik at the zoo, quite surreptitiously from his cell phone. They were not masterpieces, but they looked nice in a folder on his computer and their naturalness made them more charming. However, they were a bit lonely and Andrzej finally decided to get down to work and prepare a beautiful collection of photographs for Dominik.

    He wasn''t sure how the actor would react to the camera in his hand. It is true that his profession required performances in front of the camera and photo shoots, but they were part of the work where he did not show his real self, but a created character. How will he relate to the fact that he can be caught at any moment by the watchful eye of the lens? Will he still behave naturally or will he start playing? Will he try to escape from him or will he treat him as if he doesn''t exist? There was no way they could know it until they tried.

    I''ll take him by surprise for a start, he decided.

    He knew the actor was in the kitchen, because he hadn''t shown up yet since he''d gotten in ten minutes ago to wash the dishes. Nowicki crossed the threshold and the first thing he did was a photo.

    "Are you crazy?!" Dominik was upset hearing the sound of the shutter operating.. "You want me to have a heart attack?"

    "Don''t overdo it, it''s just a camera."

    "But you showed up with it so suddenly ... Don''t scare me like that anymore!"

    "No, it''s rather you expect me to walk around with it more from now on," he pointed to his camera. "I promised you photos and I''m going to take some."

    "Don''t be kidding, even when I eat yogurt?"

    "What''s wrong with that? Smile please!"

    Dominik smiled in fact, completely uncomfortable, with a hint of amusement, ostentatiously putting a teaspoon of yogurt in his mouth, in which you could see pieces of strawberries. Whether he was doing it on purpose or not, he was so sexy at the moment that it seemed indecent.

    What the hell is in this guy? Andrzej swallowed.

    "Want some?" ?liwi¨½ski suggested, holding out a mug in his direction.

    Nowicki took one more photo.

    "Actually, I feel like it."

    "Get yourself one from the fridge. I brought a new portion today."

    "Have you been shopping? When?"

    "In the morning, while you were still sleeping."

    Andrzej''s hand hung on the refrigerator door. He was so surprised he couldn''t make his voice heard.

    Dominik put another teaspoon of yogurt in his mouth. He looked pleased with himself.

    "And how was it?" Nowicki asked when he finally regained the ability to speak.

    "I guess¡­ normal. I mean ... just like everyone else does the shopping. Several children were pointing their fingers at me, one old lady would not let me leave the store ..."

    "No, it''s not normal," muttered Andrzej.

    "Fortunately, the saleswoman was the same as always and saved me from this lady. She stated that she needs to help regular customers."

    Sitting down opposite Dominik Nowicki smiled proudly. He really felt as if he had witnessed his younger brother break through his restraints. Maybe it was not the climb of Mont Everest, but for ?liwi¨½ski even the Mount Kosciuszko was too steep so far.

    "It really wasn''t a big deal," Dominik blushed and looked down.

    "These little steps should also make you happy. I am" Andrzej assured very pleased.

    The more so recently, the actor was unable to get out of bed.

    "Do you think we could still go somewhere with Paulina and Martynka?" Dominik asked timidly. "I had a really good time then ..."

    "Why are you asking me? You have Paulina''s number."

    "I know but¡­"

    "On Wednesday Martynka started school, but I will give my hand cut in bet that meeting you will be more important to her than any study."

    "Exactly, I don''t want to disturb her learning."

    "School is five days a week. Weekends are still free."

    Dominik raised his eyes glittering with a smile.

    "Right. Will you stop photographing me?"

    "No way! The lens loves you. If you want to know, I''m going to follow you with camera all the time."

    "Not that I am not used to taking pictures of me," he sighed. "Only this time they won''t be out of hiding, I hope."

    "From hiding - no, but by surprise ... Better beware, because you don''t know the day or the hour. Who knows, maybe I''ll sell your photos in shorts for a tabloid."

    "You will not do this ..."

    "I don''t know, I would get good money for them. Or not," Andrzej had a better idea. "I''ll post an ad on the internet and sell it to some horny fan who will put it at the center of her altar!"

    "This is not funny."

    "No?" Nowicki took another photo of Dominik.

    "If you don''t stop, I''ll take your camera!"

    "I want to see you try."

    "Give ... me ... this ..." Dominik leaned across the table. Andrzej avoided his hand at the last moment and jumped up from his chair.

    "Ho ho!" He exclaimed, amused, running to the living room. "Someone is showing claws."

    "You are horrible!" Dominik chased after him.

    "Not at all! I''m just doing my job!" Andrzej separated himself from ?liwi¨½ski with a sofa.

    "The nasty paparazzi!"

    "Ha, not so much" he laughed again by a hair, avoiding Dominik''s hand "I''m doing this on your request."

    "Then you should listen to me!"

    "Not if you change your mind every few minutes."

    "I change my mind?" The actor paused. "When?"

    "You wanted to have natural photos, photos that capture the moments of your life. So I''m going to catch these moments."

    "I''ve got you" Dominik took advantage of Nowicki''s moment of inattention and grabbed his camera. Andrzej, trying to dodge at the last moment, lost his balance and dragged Dominik with him.

    The actor fell straight at him.

    For a few heartbeats their faces were so close Andrzej lost his vision. The situation was strangely familiar. Then it had a rather unexpected end.¡­"

 Chapter 50 - Photographer And Actor

    "I''m sorry" Dominik jumped to his feet. "Nothing happened to you?"

    "Nothing," Andrzej Nowicki replied, standing up and instinctively brushing off his pants. He checked the equipment right away. "The camera is intact too."

    "That''s good. I wouldn''t want it damaged. You seem to like it."

    "Yes. It''s not the newest, but it serves me well. I bought it while still in college. Do you want to try?"

    "What? Take a picture?"

    "Try it, it''s easy." He removed the strap from his neck and handed the equipment to Dominik.

    ?liwi¨½ski turned it in his hands, examining it from all sides. Finally, he put it to his eye and aimed the lens at Andrzej.

    "The world looks different in this way," he said with a hint of surprise in his voice. "The field of view is limited, but somehow focused."

    He took a picture of Andrzej.

    "Hey, I meant rather still life, not me" Nowicki seemed a bit uncomfortable.

    "Hm, I''d like to keep this photo. Maybe the sharpness is not the best, but it''s my first in years. Can you do this for me? Can you print them?" Dominik returned the camera to the owner.

    "Are you sure you don''t want to do another? I am not a photogenic object."

    "I photographed what rolled under the lens," he replied emphatically. "I am an artist of an art other than photography."

    No, Andrzej commented in his mind, you yourself are an art.

    "I am curious how you got this photo ", Nowicki announced.

    "If you want," Dominik''s voice was tentative and shy "you can take pictures of me whenever you want. Just¡­ not when I''m in the shower."

    "You prefer baths anyway. Are you saying that I can photograph you during them?"

    "The tub is full of foam, so you won''t capture anything interesting anyway."

    A picture of Eros emerging from the same froth as Aphrodite flashed into Andrzej''s mind. He might not have seen much, but such a scene surely excited the imagination.

    Nowicki cleared his throat to clear his clenched throat.

    "Let''s make the bedroom and bathroom areas free from taking pictures," he suggested.

    "Agreed."

    But is it really a good idea to exclude the bedroom as well? Dominik, immersed in bedding, presented himself in such a way that any producer of pillows, quilts, beds and bedding would hire him for advertising.

    "You haven''t told me yet how your last meeting at the editorial office went" the young actor noticed.

    "Because there is nothing to talk about. Nobody was surprised, nobody tried to stop me. Everyone knew it was a matter of time."

    "So what now? Private studio?"

    "Studio not yet. For now, I will want to send out a few works to advertising agencies."

    "And what kind of photos do you send there? Portraits? Still life?"

    "Various, although mainly portraits and artistic compositions. Although I haven''t worked with too many models lately."

    Dominik looked at him shyly.

    "You think I could help you with this?"

    "What do you mean?"

    "You are a good photographer, I really think so. You could do a professional session for me. Remember, I offered you this once."

    "Yes" Andrzej perfectly remembered that day and how everything had become complicated since then.

    "There are moments in my life and photos that I would like to have for myself as a reminder that I once existed as a human," Dominik continued, "but I cannot forget that my job is to pretend. It''s a bit strange to have two faces ..."

    "Not at all," said Andrzej. They talked about it before. "Being a personal photographer of Dominik ?liwi¨½ski will look great in my resume."

    "So let''s make it official. You know, a private photographer will sell well for me, and it will be a good explanation for why we live together."

    Is he worried about his reputation or ... about mine?

    "Why not?" Andrzej agreed. ??You will show me your old portfolio and we will discuss in what style you would like to have new photos. You will give your suggestions, I will give mine, and together we will work on something new and interesting. So what do you think about this?"

    "I think that we should start right away!"

    ***

    It was strange to look at the photos of Dominik from a few years ago, a charming boy who in some photos appeared like the purest angel, while in others he had the confident smile of a naughty boy. However, they all had one thing in common - a penetrating gaze that pierced the very center of the soul, making it uneasy. Although clearly posed, the pictures showed the truth. The lens loved Dominik, who in front of the lens turned into even the most extreme personalities.

    Taking pictures of ?liwi¨½ski was not an challenge. Any idiot with a camera in his hand could make a masterpiece, because the object was so graceful that it was impossible to spoil the work with a bad technique.

    "How should I behave on a date?" Dominik asked suddenly. Nothing foreshadowed this question, the actor simply looked at the photos in Andrzej''s company.

    "Naturally" Nowicki answered without taking his eyes off him. "Be yourself and everything will work fine."

    "I don''t want to be myself," he replied. "I don''t want strangers to know the real me."

    "Hey, they''re not all bad."

    "But they all pretend and want to gain an advantage over the others" Dominik replied simply.

    "Well, not all ..." Andrzej Nowicki felt a bit offended by the statement of the young actor, although he knew perfectly well that he himself did not have a clear conscience.

    "Should I be charming or rather rude?" Dominik pushed in front of Andrzej two photos corresponding to the verbal description. "How about conservative?" he shifted the third between them.

    He is preparing for this date as for a role, Nowicki thought with a hint of bitterness.

    "None of the above and all of them together. Don''t take it as a film role. Get carried away by the moment. A date has a certain scenario, but you can''t predict what the other person will say at any given moment. You''ll have to improvise a lot. You are always charming, you are conservative on every occasion when you are in a company other than mine. As for the bad boy, forgive me, but I can''t imagine you like that."

    ?liwi¨½ski looked discouraged.

    "Being yourself does not mean revealing yourself completely to others" Nowicki added hesitantly. "The point is not to be fake."

    "I see," Dominik ?liwi¨½ski admitted, a little hesitantly.

    "Before every first date with a new person, you get nervous. Eventually, they may not fit together at all."

    "I know she doesn''t suit me" the young actor announced honestly.

    "I''m not looking for a girlfriend for you," Andrzej lied. A boy really should forget his gay relationship with his ex-manager and try with a woman. "You need a party companion, and she knows it. Marta has a nice appearance, is intelligent and has an interesting personality. Believe me, she''s not counting on an affair either. That doesn''t mean you can''t have a good time."

    "Right," Dominik admitted without conviction.

    But it bothers him, thought Andrzej, the whole situation. Does he worry because he has to meet strangers or go to a party? Or maybe he is so irritated that he is going to meet a woman?

 Chapter 51 - Find His Real Self

    Exactly what was stressing Dominik so much?

    Probably every reason that came to Andrzej''s head, and maybe even a few more. Yeah, probably everything, photograph sighed mentally. If, since he was a teenager, the only person in his life was Marczak, who had total power over him and isolated him from the world, each new meeting and experience will be stressful for him. I''m not pushing him too much, are I?

    Andrzej looked at Dominik sitting next to him. The actor gave the impression of being focused on his task, which was somewhat unnatural, as if he was putting in more effort than necessary.

    Maybe I am asking too quickly and too much of him. After all, Dominik experienced something very shocking recently.

    "Look, if you don''t want to go to this meeting, I can cancel it" Andrzej suggested. He didn''t want to see the suffering in that face again.

    "No, it''s all arranged. We will go."

    "But ..."

    Dominik smiled gently, though a little sadly.

    "I can''t spend my whole life escaping from people. I must finally stop being afraid of them."

    "But if it''s too fast ..."

    "I can handle it," he said. "I did play much more difficult roles in the movies. I know that I have to be myself, but I can''t really say who I am, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski. How much me is in me and how much is Mark''s creation. The more I think about our past, the more I see how much I have done against myself. I got so used to it that I finally forgot who I really am."

    This confession hurt. How much did Dominik have to think about his past and present to draw such bitter, though probably true, conclusions? How much bitterness must he have felt when he realized that everything he is now could actually be false?

    "That''s why I want to experience the new," the actor added decisively. "I want to start over and find out what I really like, not what I was taught to like. I don''t know what I''ll discover and it scares me a bit, but I want to try. I want to discover real me."

    Andrzej was impressed by his words. ?liwi¨½ski seemed weak and delicate, but in fact he was a very strong and brave man. His confession impressed Nowicki. If he had been under someone''s total domination for so many years, he probably wouldn''t have found enough heroism to start living anew.

    Who knows what he will find along the way? There is a chance that he will really discover that women are quite attractive and his orientation will change throughout his life.

    "Why are you looking at me like that?" Dominik was confused. A scarlet blush covered his face. "I said something stupid, right?"

    "No" now Andrzej felt embarrassed. He did not know how to react to what ?liwi¨½ski said. "I think ... you''re already halfway to your destination."

    Although still flushed, Dominik smiled brightly. He may not know himself and only try to discover himself, but Andrzej knew one thing - this smile is completely sincere, flowing from the depths of ?liwi¨½ski''s being and made him a big, hot sun in the hearts of people who looked at him.

    ***

    Until the very moment of the first meeting between Dominik and the girls, Andrzej was not sure if he was doing right not to reveal to Marta the name of her dating partner. He didn''t do it for two reasons - first, he didn''t want her to expect too much of a future meeting with someone so famous, and second, he wanted Dominik to have as ordinary experiences as possible while being him. He sincerely hoped that not revealing a famous name too soon would help.

    Dominik was nervous about this date. Over the past few days, he has expressed it more than once. Nowicki had never seen him so touched and uncertain, sometimes he considered even his friend''s clumsy behavior charming. The actor has had many public appearances and conversations with Hollywood celebrities, while the thought of a double date awaiting him could hardly keep his cool and his cheeks were burning with excitement almost all the time.

    Now, as they stood in front of the girls'' apartment, dressed very nicely, though without exaggerated elegance, he began to take on a facade that would allow him to get through this evening.

    Andrzej knew that everything would go very well. Dominik knew his role today, as did the girls. Marta knew the first name of her date and that it is one of the headlines, so the shock of seeing ?liwi¨½ski should not be too big for her. He had known her for several years and knew that she would be able to act naturally. She was forewarned that Dominik had just broken up with someone, so her gentleness and tact would not allow her to ask too personal questions. Anyway, for her and ?liwi¨½ski it was supposed to be, first of all, a meeting. Neither of them expected this relationship to turn into something more. These hopes belonged exclusively to Andrzej.

    Dominik has never been on a date, but the characters he played - yes. It is true that on the set, if something does not work out, it is repeated until the desired effect is achieved, Nowicki was firmly convinced that his friend would do well. After all, he already knew him well enough to make such assumptions with certainty.

    He smiled at ?liwi¨½ski, wanting to cheer him up. As their eyes met, the actor''s face took on a calm expression.

    "You can do it," said Andrzej.

    "Yes, I know" Dominik smiled subtly. He really looked lovely in a beige shirt and a light coffee and milk jacket. In his hand he was holding a beautiful orange rose intended for Martha. If the girl does not fall in love with him immediately at the sight, she must be blind.

    Paulina once said that every man deserves love. She was probably right, as always. But if so, then Dominik deserved it in particular - a normal, sincere and affectionate love, free from selfishness.

    "Are you feeling confident?" Andrzej asked half-jokingly.

    "No," he replied in a completely relaxed tone. "I trust your judgment."

    Andrzej had heard Dominik say more than once that he was trusted by him, but these words always filled him with pride and joy. In such a short time, the acquaintance of the two had a special kind of closeness - a really sincere friendship.

    "So what?" Nowicki bared his teeth in a smile. "Are we ringing the doorbell??

    "Do the honors."

    They didn''t wait long when Marta appeared in the doorway. Andrzej had just expected it. Usually Ewelina could never prepare herself on time and it was Marta who almost always did honor to the lady of the house. She opened the door with a smile that died on her lips in an expression of surprise as her eyes met ?liwi¨½ski.

 Chapter 52 - This Date Had A Rather Unexpected Course

    "Hi Marta, let me introduce you - Marta - Dominik, Dominik - Marta."

    The girl remained mute for five heartbeats, then smiled very politely and invited them inside.

    "I''m sorry" sighed Dominik, crossing the threshold "it looks like Andrzej forgot to mention that you are about to meet me."

    "Nothing happened," she said, although her nervous tone said otherwise. "I''m very surprised, it''s true, but I''m glad. If I had known, I would never have agreed."

    "So then maybe ..." he began hesitantly.

    Marta realized how he read her words.

    "No, no," she said quickly. "I mean, I''d chick out. But now¡­ I think I can do it somehow."

    "You would chickened out? Because of me?" Dominik asked, completely surprised.

    Her face began to change, and finally Marta struggled to hold back a laugh.

    "Sorry, I ... I just really like watching you in the movies and I would never expect ... sorry."

    Dominik looked at her confused but at last and he began to smile more and more. It was not his ''lover''s'' smile but a natural one, a bit shy and absolutely seductive.

    "To be honest, I wasn''t sure if I should be here tonight either" he admitted. "But if you don''t mind, I''d be honored to spend this evening with you," Dominik handed her the rose.

    Marta stopped laughing. Her eyes grew larger and larger as they looked at Dominik, and they were filled with delight. She accepted the flower and it wobbled as if from the tremor of her hand. Andrzej knew that she had just been conquered and felt satisfaction with a bit of sadness.

    "With¡­ with pleasure," she replied.

    "Maybe you''ll stop being so official?" Andrzej cut in irritably. "I know you don''t know each other much, but don''t spoil the atmosphere with gentlemen and ladies. By the way, where is Ewelina?"

    "I''m here," she announced, leaving her room, as if just waiting for someone to mention her name. She was wearing a strappy dress with a neckline deep enough to emphasize her feminine qualities.

    Andrzej smiled at the sight of her. When a girl puts on something so sexy, she''s definitely hoping to seduce her partner.

    "Hi, Ewelina. You look deadly gorgeous. Please" she accepted the rose that Andrzej handed her, identical to the one that Marta was holding in her hand. But her eyes were irresistibly drawn to Dominik.

    "Thank you" she smiled flirtatiously more towards ?liwi¨½ski than Nowicki.

    Andrzej suddenly felt that this evening might not be so successful for him. Although he was handsome himself, he was far from the handsomest and sexiest Polish actor in the last two years.

    He cursed silently. When Marta told him that Ewelina liked him, he took it for granted that the girl wanted to meet him. He had not thought that she would change the object of her interests so quickly. It was too late now, and all he could do about it was to swallow the bitter pill - or try to fight for it.

    Er, no, he thought to himself. Ewelina was sexy, but he lost the desire for an intimate meeting with someone who was acting as frivolously as she was.

    With a light heart and without the slightest regret, he made the presentation. Maybe he will not go out with Ewelina today, but it is better to give up before the fact than get a painful burn during attempt that was doomed to failure.

    Ewelina was dazzled, of course. Which girl wouldn''t be in the company of such a big star? In fact, he even felt sorry for her, because Dominik had shown her nothing but pure politeness. From the very first moment it was obvious that he would not be paying her as much attention as she would expect and her charms did not make the slightest impression on him. Poor girl.

    Marta, however, clearly won the actor''s sympathy. They were both very uncomfortable, which brought them together and allowed them to break the first ice. Andrzej watched with growing heart as they walked side by side, talking a little shyly, but without too much restrictions.

    The show they went to was in its third season, and although it wasn''t a hit, the venue was almost full. Nowicki deliberately chose a modernist, intelligent comedy. He, Dominik and Marta had a lot of fun on her, only Ewelina gave the impression that she was not catching the joke. Andrzej felt sorry for the girl again, but not too much. If she remembered who her partner was on this date, he would have made her time pleasant, and she had what she deserved. It might not have been noble of him, but it did give satisfaction to a wounded male pride.

    Over the pizza they ate in one of the best Italian restaurants in town, he took pity on Ewelina and involved her in conversation. However, she did not show him due gratitude and interest, so Andrzej definitely put a line on her and began to observe the developing relationship between Dominik and Marta.

    They fit together, even physically. Although she was a few centimeters taller than him, it did not make a negative impression, and Dominik was never bothered by his own height. Her hair was shorter than his and a few shades darker. With ?liwi¨½ski even beautiful women paled, but knowing that, Marta did not care about her appearance, did not adjust her makeup or hairstyle every now and then, and had a good conversation. The evening, which Andrzej was so afraid of for Dominik, was pleasant and the photographer was really pleased with it - despite the fact that he and Ewelina did not work out.

    Theater, dinner and a walk - that was the plan and they managed to complete it to the end. It was almost midnight when they were taking the girls home. It looked like the evening was successful for Dominik and Marta, which meant the success of the mission for Andrzej.

    ***

    "We have a beautiful night tonight" Dominik remarked as they stepped out onto the street.

    "It''s actually quite pretty," admitted Andrzej. Personally, he did not pay attention to such details, but the company of ?liwi¨½ski made him look at the sky. There were no stars to be seen, yet Prague District looked even nice in the lights of neon and street lamps.

    "Do trains run at this time?"

    "Yes, but less often. Why do you ask?"

    "Could we come back by train? You said it was only two stations."

    Andrzej looked at him suspiciously.

    "You don''t have enough impressions for one day?"

    "No. I''m a bit tired, but it was a really enjoyable evening. Let''s extend it a little longer," ?liwi¨½ski asked.

    "As you wish. We should have our next train in forty minutes."

    How strange it was that Dominik wanted to stay away longer. At first he was very embarrassed by the company of the girls, but he quickly relaxed. Andrzej knew that he didn''t allow himself to be completely exposed to them, but the whole date was not just a game on his part.

    "Thank you for tonight. And I''m sorry."

    "Huh?" Andrzej did not realize what he meant.

    "You talked me into today and I had a really good time. It was a completely new, intriguing experience. It is a pity that you ran out of luck with Ewelina."

    "Oh, that''s what you mean."

    They walked side by side without looking in their direction. Nowicki was really sorry that Ewelina was paying attention to Dominik all evening and not to him, but such behavior of the girl only made him lose the desire to have sex with her. He understood that ?liwi¨½ski was a star of great caliber, but she could have acted with a little more tact.

    "I know you have your needs" Dominik continued, seeming indifferent "and I stood in the way."

    "It''s not like that" Andrzej did not understand why he felt uncomfortable. "If I wasn''t too good for her, I really don''t want to deal with her."

    "That''s because she couldn''t see what is really valuable" Dominik noticed.

    This simple sentence, uttered under the glare of street lamps and neon lights, made something flutter in Andrzej''s heart for some reason.

    Why did Nowicki get the impression that they are still on a date?

 Chapter 53 - Simple Conversation On An Extraordinary Evening

    This was because they were both still in a dating mood, Andrzej immediately explained to himself. They were both nicely dressed, at a performance, at dinner, and on a walk that they now continued. A walk through the almost completely empty streets of this big, noisy city. These were just remnants of the mood that had formed while they were with the girls and hadn''t quite faded away yet. There was absolutely nothing else to be found here. And Dominik''s compliment? After all, Nowicki knew what a young actor was like. Surely he just wanted to cheer up a discouraged friend who was disappointed by a failed date.

    After all, with someone like Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, about ninety-nine percent of the male population of the world looked pale. Probably after the decimal it would be fine to add two nines too. Dominik was simply unrivaled.

    "Let''s not lie to ourselves" Andrzej smiled vaguely. "When it comes to appearance, money and fame, it''s hard to compete with you."

    "It is true that you are not so famous and you do not have as much money as I do, but your look is flawless. You have very nice, noble features, but unlike me, a very masculine appearance. I really think you are attractive ... I mean, you have all the necessary conditions ..."

    Andrzej felt embarrassed. Does the guy say such compliments to the guy? But he was starting to fart the rainbow himself, so he couldn''t really blame Dominik.

    But it''s not like that. that Dominik really finds him attractive? Could this beautiful man envy his height and more masculine features? Impossible!

    "Er ... thanks" Nowicki thanked confused.

    "I didn''t want to embarrass you," added ?liwi¨½ski quickly. "I just think that Ewelina ... is a bit empty. Sorry, I shouldn''t be saying that, I don''t know her at all, but that''s my impression."

    "I think she is," Nowicki admitted resignedly. "Not that I was interested in her personality ..."

    "So you don''t really care about her?"

    "Yesterday I thought maybe I could try with her. After all, love at first sight only happens in fairy tales. I thought that we would spend time together, get to know each other better and maybe something will come of it. Marta mentioned that Ewelina liked me, so I thought I would give myself a chance. Nothing more."

    In fact, it was even less, but somehow he didn''t want to admit it to Dominik.

    In fact, Andrzej was all about sex.

    He hadn''t been with any woman for too long, and he needed this type of close-up. He could hold out for several months in abstinence, but he was not a chastity priest, so he did not mind an adventure from time to time. He chose Ewelina because Marta said she liked him and she was within reach. He didn''t have to look for her. He thought that two or three nice meetings, a romantic atmosphere and the girl would want to sleep with him herself. He felt disappointed that none of it would work, because she was very attractive, but he was far from despairing about it. He will always be able to relieve himself.

    Dominik was walking strangely quiet and Andrzej looked at him worried.

    "Way are you so silent?"

    "I''m thinking about what you just said. You really think so?"

    "About what I said?" Nowicki asked, trying to remember, because his mind wandered into the realms of sex.

    "About first love. That you don''t believe in her", explained ?liwi¨½ski.

    "Oh, that. Yes. In fact, I don''t think I believe in love at all.

    "You''ve never really been in love?" Dominik asked shyly, looking up at Andrzej. He was clearly curious, but he didn''t seem to want to be tactless.

    "Never" photographer admited.

    "And you didn''t want to be?"

    "Not that man has a choice in this matter."

    "But if you could" Dominik insisted.

    "Maybe, someday," Andrzej laughed nervously. "When I was ten years younger, I probably wanted to fall in love. Somehow it didn''t work out."

    "What do you think she should be ... the one¡­?"

    "The one?"

    "Yes."

    "Hmm, difficult question" Andrzej pondered. "She must be pretty to start with. Not according to the usual canons of beauty, she may have a crooked nose, even squint, as long as the whole thing fits pleasantly to my eye."

    "And if she''s beautiful for everyone?"

    "Then I would probably be afraid that she would not be only mine. Besides, a sex bomb like this probably has a difficult personality, and a woman should be nice to me."

    "Nice?"

    "I like strong women, but as friends. My chosen one should be nice and gentle so that she will not push me away when I want to cuddle her in my arms. Such a fragile little princess."

    "So you''re the romantic type."

    "Probably so. It''s hard not to be one when you work in this profession."

    A soft chuckle reached Nowicki''s ears.

    "Why are you laughing at me?" he asked angrily. "Who said that guy can not be romantic?"

    "Nobody, I absolutely didn''t mean it, just ... Ever since I met you, you seem to me like a knight in shining armor. The way you rushed to help me¡­ I will never forget it. It was very chivalrous."

    "You''re exaggerating."

    "No!" ?liwi¨½ski assured him hotly. "You are chivalrous, really, and I guess like a real prince on a white horse you really like a little princess," he added softly, resignedly.

    It is true that Andrzej did not consider himself a brave knight, let alone a prince from some fairy tale, but was it wrong to dream of a delicate partner who needed his support? After all, not every woman in the world had to be strong and independent like Paulina or Marta. And not every one was. Lots of women were delicate and fragile. Ewelina, for example, was his type, if not for the fact that she wanted to jump into another man''s arms so easily. Perhaps he should add that his ideal type is also that she should be loyal and constant in feelings?

    But it was a simple, meaningless conversation that was held solely to pass the time they had until the train left. So in such a light, natural tone he asked:

    "Do you have your ideal?

    "No, not really," Dominik replied rather evasively, and immediately changed the subject. "It''s really nice September. I hope the whole fall will be similar."

    "Yes" admitted Nowicki accepting the change of subject for the fact "me too."

 Chapter 54 - Threats

    Andrzej was not expecting any guests and he was sure that Dominik was not expecting anyone either, so the doorphone bell surprised him. Since the actor was upstairs, Nowicki stopped washing the dishes and went to check who had come.

    There was a young, sexy woman in front of the gate, dressed almost like a clerk. She was wearing a navy blue suit and her blonde hair was pinned up in a high bun.

    Dominik was just going down the stairs, so Andrzej decided to verify the information with him.

    "Are you expecting a visit from some clerk?"

    "No. What, someone came?" He was concerned. "What office?"

    "I have no idea. She looks like a tax office."

    "Tax office? After all, the settlements were made until the end of April. I''ve already got my tax refund."

    "Did you have a return?"

    "I had" Dominik went to the door to see the guest. "She''s not a clerk. This is a girl from my agency."

    "So you know her?"

    "Quite well," the actor opened the door. "Mrs. Shmidt, what a surprise. What brings you here?"

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, we need to talk seriously."

    Andrzej did not miss the fact that he did not say "nice" with the word surprise, or that Dominik was looking at her with a stony expression on his face. It is true that he decided to invite her inside, but Nowicki was not able to read what their professional relationships might have been.

    The woman silently passed Andrzej not giving him a single look. This irritated him, but he tried not to show it.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, the issues that I want to discuss with you are professional and¡­ quite delicate. I think it would be better if we spoke without third parties.

    "There is no such need," the actor smiled gently. "Andrzej knows all the nuances of my relations with my manager. Allow me to introduce: Andrzej Nowicki, photographer and friend, and this is Mrs. Anita Shmidt, Marek Marczak''s assistant."

    That would explain her hostility, Andrzej thought, aloud saying how nice it is for him to meet her. The woman appraised him.

    "All of them?" she made sure.

    Dominik turned a blush.

    "All of them," he admitted quietly.

    "I don''t think so. I don''t think you know about all of them either, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski. That''s why I came here. Please." She pulled some documents out of her briefcase and handed them to him.

    "My contract? I do not understand¡­"

    "It is impossible not to notice that there is a misunderstanding between you and my boss. I don''t know what happened, but Mr. Marczak is furious with your article. The agency is called by journalists and you don''t answer the phone yourself. Your speech, which was not consulted with the manager, caused a lot of confusion. Our press office is unable to confirm or deny rumors, which weakens our credibility and makes us a laughing stock. Mr. Marczak is threatening that if you do not behave professionally, he will have to admit that you are not complying with the terms of the contract. Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, your contract says that if the cooperation is broken because of your fault, you will have to pay Mr. Marczak one million.

    "Million¡­?"

    Dominik sat down heavily on the couch. Even Andrzej felt overwhelmed by the amount of the compensation. But when the meaning of all the assistant''s words struck him, he felt an indescribable anger.

    "Whose fault ...?" He growled furiously.

    How could Marczak, even for a moment, hold Dominik responsible for the fact that their cooperation was no longer going well?

    "Andrzej ... Andrzej, come on" ?liwi¨½ski tried to stop him. "Private matters are different from professional matters ..."

    "And this party was private or professional ?!" He exploded.

    Dominik paled at the mere mention. The hand he reached out to grasp the sleeve of Andrzej''s shirt dropped.

    The assistant did not take her eyes off ?liwi¨½ski and she probably started to guess something.

    "Has¡­ my boss done something¡­ wicked?"

    Nowicki cleared his throat uncertainly. He did not know how much the girl knew about the private relations between the actor and his manager, just like Dominik himself. On the other hand, if she knew about the romance between them, she couldn''t be sure what Andrzej knew, so she couldn''t ask freely either. The situation was in a sense a stalemate.

    Out of the corner of his eye he saw that Dominik was having a hard time dealing with the situation. Either the weight of the memories was too heavy, or the new blow inflicted by Marczak made the actor hug his arms.

    "I won''t let him," he said softly but firmly. His body began to tremble, but it looked more from anger than pain. "I won''t let him destroy me. If he blackmailed me with this contract, I will prove whose fault I''m breaking him on. Andrzej, you still have these photos, right?"

    "Yes," he admitted.

    "Good. You can tell him if he doesn''t let me go," he turned to Marczak''s assistant. "I''ll put him in jail. And if he doesn''t believe that I will be able to sacrifice my career, you can tell him I don''t care. I''ll never let him use me again. Never!"

    "I see," the assistant gritted her teeth and sighed. "And ... I''m so sorry. Whatever my boss did ... I''m sorry."

    "It''s not your fault. Sorry for the trouble I caused the agency, but I''m not going to work with you any more. As an official reason for terminating our cooperation we can say it was... a change in the perception of my future professional career. This is actually true."

    "But it''s not just that, is it?"

    "Unofficial?" Dominik smiled sadly. "It seems that we have different points of view not only in terms of my work. He just¡­ went one step to far."

    "I''m sorry," she repeated, sympathetic. Andrzej was surprised to find that Shmidt was looking at him with the eyes of a stern teacher. "Please take care of Mr. ?liwi¨½ski. I am a fan of his talent and would not like to see him disappear from the scene. Please take care of yourself" she returned to Dominik. "I''ll pass your decision on to the president."

    "Thank you."

    When Andrzej closed the door behind her, he approached ?liwi¨½ski and stood in front of him.

    "Are you sure?"

    "No," Dominik admitted without looking up. "But the only alternative I see is to go back to him, and I can''t take it."

    "Marczak is dangerous. He may have ties to the criminal world."

    "I know. For seven years he treated me like his mascot and guys talk in bed."

    "Aren''t you afraid he might want to silence you?"

    "Probably there is a possibility that he will try, but ... He knows I won''t make a move against him unless I''m desperate." He should have left me alone, I''m harmless after all, but¡­" He suddenly looked up. There was real terror in his eyes.

    "What is it?" Andrzej was influenced by his anxiety.

    "You should move out. You come too close to me¡­"

    "What? I should leave you alone? Now, when you declared war to Marczak?"

    "He won''t do anything to me, but you are an uncomfortable witness. If you continue to get involved, Marek may try to do something ..."

    "Something other than a little search in my apartment?" Andrzej snorted contemptuously. "Maybe he thought I was a naive, but I will not be intimidated."

    "A little search in you apartment?" Dominik asked softly, anxiously. "What are you talking about?"

 Chapter 55 - When The Enemy Is Too Dangerous ...

    Nowicki sighed. He felt stupid that he had blown himself out so easily.

    "When I went to get my things, my apartment looked like someone was sending me a message. I got acquainted with her and that was the end of it."

    "It means¡­?"

    "I mean, don''t worry about it. I''m not as clumsy as you might think."

    "But ..."

    The concern in the look and voice of Dominik, although they embarrassed Andrzej, also pleased him. Instead of himself, the boy was worried about him. It was so warm that he couldn''t help but smile on his lips. Besides, he didn''t even want to resist this smile.

    "Everything will be fine" he assured the young actor in a reassuring voice. ?Marczak knows that if I really wanted to harm him, I would have done it already, and so have you. He may be short-tempered, but he''s no idiot. Neither are we. All we want from him is peace of mind. It probably won''t cost him too much."

    Apart from the departure of ?liwi¨½ski, the leading star of his agency. However, if he plays it wisely, he may even benefit from it. If what Duda said that winning the role for Dominik is getting more and more difficult, Marczak will be able to proudly say that he has got rid of the problematic star who, without his brilliant manager, should learn the bitterness of the film world and cool down.

    It is ?liwi¨½ski who will be put in an uncomfortable, if not difficult situation. With his departure from the agency, he should change his behavior towards his colleagues from the industry and show that his earlier unavailability was due not to his ill will, but to the arrangements between him and the manager. That is why this party was so important.

    Dominik''s eyes never left his. The unease in them just couldn''t just fade away. Andrzej began to feel confusion under this gaze. It was so unnatural that Dominik had to worry about him and so¡­ moving.

    "Everything will be fine, you''ll see," he assured him gently.

    The actor looked away sharply. Nowicki had the impression that at that moment his expression was changing.

    "Yes, you are right" ?liwi¨½ski agreed, standing up and disappearing from his sight.

    Why is he running away so suddenly? Andrzej wondered. Was he feeling bad?

    "Dominik?"

    "Sorry, bathroom."

    Was he really feeling unwell? Recently it seemed that everything was back on track, Dominik was laughing, joking and even having a double date very boldly.

    Only that all of this happened before Marczak''s next attack.

    He followed him and knocked on the guest bathroom door.

    "Dominik!"

    "Give me a moment."

    "If you feel unwell ..."

    "I''m better now."

    "But ... Oh, okay. But if anything is not right, just call, okay?"

    "Yea. I will!"

    Andrzej stood undecided for a moment, but Dominik was entitled to a bit of privacy. The actor didn''t sound like he was about to faint, so maybe the stress affected his intestines and ?liwi¨½ski just felt the usual biological discomfort?

    In any case, should anything happen, Dominik knew that Andrzej was outside, who was always ready to help him.

    ***

    Dominik was breathing hard. Painful thoughts attacked his mind and heart. He was afraid, he was really afraid for Andrzej.

    He didn''t want the whole situation to take such a turn, he just didn''t think that he might put Andrzej in some dangerous situation. The photographer went to his aid without hesitation, and from then on he looked after and supported him, he gave so much that Dominik did not know if he would ever be able to express his gratitude in full, but because of all this Nowicki got involved in a situation that could turn out to be very dangerous. It''s true, Poland is not America or any third world country where passion drives subsequent crimes, but someone has already made a mess in his apartment - probably on behalf of Marek. Someone broke into the place where Andrzej lives, violated his private zone and who knows what would happened if the photographer was inside?

    Marczak had contacts with the criminal world, that was certain. Dominik never asked about anything, but it happened that in his arms Marczak mentioned something about "getting things done". Usually then, within a week or ten days, the newspaper gave more or less sensational news about the resignation of a politician or chairman of the board, about a minister''s romance or the addiction of a sports star. Marek had many influential people in his hand and did not hesitate to manipulate them through blackmail and extortion. Officially, he was only a manager, the owner of an acting agency, but he had his share in the shadow economy and when someone was interested in a game that could not be enjoyed through normal channels, he could turn to Marczak for help.

    Dominik had never been to one, but he knew a lot about them. He knew the dates and names of the participants. Of course, having tastes that were not accepted by the general public, he was far from judging others and would never use them against them, but if he wanted to, he could cause scandal that will overthrow many governments officials, not only from European countries.

    One day, ?liwi¨½ski found out that his name was on the wish list of a fabulously wealthy sheikh. He didn''t know why the deal hadn''t happened, but he was glad it was as it was. The sheikh paid a lot, too much to be indifferent to such an amount, and yet Marczak ignored his offer. Then Dominik thought it was because Marek loves him and hates the idea of him ??being in the arms of another.

    Maybe then, four years ago, he really loved him, because now, shoving him into the arms of the second director for his role in the film, he sold him very cheaply. Dominik was no longer his love, but his property.

    How can Marek react to Andrzej then? If he sees him as a threat to himself, will he not want to get him out of the equation as soon as possible? Andrzej had evidence against him, so he could have caused Marek a lot of trouble. Living with Dominik, he also restricted Marek''s access to Dominik''s bedroom, which he couldn''t like. If he could let his lover go so lightly, he would not have fallen into a rage as soon as there was an request that they should stop seeing each other temporarily.

    Andrzej may really be in danger. If so, he should withdraw from Dominik''s life for his own good.

    But without Andrzej ...

    The actor felt a stronger, painful heartbeat.

    Without him, without his strength, he will not be able to fight for himself. When Marek returns, he will take over his life and throw him into a golden cage again.

    Dominik felt an overwhelming shame. How could he possibly have thought that his own life and happiness were more important than Andrzej''s? How could he? How dare he?

    It can''t go on like that. He could fight against Mark but not at the expense of others. If there is even the slightest suspicion that Marczak may do something to Nowicki, the tactic must be changed. He will have to do some sacrifices.

    ?liwi¨½ski took out his phone. He was surprised his hands were sweaty. He would have to call Marek and settle matters amicably. Get back to him. Marczak might want to punish him for his disobedience, but that''s okay. It really won''t be anything that wasn''t there before. It won''t be worse than before and Dominik endured it all and was even happy - or at least he thought he was. It is true that he did not know then that there could be something really good, warm and pleasant like a friendship with Andrzej, but somehow he will manage to be with Marczak again. Somehow he will ...

    Dominik hands were trembling.

 Chapter 56 - Time To Start The Show

    He couldn''t do that. He couldn''t call his ex-lover.

    But maybe Marek is not so bad at all? After all, Andrzej has been in Dominik''s life for almost two months and he has not experienced any major unpleasantness from Marczak. Andrew may be right that Mark is too smart to do stupid things, and messing up with someone who has evidence against him is stupid. Having security measures in the event of his sudden death, he certainly suspects that the photographer did the same and backed up the photos with some lawyer or journalist. That''s why Andrzej feels so self-confident.

    He wanted me to trust him, to believe that everything would be fine. Can I really do this? What if he overestimated his strength or underestimated Marek...?

    True trust is about overcoming your fear and trusting yourself to others. Andrzej asked for something like that. Dominik felt that he should give them to him, but he did not want to put Andrzej at any risk. Only that¡­

    His hands tightly clasped on the phone, couldn''t move. If he trusts Andrzej now, how much faith will there be in him and how much fear of losing what Dominik has now?

    However, if he trusts Andrzej and he fails, if Nowicki suffers any harm, Dominik will lose him anyway - more, more painfully because irrevocably.

    After all, he can come back to Marek''s agency or even to him only for a while. He already knew there was another and better life. So he will be able to reach for them after a few weeks or months.

    Anyway, was it really that bad for him with Marek?

    No, it''s not like that. It was nice, it was good. Dominik had nothing on his head. Marek decided about everything, he provided him with everything he wanted, and small concessions on his part were not that painful. He endured them and it was fine. Really. Only then ...

    Dominik even forgave him for the physical attack.

    Marek was terrifying then. Horrible. However, he explained that he did it out of despair. The thought that he might lose Dominik was too hard to accept, and he went mad. But how could he explain the fact that he pushed him into the bed of a French director?

    I can go back to him, ?liwi¨½ski thought painfully. I can close my heart and pretend everything is as it was. After all, I''m an actor. I can do it, I can, but ...

    But¡­

    ¡­ I don''t want it that much.

    "Hey, should I call a doctor after all?"

    Dominik jumped, almost losing his heart. Andrzej was so worried about him that his concern would have been overwhelming if it were not so kind.

    "No, it''s okay," he replied, reflexively putting the phone in his pocket.

    That warm, cordial voice from outside the door made him no longer hesitate. He will trust Andrzej and his strength and will fight. Nowicki would not have forgiven him if he had acted otherwise.

    Because everything was really fine as long as he had Andrzej with him.

    ***

    Getting out of the car, Dominik knew one thing - he did not come here to have fun, but to work. Paradoxically, this was the perception of the matter that allowed him to relax and smile with all his charm at the journalists taking pictures of them.

    His appearance in front of the hotel caused a sensation. It was no secret that no events, even charity events, attracted his attention and presence. He and Andrzej expected that his appearance would cause confusion among photojournalists and he was not disappointed here. The flashes did not stop flashing even for a second.

    Dominik looked at his companion. Marta looked cute and she was becoming less and less impressed with the flash lights. She was a few centimeters taller than her companion and she deliberately did not wear high heels so as not to emphasize the difference in height between them. It was only her decision and although ?liwi¨½ski did not mind that he was shorter than her, he appreciated her gesture.

    "Are you all right?" He asked her softly.

    "I think I should ask that," she laughed nervously.

    "Don''t care about me. I don''t like these kinds of events but they are not new to me."

    "Any last advice before we enter the lion''s mouth?"

    "Be natural and have fun. It''s me who came here for work, not you."

    "But ... I was supposed to be a support for you ..."

    "You are," he smiled softly. "Without you, I wouldn''t have come here at all, and for some reasons I really should be here today."

    The most important of them is to show to the world that Dominik ?liwi¨½ski exists and is doing well, and since he left the agency that created and promoted him, he is better than ever before.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, who is your beautiful companion?" asked one of the journalists.

    "She''s a friend" Dominik replied softly.

    "Is she the future movie star?" asked another.

    "No, but her interests are close to the subject of the meeting. She''s studying veterinary medicine."

    "Have you known Mr. ?liwi¨½ski long?" someone asked Marta directly.

    Dominik felt Marta''s grip on his shoulder. He had warned her that journalists might want to talk to her and ask about him.

    "Not at all," she said, and smiled mischievously.

    Her behavior was Andrzej''s idea, who said that if they were playing this charade, they could do it at their best. Dominik was not convinced about it, but Marta liked the ambiguity of her and ?liwi¨½ski''s relationship. When he warned her that the paparazzi could take her as his lover and make her life difficult, she decided it would be a little adventure for her. She was too little to be made a public figure, and every normal person has the right to have friends. She summed up his concern for her reputation by saying he was cute, but these weren''t times when a woman would care what someone was saying about her sex life or love life.

    "We didn''t actually have too many opportunities to talk," she added.

    It wasn''t even a lie, because they had only met three times before this party. Most journalists, however, will find out a different truth, and rumors of their affair will be in all less serious magazines.

    They passed the journalists and went inside.

    "Are you sure this is how you want to play it?" Dominik asked her again. "Gossip can hurt you."

    "You worry too much about them. Believe me, it''s all even fun to me."

    He couldn''t argue with her any longer. It seemed as if upset as she was, Marta was enjoying the charade too well.

    ***

    Dominik noticed him immediately. He had known this figure and its every detail for years, so whether he wanted it or not, his eye caught it in the crowd. Marek, as always, was elegant and handsome, confident and smiling, and was surrounded by a wreath of beautiful girls as usual, although it looked like he had come with his latest discovery, a singer whose first album was certified platinum.

    Sparkling in the company, Marczak looked around at the surroundings. His and ?liwi¨½ski''s eyes met, causing Dominik''s heart to beat faster. Is what he sees in Marek''s eyes delight and¡­ longing?

    No it is not possible. Dominik sees only what his heart wants to see. He''s starting to lie to himself again, but¡­ for what?

    "Are you okay?" Marta whispered concerned.

    "Yes" Dominik admitted firmly though his heart trembled. "Let''s get started."

 Chapter 57 - Like A Pet In A Zoo

    ?liwi¨½ski usually did not watch movies or series, at least not new ones with the participation of people he knew professionally. It was strange for him to see them transform into more and more new characters. Before he came to this party, however, he watched several dozen hours of domestic productions, so that he would have something to talk about in the company.

    Armed with such knowledge, he approached the first person. Bruno Kwieci¨½ski was his greatest rival - tall, dark-haired, masculine and talented only a little less than Dominik, according to many, was more deserving of the worship that ?liwi¨½ski received. He was more open to the media and was given more ambitious roles. He also played more often, so he had more achievements on his account.

    It was not easy for Dominik to start a conversation, fortunately he did not have to do it, because in the group he approached was the son of a famous director studying acting. The boy played a supporting role in the film, where ?liwi¨½ski was the star. Surprised and delighted, he was the first to come up to him and greeted him happily, drawing general attention to him. After a few polite sentences, Dominik found an opportunity to address Kwieci¨½ski directly.

    ?Bruno, I wanted to congratulate you on your last role. I was especially taken by the scene at the train station, but not the breakup itself, but the moment you get on the train."

    "Thank you, Dominik," he replied with a studied smile. "You were brilliant as always in your movie."

    "You are to kind. I''m looking forward to your latest production."

    "You won''t be waiting long. This winter starts shooting for ''Maria Walewska''".

    ?liwi¨½ski did not show that this news had made any negative impression on him. On the contrary, he smiled as sincerely as he could.

    "In that case, I sincerely wish you good luck. Could I know which character you will play?"

    "Captain ?urawski" Kwieci¨½ski replied nonchalantly.

    ?I am sure that thanks to you this character will flourish. Congratulations again."

    ?urawki was the role that was offered to him. The young captain, in love with Maria Walewska, was a passionate character and gave the actor a chance for a daring performance. Dominik, however, was unable to convince him. There was something crazy about this hero in his eyes that seemed completely antipathic to him. ?liwi¨½ski did not like his ethos and some kind of circus. ?urawski was, to some extent, an exaggerated clown of love.

    The role had great potential. It was almost certain that at least seventy percent of viewers would love the character. Dominik, however, was among the thirty who were unable to have positive feelings for him. Maybe he was prejudiced, but he really didn''t like ?urawski.

    "That was supposed to be your role, right?"

    "Exactly. An intriguing figure, but I couldn''t see myself in it."

    "You probably know, but it is rumored that you did not quite give up this film of your own free will."

    "Rumors are rumors, you know it well" ?liwi¨½ski shrugged his shoulders slightly. "There may be a lot of truth to them, but I didn''t wait for a production decision. It is just difficult for people to understand that someone can give up such a chance, so rumors are probably inevitable. "

    "Then why did you do it, give up such a chance? Sorry, I shouldn''t have asked."

    "No problem. As I said, I didn''t see myself in that role. Perhaps it was too much of a challenge for me. There are aspects to this character that I couldn''t capture. I''m not that good actor. "

    "False modesty. I''ve seen you in so many different incarnations, and you''ve always been credible. "

    "That''s because each of these roles was within my reach. However, I am sure that ?urwaski will not be a challenge for you. "

    Dominik had the impression that his every word, every gesture was followed by people gathered at the party. Nobody was staring at him directly, but he could feel their eyes and it felt like he was that kangaroo in the zoo that existed for people to look at and point to with their fingers. It was a very disturbing feeling.

    Even more disturbing was the presence of Marek Marczak in the crowd. Dominik was unable to take his mind off his former lover. Not only did he feel as if he could feel his eyes on him, but by accident he had met his gaze on several occasions.

    It wasn''t the look of a man who threatened to destroy him professionally. Nor was it the gaze of the brute who had attacked him, nor the gaze of a calculated businessman making a deal on him. Mark''s gaze was not cruel or hostile. Marczak''s gray eyes looked at him with passionate longing, under the influence of which ?liwi¨½ski''s heart began to beat again like mad. His mind and body remembered the good time he had spent with Marek, and a subtle trembling of uncertainty overwhelmed him.

    However, ?liwi¨½ski was too popular a person, and his presence was quite surprising for everybody. The actor attracted general attention, and as he approached Kwieci¨½ski a few minutes earlier, now he enjoyed the attention of others. People started coming up to say hello to him and pay their respects. The zoo viewers not only looked from a distance, but also came closer to, if possible, pet the kangaroo, or at least smile at it kindly and say a few flattering words. Dominik didn''t even realize when his companion was taken by some playboy and he was forced to answer hundreds of silly social questions.

    Minor actors and directors, producers and people who made their fortune in all sorts of ways spoke to him. He collected compliments and congratulations, but there was only one, not very encouraging, professional offer.

    Dominik was doing quite well, which he judged by how he had overwhelmed his initial temptation to flee this place. The only thing that really bothered him was knowing that he was constantly being watched by his former lover. He felt his gaze so intensely that he wondered if he was falling into some paranoia.

    "You didn''t even come over to say hello," he jumped when he heard this jokingly sounding voice next to him. "What will people say?"

    They were not alone. There were ears everywhere, catching every rumor wanting to turn it into a sensation.

    "I did not want to disturb. You looked busy," Dominik replied quite calmly, though he felt a cold sweat on his back. Theoretically, he should expect Marczak at this party, but the sight of him and now the sound of his voice made him feel very strange.

    "I will always find time for my star. But you know. You''ve been the one who seemed completely elusive lately."

    "The decisions I had to make were not easy. There were a lot of things to think about."

    "You know, if you want to, Baptiste''s role could still be yours."

    "No thanks," he replied firmly, feeling very unpleasant. His heart seemed to explode in a moment.

    "I''d like to discuss a few things with you¡­ in a more secluded place. Shell we?"

    "I don''t think this was the right time ..."

    "I insist. Unless you prefer us to talk here?"

    No! In Dominik, every cell opposed this solution. No, absolutely not, it was unthinkable to bring up any topics between them in such a public place.

    "If that''s what you want, let''s go."

    Already at this point, Dominik regretted that he had agreed. He was safe here among the people, but what happens when they get out of sight? Could he trust Marek not to try anything wrong?

    No, he couldn''t. Marek was now completely beyond his trust. After he brutally knocked him to the ground, tried to r**e him, and sold him to the French right after apologizing, Dominik was unable to give him even the slightest credit of trust.

 Chapter 58 - Demons Hide Among People

    "You don''t look too well" Marczak said softly as they disappeared into the corridor. "Are you okay?"

    "Better than a month ago."

    "I heard you were sick."

    "You could say that."

    The truth was, however, that the series of betrayals committed by his lover broke his heart to such an extent that Dominik was unable to eat, sleep or get out of bed. He spent several days exhausting his body in this way, and it took a lot of effort, not only on his part, but also on his new friends, to get him out of this pathetic state.

    It was Andrzej who saved him then. If not for him and his warm concern ...

    "I wanted to visit you then. I came to your house, but I was not allowed in. I tried calling but you didn''t reply to any of my messages. I was very worried about you."

    Did Marek really have such feelings then? Indeed, the messages he left sounded desperate.

    "Sorry, I didn''t want to worry you. Only I ..."

    "It''s okay," Marczak touched his hair. The back of his hand brushed Dominik''s cheek

    The actor retreated instinctively a few millimeters. He was unable to make another move. Marczak''s touch was paralyzing.

    "The most important thing is that you are healthy. Do you know how much I missed you?"

    Dominik felt his throat go dry.

    "Every day without you was a torment. You rejected me so suddenly, without a word of explanation. I felt such anger and such despair that I couldn''t even think normally. I wanted to see you so much, talk to you. I knew that if you gave me this chance, things would turn out all over again."

    "What?" Dominik felt shocked. Marczak really feels it all or is he lying again to keep it with him?

    "Come back to me," Marek said fondly.

    "I can not."

    "You do not love me anymore?"

    "I love you, but it hurts too much to be with you."

    "I thought you liked me being a little harder sometimes."

    "It''s not that," he blushed. Why does this conversation have to be so difficult? "Being with you brings me nothing but emptiness."

    "You said otherwise before. You said you were happy."

    "I was before I saw my eyes."

    "It''s him, isn''t he, the photographer?" Marczak grasped Dominik''s elbow, hard, brutally, as when he knocked him to the ground to take him by force.

    "Let me go! It''s not him, it''s that! This is your aggression and dirty games! How could you recommend me to someone to have sex with me?!"

    "I''ve never done anything like this."

    "Do not lie! I''m sick of your ploys, deceptions and empty, sweet words. If you really loved me, you''d let me go."

    "No, I love you too much to lose you."

    "You''ll lose me anyway. I just ... You don''t really understand that if you don''t give me back my freedom, I ..."

    Marek''s lips silenced him as they pressed against him with passionate force. His arms gripped him so tightly he felt excruciating pain.

    And fear.

    Every cell in his body trembled, but he felt no pleasure in any of it.

    "Oh, sorry," he heard someone say, and suddenly he was free.

    "Think about what I was talking about" said Marczak and left.

    After these words there was an ocean of silence.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, are you well?" He knew the voice, but couldn''t recognize it. His body trembled and his head felt dizzy. "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski?"

    "I need¡­ some fresh air."

    "Of course. This way, here''s a balcony." Someone took his arm, gently, not like Marek, but he twitched anyway. "Lean on me, you are very pale."

    "Thank ... Thank you ..."

    Fresh air blew around him pleasantly giving his lungs a breath, but he still didn''t have the strength. He leaned against the railing and leaned beyond it. Warsaw, illuminated at night, was a beautiful sight, but he saw it as if through a fog. He felt like then, when the assistant of the French director told him it was Marek ...

    Dominik closed his eyes. The man standing next to him said something. He didn''t listen to him, he couldn''t. He flinched as he felt a touch on his shoulder.

    "Please drink this, it''s ice water. You look really bad. Maybe I should call a doctor?"

    "Thank you, you don''t have to. During the summer vacation I contracted a cold which I cannot heal. I''m better now, thank you."

    "For sure?"

    "Yes. This party, so many people and smells, made me a little dizzy."

    "Oh. And this man didn''t do anything to you?"

    Dominik was too weak to feel ashamed that someone had seen him in such a situation.

    "Of course not," he chuckled. He wasn''t himself yet. "Sorry, I can''t remember your name."

    "Werner, Maciej Werner, we only met today."

    "Yes, I remember now. You''re a screenwriter."

    "And the director. That''s why I dared to approach you today."

    Yes, Dominik began to remember that this was the only job offer he received today.

    "Do you have anything to write? I''ll give you the address where you can deliver the script. I promise to read it."

    "Really?" Maciej Werner rejoiced.

    "At least this is what I can do to repay for today''s help. You actually saved me from a scandal. If I had passed out then¡­" Dominik shook his head.

    "Surely everyone would be very concerned about your health," Werner assured him earnestly.

    "Thank you for saying so. Well, do you have where to write the address?"

    "Oh yes, of course."

    Dominik dictated the relevant information to him. Immediately afterwards, they both returned to the party.

    The actor did not feel well. As soon as he got among the people, the crowd began to overwhelm him and take his breath away. He didn''t regain his strength after what Mark had done to him, so all he wanted now was to disappear from this place and from all these people''s eyes. If he had to respond to greetings and smiles, the rest of his energy would crumble any minute.

    However, he could not go out alone. It wouldn''t be fair if he had abandoned his companion. A little impatient with it taking so long, he finally found Marta. She stood in the company of Bruno Kwieci¨½ski and his companion. She was smiling, she seemed pleased. Dominik didn''t feel right ending her evening just as it was just beginning, but he just had to leave this place.

    "Sorry, can we leave now?" He asked. He paid no attention to the reactions of the others in the crowd.

    "Of course," she replied immediately. "Are you feeling bad? She asked as they took a few steps away."

    "A little," he admitted. "Andrzej said that I don''t like crowds, right?"

    "Come on then," she replied without further questions.

    "Thank you."

    They caught a cab, and though Dominik was still not feeling well, he insisted on dropping her off first.

    "I''m sorry you didn''t have a good time" Marta smiled reassuringly at him.

    "No, I should apologize for spoiling your evening," he assured. "You look very beautiful today, and I didn''t even tell you that in time."

    "You really think I look pretty?"

    "Of course. Creamy looks good on you. You were a real decoration for tonight. I wish it lasted longer. You must be disappointed."

    "Not at all," she shook her head. "I was having a really good time even though I was terribly nervous. I have met so many famous people! I know that none of them will remember me, but I will have something to remember in my old age. Just like a date with Dominik ?liwi¨½ski."

    "I''m very honored."

    "But ... Dominik, you really don''t look very well," she said softly so the driver wouldn''t hear her.

    "I am all right. I''ll feel better when I go to bed."

    "You have a headache?"

    "Some. Nothing to worry about."

    "I don''t think you have had too much alcohol. Well, I decided, I''m not letting you go home alone."

    "Marta, really, don''t worry about me. I really didn''t drink too much ..."

    "What a typical guy you are! So act like a man and don''t argue with a woman."

 Chapter 59 - The Perfect Excuse To The World

    Dominik wasn''t going to argue with Marta at all, but he didn''t want to rely on her either. Really, all he needed at the moment was his warm sheets and the presence of Andrzej, whose care and warm brown eyes would make him feel better.

    But maybe it will actually be better if he stops relying so much on Andrzej. After all, he already relied on his advice and help in virtually all aspects of life. It was unfair to him that he had to look after a stranger after all. Dominik wanted to be considered more by him, but can anyone be forced into friendship? Andrzej did so much for him anyway. To even burden him with problems that day was simply unfair to him.

    Dominik did not want to be a burden for him.

    "I do not accept no for an answer" insisted Marta. ?liwi¨½ski noticed that they were already in front of the building where her and Nowicki''s apartments were located.

    "Come on then," he said, and got out of the cab.

    He wanted to open the door for Martha, but she was already standing on the sidewalk waiting for him to pay for the course.

    She really looked beautiful tonight. Even the artificial, pale light of the street lamp could not hide her beauty. Andrzej made an effort to make Dominik''s companion look great. Dominik suspected that Nowicki meant not only to show ?liwi¨½ski well in media, but also for Marta to please Dominik''s taste. First a date, now this evening, as if he wanted to push him into a woman''s arms.

    He didn''t blame him, although he felt a certain amount of sadness about such behavior. For some reason that Dominik did not understand, Andrzej only partially accepted his sexual orientation. Perhaps it was because the image of ?liwi¨½ski, although completely artificial, placed him in the position of a seducer of women''s hearts, or maybe Dominik was the first gay Andrzej even met, and for some reason what he saw did not match his stereotypical image?

    It didn''t really matter. Dominik accepted Andrzej in full, his kindness, protectiveness, courage and even efforts to make the actor learn a different version of sex, the one with a woman. They did not result from disgust towards homosexuals, because Dominik never felt dislike from him, but because he was truly concerned about his happiness.

    Even when the desperate ?liwi¨½ski kissed Andrzej, he pushed him away not with disgust, but with a gentle firmness. Everything, absolutely everything Nowicki did was to make Dominik happy. And like most people in this country, no, the world, he corrected immediately, Andrzej did not see a happy ending for a man loving a man.

    Maybe he was even right. Maybe two men are too strong forces to stay happy together? Dominik liked the feeling of being cared for by someone firm and strong, but when those traits began to turn into aggression, all he felt was disgust and fear. Marek''s domination ceased to be spicy fun and became a threat to his integrity as a person.

    Andrzej would never be like this, Dominik thought warmly. Andrzej is just a different, better person.

    "We have a beautiful evening tonight," he said, still standing still.

    "Are you stalling? Don''t worry, I won''t attack you as soon as we cross the threshold."

    "Aren''t you afraid it will be the other way around?" he joked.

    "No. You don''t look like you''re in the mood to play dirty."

    "Aren''t you worried about your reputation?"

    "An affair with Dominik ?liwi¨½ski? What are you?! Even my mother will envy me."

    She extended her hand to him, which he accepted with a smile. It''s funny, he thought, but the women he meets through Andrzej aren''t what he remembers from high school. His friends are bold, independent, intelligent and warm. Their firmness, and sometimes even insistence, do not result from empty selfish instincts, but from the will to give something of themselves to others. First, Paulina, now Marta, and even Ewelina, with whom he had the least contact, made a very nice impression.

    No, they were just nice.

    "Your hands are cold," she said, leading him.

    "Really? I thought yours were warm."

    They rode up in elevator. On his way to her apartment, Dominik couldn''t help but look at the door that belonged to Andrzej.

    "Ewelina is not here today" said Marta, turning the key in the lock. "She went to her parents. So you can feel quite at ease. How''s your head? Better?"

    "Yes thank you."

    They crossed the threshold. Dominik felt very uncomfortable. For the first time in many years, he was supposed to be alone with a woman in her apartment...

    She touched his forehead.

    "You don''t seem to have a fever, but you probably had a spike of blood pressure. That would explain the headache, paleness and weakness. How is your pressure? High, low or normal?"

    "Pressure?" He asked. He actually had no idea what was Marta talking about.

    "I bet you have low. My mom does the same. Usually it is not as dangerous as high blood pressure, but if it drops too much, blood does not flow to the brain and you can pass out. That''s why I didn''t want to let you go alone. Didn''t your doctor tell you that you might have low blood pressure?"

    "I don''t go to doctors."

    "You should. Did you not feel tired, depressed, did you have a headache lately?"

    "Not really. I thought it was from exhaustion and emotion."

    "This as well. Your body is less able to deal with them because your blood is circulating too slowly and does not oxygenate enough cells in your body."

    The discovery made by Marta surprised him. The weakness that overwhelmed him under the influence of strong emotions made him ashamed because he considered it a psychological problem. He never thought there might be biology behind it.

    "In such situations, it is best to drink strong coffee," she added, handing him a cup, "or eat something sweet. And it''s best to drink sweet coffee. Enjoy your meal."

    "Thank you. Where did the idea that my blood pressure dropped from? Because of your mom?"

    "Yes. I''ve seen it with her dozens of times. You should get tested. It''s normal for people to monitor their health to prevent anything more serious from happening. But¡­ sorry," she said suddenly, blushing. "We are peers and we hardly know each other, and I give you lectures¡­"

    "I''m glad you did," he smiled sincerely. "It''s very embarrassing to pass out in front of people."

    Marta gave him at least a rational explanation that would be acceptable to those around him. After all, he could not say that the mere touch of a former lover paralyzes him with disgust and fear, and when his lips come close to his, the only thing he dreams of is to cease to exist ...

    He could say such words only to Andrzej, who knew all his passages. Only he will really understand him and protect him from any anxiety. Until he sees him, his mind and heart will not be at rest. Marta is nice and kind, but despite the best intentions, he has to play in front of her. There was no other option.

    "Thank you," he finished his coffee, "and sorry for the inconvenience," he stood up.

    "Already going?" There was disappointment in her voice. She couldn''t actually have some hope for something ''more'' from him?

    "I really am no companion today," he excused himself. "Forgive me. I promise to make amends for premature ending of this evening."

    "You can always invite me to your next party," she offered jokingly.

    "I will," he promised. "Thank you for this evening. You really helped me a lot."

    An d it was nothing but the truth. Had it not been for Marta, this evening would have looked much worse for Dominik.

    Andrzej really brought only good things into his life.

 Chapter 60 - Dominik Faces The Night And His Own Heart

    Dominik didn''t want to take a taxi. The evening was pleasant and warm enough that his elegant clothes gave him sufficient protection against the gentle cold. The elegant suit did not match the somewhat neglected buildings in Praga, but he did not mind. It was Andrzej''s neighborhood and he wanted to see it peacefully while walking along the streets that the photographer had traveled every day since childhood.

    Just like the night they walked these streets together.

    There was one more very important reason why he did not want to return to his home at this point.

    The fresh air and the coffee made him feel better, and neither his head nor his heart were overwhelmed by Marek anymore. Dominik wanted to think a few things over before meeting Andrzej''s eyes today.

    It was the definitive end with Marek. Something he once enjoyed was now repulsive. The mouth and hands he loved so much now only hurt him. The closeness of Marczak caused him only fear and disgust. He would never, ever come back to him. He didn''t even understand how he could ever feel anything warm towards this man.

    Had he ever loved Marek? He wondered as he looked at the shop windows and the neon lights. Was it love or some sick attachment? He remembered how it started.

    "When I saw you, I thought you would go a long way with such a pretty face, but it turned out that you really have talent. You were great, little one. You really impressed me ... "

    Sweet words, a big world, exciting events and finally an ever more sensitive touch. When Marek stroked his cheek for the first time, Dominik was happy to be caressed. Another beautiful words, timid assurances about devotion, that Marek will do anything for him. They were getting closer and closer so the first kiss, although a bit strange, was quite pleasant. The first kiss in Dominik''s life.

    Was Marek always like this?

    No, Dominik realized. In part, yes, he was calculating, ambitious, and had specific desires, but at first he was kind and nice to him. Neither of them had been to the top yet, so they enjoyed a certain freedom. They could laugh together and really enjoy each other in bed. Those were good times and they seemed to share their love. Marek really did a lot to get his lover a role. Dominik felt that all of the manager''s hard work and his sacrifice came from love.

    Then he discovered his first romance.

    He forgave him because he wanted to believe it was only a temporary infatuation.

    The next one forgave, because it was just an adventure, after all, Dominik is his love ...

    Marek began to demand more and more from him. Sometimes his demands hurt Dominik. He fulfilled them because he loved. He himself began to feel empty, however. The sex itself was great, but aside from it, they were getting more and more apart. Eventually, their face-to-face meetings began to focus solely on the physical sensations. They did not talk, did not laugh together, did not share their joys or sorrows.

    ?liwi¨½ski did not remember if everything changed suddenly or if it happened slowly. He did not realize how badly it was between them until he met Andrzej. A complete stranger, the paparazzi - the natural enemy of the stars - showed him more warmth and support than the man who said he loved him.

    It hurt to realize how empty his relationship with Marek had gotten. His own naivety hurt more, though.

    Now Dominik knew one thing - whatever had existed between him and Marek in the past, good or bad, was now completely over.

    After all, everything happened because of Andrzej. It was he who took the compromising photos of Dominik having sex with his manager and he warned him that such photos could sell really well. The deal Dominik had with a stranger photographer terrified him, but allowed him to open his eyes to several issues. If he wasn''t ready to reveal his orientation, he should be more careful.

    Dominik did not know why Marek reacted so violently to his request that they stop seeing each other for a while. His excuse that he loved him too much was incomprehensible. After all, Dominik loved him too, and he did not ask them to break up with each other, but to limit their contacts beyond professionalism for a while.

    What happened next was a nightmare. The actor did not even want to think what would happen to him if not for Andrzej.

    From day to day, in minutes to minutes, Dominik began to feel more and more attached to Andrzej. At first it was only gratitude, but then he began to be accompanied by other warm thoughts and emotions towards his savior. For many years, since ?liwi¨½ski started acting in films, Nowicki was the first person, apart from Marek, with whom he could really be himself. And recently, even before he received the envelope with the photo, even with Marek he could not feel completely at ease. Something was going wrong between them, and the appearance of Andrzej allowed Dominik to see it.

    ''And if I had understood for myself how empty my relationship with Marek had become, would I have had the courage to end it, would I have remained in it despite the pain?''

    Dominik sighed. The question was completely rhetorical.

    Without Andrzej, without his courage, strength and warmth, he would not even have thought that there could be anything beyond living with Marek, whatever it was.

    ?liwi¨½ski walked the night streets of Praga enjoying the fresh air. Before he met Nowicki, he would never have done it. Even now he knew that such a walk could be a little dangerous, but for the first time he felt something he had forgotten existed - freedom.

    Freedom, a sense of security, the awareness that he has the right to be himself and, above all, to be happy - all these were gifts from Andrzej. During the two months of their relationship, the photographer offered him so much that Dominik''s heart was full of warmth and love.

    Love?

    ?liwi¨½ski felt a sharp prick in his chest. He felt hot.

    Love?

    ''I think about him, I dream about him, I love his company, his face, his strength, his good heart, the fact that he gave up so many things just to save me from loneliness, pain and loss.

    I think about him, I want him, but he ...

    He''s not gay.''

    The pain of this awareness was terrible. To love without the slightest hope of reciprocity, although you see this dear face every day, you hear his voice every day ... Dominik knew that if he made a confession, he might lose Andrzej''s friendship, but it was Nowicki who taught him courage. Andrzej will not push him away, not brutally, like Marczak, he was too good a man for that. Even when he rejects his confession, he will not do so cruelly.

    Confession¡­

    Dominik could pass his whole life in silence, after all he knew how the secret was hiding, but he did not want to lie to Andrzej. Not to him.

    Anyone but him.

 Chapter 61 - Why, Dominik ...?

    Andrzej did not attend VIP parties, so he had no idea how long they lasted or what they looked like, but he believed that only Cinderella came home from the party before midnight. So he was quite surprised when ?liwi¨½ski showed up at home well before twelve o''clock.

    "Dominik? What are you doing at home at this time?"

    "I had to see you. I saw Marek and ..."

    "Did he do something to you?" Andrzej was seriously concerned. Dominik looked strange, as if something was troubling his heart and he thought. If Marczak did something to this man ...

    "No, that''s not the point. I realized that what I felt for him was not love. I don''t know what it is, but not love. I love you."

    The last sentence was so strange, so incredible that Nowicki was sure he had misheard. And if he hasn''t misheard, he has misunderstood the young actor.

    "What? Don''t make fun of me."

    Andrzej laughed nervously. He wanted to turn the situation into a joke, let Dominik back off before he said a word too much and the relationship between them got weird. Dominik couldn''t really love him, they were both men! He confused friendship and affection with love, that''s all. There couldn''t even be more.

    He hadn''t even realized when Dominik was so close to him that he could feel the warmth emanating from him. So close his face blurred.

    The kissing lips were soft and sweet, yet strangely possessive and strong in their delicacy. Surprised for a moment, Andrzej allowed the kiss to continue, but finally realized whose body was fawning at his.

    "Stop it," he pushed Dominik. "Are you crazy?"

    The actor looked at him from shoulder distance. His face was serious, full of determination and his eyes turned into two diamonds sparkling temptingly.

    "But I said I love you" he replied as if the words ''I love you'' could explain and justify everything.

    "Yes, but ... I''m not gay! And love¡­" Andrzej tried to defend himself against that piercing, hot gaze.

    "What does it mean to be gay? I love you. Is it so disgusting to be loved by a man? Am I disgusting?"

    There was a strange desperation in Dominik''s voice. Nowicki did not fully understand what was happening, but he suspected that it was related to Dominik''s meeting with Marczak. This mean man had to say something to Dominik, or to do something to him, and now ?liwi¨½ski had a muddle in his head and a muddle in his heart, as when he kissed him in his bedroom. How else could such ugly thoughts about him arise in this beautiful head?

    "What? No! You''re absolutely not gross and this¡­ I''m flattered you love me, but we''re both guys!"

    "And what? Unless you don''t like me ..."

    It was all wrong! Andrzej liked Dominik very much, he considered him his friend, but it was not a reason to go to bed with him. The guy is the guy. Sex between the two men was physically possible, but it was an offense against nature. Nowicki did not feel same-sex attraction, despite the fact that the man standing in front of him was exceptionally charming and sexy, more than many women.

    If Andrzej had lied now and said that he did not like ?liwi¨½ski, the actor would probably have withdrawn. The photographer knew, however, that it would be another blow for him, and harming Dominik was unimaginable.

    "I like you," he assured him resignedly, "but not like that."

    "I''m not pretty enough?"

    "What? And where did that come from? You are pretty! Too cute for a guy."

    "So if you like me and I don''t seem repulsive to you, let me, let me just show my love once. One, only time, and if you later tell me to forget about you forever, I will."

    For some reason, Dominik was right next to him. He spoke the last words almost whispering against his neck. In the place where his breath touched, Andrzej felt a flush of heat.

    "Only one time ..." Dominik whispered, hypnotizing Nowicki''s mind and body, making him unable to move.

    Shit, Andrzej swore in his mind. Why is he so stubborn? Why does he care so much about it? I should push him away again, but I don''t want to hurt him. Anyway, it''s supposed to be only one time ...

    Andrzej''s body stiffened as he realized that he was just considering agreeing to have intercourse with the guy. His mouth felt a ghastly dryness.

    But then ...

    Dominik''s hand slipped under his shirt and began to stroke his torso, evoking the first, pleasant impressions. His lips danced around the photographer''s neck, leaving a trace of passion and warmth on his skin. Andrzej did not agree with words, but he was also unable to object.

    Delicate Dominik, feeling no objection, became bolder. His shapely hands unbuttoned Andrzej''s trousers belt and slipped under his underwear, touching his body. The photographer sighed involuntarily. His body was as tight as a string, but the decision was already made.

    "Ah ..." a sweet sound came from Dominik''s mouth, which made Andrzej''s legs buckle.

    No it is not possible.

    Dominik released his penis and gently pushed Nowicki. Andrzej did not resist. He couldn''t resist Dominik''s sensual insistence. Being under the total charm of a seductive man, he retreated until he found the couch. He allowed himself to be seated by Dominik. The actor immediately slid between his legs and, having fully liberated Andrzej''s masculinity, put his lips to its head.

    What the hell am I doing? Nowicki thought with a sudden sense of panic. But¡­ he was a guy, he did not back away from his decision once made.

    Dominik started kissing him and licking him with skill that could not be without effect. Andrzej felt his penis rising and growing under the influence of caresses, and the bigger it got, the more carefully the young actor''s lips and tongue paid attention to him. Andrzej''s body obviously enjoyed the caress, or at least his lower part, because his arms were still stiff and tense.

    ''Only a man knows how to please a man.'' He couldn''t remember where he had heard those words. Maybe it was in a movie or maybe a documentary. There was something about them. Andrzej was not a playboy, but he gained his experience, but Dominik''s skills were something absolutely special.

    "Um¡­" Nowicki stifled the sound of pleasure awakening, but not well enough. Dominik heard him and went from licking to receiving his penis in his hot and moist mouth

    Why, it flashed through Andrzej''s mind, why is he doing it?

    He looked down again. Hazelnut hair obscured the pretty face and those mesmerizing eyes. There was something strange and abnormal about this whole situation, something dingy and yet extremely beautiful. A whole range of impressions and emotions ran through Andrzej''s mind and heart, depriving him of the feeling of reality. There was only one thing he could be sure at that moment - that if it were any man other than Dominik, at that moment he would have kicked him in the teeth. But because it was Dominik ...

    Why, Dominik ...? Why¡­?!

 Chapter 62 - Just This One, Only Time ...

    Andrzej reached out and touched the silky soft hair. ?liwi¨½ski moved his head towards his hand, like a kitten that wants to be petted. Is this sweet, sensitive Dominik so hungry for caresses and the warmth of human touch?

    "Dominik" Andrzej leaned over him. The actor stopped his efforts and raised his head. Nowicki took his face in both hands and, pulling it up, leaned down even more. He didn''t know why he was doing it. It took no sense or reason. Andrzej pressed his lips to Dominik''s giving him a passionate kiss.

    "Only once," he said when he finally paused to catch his breath. "Just this one time¡­"

    He saw tears in Dominik''s eyes, but his lips smiled happily, and Andrzej was already wearing his arms around him tightly and his lips devouring his skin with the hunger of greediness.

    Damn it!

    Andrzej''s erotically stimulated body was on fire. They joined again in a kiss that had the taste of forbidden fruit. Feeling the body of another human being so close to him, Nowicki embraced it tightly, slipping his hands under his shirt. It surprised him how soft the skin was under his fingers, but only for a moment. After all, he had already touched those backs that then bore the horrible signs of attack.

    Never again, he thought passionately, this body must never be hurt.

    He was warm like a woman, soft like a woman, and delicate like them. Andrzej broke the kiss to be able to look at his face. He wasn''t a woman, Andrzej had no doubts about it, and yet ...

    "I love you," the actor said softly, looking him straight in the eyes.

    It''s bad, thought Andrzej. It''s very bad. He liked Dominik, he liked him very much, but it was definitely not love. Andrzej will never be able to be with him as the young man wishes. If he goes on like this, ?liwi¨½ski will suffer, maybe even more.

    Apparently something was written on Andrzej''s face, because Dominik smiled faintly but warmly.

    "I know," he whispered, clinging to him again. Andrzej had the impression that he was pouring all his longing and hunger over him. "Just give me this one time to have that fervent memory."

    Then the last dams in Andrzej were released.

    "Not here," he said softly. He did not want to make love to him on the same couch that Dominik used to do it with Marczak. He did not want to He did not want this only time between them to be in the place where ?liwi¨½ski almost had been brutally violated.

    Dominik got up, took his hand, and led him to his bedroom.

    Already at the door, the actor stripped off his elegant jacket and shirt, showing a beautifully sculpted, though slim body. He was not an athlete type, but he had hard muscle knots under his soft skin. He dragged Andrzej to bed almost on the run, depriving him of his clothes. His haste and excitement spread to Nowicki, whose heart started to beat very fast and his breathing quickened. No one has ever been so impatient to fuse their body with him. It was extremely exciting. Dominik was extremely exciting.

    Dominik almost threw him in the sheets and quickly freed himself from his pants and boxers. The shy, quiet Dominik disappeared somewhere, and a man determined to get what he wanted appeared. For a moment, Andrzej was surprised, he thought that the actor was going to be the dominant party and froze. He was definitely not ready to let someone put a penis in his ass. Dominik, however, began to fawn at him and kiss the skin on his breasts, stimulating every inch of it. Although he was undoubtedly excited and eager for something more, Andrzej felt how much the actor cared about Nowicki''s pleasure. It squeezed his heart with emotion. He hugged Dominik''s back and caressed them as well. He didn''t even notice when he reached the buttocks. It was Dominik who signaled the rise of his tension with a slight tremor.

    "Do you want me to¡­?" Andrzej could not finish the question, but his hand pressed harder on the actor''s buttock speaking instead of his mouth.

    "Yes," he assured him, blowing his hot breath against his ear.

    "But ... I don''t know how to make you feel good. I don''t want you to hurt..."

    A strange sound escaped from Dominik''s chest and Andrzej had the impression that it was a muffled sob.

    "Is something wrong?" He asked frightened.

    "No no. You are so caring. I''ll guide you, but first let me ..."

    ?liwi¨½ski went down to his penis and took it to his mouth again.

    The experience was very pleasant, but Andrzej could not understand why Dominik was so persistent to suck his penis. Was it a habit he had learned from his previous experiences, or was he enjoying it himself? His penis was trembling with excitement, but Andrzej felt that he was missing something. He wanted to know that his lover was also getting satisfaction.

    "You don''t have to do this, if it''s just for me¡­"

    "No" Dominik released his penis for a moment, but he started caressing his testicles with his hand. "It feels good for me.. Very good."

    "Really?"

    "It''s a bit like a French kiss, only you have more, more intense in your mouth. See."

    Dominik turned so that Andrzej could clearly see his manhood. Nowicki saw Dominik''s raised penis, on the tip of which liquid appeared, and Andrzej bit his lower lip with excitement.

    "You are so exciting" continued ?liwi¨½ski "that I am almost ready."

    He straddled his belly. His penis stretched proudly before Andrzej''s eyes and he wanted to try it for a moment and take it in his mouth. Didn''t make it. Dominik took his hand and looking him straight in the eyes began to lick his middle finger, erotically and with care, as if it were a member.

    Andrzej swallowed hard. The act was so erotic and the sight so obscene that his mind went blank for a moment and his penis twitched.

    "Now put him down slowly," Dominik instructed. "Don''t press hard. When you feel the resistance weaken, put it in."

    ?liwi¨½ski moved so that Andrzej had convenient access to his anus. Following the order, Nowicki touched the closed eye and waited tensely. After about ten seconds, he felt the barrier give way and stuck his finger inside.

    The interior was hot, humid and very tight. He did not know what to do next, so he decided to listen to his lover''s body and trust his reactions. He moved his finger gently and heard a sweet sigh. He felt Dominik tremble as his upper body fell against his torso.

    "I love you," he heard a passionate whisper. "I love ... more, oh, more ..."

    He found his mouth, which wasn''t difficult, and he stuck into them passionately. Dominik, arched over him, was hot and wonderfully soft. He reacted so vividly to every movement of his tongue, to every movement of his finger, that Andrzej could not help but demand more moans and sighs from him. Soon he felt a relaxation in his anus and put a second finger in him. But he felt more and more tempted to give him more.

    "Oh¡­ oh yes¡­" Dominik groaned in the beginnings of ecstasy. "Take them out ... take them out ... I want ..."

    Andrzej knew what. He himself felt the same. He withdrew his hand. Dominik stepped back and straightened. Andrzej saw him take his penis and put it inside himself.

    The sight of this beautiful creature putting in Andrzej''s member by himself was stunning. The mouth parted in a delightful groan, the tousled hazelnut hair, the beaded sweat on his forehead and torso were absolute beauty. Dominik groaned softly and tossed his head back. His skin glistened. At that moment he looked like a perfect work of art, no, he was a perfect work of art! Nowicki suspected that at the moment of his climax Dominik will become supernaturally beautiful, like a creature from the higher planes of existence.

 Chapter 63 - Because Of These Two Aquamarine Suns

    Andrzej has never seen anything so beautiful. He reached out to touch his slender, hot breast. Dominik took photographer''s hand and led her to where his heart was beating. Nowicki felt his every blow - strong, quick, as if this heart wanted to tell him how much he cares about him, as if he wanted to prove the words "I love you" whispered earlier.

    "Dominik¡­" Andrzej whispered.

    The man looked at him with his aquamarine eyes as bright as two suns. There was a smile on his lips and happiness in his gaze. He didn''t let go of his hand. He put it to his mouth again and poked his finger into them, sucking it and gently biting his teeth. It was as if he wanted Andrzej to fulfill him in every possible way.

    Andrzej swallowed hard.

    Dominik rode him at his own pace, hot and passionate and wet. He got looser and looser, so his movements became more violent and faster, and his moans grew louder. The flame of his interior ignited all the senses of Andrzej, who wanted to take the initiative. He sat down, embraced him with all his strength, and suddenly he was at the top. Dominik''s hair spilled on the sheets and his mouth grinned widely.

    He was beautiful, too beautiful for a man, Andrzej thought as he made his first, yet timid thrust. Too beautiful for a human. A perfect body, wonderfully smooth, fragrant skin, a face resembling an angel''s face and eyes that can burn a mark on everyone''s heart are too much for Andrzej to resist.

    "God, you''re beautiful," he said without even realizing it.

    He was bolder in his movements. It was getting harder and harder to control his excitement. He smothered a groan of delight from Dominik with a kiss and bit the base of his neck. The actor arched and moaned again that day:

    "I love you ... Andrzej, I feel so good ... So I ... Oh ..."

    Andrzej moved away to see his face. Even Saint Sebastian, at the time of his martyrdom, did not have the same inspired expression on his face as Dominic did during his orgasm.

    It was crazy, too good to be true. Andrzej''s senses went crazy and before he could know it, he was coming in his lover.

    "Sorry, I ..."

    Dominik shook his head and stroked his face. His hand was trembling and his breath was exhausted.

    "It was ... wonderful ..." he said with a smile and he lowered his eyes heavily. "Thank you¡­"

    Andrzej slipped out of him feeling exhausted. He fell heavily on the sheets and stared at the ceiling. He was exhausted but contented, and he felt himself falling asleep quickly.

    He had never had such a satisfying, passionate love with anyone.

    ***

    Andrzej slipped out of the warm sheets with a hangover the size of Kilimanjaro. He felt as if he had done something universally blameworthy. It wasn''t that he had sex with a guy. He had sex with THIS guy. He looked at the man he had spent the night with and saw Dominik looking directly at him.

    He was lying on his stomach, facing him. He was tired and pale, but his eyes were piercing the same flame.

    "Thank you," Dominik said. "I will keep this night in my memories. I won''t mention what happened until you first decide to talk about it. And if that doesn''t happen¡­ I am so grateful to you. Will we remain friends as we were before?"

    "Sure," Andrzej said with artificial confidence.

    "Good," the actor smiled warmly and closed his eyes. He was tired and fell asleep, or gave Andrzej a chance to avoid embarrassing conversation.

    "I have to go now," muttered Nowicki.

    "Mm," he murmured almost in his sleep.

    It was hard to take eyes off him. For some reason, Dominik seemed relaxed and happy. Dark eyelashes cast a long shadow on the bright cheeks, the lips that kissed him so passionately and caressed him smiled subtly, recalling a mass of memories. Andrzej could not deny him beauty or the fact that the pleasure he experienced that night had a completely different character, but he could not convince himself that it was more than just a one-off adventure. Yes, he tried, yes, it was fun, but that''s where the fun ends. He likes Dominik, it''s true, but it''s not enough to turn into a gay.

    The actor seems to have really slept. His breathing was deep and calm. For a moment, Andrzej was tempted to come over and kiss him goodbye, but he couldn''t do it. He dressed quietly and left. He had barely closed the door behind him and he leaned back against it.

    He shouldn''t have done this. Under no circumstances, and for nothing in the world, should he sleep with Dominic.

    ***

    Andrzej could not look in the mirror. That night, he did something that should never have happened, and - that was the worst - he felt good at the time of committing the act.

    Too good.

    Dominik''s skin was wonderfully hot, soft and smooth. The hard, though not very distinct, muscle knots drawn underneath it added additional sensations to the touch. The sounds he made as Andrzej caressed and penetrated him sounded as sweet as a bird singing at dawn. But the most difficult thing was to forget his inspired face and eyes that pierced him with the heat of the two blue suns.

    What they did that night was ...

    Andrzej felt a shiver.

    His body reacted to the mere memory of the pleasure he had experienced. He had had a few if not a dozen women in his life, but he didn''t react to any of them that way. Sex with them was great, he always felt fulfilled, but only now, with Dominik, he felt something special that made his body so weird.

    Because it is Dominik ...

    "Shit!" Andrzej swore. It should never have happened.

    Paulina warned that ?liwi¨½ski might fall in love with him. He laughed at it, underestimating the seriousness of the situation he had put himself into. After all, dozens of men are roommates and somehow don''t end up in the same bed - at least not to have sex. Not only that, they don''t fall in love with each other ...

    They fall in love - can Dominik be in love?

    Absurd, Andrzej answered himself, and felt something painful in his heart. Dominik cannot love him. Yesterday, something happened at the party that upset him, and Dominik mistook his violent emotions for something that simply couldn''t have happened. After all, he himself said that he had met Marczak. They must be confronted and the boy felt emotional confusion. He acted the only way he was taught, that is, he threw himself into the arms of the man closest to him. Andrzej should have firmly said no then.

    However, he did not.

    "Shit," he swallowed again, swallowing hard. Why didn''t he say no?

    Andrzej broke up with his last partner in January, or more precisely, she broke up with him. Their relationship was not long and sex was limited to a few times, and although it was quite satisfying, it lacked emotional intensity. It was already September, so Andrzej fasted for eight months. For some time his body demanded physical fulfillment, and after the failure with Ewelina, frustration grew in him more and more. But it wasn''t that he felt any desperation. It was difficult for him to maintain a relationship with his personality, which doesn''t mean he couldn''t get a partner for one night. The women liked him, and they rarely refused when he invited them. So if it was all about sex, it would be enough for him to go to some club or bar and be able to find a partner without major obstacles.

    Then why¡­?

    "I love you," Dominik said to him, looking at him with his piercing, beautiful eyes. The mere memory of these words ignited something dangerous in Andrzej''s body and mind. ?liwi¨½ski spoke with such fervent conviction that Nowicki lowered his guard and allowed himself to be kissed, and became susceptible to the suggestions of a man tickling him.

    "Shit !!!" He swore again. He couldn''t believe, he just couldn''t believe the obvious fact - he was seduced by the guy !!!

    What the hell now?

    Dominik promised not to mention these events. It was supposed to be a one-time adventure that they should forget as soon as possible.

    Yes, forget it. There is no reason or purpose whatsoever to remember the sex they had that night ...

 Chapter 64 - After The Bliss

    But will it be possible to forget about such an unusual, enchanting night?

    Depressed, Andrzej looked at his crotch, where the high rise meant that his body had a different opinion about it. The betrayal of his body against the provisions of his mind was terrible. The more that it was not the first time that he thought of Dominik.

    Nowicki had no choice but to move out. This boy was just too erotic for any sexually sane person to live with him and not feel a physical reaction. However, while for a woman it would be a cause for satisfaction and perhaps a pleasant thrill, any normal guy would feel uncomfortable with this discovery towards man.

    Everything in ?liwi¨½ski seduced - his beautiful body, lovely face with those absurdly aquamarine eyes, shapely nose, shapely lips and even his long, silky hair. How he walked, how he moved, how he ate, slept, talked, smiled happily or sadly. He was all dripping with eroticism and he didn''t do it on purpose. It was just like that, and it was impossible to avoid it. It wasn''t his fault, so there was nothing he could do about it. Therefore, in order not to provoke further bizarre situations, Andrzej should definitely move away from him.

    It''ll break Dominik''s heart, he thought painfully.

    He couldn''t do it to him, just abandon him now, when the boy confessed his love to him and he was at war with his ex-lover. Whatever Dominik feels now, or thinks he feels, leaving him now would be an act of cruelty. The confession made by the actor must have cost him a lot of courage, if Andrzej reacts to it by running away, he will take away his faith in his own strength. He can''t abandon him just because the boy says he loves him.

    ''If he fell in love with you, I''d cheer for him.'' Paulina said something like that at the zoo.

    Dominik fell in love with him, that''s good. After all, Andrzej knew perfectly well that no one could love him.

    ***

    Outside the window it was raining, feeling like not going outside. Andrzej looked at the rain, wondering if he should still find some excuse for himself to get out of this house. It was past noon and it was becoming more and more obvious that Dominik would soon leave his room. After all, he wouldn''t be in bed all day. Then they will have to look at each other''s faces.

    Nothing happened, Andrzej kept telling himself. Nothing at all. That was the deal between them. They will spend one night together and will not mention it afterwards. Just nothing happened ...

    "Good morning!"

    Andrzej jumped up, so surprised him Dominik''s voice.

    "Good morning," he replied, turning to him. The actor looked radiant, so beautiful that Nowicki was deprived of his voice.

    "What a downpour" ?liwi¨½ski noticed coming up to the same window. He stood about thirty centimeters from Andrzej. In the opinion of the photographer, far too close. "And I wanted to go for a walk today."

    You are not the only one, Nowicki sighed, trying to move away from him even a centimeter.

    "Well, I slept great," Dominik yawned and stretched. "I don''t remember the last time I slept so well. How hungry I am!"

    ?liwi¨½ski went to the kitchen, leaving a subtle scent of shampoo and an atmosphere of something wonderful. Andrzej instinctively looked after the man and got the impression that his gait was less smooth than usual, as if it were difficult for him to take steps.

    ''I think I wasn''t too harsh with him at night and didn''t damage him there ...''

    Nowicki blushed with shame. He couldn''t even call a spade a spade. Pathetic.

    Apart from the slightly uneven pace, Dominik seemed really content and relaxed. Andrzej had known him for two months, and he had him under observation almost all the time and had never actually seen him like this. The actor radiated more than once, but never so much. He always had some kind of conservatism and shyness, as if, despite the bond between them, he was completely afraid to disclose. What happened to him today was beautiful and made Nowicki feel two extreme desires at the same time - to hug him, caress him and do indecent things with him, or run away from this place to all the devils.

    "I''m leaving!" He called, almost running towards the exit.

    "In that weather?" Dominik leaned out of the kitchen.

    "I''m out of cigarettes."

    "But ... you don''t smoke ..."

    Andrzej was already outside. If he had stayed inside for even a second longer, it would have been very bad.

    ***

    "Idiot, you are all soaked! Are you crazy going out without an umbrella in such rain? It has been raining since early dawn."

    "Sorry."

    Andrzej did not know how it happened that he ended in Paulina''s restaurant. It''s not that he came to tell her about his experiences and emotional problems, he just walked in the rain, took some train and suddenly found himself here.

    He regretted it as soon as he looked his friend in the eye.

    She''ll figure it out!

    He was sure it had already happened, he could almost see the fluorescent light above her head. Yet he didn''t want to tell her anything.

    Only then why did he come running here?

    She led him to the back room, threw him a towel and a change of clothes, and left informing him that she would be back in a few minutes.

    ***

    Dominik was making shrimp curry and singing.

    He hasn''t sung while cooking for a good few years. He did not remember exactly when he had given up the habit, but he had certainly been in a relationship with Mark by then. The memory of the former lover didn''t hurt at all. For Dominik it was definitely past tense and there was no reason to dwell on the already spilled and already sour milk.

    The actor was in a great mood today, and not only because he had great sex with a man he loves that night. The most wonderful thing was that when he was going down the stairs today, the same man was standing in his living room looking out of his window.

    Dominik was so afraid that Andrzej would not be able to accept what had happened between them and would leave, that before he saw him, he had the impression that his heart would break with uncertainty. It is true that he made sure that his lover would receive as much pleasure as possible, but he could not be sure if it would be enough.

    Andrzej was in his house, however, and Dominik couldn''t feel happier at that moment.

    He was just about to put vegetables in the pot when his phone rang.

    "Hello, ?liwi¨½ski here" he answered almost immediately.

    "Congratulations or apologies?"

    "Paulina?" he was genuinely surprised.

    "Andrzej just came to see me. So how, congratulate or apologize?"

    "Con¡­ congratulations," he stammered, quite confused. "Paulina, what have I done?" He sank to the floor and stretched his legs in resignation. "I ... For me it was ... but him?"

    "You love him?"

    "Yes."

    "Did you tell him that?"

    "Yes."

    "So don''t worry about a thing and just be yourself. Give him time to get used to it all and he''ll be fine."

    "But ... Paulina, do you think that he and I can ...?"

    "Of course, silly" she assured him firmly. "Andrzej is handsome, but he has never been in a relationship where there is love. There is something about him that intimidates women. Maybe you have to be a man to overcome this wall of inaccessibility that surrounds him. Because of our society, he couldn''t even think that way, so he accepted his situation. You are the first guy he has had more than simple camaraderie with, and one of the few people he has opened up to. I know he likes you a lot, but he has to find out for himself what level of feeling it is. It doesn''t hurt if you help him a little bit."

    Dominik couldn''t help but tears appeared in his eyes. They were not tears of pain or sadness, but of uncertainty that woke up with him again.

    "Paulina¡­"

    "Yes?"

    "I love him. I love him. I just¡­ love him."

    "Don''t cry, silly." Her voice broke too. There were both laughter and tears in him. "Everything will be fine between you, you''ll see. Amor omnia vincit."

 Chapter 65 - Will Love Really Triumph Over Everything"

    Paulina''s words gave Dominik hope. Will love really triumph over everything? Dominik''s love will overcome Andrzej''s objections? God, let it be true!

    "You really think so?" he asked hopefully.

    "Of course!" Paulina assured him with all conviction. "Give him some space and be yourself, and I can guarantee he won''t last a day without you. Now I have to get back to that idiot. I keep my fingers crossed for you, bye."

    "Bye!"

    Dominik wiped his tears. His emotions raged. He loved Andrzej so much that he was unable to grasp it either with his mind or with his heart. When he realized yesterday that he had feelings for him, he had no idea it would be such a strong feeling. From the moment of their first meeting, Andrzej was someone special, an exceptional friend, a knight in shining armor, but at night it turned out how wonderfully compatible their bodies and preferences are. Dominik felt his warmth and emotional closeness, and although he was, for the most part, the more experienced one, who did all the work, Andrzej was always caring for his comfort. ?liwi¨½ski did not remember such tenderness and care during sex. He even forgot how to dream about them. It was enough just to hug Andrzej to feel the sweetest, most beautiful emotions flowing from sex with a loved one.

    "Oh, Andrzej" Dominik touched his madly pulsating heart. He wanted this man so much, not only physically, but in every sphere of him. He wanted his good, brave heart and warm, noble soul. Has he ever felt anything so unbelievably wonderful in his life?

    Before they spent the night together, Dominik sincerely believed that this one time was enough for him. Now every cell of his body was screaming with the desire to feel the closeness of Nowicki again. If Andrzej really rejected him, what would Dominik do?

    ?liwi¨½ski shivered with terror. The very thought of losing a loved one was terrible, and if there was a real separation ...

    How to talk about a breakup if you haven''t been a couple yet? In addition, Andrzej had not been with any man before so he certainly felt lost or at least very confused. Dominik didn''t have him yet, so the only thing he could lose was his hopes.

    But then, when all hope is gone ...

    It hurt, it hurt so much that for a moment it was hard for him to catch his breath. It was only once. He has begged for once and has no right to ask for more. Andrzej was good to him, he succumbed last night, but that does not mean that the situation may repeat itself. Dominik could not force a heterosexual man to be with him. Although his heart would go mad with pain, he must allow Andrzej to make his own decisions at his own pace.

    What if his decisions are not in line with Dominik''s hopes?

    No matter how much it hurt, how scary it would be, he would have to let Andrzej find his own happiness, even if Dominik''s happiness would never happened again.

    ***

    It was dark outside when the front door opened. Dominik flinched at the sound and noticed that the kitchen was unpleasantly dark. He got up heavily from the table and turned on the light. The bright flash struck his pupils, causing a frown on his face.

    "Were you sitting in the dark?" Andrzej asked, surprised, putting the alien umbrella on the stand.

    Dominik found it difficult to say a word. He cleared his throat.

    "I didn''t even notice when it got dark."

    The photographer came back and acted perfectly normal, as if absolutely nothing had happened between them that night. Dominik felt both relieved and disappointed. However, he chose not to give up and to trust in hope. Andrzej came back and tried to be natural, which meant that he was trying to come to terms with what had happened.

    "You burned?" Nowicki was with him and shyly took his red hand covered with small, unpleasant blisters. "How did this happen?"

    "I guess ... I got lost in cooking."

    Andrzej''s touch was wonderful and pierced his body with electricity.

    "Seriously, you are a great cook, but you can''t take care of yourself at all," he said and headed towards the first aid kit, which had been properly stocked since he moved in. "What would you do if I wasn''t here?"

    Dominik''s heart leapt. He smiled shyly, expressing his happiness at the words of Nowicki.

    "That''s why it''s good that you are."

    Andrzej did not answer. He didn''t even look at his face. He took his hand and led him to the couch. After they sat on it, he started disinfecting and applying the ointment. Dominik hissed. Nowicki''s touch was extremely gentle, but the burn hurt.

    "You have to be more careful" Andrzej noticed, holding ?liwi¨½ski''s hand a wonderful three seconds longer than necessary.

    "I will. Thank you."

    The actor looked at his hand. The burn didn''t look pleasant, but it didn''t seem serious. The proximity of Andrzej made him hardly even feel pain. He looked through his fingers at the face of the man he loved behind them. Nowicki''s fair hair fell over his brown eyes, but he could not hide their beauty, warmth and a certain dose of consternation. Andrzej did not look at him as he packed the dressings. Dominik felt a great urge to lean towards him and feel his wonderful lips under his lips.

    A rumble in his belly interrupted his thinking.

    Andrzej looked up vigilantly.

    "You stay at home all day and you haven''t eaten? Before I left you said you were hungry."

    Dominik looked down ashamed.

    When he got up, he was hungry and immediately started cooking. Then, however, emotions overwhelmed him so much that not only could he not focus on what he was doing (hence the burn), but he was unable to swallow anything.

    "Sorry," he only muttered. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Andrzej shake his head. Then the rumbling sound repeated. "It was not me!"

    "Sorry."

    "You come back from the restaurant and your stomach is rumbling ?!"

    "From the restau ..."

    They looked at each other confused, finally Dominik burst out laughing.

    "I made the shrimp curry. It should be pretty tasty. And it will certainly rebuild depleted strength." He got up and headed for the kitchen. "I''ll heat it up."

    "Oh, no, today I will not let you stand at the stove anymore" Andrzej was ahead of him in the doorway.

    Dominik paused, letting him pass, his heart beating happily.

    It seemed that he would not lose Andrzej after all. At least not now.

    ***

    "Dominik, courier!" Andrzej called as he picked up the parcel addressed to ?liwi¨½ski''s name and address.

    "What?" the actor asked from inside the house.

    "You have a package. Looks like a big book."

    Dominik was at the door almost immediately.

    "That''s my script," he exclaimed, excited, tearing open the envelope.

    "What script?"Andrzej got the impression that he had missed something important.

    "At the party, a young director approached me. He would like to see me in his movie and I promised to look at his script."

    "You want to devour him, not to look at him" Andrzej noted with surprise, looking at the full of energy and enthusiasm behavior of the actor, who was already sitting on the couch and started reading."

    Since he got back from the party, no, since they slept together, Dominik acted like the whole world belonged to him. It was wonderful to see him as he was now - full of life, joyful and ready to fight for his own. Happy in a way.

    "What''s it about?" Nowicki asked.

    "I do not know yet."

    "Are you so happy?"

    "This is the first offer since I left Marek" he replied without taking his eyes off the pages. Andrzej did not miss that he said about his former lover without the slightest hesitation. "Hm, my character looks pretty interesting¡­"

    ''Why does looking at him when he smiles and bursts with energy give me so much pleasure? Is it because I have seen how much he is suffering and completely undeserved? Or maybe what happened to his fans also happened to me, and at the moment I am no different from a housewife who is glad that there is someone so beautiful and she can look at him?''

    Andrzej sighed.

 Chapter 66 - Tell Me About The Party

    "Can I make you coffee? Tea?"

    The reaction took a little while.

    "What? Oh, coffee, please." Dominik looked up at him with joy and enthusiasm. For a moment he looked like he was in a different world, but he quickly returned to reality and gave Andrzej a special smile. "Thank you, you care about me so much ..."

    "No problem," he muttered, feeling his blush, and headed for the kitchen. Hell, being in the company of ?liwi¨½ski was really weird. "Today I am doing it for you, tomorrow you will do it me ..." He broke off when the ambiguity of these words reached him. He cleared his throat and added, "I''ll make coffee."

    "If you''re so good, do it with cream."

    Shit, Andrzej cursed again in his mind.

    He did not know if what they were doing with Dominik was conscious and if they both had similar associations, or just him, but since they had an intercourse with each other, Andrzej could not shake the impression that their statements were ambiguous. The simplest sentences and comments suddenly became erotic. Neither of them had even mentioned sex, but there was something erotic in the air all the time.

    From that night on, Andrzej had trouble sleeping and his body was agitated. He tried to avoid Dominik, but could not stand without his company, and unless he was physically there, his thoughts kept returning to him. They ended up spending almost every moment in their proximity.

    There was nothing unpleasant about it. At first, Andrzej was afraid that he would not be able to meet ?liwi¨½ski''s eyes, but the actor was so radiant all the time that it was impossible not to look at him. He gave the impression that even for a second he did not regret what had happened between them, quite the opposite. Nevertheless, Nowicki did not quite believe that this positive change happened because they had sex together, but the facts spoke for themselves. Whatever happened at the party, Dominik dared to take the first step and achieved his goal. It made him happy.

    Andrzej still felt strange knowing that he had been seduced by a man, otherwise he could not have named what Dominik had done to him. But there was something perversely enjoyable about it, and their current ambiguous wordplay had the same eerie shade.

    The whole situation with Dominik was kind of unreal. Nowicki perfectly remembered the smell and taste of his lover''s body, but the kind of normality they returned to after the night together made it possible to feel it as a memory of an intriguing dream. On the one hand, ambiguous comments, and on the other, the lack of even hints on this subject made the situation surreal. This arrangement suited both of them because it allowed them to maintain a kind of status quo with the suggestion that what had happened was not harmful to anyone. Dominik was clearly happy and Andrzej decided that he had an absolutely incredible one-time experience behind him.

    He couldn''t deny to himself that it was great. He couldn''t remember ever having an equally passionate lover in bed. Everything happened by mutual consent and it was an interesting adventure, but he could not imagine a repeat of the entertainment. In his mind, having sex with a man was still inappropriate, even if the passive side was more than willing.

    Passive, um, he thought as he set the cups on the counter. It''s hard to talk about Dominik''s passivity since he did almost all the work and he did it really well. He looked as if he really felt real pleasure at that time.

    Then he looked like he really loved.

    Nowicki sighed. His devilishly cute and seductive roommate must have gotten under his skin.

    He made coffee and brought it to Dominik. The actor did not look up from the papers as if he had not even noticed his presence. Reading absorbed him completely, and it was obvious that he was taking pleasure in it. He remembered that before they met, ?liwi¨½ski worked mainly in his office, now he rarely visited it. True, he did not have many professional activities, but Nowicki liked to think that he just wanted to spend time with him.

    Sitting bent over the script, Dominik looked lovely. Andrzej watched him for a long time, still unnoticed, as if ?liwi¨½ski completely plunged into another world. Finally, he placed the mug in front of him and, not wanting such a beautiful sight to pass, he went for the camera.

    It didn''t take long for him. When he returned, Dominik was sitting in exactly the same position. When something occupied this boy''s mind, he could lose himself in it without memory.

    Andrzej took a few photos, but he missed the most important - the expression on Dominik''s face. He shifted his position to get the most convenient angle, focused, and grunted.

    He was not surprised by the total lack of reaction.

    "Mhm, um!" He repeated much louder and waited.

    ?liwi¨½ski raised his head.

    Andrzej immediately took a photo. He knew that the surprised Dominik would immediately blush, assuming a confused expression on his face that always looked great in the pictures. He perfectly captured this moment, and then the third one, when ?liwi¨½ski smiled ashamed that he had let himself be approached so slyly again.

    "You''re terrible with those photos!" He cried, laughing. "You do so much at the weirdest moments, and I haven''t seen any yet."

    "I''ll show you when I get the album ready."

    "Won''t you let me choose what I want to put in it?"

    "No. You will not interfere with my art."

    Dominik''s sweet smile did not disappear from his lips.

    "As you wish."

    He said it so softly that a shiver of excitement ran down Andrzej''s spine. He immediately remembered the feeling he had experienced holding Dominik in her arms.

    Get a grip, he told himself, and sat down in the chair.

    "Actually, why didn''t you tell me about the party?" Andrzej Nowicki decided to change the subject.

    ?liwi¨½ski looked down.

    "Somehow there was no time. And there is probably nothing to talk about."

    "How is it not? Haven''t you met a guy whose script you are working on as if it was the most interesting thing in the world and you say there''s nothing to talk about?"

    "Ah, that," he sounded relieved. This reaction only worried Nowicki more. "It''s a really cool script. And actually a comedy, although a bit dark. Not exactly my type, but I think I''ll make up my mind. I will invite him to a meeting and we will talk about my possible participation in the production."

    "I''m happy for you. How did you handle the crowd?"

    "I got a little nervous with it, but it''s okay. Marta was a wonderful companion. I have to reward her for leaving so early."

    "How early actually? Dominik?"

    The actor turned his head and Andrzej knew that something had actually happened at the party. ''I met Marek,'' ?liwi¨½ski said to him as soon as he returned home. Did the former lover do something to Dominik again? Was that why he fawned so desperately that night?

    "What did Marczak do to you?"

    Nowicki did not know if he had the right to ask, but he wanted to know, he had to know. It was no longer the actor himself. Now Andrzej was part of the story too. So if he served as a distraction ...

 Chapter 67 - Too Sweet Temptation

    Dominik sighed heavily. The young actor probably did not want to answer Andrzej''s question, but he was too simple-minded boy to avoid an answer.

    "He wanted me to come back to him. I got angry. He kissed me, and I felt like something nasty was touching me. I couldn''t take it and we left."

    It was predictable that Marczak might show up at this event, but Andrzej did not think that he might try something in front of people.

    "Sorry," he muttered. "I insisted that you go to that party and you met so unpleasant surprise."

    "I''m all right. I''m glad Marek was there. Thanks to this, I understood that it was impossible for me to ever return to him. That evening prompted me to think about a few things. Marek ... will never be a part of my life again."

    Dominik was honest. It was evident that he believed in his words with all his heart. Good, thought Andrzej. It is really good that the shadow of this relationship does not fall so much on his heart.

    "Probably with the whole scenario you won''t have time for it, but Martynka has her birthday in November. There will be a small party in the restaurant. The girls wouldn''t forgive me if I didn''t invite you."

    "Really? Man, what can I buy as a gift for an eight-year-old girl?"

    "I have no idea. Though I''m just guessing, she would enjoy the date with you the most."

    "Don''t talk nonsense. She is at least ten years away from dating. Who do you take me for?"

    "Hey, modern kids date in kindergarten. You don''t have to go to a romantic dinner with her, but I bet all her friends would be jealous of her if you took her to the movies. Or ponies," Andrzej joked.

    "Ponies, ponies ..." Dominik took the suggestion very seriously. "In November it may already be cold, but if you dress warm, she can really like it."

    Andrzej had to admit that he was speechless. ?liwi¨½ski really planned to take her for a pony ride?

    "Thank you," the actor smiled brightly at him. "I''ll buy her a pony!"

    "Hola, hola, are you not exaggerating?"

    "Of course not! Every little girl dreams of a pony. I can make this girl''s dream come true."

    "But horses are expensive!"

    "Not at all. It won''t cost more than my one shooting day."

    "Well ... unless so.

    Dominik was completely, absolutely incorrect, and blind to reality, but it wasn''t that bad. If he had money and wanted to spend it to please the child, it was his right and even a privilege, judging from his sparkling eyesight. Maybe with this little horse, as during a walk in a zoo, he compensates for his prematurely stolen childhood?

    Screw it, get her that pony. Andrzej will somehow convince Paulina to this idea.

    "Only if you decide to buy a small horse, also add hay in the package."

    ***

    Andrzej was wiping the last plate when Dominik appeared at the sink, sitting on its edge. He was so close that the vessel almost fell from Nowicki''s hands. He felt his hip on his hip, and his beautiful face was dangerously close to his.

    "Sorry to handle the script that way," the actor said guiltily. "The thing is, I didn''t get any offers for so long and the description of the character looked so interesting that I had to check the story and then I started looking for a pony ..."

    "You don''t have to explain to me" said Andrzej. Dominik was far too close.

    "But I want. I''ve ignored you for too long, and I feel very bad about it."

    "Don''t overdo it. It was only a few hours and it was work related. After all, we spend our days in our company."

    "Of course you are right, just¡­" Dominik shifted another centimeters. His hip was pressing down on Andrzej quite intensely.

    After a while it turned out that his hand was pressing on something else.

    Nowicki started. The hand rubbing him through his pants was something he could not take with indifference.

    "We weren''t supposed to go back to it ..." Andrzej turned his face towards Dominik and he could almost feel his hot breath on her. His mouth felt dry.

    "We weren''t supposed to talk about it, and that''s the difference" Dominik explained. "Actually, I wasn''t supposed to say anything until you started the topic yourself. There was nothing in the agreement about touching."

    It''s true, Nowicki admitted silently. Although Dominik caressed him through his clothes, his action was not without effect.

    "What if we were not talking about what was, but about what could be?" suggested ?liwi¨½ski. "About a dream that I wish to come true?"

    "About a dream?" Andrzej''s breathing was getting heavier.

    "Yes. There is someone special in this dream, whose touch makes my senses, body and heart go wild with delight. Someone who will fill my every cell with himself."

    "Dominik ... Why?"

    "Why what? Why do I want you? Why do I love you?"

    "Yes."

    "Because since we''ve known each other, you never wanted anything for yourself, always for me. And I guess I''m an egoist because I want even more from you."

    "You, an egoist? Bad joke. After all, it was me ..."

    ?liwi¨½ski shook his head.

    "Believe me, you gave me a piece of heaven then."

    How could he say such words? How can a man get so much pleasure from being with another man? Is there any pleasure in taking someone''s penis into you?

    "If what you are doing now is an invitation, then ..."

    "It is."

    Andrzej looked away. He felt weird. His whole body was on fire with the thought of Dominik caressing his skin and then putting his penis in that hot tight channel making the actor squirm with ecstasy.

    But how could he do that? How could he use this beautiful man for his own desires? Dominik invited him, claimed that he felt great pleasure, but Andrzej was unable to convince himself to do so.

    Dominik was taught to take pleasure in such behavior because he had never experienced the opposite, proper male role.

    "Why are you hesitating?" The actor asked bringing his mouth closer to him. "I can see your body craves mine. You''re so tough ..."

    "Stop it."

    "Come inside me, please."

    "Dominik ..."

    "Please ..."

    "Stop it!" Andrzej moved away from him sharply enough to surprise the actor. "I ... Wait for me at your room. If I come, it must be my decision, without the pressure you are putting on me."

    Dominik''s eyes widened so much that they turned into two black and aquamarine saucers. The lips smiled radiantly. ?liwi¨½ski did not say a word. He withdrew from the kitchen, never taking his eyes off the photographer, and walked lightly to his bedroom.

    Andrzej swallowed hard.

 Chapter 68 - No Turning Back

    This boy was live sex, walking temptation and delight. He attracted like a magnet and was addictive like a hard drug. Whoever tasted his body was lost.

    Nowicki did not plan to repeat with him what happened that night. He had caught himself dreaming about it, even making a fantasy, but he had no intention of putting it into practice. But he was weak in flesh as he would. Dominik''s touch and his direct invitation made him unable to refuse him.

    Climbing the stairs with a heart as heavy as a stone, Andrzej hoped that his weakness would not hurt this miraculous creature that was Dominik ?liwi¨½ski.

    This time, however, must be different from the previous one. Then Nowicki let himself be surprised and carried away by the moment, now he was consciously and voluntarily going to enter another man''s bedroom to have intercourse with him.

    What am I doing here, he thought, stopping his hand on the doorknob. I shouldn''t be here, I shouldn''t succumb to whispers of lust. I should leave here ...

    Only he couldn''t.

    The handle gave way under his pressure and the door swung open. In that second, he felt Dominik''s hot body on him, arms hanging around his neck.

    "You came," he heard a delighted whisper. "I was afraid you would quit."

    ?liwi¨½ski climbed on his fingers and broke into his mouth almost forcefully. He was so possessive and greedy that he was almost aggressive. It was as if he was afraid to act differently, or he couldn''t.

    This is not how Dominik should love and not how anybody should love him.

    "Dominik, I don''t want to be like then" said Andrzej, pushing him away very gently and only a few centimeters.

    "No? So how?"

    "I want to ... Shit, I can''t say that."

    "So don''t say it. Just do what you want with me."

    It sounded like he was ready for anything, even the most fanciful perversions.

    "Are you sure it ..."

    "If it''s you, everything will be my pleasure," he said, still hanging around his neck.

    "If so ..."

    He took ?liwi¨½ski''s arms off himself, but did not release his hand. He didn''t squeeze them tight, he just wanted to let him know not to move them. Dominik understood and waited for his move. Andrzej shyly touched his flushed cheek and, feeling his heart pounding, initiated a kiss.

    He was not as aggressive as that of Dominik. It took the actor a moment to understand his intentions and surrender to a subtle caress instead of forceful solutions. When this happened, ?liwi¨½ski completely softened. He groaned for a long time and Andrzej felt that the lover was losing confidence in his legs. Andrzej took him in his arms and, gently, as if he were tending the most precious and fragile treasure, carried him those few steps to bed.

    "Oh," Dominik groaned as Nowicki gently released him from his grip.

    "I never even thought to be like this with a man" Andrzej admitted softly, stroking his cheek again. "But you ... You are someone special."

    The actor smiled a little shy but wonderfully pleasant. He was absolutely gorgeous at that moment.

    "Andrzej¡­" he whispered sweetly.

    Nowicki did not know what he felt about him, whether it was pure physical power or something more than that. He loved being with Dominik, looking after him, helping him, and in fact all he expected as rewards was his happiness. He felt this way towards all the people who were close to him, but from all of them only this short young man with long hair and eyes like two aquamarine suns started his body on fire.

    He took off Dominik''s T-shirt and laid the man in the sheets. Last time it was his lover who did everything to ensure that Andrzej had maximum pleasure. He made it. Now Nowicki wanted to repay him. He was looking at the naked torso of the man trying to decide where to start petting. He had no idea what Dominik liked and he did not want the actor to regret inviting him to his bed.

    "If you are reluctant, I can ..."

    "No!" Andrzej interrupted firmly. "I have to, no, I want to. If I have already decided to have sex with you, I have to be consistent."

    "Oh, Andrzej ..." Dominik smiled happily.

    Their eyes met and Nowicki felt again hypnotized by their passionate beauty. He slid over his lover and pressed their lips together again. This time he placed his right hand on his heart to feel every change in his rhythm.

    It sped up.

    Andrzej sighed inwardly. Dominik wasn''t lying, he really reacted to his touch and closeness.

    He started to run over his chest with the fingertips alone, causing ?liwi¨½ski to sigh and shudder. The slender body stretched beneath him. The thumb caught a hard, stiff nipple.

    What it''s like to suck a man''s chest flashed through his head. He released his lover''s lips and slid down to a pink, stiff bulge. He brushed it with his tongue and then gently sucked it.

    "Ah¡­!" groaned Dominik.

    The experience was no other than caressing a woman with small breasts. None of his partners, however, made such a sweet and exciting sound. He was a hundred times more delightful than the action that caused him, and Andrzej decided that he could listen to his lover endlessly.

    For that to happen, however, he had to provide him with the right dose of stimulation.

    He positioned himself so that it was comfortable for him to reach both of his nipples. As he followed the first with his tongue, making circles around the hard mound and gently biting it, the second alternately stroked and pinched it, causing more sighs and groans.

    Yet, Andrzej thought, I want to listen to him even louder. I want him to moan and scream with pleasure.

    Dominik was already warm and his body was covered with pearls of sweat. You could see his body begging for more. Even Andrzej was fed up with foreplay and felt that his member wanted to get down to business. Both their penises demanded release, but Nowicki decided that tonight belongs exclusively to Dominik. He slipped his pants and underwear off of it and looked at its size. What would it be like to have him inside?

    "Don''t look like that" complained ?liwi¨½ski. "I feel intimidated."

    "You?" He asked surprised. Andrzej looked up into Dominik''s face and saw a huge blush. "Have you ever had it ... you know, in someone?"

    Dominik shook his head. He was all red now.

    "Just in the mouth."

    "Was it nice?"

    Dominik nodded.

    "So I will do my best to make it so now. Guide me if there is something wrong" Andrzej bent over Dominik''s penis.

    "But ... Are you sure you want this? Immediately?"

    "I want to make love with you. I have no turning back."

    He put his tongue to his head. The first sensation was not pleasant, rather strange, but when he felt an organ twitch in his mouth, indicative of the pleasure his lover felt, he pushed it deeper.

    He wasn''t hard yet, so Andrzej started gently. He moved his tongue over its surface as if he were making organoleptic examinations. Once he knew its structure and shape, he pushed it even deeper and sucked it in.

    "Oh, Andrzej, ah ..." he felt Dominik''s hand in his hair. He likes it, he thought.

 Chapter 69 - I Want Him

    The actor moved his hips nervously. It swelled in Andrzej''s mouth, filling it with himself more and more thoroughly. Only then did Nowicki feel the pleasure of licking and sucking his penis. It was wonderfully perverse to make a man writhe in delight at his touch. He reached for his penis to stimulate it with his hand. He was not ready to penetrate yet, but like the organ in Nowicki''s mouth - it was growing rapidly.

    "Oh, Andrzej, I¡­ I want too," Dominik groaned pleadingly.

    "What do you want?" He asked, not very consciously, reluctantly breaking away from the choke.

    "I want you in my mouth too."

    Nowicki looked at him a bit hazy. He imagined the position they would take for mutual pleasure. It is true that he promised himself that today he would be the active party, but the temptation was too great. Hastily he pulled off the bottom of his clothes and moved so that his penis was within reach of his lover.

    Dominik took it to his mouth almost immediately, enveloping him with wonderful heat. No hand could give him such intense pleasure as this man''s mouth.

    ?liwi¨½ski had more practice, but he was caressed longer. At the moment when his penis felt the approaching top, he wanted to leave Andrzej''s mouth, but Andrzej held his hips. They struggled for a moment, but Nowicki was not going to let him go. Eventually, Dominik had to give up and with a loud groan he released his semen in his lover''s mouth.

    Taking sperm into himself was a new experience for Andrzej. The experience was strange but very enjoyable in a perverse way.

    For Dominik, apparently too, because he was unable to continue the caress.

    "Why did you do that?" The actor asked softly.

    "Because I wanted to. Deciding to have sex with a man and not trying it is a bit pointless."

    Andrzej changed position again. He wanted his face to be closer to Dominik''s.

    "But you can make love without it."

    "You can," he admitted, "but what''s the difference then between being with a man and being with a woman?"

    Dominik did not know. How could he? From TV? The love scenes he played on the set?

    "And ..." he asked uncertainly, "what''s the difference?"

    "Acceptable. If it were anyone else, I probably could never ... But you ... are twisting my world. Now lie down well, because I''m not done with you yet."

    Dominik''s expression was priceless and for a split second, Andrzej regretted not having his camera with him. Only by a fraction. The thought that with the help of this photo someone else could burst into such an intimate memory with shoes, he overcame temptation to take a picture. At this point, Dominik belonged only to him.

    And the mere sight of him was a source of delight.

    Shit, he cursed in his head, how did it happen? How is it that I want to caress this wonderful body and bring it to continual groans of ecstasy? How could I ever get to the point where I want to enter it, dominate it and conquer it, and fill it with myself beyond all boundaries?

    His fingertips alone irritated the skin on Dominik''s breasts and belly. Under his sweet torture, the body stretched and shivered.

    He''s so sweet, so deliciously sweet, thought Andrzej, losing himself in what he was doing. He planned to caress him consciously, deliberately pushing him to the limit of his endurance, but Dominik was too alluring and soon Andrzej himself was breathing hard, full of excitement, feeling his manhood demanding something more.

    His awareness was lost in lust, but he knew that the actor would not accept him in such a state, and even if he did manage to enter him, it would be painful for Dominik. He didn''t want this. He could not consciously cause him pain.

    "Oh, Andrzej, I ..." groaned Dominik straining under him "Come inside me ... please ..."

    "Not yet, you''re not ready yet."

    "Hurry up, I ..." He moved his hips anxiously.

    He wants me, he invites me. He even wants me to break into him with my penis. Damn, Dominik, you are too wonderful ...

    The actor''s buttocks and the eye hidden between them were not a secret for Andrzej. He had explored these areas before, though without due diligence. Now he was drawn by the irresistible force of the desire to open the way to even more pleasure. At the touch of his hand, under the caress of the tongue that danced around the entrance, the actor tensed again and groaned for a long time. There was contentment and relief in that sound, as if the fulfillment of a strong desire was finally coming.

    Never had a lover responded so wonderfully. Dominik''s sensuality was the best aphrodisiac, and Andrzej was struggling to hold back his manhood into him. The hole was so tight, however, that even the sting of his tongue had a hard time digging into it. He licked his finger and bearing in mind what Dominik had been saying to him the previous time, he pressed it lightly against the entrance.

    "Oh!" Dominik moaned when the finger began to dig into him. "Oh, Andrzej!"

    He reached out to grab his lover. Andrzej looked up at him and swallowed hard. His heart throbbed in him like crazy. The actor, flushed and sweaty, was just too beautiful to be an earthly being.

    "I love you" Dominik whispered forcefully. "I love you ... I love ..."

    It was pure madness, thought Andrzej. His mind was losing all its clarity. He couldn''t concentrate on properly preparing Dominik. But he must do it, he must not hurt him. Dominik cannot suffer any more.

    A bottle of moisturizing fluid appeared in the hands of the actor. The view was not romantic, but very erotic.

    "Hurry up, Andrzej ... I''m at the end of my tether."

    He too? It ran through Andrzej''s head.

    "But ..." his voice was rough, as if he hadn''t spoken in at least a week.

    "Hurry..."

    No, not yet. First he has to ...

    He poured a thick liquid between the actor''s buttocks. His finger felt more relaxed and a second quickly joined him.

    "Ah, aaaaaa ..." Dominik moaned under him, biting his lips. "Uhmmmmm ..."

    ''I want him,'' thought Andrzej, feeling that the lover is so relaxed that he could slowly slide into him.

    ''I want him,'' he repeated, pouring a dose of liquid over his penis and spreading it over its surface.

    ''I want him,'' he looked into Dominik''s eyes and couldn''t hold back any longer.

    There was no way to fight this desire!

    Damn it! Damn it all!

 Chapter 70 - As Long As You Are In My Life

    As Andrzej entered him, Dominik held his breath for a moment. Andrzej hesitated, but was no longer able to stop. Feeling his own pleasure overwhelming him, he began to make slow, gliding movements.

    "Oh ..." Dominik arched a slight arch and tossed his head back.

    Andrzej embraced his hips and lifted him more. This allowed him to go a little deeper. Dominik''s interior was hot and willing, inviting him further and welcoming him with another delightful groan from the actor''s mouth. Soon Andrzej was immersed in him and he was absorbed in his arms.

    Though it was against nature and against what he had been brought up in, being one with Dominic gave him heavenly delight.

    ***

    "I''ve been thinking about what we''re doing," said Andrzej suddenly. His voice was very serious.

    Dominik, on his chest, shifted uneasily.

    "Yes?"

    "You are incredible, absolutely amazing, but I don''t know if I can accept such a relationship."

    "So don''t do it" ?liwi¨½ski cuddled up to him, filling him with a mixture of restless emotions.

    "I ... don''t understand," Andrzej admitted.

    "I know you like me, but you can''t yet say to what extent. What we do together goes beyond the standards you know. It cannot be easy to understand all of this, so you should take your time. It can stay as it is for now, don''t you think?"

    "As it is?"

    "I love you for everything you give me, who you are to me. Although I would like more, I would like you to love me too, I know I cannot expect it from you. Therefore, if I can spend time with you as I have been doing, and sometimes you want to take me in your arms, it will be fine."

    "But ... Don''t you feel there''s something wrong with that?"

    "Not really. Of course I would like more, but if it doesn''t¡­ I don''t want to lose what I have - your friendship."

    "You won''t lose her," Andrzej assured him hotly.

    "I believe you," he heard the soft reply and felt a hot drop on his chest.

    "Then why are you crying?"

    "I love you."

    "Shit" muttered Andrzej, not knowing what to do. "But I don''t know if I ever ..."

    "I know."

    "We shouldn''t have started this. If I can''t return your feelings, I''ll only hurt you. We should stop."

    "It''s too late. It was too late from the start. I didn''t stop thinking about you from the moment you saved me. Whether you would have left right then, now, or a thousand years from now, it would be the same."

    "Dominik ..."

    "I''m sorry it''s my fault. That''s just the way I am. So don''t worry about the future. For now, let it stay as it is. It''s okay."

    "Are you sure?"

    "Of course. As long as you are in my life to any degree, I will be happy."

    It is impossible, thought Andrzej. No one can be happy living an unrequited love. There is always a black cloud of awareness hanging over you that you are unloved. Such bitterness cannot do any good.

    Nowicki stroked the head of his lover.

    And what is he to do in such a situation?

    Dominik was the sweetest, most adorable of the creatures he knew. He was alluring, sensitive and beautiful, but what Andrzej felt for him was not love. At least not the kind that ?liwi¨½ski would have liked. Nowicki had already slept with women he liked and attracted to him, but there was no real feeling in this. Sex, while undoubtedly pleasant, was just sex.

    If Dominik were a woman, Andrzej would probably fall in love with him. He had exactly all the traits he particularly liked and a few others that he liked through him. However, he could not imagine himself in love with a man. He couldn''t stand hiding from people or being exposed. No, it was simply impossible for a man to love a man in a romantic way. Dating, friendship and even sex were explainable and acceptable, but a romantic feeling?

    Maybe that makes him a hypocrite, he thought, after all he gets the physical pleasure of being with a man. But sex is sex. You can make it with your wife, mistress, whore and even alone. It''s just physical, nothing really extraordinary.

    Nothing fancy for him, but for Dominik he was only the second partner in life. The boy took matters of the body as seriously as his hearts. For him, there was no such thing as free relationships or just fun. When he gave his body it was together with his soul. Andrzej knew about it from the beginning and yet he could not keep his penis in his pants and now the boy became even more attached to him. It was unfair towards Dominik and it could have ended as badly as in the case of the relationship with Marczak.

    No, Andrzej would never hit him and he would absolutely not dare try to force him, but sooner or later he would break his heart.

    Not if Dominik''s heart changes by itself. All he has to do is find someone worth loving for himself.

    ?liwi¨½ski''s breathing slowed down. The actor seemed to fall asleep in his arms.

    Nowicki reached for the covers and covered them both. He didn''t want his lover to get too cold and catch a cold. Since Andrzej found Dominik then, in that heart breaking day, half-conscious with exhaustion, ?liwi¨½ski was weakened all the time. During these two months, the recurring and new problems that Marczak posed did not allow him to fully recover. Dominik was brave and struggling, but he did not have the same appetite as before, he stopped exercising in his small gym and he often had moments of deep reflection or distraction. He sometimes dropped something or even accidentally injured himself. Sometimes Andrzej felt like just grabbing him in his arms, just like now, and holding him in them so that he wouldn''t be inadvertently hurt himself.

    Sometimes he was even afraid that if he let him out of sight, Dominik would melt in his loneliness and sorrow.

    ''I have to draw him between people, between trusted and good friends. Go somewhere with Paulina and Martynka or Marta and, damn it, even with Ewelina. This director he met could turn out to be a decent guy too. I cannot allow Dominik''s world to be limited only to me, because then there will surely be some catastrophe.''

    Yes, it will be the perfect solution to expand Dominik''s circle of friends. Andrzej should show him the good that exists in people and make Dominik want their company and their warmth. After all, there were good, honest and nice people in the world, not only vultures waiting to use someone for their own ends. These people must enter the world of Dominik, otherwise the life of the young actor will not cease to be a well filled with loneliness. After all, Andrzej himself will never be able to fill this well with the usual love that exists between people.

    Andrzej felt his lover''s warmth, his calm breathing and even heartbeat. It was nice to hold him in his arms, touch his skin and hair, smell a subtle, wonderful smell.

    But why the hell both have to be men?

 Chapter 71 - Excited For A Business Meeting

    In the morning, neither of them mentioned the conversation they had right after intercourse. Andrzej felt strange after that conversation, but Dominik tried to behave as he does every day. It was as if nothing had happened between them that night. He got up before Andrzej and prepared breakfast for both of them.

    "What time is the director coming?" The photographer asked over the cup of white coffee. Dominik tried to act naturally, but it was impossible not to notice a certain artificiality in his behavior. Nowicki knew that ?liwi¨½ski was suffering because of him. The truth stabbed his heart painfully.

    "Eleven o''clock" the actor answered.

    "After you meeting, would we go to Paulina?" offered Andrzej.

    "Ooooo¡­ I can''t do it today. I have no idea how long it will take us, and if we come to an agreement, I''d like to work on the script. Forgive me."

    "No problem."

    "Maybe another time" Dominik added apologetically.

    "Sure" Andrzej smiled, although he felt somewhat rejected. ?liwi¨½ski wanted everything to be as before, but it was impossible. The words spoken could not be undone, and they both felt uncomfortable now.

    Maybe the actor understood how unrealistic his desire for Nowicki to love him was? He tried to accept it, but subconsciously suffered because of it?

    "Andrzej, could you be home when he comes?" ?liwi¨½ski asked timidly. "I don''t really know him, and I don''t know what to expect from him," he blushed.

    Nowicki blinked his eyes.

    "Okay, but then why did you invite him to your house if you don''t trust him?"

    "Because ... I want to learn to trust people. I don''t want to stay locked at home forever."

    So Dominik was already able to make such decisions on his own? He knew what his problem was and was able to take a step to overcome his fears.

    "I''m proud of you" Andrew blurted before he realized how silly it sounded.

    "Really?" The actor, however, looked beaming. If he were a woman, Nowicki would run up to him, embraced him and kissed him with all passion.

    "I wonder how to get you to people, and you invite them home. But I think I once mentioned to you to be careful with stranger men."

    "Yes, that''s why I''m asking you to stay. After that, it will definitely get better, but this is my first time and I would like to have you close to me."

    "How close?"

    "As much as possible."

    Why was the silence between them erotic?

    Shit, I want to hug him. I want to kiss him. I want¡­

    Dominik bit his lower lip. His gaze from beneath trailing lashes developed a lump in Andrzej''s throat.

    "Sorry," mumbled ?liwi¨½ski and headed towards the door. "I have to take a shower."

    "But ..." after all, his hair is not completely dry from the previous one. "But¡­ I could use a long, cold shower too" Andrzej finished, when Dominik disappeared on the stairs.

    And how can you stay normal then?

    ***

    The erotic tension between them actually made their lives difficult. Though they were drawn to each other, the two stubbornly refused to talk about sex or to come closer to each other less than half a meter. There was no denying that their bodies were drawn to each other like a magnet, but reason just couldn''t come to terms with it. At least that of Andrzej. Dominik knew this perfectly well and when the tension was starting to build too much, he got out of his way.

    After the night conversation and in the perspective of ?liwi¨½ski''s meeting with the director, the atmosphere was unfavorable. Dominik had to focus on the negotiations and not on his desires.

    On the other hand, it was quite a distraction from a stranger''s visit to his home.

    To his surprise, Andrzej discovered that he himself needed a diversion in thinking about Dominik. This boy was just like a flame.

    Only today, for the first time, he was going to be talking about his own participation in production. Nowicki had never attended such meetings and had no idea what topics were being discussed. He suspected that the actor had left everything in Marczak''s hands so far. These negotiations were important because ?liwi¨½ski needed this role both for professional and private reasons. Whether it would be a super-production or a niche, was in the background at this point. The most important thing was that Dominik wanted to appear in it at all.

    Nowicki did not quite know what to do with himself or in what character should he introduce himself. The fact that he lived with ?liwi¨½ski was not common knowledge at the moment and he wanted it to stay that way - not for himself, but for the actor. What explanation could they possibly have for this situation? Neither of them had to have a roommate, they lived together by choice, and the tabloids could smell it right away. Is explaining that he is his private photographer enough?

    While before the party they could still answer all insinuations about what they had in common with all honesty that only friendship and cooperation, now such a denial was not credible. They slept together, not once, but twice. It might not make them a couple yet, but it could have sparked quite a scandal.

    Andrzej would survive it. His parents died a few years ago, he had no siblings and the only friends who mattered in his life would not point their fingers at him (and something told him that Paulina would even applaud). Even Nowicki''s career would not suffer in any way, because he had already quit his job and he did not intend to look for another. He even assumed that he would be more successful with women who would like to know what is there about the famous Dominik ?liwi¨½ski and why he decided to change his orientation.

    It''s not that he actually changed it, he thought to himself. He just tried something new.

    Dominik, on the other hand, would not have gone through it all unscathed. His family, and indeed all of Poland, was very Catholic, so he expected rejection on all fronts. He would have received the support of some open organizations and communities, but that would not have mitigated the shock sufficiently. Dominik was stronger than in August, but still not enough to face such a scandal. So Andrzej knew that under no circumstances should he reveal anything about him, that they could have any mutual intimate relations on their conscience.

    He decided to be a roommate and photographer preparing ?liwi¨½ski''s new photo material. This explanation was acceptable to everyone. Why are they living together? To get to know the real self of the actor and to have free access to his world without creating artificial situations.

    The explanation was absolutely brilliant.

    He also decided not to hide around the house so as not to arouse suspicion. He will behave normally, as in a meeting with a journalist. Of course, he won''t be with them all the time. After all, he also had work to do with ?liwi¨½ski, and he would use the time when the actor would devote to the director to select photos for the first part of the album.

    Although he asked Dominik what the name of the director who was to come was, the name Maciej Werner told him nothing. A pity, he thought, because that meant someone was really new, with no familiarity or no established reputation. He probably thought that ?liwi¨½ski''s name would attract sponsors and advertise his production. He was probably right. Super-production is unlikely to be it, but a niche film can also bring interesting results. European cinema preferred independent filmmakers and gave them prizes more often, and Dominik proved that no role is too much of a challenge for him.

    "You think I might be wearing this?" ?liwi¨½ski suddenly asked him. Andrzej twitched with surprise and looked at the actor. The blue shirt he was wearing emphasized the already intense color of his eyes.

    "Sure. Everything is good for you."

    He smiled flushed with the compliment.

    "Thanks, but it''s more of an occasion."

    "Hmm, it''s not a very formal meeting, rather a casual introductory conversation, right?"

    "Yes. We will exchange observations and comments regarding the script and the character I would play."

    "It fits great for me. Elegant, but free, handsome, with a claw, but also ..." he wanted to say ''sexy'', only that the word was a risk at this point. Better not to arouse certain¡­ associations. "It''s perfect," he finished. "When are you expecting him?"

    "In five minutes."

    Andrzej nodded. He felt as if he was excited about this meeting no less than Dominik himself. They both visibly flinched when the ?liwi¨½ski''s cell phone rang on the table. They looked at the phone uncertainly. Was he canceling the meeting?

    The actor went to the phone.

    "This, Marta ..." He blushed up to his ears and answered.

    Marta? Andrzej was no less surprised. He wouldn''t have thought the girl was one of the first to call guys. She was fairly brave and confident, but calling men after a date just wasn''t her style.

 Chapter 72 - A Star Among The Stars

    "¡­ Yes, yes, it''s all right now. I''m sorry you were worried about me. I should have called you ... Thank you, it''s very nice ..."

    The doorbell drowned out any further words.

    "Will you open?" Dominik asked silently.

    Andrzej sighed and stood up. He didn''t mind being a doorman. He was angry because it seemed that ?liwi¨½ski did not tell him everything. If Martha called him to ask how he was feeling, it means that it was really bad at the party. Shit, Dominik, why do you hide such things? You know I''m here for you.

    A young man was standing in front of the gate with a bag over his shoulder. He looked completely like nobody in particular. Andrzej did not recognize his face.

    "Yes? He asked over the intercom. He was convinced that it was a student looking for a lodge and he had mixed up the addresses."

    ?Maciej Werner to Mr. ?liwi¨½ski. We have an appointment."

    "Oh yes, please come in."

    Andrzej opened the door and went to meet him. Werner? So young? He looked younger than him and had already directed a movie? How is this possible?

    "Good morning. I''m Andrzej Nowicki. Dominik is on the phone. It should be finished in a moment."

    They went inside. The actor did not speak loudly, yet they managed to hear him say:

    "¡­ make it up to you. Is there any special place you would like to go?"

    Perfect, Andrzej thought triumphantly. Marta couldn''t have called at a better time. Even if the fact that they live in two seems suspicious to someone, ?liwi¨½ski very clearly arranges a date with a woman. Dominik gestured for him and Maciej Werner to wait until he finished the conversation and that it would not be long.

    In fact, Dominik smiled into the phone and finished:

    "Great, we''ll work out the details. See you soon!"

    He hung up the phone and looked at them both with a charming smile.

    "Thank you for coming," he offered Werner his hand.

    The director was as slim as Dominik, but he was barely lower than Andrzej. He looked even younger up close. He seemed no less passionate than the actor, who at that moment perfectly acted at ease and confident.

    "No, no, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, I''m grateful that you read my script. I didn''t even dare to dream that you would invite me to a meeting."

    The director gave the impression that he was speaking completely seriously. No wonder, if he was so young and had only one production to his credit, the participation of someone as famous and loved by viewers as Dominik would definitely help him achieve commercial success.

    But since the actor himself wanted to star in this movie and needed to act somewhere as well, that wasn''t a problem.

    "The script made me laugh, and that doesn''t happen often" ?liwi¨½ski politely informed.

    "Really?" Werner''s eyes flashed with enthusiasm. "I was afraid that maybe it wasn''t your type of humor ..."

    "Generally it isn''t," Dominik invited him to sit down. "This story is different. Don''t you think it''s too bold for the Polish reality?"

    "That''s why I need you, Mt. ?liwi¨½ski. Besides¡­ How did you like the character of my hero?"

    "He''s very interesting," the actor replied. Andrzej, who was already getting ready to leave, smiled to himself. Dominik did not show that he was really delighted with his hero and almost fell in love with him.

    "I''m glad," Werner breathed a sigh of relief. "I don''t know if I can confess, but I made the hero with you in mind."

    "O really?"

    Andrzej was also interested in it, so he stopped with his hand on the door handle of Dominik''s office and listened.

    "You are an extremely talented actor, but some people only see you through the prism of your appearance, let''s face it, you are one of the most beautiful men in history. Many people only see beauty. That''s why my character is chimeric and neurotic, moving from subtlety to extreme emotional states. Only a really good actor, as I say, truly brilliant, will be up to the challenge. Do you agree with me, Mr. Nowicki?"

    Andrzej looked at Werner, who was looking at him with a pleasant smile.

    "Um? Yes," he admitted.

    "And you support Mr. ?liwi¨½ski in this role?"

    The question sounded like a request for support and the photographer felt a little awkward.

    "I haven''t read the script," he admitted. "I don''t know much about the character either, but Dominik can handle anyone, I know for sure."

    "So you don''t know that the character we''re talking about is a hired killer?"

    Nowicki did not know. Now he tried to imagine a dark comedy with ?liwi¨½ski as a neurotic, chimeric contract killer. It could be¡­ interesting.

    "It makes no difference," he said as he thought. "For a good actor, there are no unplayable roles. Psychopath or saint, comedy or drama, Dominik has not failed in any production and will certainly not disappoint.

    The director smiled radiantly.

    "I knew it!" He exclaimed triumphantly.

    "I beg your pardon?"

    "You are already imagining what Mr. ?liwi¨½ski will look like in this role, right? All viewers will think alike. The very idea of ??casting someone so likeable in the presumably unpleasant role will provoke a large-scale discussion. Before the premiere, critics will argue with each other whether it was a good choice, and when they see the finished work, they will have no choice but to appreciate this brilliant creation."

    "Hey, are you not pushing yourself too hard? You don''t think that with one actor you will create a whole film and you will base success solely on him? There is such a thing as cinematography, music and¡­ directing."

    Werner didn''t look offended.

    "Grain to grain, Mr. Nowicki. You may not know me, but if I have a goal for myself, I won''t rest before I reach it. And my goal is to make a movie that will go down in history. Patrycja Maj, Grzegorz Fieldorf and Artur Rubenstein have already confirmed their willingness to participate in the production."

    Andrzej was familiar with these names. Patrycja Maj has partnered with Dominik in his latest film, which for almost three months has been in the first place of the most-watched cinema. Until recently, she was an icon of beauty for Nowicki, but now she was an icon, but a female beauty. Grzegorz Fieldorf received three prestigious international awards for his cinematography and Artur Rubenstein was considered a genius among composers. His music for the last Hollywood production sold better than the film itself.

    "Impressive, really," he admitted.

    "But they''re all just background. I need you, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, because the main character must be the center of this film, and I care a lot about you participating in my project."

    The words sounded incredibly convincing. Andrzej saw how they found their way into Dominik''s mind. Although he did not show it openly, ?liwi¨½ski was glad that someone was trying to get him to participate in the movie. He was afraid that he would not be able to do it without Marczak, and here, despite everything, the opportunity appeared by itself. Not only was it not just a niche movie, it was a production honored with world-famous names and he, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, was to be a pearl among them, the icing on the cake.

    "Then let''s talk about the details," he suggested.

    It''s okay, thought Andrzej. It is very good.

    "Gentlemen, forgive me," he murmured. "I''ll take care of my work."

    They no longer needed him, and as he quickly noticed, they no longer paid attention to him. For a moment he thought he should be offended by it. It was enough, however, that he looked at Dominik to make it pass. The actor was already in a completely different world, looking not at his guest, but at the vision of the film they had just started to create. He was busy, engaged and, above all, happy.

    Andrzej smiled and closed the door behind him.

    Now these two will be able to handle it for sure.

    He sat down at the desk and turned on his laptop. Since his visit to the zoo, he hasn''t had many opportunities to view the photos he took of Dominik. In fact, he had not even looked for such opportunities. The time at the actor''s home, spent talking, watching movies, thinking how to help him get out of depression, talking, cooking, preparing for the party, talking, and recently also having sex, passed extremely quickly. Andrzej did not even have a chance to conduct a normal photo session. The photographs he had taken in the meantime were recorded rather on an ongoing basis, he had not yet cataloged them and had not even looked at them thoroughly.

    While preparing the album, Andrzej will tell the story of Dominik. Not all, from the moment the actor started to stand on his own feet to his great success. It is true that Nowicki was still worried about him, but he believed that eventually the actor would stop being afraid and get the real happiness he deserved. ?liwi¨½ski''s efforts could not go unanswered. Dominik was getting stronger and stronger and Andrzej just knew that he would soon be standing on his own.

 Chapter 73 - Unforgivable

    Even the photos told him the same. Often they discovered the truth invisible with the normal eye. Not because the lens saw something more, it only allowed to capture and freeze a moment elusive for the human eye. The longer you looked at the picture, the more clearly you could see all the nuances of the adopted facial expressions. The less an object was aware that it was being photographed, the more real it was in the photos.

    Just like those in the zoo.

    The photos were taken with a mobile phone from a distance, but looking at them Andrzej felt the warmth of memories. Dominik was not only smiling, he radiated sincere, almost childlike joy.

    The memory was beautiful, but Nowicki gritted his teeth. It was unfair that someone with such high sensitivity had so few opportunities for genuine and sincere laughter. The adult world, however, is cruel and tough, requiring a fight for money and social position. It does not tolerate naive idealists turning them into money-making machines or using their infantile approach to seeing reality. For years, ?liwi¨½ski was a victim of the latter. How then could he really and honestly open up to an adult knowing that he would open himself to him for further blows? Only a child who was pure in his intentions and desires allowed him to feel safe. Only in front of the child could he lower his guard and be himself for a moment.

    And in front of me, he thought, feeling strange with that awareness. He didn''t understand why Dominik trusted him so much?

    ''Because I saw your dark side,'' he had told him when asked about it a long time ago.

    The first thing he saw in me was the dark side. I blackmailed him, and yet he was grateful to me. I was finally able to sell these photos for a great profit, but I gave them to him. And where did it get me?

    However, he did not regret it. Maybe he got involved in a bizarre situation involving occasional sex with another man, but he had the impression that if Dominik hadn''t ended his relationship with Marczak, something very bad would have happened to him. After all, how long can you go on in a relationship where only one side loves, only one side gives? How much longer would Dominik endure before seeking solace in alcohol, maybe drugs, or another man''s arms?

    Wait a minute, isn''t he doing the latter now?

    But now at least he''s not doing it out of desperation. Probably. Dominik honestly thinks he is in love. Their situation is not related to a desperate escape for him, but a desire to get something new. At least that''s what Andrzej thought when he looked at the actor''s photos from the zoo. Their relationships were ...

    Nowicki stretched out in the chair, folded his hands behind his head and looked at the ceiling.

    Their relationships were indefinite, somewhat bizarre. It was largely a friendship - there was no doubt about that. They liked each other''s company, so spending time together was completely natural for them. One could say that they are close to each other as close brothers, were it not for the fact that the brothers do not sleep together.

    And it was sex that complicated everything between them.

    Sex. What went wrong with me to sleep with Dominik? Damn it!

    In his laptop''s memory there was still a photo he had taken while Dominik having sex with Marczak. He once tried to remove them so as not to remember that Dominik had previously been in an intimate relationship with this man, but the beautiful expression that the actor had assumed then did not allow him to do so. It would be like burning "Lady with an Ermine" or cutting down frescoes in the Sistine Basilica. Andrzej could not do it and now he has displayed this photo again.

    ''Which is why I slept with him'', he thought. Because of his wonderfully parted lips, hellish aquamarine eyes and the inspired expression on his face. Consciously or subconsciously, everyone dreams of hugging the ideal of beauty in their arms, and Andrzej was so lucky that this ideal chose to hug him.

    Just Him.

    How then was he not to succumb?

    A subtle, even tender smile appeared on his face. Dominik was not an ordinary man. His physical beauty and nature''s sensitivity made him something special. Although he would only play dressing up in front of the camera, if following the footsteps of Eugeniusz Bodo in an evening gown he would sing: "Sexiness, this is our female weapon ..."[1] he would be like a sensual little princess dazzling everyone ...

    Sensual little princess?

    Staring at the photo, enchanted by the association, Andrzej smiled even wider. The vision was extremely attractive.

    "Mr. Nowicki! Mr. Nowicki!"

    Andrzej started. Surprised, he looked towards the door. Does he hear Werner''s voice? Why is she calling him so tightly? What the hell happened?

    He was immediately at the door. He opened it and the first thing he saw was how the director was supporting Dominik, standing over the table. There was something disturbing about the actor''s silhouette, so Nowicki was with him in just a few steps.

    "Dominik ?!" He cried looking at his face.

    The face was motionless, colorless, frozen in shock. Eyes absent. Andrzej snatched the actor from Werner''s hands and laid him on the couch.

    "What happened?" He growled at the director.

    "This," he pointed to the box on the table. Only now did Nowicki notice that he too was deeply moved.

    Andrzej had to know what had happened in order to be able to react appropriately. He looked at the open cardboard package on the table.

    He felt immediately sick. Inside was the blood-stained carcass of a gray Persian kitten with bulging blue eyes.

    What a sickeningly sick joke! Or maybe a threat? Damn it!

    Dominik must have been shocked at the sight. Nothing unusual. Given his sensitivity, receiving something like this must have shocked him. Poor boy. Andrzej immediately leaned over him to see if his life was in danger.

    "Dominik, it''s okay," he said in a soft, gentle voice. "It''s just a stupid, sick joke. Hey, get a grip. Can you hear me?"

    He heard. Slowly, with great difficulty, he looked into the eyes of Andrzej, bent over him.

    "I called an ambulance" Andrzej heard behind him.

    Dominik wouldn''t want that. He was afraid of a scandal. In similar situations, he has already refused medical treatment twice, and maybe it was a mistake. Perhaps Andrzej should have done what Werner is now doing.

    "Thank you," Nowicki replied completely sincerely. He suspected that he would not dare to call an ambulance this time.

    "There''s also a letter. Maybe I should call the police?"

    "A letter?"

    "Looks like threats."

    "Did he read it?"

    "He had it in his hand, but I don''t know. How is Mr. ?liwi¨½ski?"

    Andrzej looked at the actor, who gave the impression that he was on the verge of consciousness. Shock gave way to weakness.

    "Sorry¡­ for the scene," Dominik said weakly. "I''ll be okay very soon. I don''t need¡­ a doctor."

    "Don''t be angry, but it looks different. This is the second time in a week I see you on the verge of fainting" noticed Maciej Werner.

    Nowicki looked at Werner immediately, alert. What is he talking about? Second time in a week close to fainting? When was the first? At a charity event, there was no doubt about it, because only then did he see Werner. Andrzej knew that the party had overwhelmed Dominik and he had to leave early, but that he would be in danger of losing consciousness? Why doesn''t that idiot tell him such things?

    "Then what about the police?" Werner asked anxiously. "We should report it."

    ?liwi¨½ski shook his head firmly.

    "No," he said emphatically, which sounded ridiculous considering the weakness of his voice. "It''s just a silly joke. Only a joke¡­"

    Does he convince them or himself? No matter who. Andrzej did not think his life was in immediate danger at this point, but if Dominik continued to be under such stress, his body would collapse completely. Where is this ambulance?

    "And I don''t need a doctor¡­" Dominik began timidly.

    "Shut up," Andrzej cut him off sharply. "Second time in a week, remember?"

    Apparently he remembered because he didn''t say a word. He looked away in shame. Before he did, Andrzej noticed, that Dominik''s gaze was hurt as if he had just been betrayed.

    ''Look at me with the eyes as much, as you want,'' Nowicki thought. ''I won''t let you hurt yourself anymore.'' He was angry, he was furious that he had not noticed how weak Dominik was. After all, they lived together, he should have seen it!

    He was aware that he was lying to himself. He had seen it all. He knew that the actor was under enormous stress that he had lost his appetite and was losing weight. At last he held him in his arms, and he could not help but see the pale complexion, feel the heat of his skin. He ignored it because he was a self-righteous idiot who thought that his friendship was enough to heal the wounds Marczak had inflicted on Dominik.

    Meanwhile, Dominik did not recover, quite the opposite. And as if that were not enough, today someone has crossed all borders by sending him this sick gift.

    While waiting for the ambulance, Andrzej made a decision - he would find out who sent Dominik the package, find him, bind him with a blunt butter knife and order him to eat his own liver. Raw.

    [1] Classic scene where a man on stage pretends to be a woman. This one comes from a movie from the period between the First World War and the Second World War.

 Chapter 74 - Underestimating The Problem Is Usually Not Good Idea

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, sitting in the waiting room of the doctor''s office, looked completely calm. He leafed through the brochure about the necessity to undergo periodic medical examinations with a slight interest, which in no way indicated that he attached importance to what he was reading. Like most people in the waiting rooms, he read the flyers only to pass the time.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, the doctor will see you now" the young receptionist informed him with a smile.

    She was pretty and kind, and when she addressed him, she blushed intimidated. Dominik smiled at her. He couldn''t help feeling that she got the job primarily because of her good looks. He didn''t think she was incompetent or stupid, but private clinics often took into account the candidate''s presence when hiring support staff, and she had a really favorable appearance. A pretty face and shapely body rarely made it difficult to get a job. ?liwi¨½ski knew something about this, after all, for several years he was at the forefront of the rankings for the most beautiful and sexiest public figures.

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was twenty-four years old and had been acting regularly in blockbuster movies for the past seven years. With his debut, where he played a rebellious teenager, an escapee from a pathological home, who in the big world falls into trouble and ends tragically, he won the recognition of critics and the delight of the audience. Despite the fact that his role was secondary, many decided that he overshadowed the star of that production and was immediately offered to play the leading character. The then seventeen-year-old was undoubtedly gifted, but he completely seduced the viewers with his extraordinary beauty, which made almost every Polish girl and women in love with him, regardless of age. Contrary to popular fashion, he always wore slightly longer hair, which now fell in free hazelnut waves over his shoulders. He had a lovely face with delicate features, which, with his short stature and slender build, gave him a slightly ethereal, romantic charm. His greatest asset, however, was the purest aquamarine shining eyes.

    "Thank you," he replied to the intimidated girl and stood up. He immediately turned to the taller blonde sitting on the adjoining chair, whose long bangs fell on his brown, stern eyes.

    Usually those eyes looked at him with tenderness and warmth, but not now. Andrzej Nowicki was Dominik''s only true friend, not to mention the only man that ?liwi¨½ski loved, although without reciprocity. For two months, Andrzej was the only person he could trust, who cared for him and helped him deal with the experiences after the violent and unpleasant separation with his former lover. During this time, Dominik developed a romantic and erotic feeling towards him. Nowicki knew it perfectly well, unfortunately he was unable to make such a breakthrough in his heart and love a man. It is true that ?liwi¨½ski managed to get him to bed twice and Andrzej turned out to be a sensitive lover aware of his partner''s needs, but he was far from accepting their possible relationship.

    However, this was not the reason why Nowicki looked at him severely. Dominik knew that Andrzej was very worried about his health and blamed himself for not making sure that ?liwi¨½ski visited the doctor earlier. It took a third party to call an ambulance to make them both realize that the famous actor of the younger generation is not completely healthy.

    "Will you come in with me?" He asked Nowicki.

    Andrzej got up without a word. Dominik felt bad about the fact that he was causing him so much trouble and concern. Nowicki had always been so caring and kind to him, and now he had to worry about Dominik''s health as well. It wasn''t fair.

    Andrzej was not present during the examination itself. Then he was waiting in the corridor, making sure that ?liwi¨½ski did not sneak out through the back door. Now they were entering the doctor''s office for a diagnosis and Dominik wanted to have his friend next to him. He knew that nothing serious was happening to him, that fainting only happened in moments of severe stress, and that he had nothing to fear. Andrzej should hear it with his own ears so that he would stop worrying so much.

    They both went inside, where an old man in glasses and a white medical coat was waiting for them.

    "Doctor," said Dominik.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, Mr. Nowicki," the doctor looked up at Andrzej. He had no idea what the relationship had between the two, he could have guessed or suspected, but he didn''t say a word about it. He was a doctor, he only cared about the patient''s health, and the patient seemed to be cooperating only because the tall blond guy accompanying him had found a way to make him cooperate. "I''m not gonna beat around the bush, it''s not good."

    Nowicki bit his lip. ?liwi¨½ski looked at him with shame.

    "It''s not tragic" added the doctor "but it''s not good either. If it continues like this, there is a high risk of something really serious."

    The harsh words made Dominik blink in surprise.

    "There is a risk?" Nowicki assured himself.

    "I will not use medical jargon, you will be able to familiarize yourself with the test results. You have untreated hypotension, which can cause cerebral anemia, headaches, and fainting. It will also make it difficult for you to concentrate and, consequently, to work. I prescribed you medication to bring your blood pressure back to normal. You will also need to follow a proper diet. But that''s not the main problem. You are on the verge of exhaustion."

    Dominik smiled. Somehow it didn''t sound scary.

    "Please do not underestimate the problem," the doctor reprimanded him sternly. "Young people in pursuit of current fashions think that they will survive on green tea and sprouts alone, and they are not. Please tell me honestly, are you preparing to the role of a prisoner of a concentration camp? "

    Dominik denied it.

    "And you are well on your way to looking like this. You are currently too thin for your BMI, so you are already clearly underweight. That''s very bad. Your body is about to start consuming itself, and since it has virtually no body fat, it will start eating muscle."

    "Is this not an inherent affliction of a starving population?" Nowicki asked.

    "It is," admitted the doctor, "or at least it was. Unfortunately, the problem is becoming more and more common also in richer countries and societies. It''s fashion. Too emaciated models are promoted, and for more or less twenty years many girls, following an extreme diet, have driven their bodies to destruction. As you can see, not only women do it." The doctor looked hostile at Dominik. "It is customary to believe that the thinner someone is, the more beautiful they are, and no one pays attention to the price they pay for it."

    Dominik wasn''t sure he understood correctly. He wasn''t starving himself at all. He looked at Andrzej trying to read the information on his face. He was surprised how fierce she was - as if she didn''t belong to him. Nowicki leaned forward and glared at the doctor.

    "Doctor, what is allowed and what is not allowed?"

    "It is important that you take your medication regularly, have as little stress as possible, plenty of rest and eat well. Sorry to say, but in this case, I recommend animal fats and red meat. No more healthy diets, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski."

    "Dominik doesn''t use diets, he just hasn''t had any appetite recently. Could the lack of it be due to an illness?"

    The doctor looked more closely at the patient.

    "Maybe," he admitted, "but I''d rather suspect the opposite. Did the loss of appetite happen gradually or suddenly? Did something breakthrough happen?" The doctor looked at one then the other.

    "Yes" admitted Andrzej in a businesslike, cold tone that chilled Dominik''s blood in his veins. "There was such an incident."

    "So it could be psychological," said the doctor. "Temporarily I will prescribe something for you to increase your appetite, but I would suggest seeing a psychologist. These types of problems should not be solved pharmacologically. There are really good and discreet specialists working in our clinic."

    ?liwi¨½ski was completely against it. He will never, absolutely never agree to meet some charlatan who, after five or six years of reading smart books by smart people, thinks he has the right to penetrate his mind and heart. Never ...

    "Make an appointment."

    Dominik jumped up and looked at Andrzej incredulously. After all, Nowicki knew perfectly well how Dominik hates psychologists! How could he even suggest such a thing?

    Andrzej did not look at the doctor, but at him. His eyesight was serious and hard.

    "Do you want to die?" He asked softly. There was something strange, elusive in his voice. "Because I want you to live."

    ?liwi¨½ski was speechless. The only thing he could do at that moment was to look into Andrzej''s beautiful, brown eyes, in which he saw true love despite the cold - not romantic or erotic, pure love of noble devotion and friendship.

 Chapter 75 - Thanks To Andrzej And For Andrzej

    ?liwi¨½ski''s heart beat faster. Is this his only alternative - a psychologist or death? No, it can''t be that radical. There must be another way out. It definitely exists!

    "Doctor, is one month following your guidelines enough to improve my results?" He asked, not taking his eyes off Andrzej.

    Sorry, he thought, but I can''t bring myself to make this visit. Not if there''s any other chance.

    "Yes," the doctor admitted without hesitation. "After a month we will know if there is any improvement."

    "Sorry to all of you for the inconvenience, but please give me this month. I promise to do whatever you tell me, but don''t make me go to a psychologist."

    "Well" the doctor drummed his fingers on the tabletop "if the patient so firmly refuses this kind of help, it may actually be better to stop with it. We will come back to the topic if the results of the blood tests carried out in thirty days are not satisfactory."

    "They will be" ?liwi¨½ski announced with all decisiveness. "They will definitely be."

    Andrzej looked away from him. He didn''t believe him. It hurt Dominik, but in the end he owed himself that his friend couldn''t trust him for that. But that will change. For sure. ?liwi¨½ski will do whatever the doctor tells him to do, and even more. He has to prove to Andrzej that he is not so incredibly clumsy anymore..

    ***

    Dominik felt really bad knowing that he was causing Andrzej so much trouble and that he had not succumbed to a sincere request.

    "Andrzej, I''m sorry, I ..." he said as they got into the car. These were the first words they spoke to each other after leaving the doctor''s office. "I really didn''t know it could be anything serious. I promise, I will follow all the doctor''s recommendations. Don''t be mad at me for not wanting to see a psychologist."

    "I''m not," he admitted resignedly.

    "But then ... you''re angry with something else. Forgive me."

    "Don''t apologize, I''m angry with myself. I''ve lived with you for almost two months, and instead of helping you, I''ve only made your condition worse."

    "Not true," cried Dominik. The nurse who passed by looked at them. "Wrong, if not for you ..." How hard it was to talk about it! Dominik felt his eyes moisten.

    "Get in the car," said Andrzej softly.

    ?liwi¨½ski slipped into the car and fell onto the passenger seat. He sniffed. Normally he hardly ever cried, no matter how bad it was. After all, a guy shouldn''t fall apart for just any reason. However, he felt so safe with Andrzej and he was so sure that a friend who knew all his painful secrets would not judge him because of tears, that he did not have to hide anything. This warm awareness made Dominik feel even more moved.

    "On the way we will stop next to the pharmacy" Nowicki continued in the same, warm tone, ignoring the actor. ?liwi¨½ski knew that he was not doing it out of lack of sympathy, but out of tact. "When we get home, you''ll go straight to bed. For a few days, I will pamper you with delicacies and total idleness. When you are so bored that you won''t be able to stay in bed any longer, I''ll take you for a walk. The weather will be nice, I checked the forecasts."

    Dominik kept sniffing, despite everything, he laughed.

    "Sounds good. And will you allow to be invited¡­ to my bed?"

    Andrzej thought for a moment.

    "No sex," he replied. "You are to rest and recover."

    "But also to relax ..." he noted pleadingly.

    "If you gonna be a good boy," came the soft, brusque reply.

    ?liwi¨½ski smiled and quickly wiped his tears. Andrzej was his dream, his dream of a happy life. Maybe at that moment Andrzej didn''t love Dominik as much as Dominik loved him, but he certainly cared about him and his feelings slowly began to evolve. It was for him and for what could flourish between them that Dominik knew that he had to do his best to recover fully. He was motivated to fight the disease and in that way, Nowicki saved his life again.

    Dominik wanted to feel Andrzej''s body, even if only to touch his hand, but Andrzej was already driving the car and Dominik did not want to distract him. He had to be content with the fact that they were only separated by the distance between the seats - it was not much, a few or a dozen centimeters at most, but still a kilometer too far. ?liwi¨½ski shifted on the seat to be closer to the driver even a few millimeters. He loved Andrzej. He loved him so much that the mere thought of the power of this feeling took his breath away. He would have given anything for a dear man to return his feelings.

    Dominik could seduce him, he could assure him of his love and count on a change in his heart, but not make him love him. This feeling just had to be born within Andrzej.

    "Are you going to call Werner or do you want me to?" Andrzej snapped him out of his thoughts.

    Dominik sighed.

    "I suppose I should do it myself, but I don''t know what to tell him. Rather, he will have to find someone else for the role."

    "Why? When do he plan to start shooting?

    "I don''t know," ?liwi¨½ski admitted. "We didn''t get to this point in the talks. Some of the action takes place in winter."

    "In our climate, winter lasts until March. It''s about six months. Until then, the doctor will definitely give you the green light."

    "You think so?" Dominik asked with hope.

    "Of course. And don''t forget, he cares for you to be in this movie. He made this role for you. He won''t let anyone else play it, even if he has to postpone the project for a month or two. I suggest that you tell him that the doctor told you to save yourself for a while and ask when he wants to start production. He knows you didn''t feel well because he persuaded you to see a doctor himself. The guy looks considerate. He shouldn''t ask for details, but acknowledge the fact."

    "Yes, I think you are right" Dominik rejoiced. "I''ll call him as soon as we get home."

    Maciej Werner was a brilliant director and screenwriter of the young generation, who won the award for the best directorial debut last year. He met ?liwi¨½ski at a charity party, where he expressed his admiration for the actor''s talent and asked to read his script. After Werner accidentally freed Dominik from the insistent embrace of his former lover, Dominik felt compelled to express his gratitude and promised to read his script. As it turned out, it was quite good, and although not entirely to ?liwi¨½ski''s taste, he liked the idea of ??playing in this film. The actor invited him to his place to discuss the details of possible cooperation. Then he received an unexpected package. Its contents - a bloodied dead Persian kitten - shocked Dominic, who was on the verge of severe depression a few weeks ago. When the actor was in shock, Werner, concerned about his condition, called an ambulance. Since then, he has constantly insisted that ?liwi¨½ski check his health.

    With two men who insisted on the same, Dominik finally gave in and agreed to do the medical examination. Today he got acquainted with their results.

    Dominik did not realize that his problems with Marek Marczak, who was the whole world for him for years, had such an impact on his health. He couldn''t blame his former lover for them entirely, although he knew his first serious problems had started when he told Marek that he would like to stop seeing him for a while. The manager went berserk. He hit Dominik with such force that he shattered the coffee table as he fell. This did not cool down the enraged man who wanted to force himself on Dominik. ?liwi¨½ski was saved from the r**e by the paparazzi who followed him, who saw the whole scene from the window of the neighboring house and reacted immediately. It was the beginning of a friendship between the actor and the photographer, and at the same time the first painful step to sever relations with Marek.

    Marczak managed to apologize to Dominik and make the young actor, who had been his lover for seven years, come back to him. ?liwi¨½ski really forgave him and they sealed their reconciliation with a passionate night. Everything seemed to return to normal when Dominik discovered another impure, even treacherous performance by Marczak - at an intimate party organized with the famous French director''s team in mind, the actor learned that his lover, a man he loved and trusted, pushed him to the director''s assistant. ?liwi¨½ski felt like a whore, worse, like a thing. His heart broke as he realized how painfully his lover had betrayed him and how little he meant to him. The blow was so strong that Dominik was unable to get out of bed for several days and drove his body to the brink of exhaustion.

    And again Andrzej led him from the edge of the abyss. However, as it has just turned out, the damage has already been done.

    The actor leaned his head against the headrest and slightly turned it to the left to even get the driver''s profile out of the corner of his eye. For some reason Nowicki entered his life, and although the beginnings of their relationship seemed to be a criminal matter, Dominik did not see his life without Andrzej anymore.

 Chapter 76 - Uninvited Thought, Uninvited Guest

    However, Nowicki himself did not see himself in a relationship with the man and Dominik loved him too much to make him unhappy. He realized that one day Andrzej would leave, perhaps to start a family and have children, something that ?liwi¨½ski would never be able to give him.

    But before that happens, Dominik might be able to find at least a little bit of happiness with this man. They both enjoyed their closeness and sex. The actor always approached matters of heart and body with the same weight, and for him they had to agree with each other. Andrzej was the second person he had made love with in his twenty-four years, and he did so only because he loved him.

    The car stopped at the side of the road and Dominik recognized the area. They had already been to Wola Grzybowska, the district of Warsaw in which they lived. Andrzej parked in front of the pharmacy.

    "Be right back," he called and jumped out behind the cars. He was gone for less than five minutes. This time was enough for ?liwi¨½ski think about some questions. He asked them immediately when Nowicki returned.

    "Why are you doing this? Are you playing my babysitter? After all, it takes you a long time that you could spend better."

    Andrzej looked at him severely, even angry. Dominik was not afraid of that sight. On the contrary, his heart began to beat with excitement. He could see in those eyes that Nowicki cares about him.

    "You are my friend. Not a single moment for a friend is wasted."

    Dominik could not expect any other answer from Andrzej, because that was exactly what Andrzej Nowicki was, a talented photographer in his late twenties, who hated his work in the tabloid because his ethics clashed with the publishing house''s assumptions to sneak into the private lives of stars. Andrzej was the type of man who, seeing someone in need, could not remain indifferent. Despite his harsh feeling at times, his heart was huge and hot.

    And for that Dominik loved him so much.

    They were home after literally three minutes. As Dominik got out of the car, he took a deep breath. Despite all the unpleasant events that had happened here recently, he loved his house. After all, it was there that he also met the most pleasant moments - those spent with Andrzej.

    "Go to bed. I will prepare something to eat in a moment and give you some medicines" Nowicki said as they crossed the threshold.

    "Just a moment. I was supposed to call Werner."

    "Right."

    Andrzej went to the kitchen and Dominik took out his phone, sighed and dialed the number.

    Werner picked up almost immediately, which surprised the actor. He hadn''t expected such a quick response.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, I''m glad you''re calling. What can I do for you?"

    Dominik''s heart beat harder. Why has he such stage fright?

    "I''m calling because I just got back from the doctor and¡­ I can''t do production yet. I''m sorry."

    There was silence on the other side.

    "How long?" There was a tone of genuine concern in the question.

    "A month. I don''t want to cheat on you, maybe longer."

    "If necessary, we will postpone production. I wanted to shoot the winter scenes in December, but we can postpone them even to February. Please don''t worry about the movie and get better."

    "But ... for the sake of one man ..."

    "For your sake," he heard an emphatic statement with the middle word strongly accentuated. "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, please do not underestimate yourself. You''re not only popular, but gifted. I will not lie if I say that you are becoming our national treasure."

    "That''s an exaggeration, Mr. Werner ..." Dominik blushed to the tips of his ears.

    There was a soft, warm laugh on the other side of the line.

    "You''re too modest. Please take care of yourself and don''t worry about my film," he repeated. "We''ll start shooting as soon as you''re ready."

    "Thank you."

    "And if I can help you with anything, please let me know."

    "Thank you, I will."

    Dominik smiled as he hang up. Was the next person really showing him heart and support? Did anyone else really care about him?

    On him as a man or on his talent? Where was he, Dominik, a twenty-four-year-old man in all this, and where was Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, a famous actor, a national treasure?

    Werner''s words were a big exaggeration. Dominik knew he could play, but he was not the only one in this country. He did not consider himself better than any of his colleagues. In fact, he admired them all for their hard work and years of college. He himself was a naturalist and learned the acting craft during his first film. Each subsequent role was a specific challenge for him, because when he became a character, he did it with his whole being. On entering the set, he was only the hero he played.

    From the kitchen he heard the sounds of sizzling fat and boiling water. The air smelled like fried meat. It reminded him of the days before he had become an actor, when someone was always hanging around in the kitchen of his family house - usually his mother. The noises and the smells as it did then made him feel less lonely. After all, there was someone around who cared for him.

    Nowicki wanted Dominik to lie down right after the conversation with Werner, but the actor did not feel tired. All he wanted was more Andrzej''s company that made him feel better. Nowicki was a remedy for the loneliness of his heart and the presence of the photographer, his closeness, gave him a sense of belonging and warmth. After all, there was someone with him who genuinely had a sincere, warm affection for him. This friendship was simply priceless.

    But it was ?liwi¨½ski''s lawlessness and his habit of asking Andrzej to change the situation in his favor that put him in this situation. If he had listened to Nowicki and consulted a doctor from the beginning, now he would not have to stuff himself with drugs. Will Andrzej be very angry if Dominik asks for some concessions again so that they can spend some time together?

    ?liwi¨½ski slipped into the kitchen. He felt his heart beating uneasily. His roommate was just vigorously stirring something in the pan, releasing the aroma of fried meat and onions. Nowicki always looked great at the stove - extremely masculine, strong, and also very fit and sexy.

    "It smells so delicious that I was drawn here," Dominik said. His heart was pounding. He mentally begged Andrzej to let him stay and look at himself. "Do you mind if I wait with you until dinner?"

    "Just sit nice in the corner," came the resigned reply.

    "Yes, sir," he rejoiced.

    The actor took exactly the same place he had always occupied since they ate meals together. It became part of the routine of their day and felt like a community. Although they were not linked by blood or affinity, Andrzej was not an ordinary friend to him at this point. He was like family.

    "What are you cooking?"

    It was warm in the kitchen. Not only because of the sun falling through the window or the heat from the burners and pans, the most warmth came from the man standing next to them, who, despite his sometimes rough habits, was always like the hottest and most beautiful sun for Dominik.

    "A thick and thick sauce dripping with fat and roux. Exactly as the doctor advised."

    "I can''t understand how a medical man can recommend such a thing.

    "Because you don''t know what a well-balanced meal is. Eating healthy is important, but you have exhausted your body and need to replace it with the missing nutrition''s."

    Dominik rested his chin in his hands. The warmth flowing from Andrzej flooded his heart. He loved being next to this tall, fair-haired man.

    "And while you''re here, put your hand up" Nowicki handed him the medicine and a glass of water. "It''s for the appetite."

    ?liwi¨½ski never liked taking medications, but now he had no choice. Finally, he promised Andrzej that he would take treatment. He swallowed the pill without blinking an eye.

    "Good boy," Nowicki praised him with a pleasant smile and returned to cooking.

    Dominik suddenly felt sorry - not because of the photographer''s behavior. He felt the pain as he realized that while taking the medicine he was thinking only that he promised this to Andrzej. He wanted to heal for him, only for him, not for his mother, father, siblings or even for himself. Is Andrzej really the only reason for him to live?

    In a way, it was wildly romantic, but is he going to end his life as a tragic hero who, as a result of unrequited love, dies of longing or commits suicide? It''s absurd. How will Andrzej deal with such a solution, as he said clearly that he cannot love a man? Dominik knew that he had never been interested in women himself and had never imagined for either of them to change that, so how could he require a heterosexual man to fall in love with another man?

    Will this unrequited feeling shatter his heart and take his breath away?

    He turned his head towards the window. His eyesight accidentally fell on the last thuja. The ground beneath it was freshly dug up, because Andrzej buried the whole box with its gruesome contents there. After the ambulance left, Nowicki and Werner insisted on calling the police, but Dominik refused. ''It''s just a stupid joke,'' he repeated. Dumb and painful.

    Why are he having these bad and unpleasant thoughts? After all, everything was so nice and pleasant just a moment ago.

    Why? Does he really need someone to help him deal with it all?

    "Ding dong"

    The doorbell made him jump up immediately from his chair and into the living room.

    "I''ll open it!" Dominik exclaimed in a rush. He was pleased that something appeared that might distract him from the unpleasant thoughts that were coming to him.

    "Dominik, wait!"

    Too late. The actor opened the front door and saw ...

    "Marek?"

 Chapter 77 - Marek

    Marek Marczak recently turned forty and was one of the most handsome men in this country. Quite tall, with broad shoulders and carefully combed up hair, he always looked elegant and pleasing to the eye. Wherever he appeared, he attracted the curious glances of women. In addition, he ran a thriving acting agency and had a number of connections in the artistic and political world of the whole of Europe.

    In addition, he was the man from whom Dominik ?liwi¨½ski suffered so much.

    "Good morning. I''m sorry that I did not call and inform about the visit, but you would not pick up anyway" he greeted Dominik with stunning Smile on his face.

    Dominik felt very strange. The deep voice that had so many times whispered tender or dirty words in his ear, causing a thrill of pleasure, now made a less pleasant tremor. Mark''s furious face immediately appeared before the actor''s eyes as Marek hit him, knocking him to the ground, and a feeling of disgust as he forced him to kiss him at the party. Dominik was afraid. He was afraid to be in the same place as his former lover.

    "Actually, I didn''t expect you to open it to me. Rather, I was expecting your new friend. But I''m glad because I wanted to see you. Are you okay?"

    No, Dominik was far from feeling good, even okay. He took a step back, feeling that his world was about to explode. Marek did not follow him. He was standing in the doorway.

    "Dominik, who is¡­? What are you doing here ?!"

    Nowicki was immediately between them, ready for any action.

    Marczak slowly looked at him.

    "I want to talk. Just it. I swear I''m not going to do anything inappropriate. I heard that Dominik has health problems and I wanted to ask how he is doing."

    His voice sounded honest and sincere. Nowicki, though reluctantly, was ready to accept such an explanation. He looked at ?liwi¨½ski, who slowly began to regain colors.

    Dominik nodded.

    "Let him come in," he said. "I think we should close some cases."

    "Thank you."

    Marczak stepped over the threshold and looked inside.

    "I can see that nothing has changed here."

    "Just a coffee table," Andrzej said dryly. "The old one was no longer usable"

    The manager gritted his teeth.

    "I''m not proud of what happened then. I have already apologized for that, but if it is necessary, I apologize again" he looked straight into Dominik''s eyes. "I really do regret it."

    "Yes I know."

    "As for the other events, this is what I wanted to talk about. Does it seem to me or is something seething?"

    Nowicki did not move from his place.

    "Andrzej, I can handle it" Dominik assured him. The actor''s voice was trembling a little, but it was clear that he was trying to show his former lover that he was now a different, strong man. "The kitchen is three steps away. You will hear and see everything from there."

    The photographer turned and walked away without a word.

    "But most of all - how do you feel?" Marek asked.

    Dominik sat down in the very corner of the couch. Marczak took his place in the armchair, deliberately sitting as far away from ?liwi¨½ski as possible and so that Nowicki could see him from the kitchen.

    "Bad," Dominik admitted honestly. He wouldn''t tell Andrzej that, but Marek¡­ Marek was a special case. Seven years of unlimited trust did not go unnoticed. It was not that he did not trust Nowicki, but he did not want to disturb him, and Marczak was with him - it might seem that he has always been. Besides, he was the main reason for it all "Since that party with the French ... You don''t even realize how it hurt me! How could you make me a whore?"

    Marczak lowered his head.

    "Forgive me. Then I really¡­ didn''t think. I was angry that you wanted to abandon me and I wanted to get back together. You were so anxious to keep a secret that I had to disclose it to someone, show it off, and give you a little lesson. I didn''t think it might be any different for you."

    "It made me stay in bed for several days" Dominik answered very coldly. "I felt as if I was ... as if ... I wanted to die, I really wanted to cease to exist, If Andrzej had not found me ..."

    Emotions let go of Dominik. For the first time he dared to say aloud what had been tormenting his heart for so long, but also for the first time he had Andrzej near him, when he was looking into Marek''s eyes. He didn''t have to be afraid of anything with Andrzej. Not anyone.

    Marczak looked at him with a mix of horror and disbelief. Finally, in a gesture of despair, he covered his mouth with his hand.

    "We were together for seven years and I couldn''t predict your reaction. No wonder you hate me now. Something like that¡­"

    "It''s not hate," he replied softly. "It''s a pain. If, after all these years together, you haven''t thought how painfully it can hurt to treat me like a whore, then you never loved me. I was just a toy to you, a fucking ass."

    "No, that''s not true! I have always loved you, I still love you, I just ... Sometimes I have certain needs, certain desires ..."

    "For adventures? For women? Orgy? Betrayals? If they were stronger than love for me, what was the love?"

    "Don''t think it was easy for me. If you ..."

    "So it''s my fault? If so, why don''t you let me go? What you feel is not love, it''s obsession! You want me for your own sake! Your trophy, which you can boast about when you feel like it, ''look, here''s my sweet lover - Dominik ?liwi¨½ski!'' Only yours, nobody else''s! You took all my friends and acquaintances from me. You even cut me off from my family!"

    Dominik had tears in his eyes as he shouted it out to him. When he finished, he blushed with embarrassment, but was relieved. He dropped some boulders from his heart.

    "Maybe you''re right," Marczak admitted quietly. "However, you are a naive child, you do not realize how you act on people. You exude sex appeal with your whole being. You seduce, you are addictive. I kept you in isolation for your own good. Do you think there are no people in the world who will turn their interest in you into something sick? Do you know how many stars have stalkers?"

    The actor turned pale. He remembered the package he had received and the letter in it. One letter only. One package only. This awareness allowed him to regain the colors on his cheeks.

    "Maybe I was overprotective and possessive," Marczak continued. "Maybe I took some of your freedom away, but I was doing all this solely for your own good. How you act on people ... Do you think that your new straight friend will keep his paws off for a long time? Do you think he won''t drag you to bed?"

    There was a heavy silence.

    "I see," Marek smiled bitterly and stood up. "Sorry for everything I did to you. I will not fight you on a professional basis. I''ll let you leave the agency and my life. I hope you''ll never regret that you preferred him to me. Goodbye. Goodbye to you too! Now Dominik''s fate is in your hands."

    He left. But he left another hole in Dominik''s heart.

    ***

    The atmosphere at dinner weighed a few tons of coal and was rather dark like him. After Marczak''s visit, they ate their meal in silence, chewing potatoes and meat without appetite.

    Nevertheless, Dominik managed to eat everything. He did not enjoy eating, but it was necessary.

    "Thanks for the meal. I''ll go to bed."

    He got up from the table.

    "I''ll get you your medication in a few minutes."

    "Thank you."

    On the threshold, Dominik stopped and looked back. He wanted to say something, but he had no idea what he could say. The situation was awkward, only he couldn''t pinpoint what exactly had caused the awkwardness. Andrzej was just putting the dishes in the sink and he did not know that Dominik opens his mouth and stops inhaling.

    Marczak accused Andrzej of selfishly using Dominik for his own pleasure. It wasn''t true. If anything, ?liwi¨½ski himself preys on the photographer''s goodness, allowing him to look after him even at the cost of his own life. After all, it was he who initiated the kisses first, it was he who seduced him to find solace and ecstasy for himself.

    And maybe that was the problem? Maybe Andrzej didn''t like the fact that he was seduced by a man?

    Gloomy Dominik climbed the stairs. What would he do to mend his relationship with his friend? After all, it was so good for them, so comfortable! One visit from Marek and suddenly everything breaks down.

 Chapter 78 - Slip Under The Sheets

    Diminik ?liwi¨½ski sighed. Nowicki really hated Marczak. It was hardly surprising, in the end Andrzej, although he had been pursuing the profession of paparazzi he hated for a long time, had more sense of dignity and honor than Marczak, who tried to ...

    Dominik shuddered. Marek hit Dominik, it was a fact. He hit him painfully and so hard that the actor shattered the table as he fell. He remembered his shock when Marek then twisted his arm and pinned him to the ground, brutally ripping his clothes off. How could he forget his humiliation and shame? How could he forget that the man he loved had stripped him of his dignity and reduced him to the role of a sexual object? And then, when he forgave him for this attack, Marek treated him like a whore again.

    Memories raged in his head and ?liwi¨½ski wondered if he would ever really come to terms with what had happened. It all happened so recently, just over two months ago. He wanted to forgive Marek, that''s why he accepted him today, he wanted to come to an understanding with him and free himself from the darkness that tormented him, so despite the pain he had to try to reconcile with Marek. But Andrzej was different. Perhaps he would be able to forgive his hurt, but never someone else''s. Was that why he was angry?

    A serious and honest conversation did not seem like a good idea to Dominik. He was sure that Nowicki would understand it, or at least try it, but at that moment the actor himself was not sure how he felt about Marczak, and even less he had no idea how he could talk about these strong, undefined emotions.

    And how to reduce stress here?

    "Oh, Andrzej," he sighed sadly and longingly, changing his clothes. "I love you so much¡­"

    He slipped politely under the covers.

    ***

    Andrzej knocked softly and, not hearing the answer, entered Dominik''s room, trying not to make any noise louder.

    "Why are you sneaking up like that?" He heard Dominik''s question.

    "I thought you fell asleep. You didn''t answer when I knocked."

    "Haven''t heard, sorry."

    "I brought you the promised medicines. Please."

    The actor took the tablets without saying a word, washing them down with water.

    "Thank you. Do I have to take a lot of them?"

    "A lot, but mostly dietary supplements, vitamins and stuff. Four tablets a day of real drugs."

    "I don''t think you trust me since you give them away yourself."

    "Maybe a little. You''ve been a bit distracted lately. I don''t want you to accidentally miss a dose."

    Dominik blushed - partly from shame that he was so clumsy, and partly from happiness that Andrzej cares for him so much. Even being angry with him, Nowicki did not stop caring for him.

    The air between them, however, was heavy with tension, but different than ever. It did not spark with eroticism and was covered with suffocating moisture.

    "Are you angry with me?" Dominik asked finally. He could no longer bear this atmosphere. He wanted to be close to Andrzej again, as close as possible both spiritually and physically.

    "Why would I be angry?"

    "I don''t know, but if so, I wanted to apologize to you."

    "If you apologize to me for everything without even knowing what for, I''ll just get angry."

    "So there is something ..."

    "For God''s sake!" after that cry Andrzej sighed loudly, irritated. "I''m not angry, but I''m a little pissed. And disappointed."

    "It means?"

    "I thought there was something special between us, real trust. True friendship."

    "Because it is" Dominik assured him firmly.

    "Really? So why don''t you ever say that something hurts or torments you? How can I help you if you don''t tell me something is wrong? You hide the truth from me, but to Marczak ..."

    Andrzej was really angry. Dominik had the feeling that Nowicki was only stopping himself not to say too much.

    "I ..." ?liwi¨½ski began slowly. "I had only him for seven years. Not only as a lover. I haven''t seen my friends at school, even my family for years. It''s not that I trust him more, it''s just ... I can tell him everything because I don''t care about him ..."

    The silence was so dense, that could be cut with a knife.

    "You''re not telling me everything either" Dominik burst out reproachfully.

    "Maybe not," Andrzej admitted glumly. "And some things I do not fully understand. But if you tell him that you are suffering and you are hiding the truth from me, maybe you should think again about who ..."

    He broke off so suddenly that Dominik opened his mouth. It wasn''t¡­ jealousy, wasn''t it? The actor''s heart began to pound madly. There are different kinds of love and different kinds of jealousy. Continuing this topic could be dangerous, because if Andrzej is just discovering his emotions and does it not fully consciously, he may contradict them.

    "So if I talk when I get hurt," Dominik changed the subject a bit, "or I feel bad when I''m too cold or too hot, won''t you be mad at me?"

    "I will not. That''s what I mean, for you to tell me about such things. After all, only knowing the truth will I know how to help you."

    "Then I''m cold."

    "I''ll get you a blanket," Nowicki suggested, and started toward the dresser.

    "No, I want you."

    "Don''t be childish" Andrzej was tired and didn''t feel like bantering.

    "I''m not. I don''t want the warmth of something. I want warmth of a human."

    Nowicki looked at his beautiful, pale face, considering his options. He could ignore Dominik''s request, turn it into a joke, or succumb to it. Two weeks ago, he would not have had such dilemmas and would just leave. Now he has learned to enjoy the young actor''s closeness and the touch of his body. What was completely unthinkable with anyone else was becoming natural with Dominik. Andrzej had no idea how and when it happened, but the intimate closeness with the actor was not embarrassing, on the contrary, very pleasant.

    "Move over," he said, and began to undress.

    He left only his shorts on and met Dominik''s disappointed gaze, staring like a hungry doggie at the bulge in his underpants.

    Nobody had ever looked at Andrzej that way, and probably someone else''s gaze would not be so wonderful. His whole body was beginning to react only under that delightful gaze.

    Nowicki quickly slipped under the sheets, hoping he had time before Dominik noticed that his manhood was hardening.

    He was immediately wrapped in soft, slender arms, wrapping his torso for themselves. A head surrounded by velvety, light brown hair slipped over his chest and clung to him tenderly irritating his nostrils with the scent of shampoo.

    "How warm," Dominik purred, closing his eyes.

    Nowicki''s heart beat faster. If the actor starts to fawn on him, if he starts any erotic provocations, he will not be able to stop himself and will give him back the caresses. He would kiss him, lick him and bite him until he finally burst into his interior and would make love to him until they both died - and that was unthinkable, not now when Dominik was about to regain his strength. He waited tensely for ?liwi¨½ski''s hand or his tongue to play and tried to control the flame of anxiety engulfing him.

    Dominik, however, only settled on his torso and made no additional movement. Snuggled against his chest, he was breathing calmly, evenly, as if he were just falling into a peaceful sleep.

    It was Andrzej who felt restless. His organ was stimulated by the actor''s glance and now he had to politely wait until the excitement subsided, which was not easy when the hot, passionate body adhered to Nowicki almost with its entire surface. He had never been with anyone in such intimacy without sex, and he slowly began to find pleasure in her, unknown to him.

    The heat of someone else''s body. The touch of soft skin. The feeling of belonging to someone and the awareness that you are needed and loved.

    Loved, he repeated the word in his mind. Does Dominik really love him? Really him, not Marczak?

    This awareness was pleasant but also painful. Dominik, the sweetest, most delicate creature he knew, gave him the most sincere affection he could, and yet Andrzej was unable to reciprocate him. He hugged him tenderly and stroked his hair, but he couldn''t shake the bitter thought that he had a man in his arms, not a woman.

    No matter what, he thought, I don''t know how lovely and sweet he was, I can''t love a guy.

    The realization made him feel sorry.

    ***

    Andrzej woke up feeling a warm, soft body in his arms. He opened his eyes and froze. He lay tangled in an embrace with Dominik, who was in a deep, peaceful sleep.

    To wake up as now close to another human being was a feeling that brought a smile to his face. ?liwi¨½ski cuddled up to him as if he were the last warm thing after the Ice Age.

 Chapter 79 - Scandal

    Is there really something wrong with that, Andrzej thought. Why can''t two people just be together if they''re okay? Why is the world so insistent on taking people''s happiness away?

    It is true that Andrzej does not love Dominik romantically, but his company is very nice to him and his fate is dear. Friendship and devotion, warmth and closeness, sometimes erotic tension, or the sexual act itself with mutual consent and mutual pleasure. Who can it bother? It is true that children will not be ...

    The usual phraseology made Andrzej pursed his lips.

    Right, from this will not be any children. Dominik is still very young and does not feel the need for fatherhood, but someday a day may come when he wants to hug his own child. If he stays true to his habits, hr never will.

    And if Andrzej will jump into his bed, the boy won''t even think to go out with the girl.

    Martynka stood before the eyes of Andrzej. The girl wasn''t his blood, but in many ways she was like his. Her real father abandoned Paulina, the girl''s mother, when she told him she was pregnant. Recently, Nowicki found out that he even hit his pregnant girlfriend. For this brutal behavior, Paulina denied him any rights to the child - not that for those few years he had been trying hard to get them. Andrzej even wanted to marry his friend, so she did not have to be a single mother, but she decided that she did not want a marriage of convenience. She prefers to wait for true love. However, Nowicki himself became the girl''s godfather and in every situation he acted as if he was her born parent.

    Martynka was enough for him alone. He loved this little girl with all his heart, and even if Paulina got married now, no one would take his right to this love.

    Dominik, on the other hand, was quite alone. It would be tragic in its own way if this wonderful young man could not experience the benefits of having his own family.

    So what is Andrzej still doing in his bed? He should leave immediately.

    Only his skin is so soft and the smell so captivating. Indeed, the warmth of another person is a hundred times more pleasant than that of a blanket, a flame, or even the sun. He had so rarely experienced such a pleasant and peaceful closeness. In fact, he didn''t even remember ever having such an opportunity.

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was the loneliest man Nowicki knew, but at that moment the photographer realized that he was suffering from the same disease.

    The discovery did not cheer him up.

    He knew that at the moment it would be hard for him to find female love for himself. Ever since he met Dominik and discovered all his secrets, he became a part of this man''s life and his only friend. And now ?liwi¨½ski needed friends in particular.

    They met quite unconventionally. Andrzej, working as a paparazzi, was commissioned to take interesting and most compromising photos of the rising star of Polish cinema - Dominik ?liwi¨½ski. A twenty-four-year-old man, due to his beauty, charm and talent, was the idol of the vast majority of women of virtually all ages. People were curious about who he really was and demanded to reveal some of the private life of this very secretive man.

    Nowicki never liked his job. He was a gifted photographer who won two prestigious awards in college, but his talent did not exchanged into money and he had to work anywhere to pay off his student loan and raise something for his own studio. He reluctantly accepted the contract and spent several extremely boring days observing ?liwi¨½ski. Yes, the actor was extremely beautiful for a guy (in fact, even more than one woman could envy him his beauty), but his life was so uninteresting that it was almost impossible to bear.

    By the time.

    On a hot August day, when Andrzej was planning to tear spider''s legs out of boredom, the photographer witnessed an intriguing event - the scene of sexual intercourse between Dominik ?liwi¨½ski and his manager, Marek Marczak. Surprised, Nowicki took a series of really good photos, glad to have bomb material.

    His joy did not last long. While browsing through the pictures, Andrzej found one that caught his attention and prevented him from revealing the actor''s scandalous secret. Dominik, immortalized in it, presented such a wonderfully beautiful and inspired picture that the artist in the heart of the photographer refused to hurt such an extraordinary creature. As the disclosure of ?liwi¨½ski''s sexual orientation would at this point cancel his career, Nowicki did not decide to submit these photos for publication. But that didn''t mean he couldn''t make money on them. It wasn''t a day before he made the decision to sell the erotic photos to the actor himself.

    Only he still had nothing for the publishing house and the boss insisted on the results.

    Andrzej resumed the observation, knowing full well that there would be no more sensation.

    Yet he was wrong.

    What he witnessed a few days later was a criminal case.

    Afraid of the scandal, the actor asked his lover to temporarily stop seeing each other. Marczak''s reaction was brutal, almost animalistic, and Nowicki could not stand by and watch. He went to help ?liwi¨½ski and saved him literally at the last moment, although some damage had already been done. In such circumstances, Dominik and Andrzej met face to face for the first time.

    From the very beginning of their relationship, Nowicki knew that the actor was gay, but he never suspected that they could end up in bed together. Andrzej was not interested in men and he never felt excited at the sight of them. It was Dominik that made his heart beat faster and erotic thoughts came at strange moments. It was the actor who, whispering sweet words, dragged him to bed and almost begged for sex. Andrzej got involved in Dominik''s world without realizing the possible consequences that became more and more dangerous for both of them. The young actor had already confessed his love to him and Nowicki believed that he had done it completely sincerely.

    It wasn''t good.

    Andrzej knew that the modern world would not forgive homosexuality, even to ?liwi¨½ski. Thousands of female fans will be too disappointed that there is no chance of them continuing to worship him. Love will turn into hate and the writings will begin to tear Dominik''s private and professional life to shreds. Everyone will say that he got the roles through the bed, and although his talent was undeniable, he suddenly ceased to count. The only thing that matters is that he was the lover of his manager. And as unfair as it was, no one would care about his true talent or the amount of work he put in to create his roles. It will not be Dominik that counts, only sensation. Wolves and hyenas will attack him and he, with his sensitivity, will be completely defenseless against them.

    Especially now, when the difficult parting with Marczak has almost led the actor to a nervous breakdown and his body to exhaustion.

    Dominik slept soundly and deeply. It seemed as if there was no anxiety or sadness in him at that moment. Even his subconscious seemed to be the undisturbed surface of a mountain lake. Andrzej wasn''t sure it was good for his arms to do this to the actor, but he couldn''t refuse him. He just couldn''t. Especially since he himself slept that night like a baby.

    But it was necessary to get up.

    Andrzej gently stroked Dominik''s hair and pulled out from under him. He did it so subtly that the actor did not wake up. He took his clothes and left.

    It wasn''t until breakfast that he looked at the gossip press. He did not like to do it, but this activity has become his habit since Dominik entered his life for good. His role was to protect the actor from what he himself represented so recently, i.e. from media intrusiveness and gossip. He had to be up to date to react, so he spent a few minutes on it every day.

    The bread rose in his throat, almost choking him. A bright headline in the eyes of the circles: ''Dominik ?liwi¨½ski receives letters with threats!''

    He coughed.

    Where does the magazine get this information from?

    He looked at the article.

    ''As our sources report, the popular actor Dominik ?liwi¨½ski receives threatening letters. Their content remains unknown to us, but their weight must be high, because our idol, after reading one of them, suffered a shock that almost ended in hospitalization! As if that were not enough, he also receives gruesome parcels containing dead animals!

    Has ?liwi¨½ski become a victim of a dangerous stalker?

    Where are the police then? Why is nobody doing anything to protect the actor from a dangerous madman?

    We urgently demand that the police take action. We do not want to wait with folded hands until the psychopath decides to take a step more serious than the threats themselves ...''

    Goddamn it all!

 Chapter 80 - Crisis

    Nowicki immediately dialed the number in his mobile. He was so pissed off he didn''t even think about what he was doing.

    "Have any of your boys let go of his mouth?" He growled without preamble.

    "Oh, hi, how nice for you to call" a pleasant male voice said on the other side. "Good morning to you too."

    Andrzej took a deep breath. He did not miss the sarcasm of his interlocutor. Well, the guy was right. Certain courtesies had to be respected.

    "Sorry, this is fucking important. Someone started talking?"

    "Are you crazy? Only Kaktus, Myszy and me know about the case" the man explained.

    "So where the hell is this leak?"

    "Are you asking me? Look on your side. My boys are clean. Anyway, are you sure you want to get involved in this actor''s affairs? What do you want to achieve with this?"

    There was a bit of rebuke to these questions, but also a great deal of concern. Andrzej knew that they were only asked for his good, but he felt irritated nonetheless.

    "Does not matter. Sorry to suspect you."

    "No problem, but Zgrywus[1], just give up that kid. I advise you after good old acquaintance. This boy is bad news." Since all respond to him was heavy silence, the man on the other side sighed. "Anyway, do as you wish. Don''t worry, I''ll clean up the mess after this. If there will be something left to clean."

    "Thanks¡­"

    Okay, if the man assured that the information leaked not from them, Andrzej could do nothing but believe him. After all, Bambus also had a reputation for maintenance and could not afford leaks like this.

    Nowicki had barely hung up when his phone rang with an incoming call. Andrzej did not recognize the number, but answered it.

    "Hello."

    "Andrzej? This is Piotr, Piotr Duda. What the hell is going on there? What is this sensation?"

    ''Why is he calling me? Does he know that I live with Dominik? If so, does he know anything else?''

    "I do not know what you''re talking about" Nowicki answered coldly. Did this guy think that since they used to work together for the same ragmith, Andrzej would now be his source of information?

    "Don''t pretend! I''m talking about threatening letters!"

    "I don''t know about any letters," he replied firmly. He did not lie. There was only one letter, and he denied knowing about the plural.

    "Such rumors do not come from the air."

    As if! Who was Duda trying to deceive, him or himself? Did he think that Andrzej did not know where and how the most interesting and sensational stories come from? A simple official letter, or spam, could turn into a life-threatening letter in the eyes of a talented journalist with a vivid imagination.

    Nowicki really had neither the time nor the desire for such talks.

    "If ?liwi¨½ski has an official statement on this matter, we will let you know. For now."

    He hung up the phone cursing under his breath.

    "On what matter should I have an official statement?" Dominik asked with a yawn, appearing in the doorway. A landline rang in the living room. "What is this early morning commotion?"

    ***

    Dominik moved away from the window as soon as he noticed a paparazzi lurking behind the fence. He was pale and clearly nervous, but he held up bravely.

    "I''m sorry, I really have no idea how this information could have leaked out" Andrzej felt guilty although he knew there was nothing he could do about it.

    "It is not important anymore. It could have been one of the paramedics when they arrived in the ambulance or his buddy who heard about it while drinking vodka. What''s the difference?"

    ?liwi¨½ski was confused, even lost. He had no idea how to handle these situations. Andrzej knew that he had always had Marczak for that.

    He himself had no idea what now? Dominik came under fire from the media, which saw a sensation.

    "I guess you''ll have to tell them something," he muttered. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a commotion in front of the house. An elegant silver car stopped in front of ?liwi¨½ski''s gate and a man who was well known to them got out. "Well, great, only he was missing here."

    Dominik looked from Andrzej to the door. Apparently it was hard for him to decide what to do now.

    "I''ll open it," Nowicki announced. "Who like who, but Marczak certainly has experience in such matters."

    The relief he saw in the actor''s eyes made him feel sad. Despite everything Dominik had suffered from his former manager, he still trusted him.

    Marczak burst into the living room as if to his own house - determined, arrogant, self-confident.

    "Dominik, what''s up with these threats?" He grabbed his shoulders.

    "A few days ago I got a package and a letter. This is just a stupid joke, not threats ..."

    "What was in the letter? In the package? And what is this hospital about? Rumor has it that you are sick, but so far everything has been a whisper. I need to know everything, otherwise I won''t be able to help you."

    Nowicki felt like a fifth wheel on a cart. He wanted to be a support for ?liwi¨½ski, his rock against Marczak, and the first crisis situation was enough to show how little he actually can.

    Dominik gently freed himself from the hands of his former lover.

    "Sorry, this is too intimate. We no longer have such a level of trust."

    Marczak straightened up. His face showed that that word cheek slap had hurt. He turned to Andrzej, who didn''t quite understand what had just happened.

    "Mr. Nowicki, right?"

    "Yes."

    "I assume that, as experienced paparazzi, you already have prepared tactics for fighting with your colleagues?"

    "Actually ..."

    Marczak looked away from him with irritation.

    "Dominik, you cannot exclude seven years of life together with one word. Maybe I''m not the kind of person you''d like to have with you, maybe you hate me and despise me right now, but I still love you and want to protect you. I won''t ask who you are sleeping with at the moment, but when it comes to business and media relations, you won''t find anyone better. At least not that fast. Let me sort this out, please. Mr. Nowicki, you know that only I can help now."

    "I know."

    Dominik looked down in resignation.

    "A few days ago I got a package with a dead Persian kitten. Exactly what I talked about in the newspaper interview. It shocked me a bit and I felt bad. This was witnessed by the director Maciej Werner who called an ambulance. They examined me and left. They suggested conducting additional medical tests. There was nothing else, just one macabre package and a letter saying cute little kittens were vulnerable.

    "Did you notify the police?"

    "For what? It was just a silly joke."

    Marczak seemed to think otherwise.

    Could it pass through Nowicki''s mind that someone had previously sent similar letters to ?liwi¨½ski and Marczak hid this fact from him?

    The manager looked at him as if he were guessing his thoughts.

    Yes, it was not the first time.

    "Dominik, I told you yesterday that people like you are often the object of unhealthy attention. Almost all actors receive crazy fan letters, but a gift of a dead animal is more than a sick joke. We have to deal with the media gently. The stalker wants to be noticed so it''s best to ignore him. It is too late for that now. I suggest you turn it into a joke. It wasn''t a real kitten, just a movie prop. You fainted because you didn''t eat breakfast."

    "Anyone gonna believe it?" Andrzej was not convinced of this plan. It looked too simple.

    "Of course," said Marczak with superiority. "You only need to sell it well."

    Easy for you to say, the photographer thought. After all, you are a born liar and a fraud.

    "If you allow me, I would like to appear on your behalf before the media. It will only be a one-off situation. You will do whatever you want with the rest of your life and career. You can accompany me, but if you don''t want to, I can do it myself."

    "Thank you."

    "If anyone asked, what do you two have in common?"

    "I am preparing new photo material for Mr. ?liwi¨½ski" explained Nowicki.

    "I understand."

    Andrzej felt how he was boiling inside. He''s a bastard, that sadist who nearly r**ed Dominika two months ago, now looking down at him. He knew that in crises like this, he had the upper hand.

    But not too much and not too long. Marczak may be triumphant now for the immediate settlement of the matter, but it is he, Andrzej, who will detect and catch the joker, removing the threat from the actor''s life. The manager is allowed here only temporarily. Let him not think that everything has already been forgiven and forgotten.

    [1] It can be translated as Jocke

 Chapter 81 - Left In Disbelief

    "So let''s start," Marek Marczak smiled charmingly, causing Nowicki to feel like knocking out all his white teeth.

    Marczak went outside the house. During the time he was inside more journalists managed to gather. Andrzej felt sick at the fact that he had been one of them so recently.

    "I''d like to make a statement first," they heard Marczak quite clearly. "A month ago, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski gave an interview in which he asked journalists to let him live peacefully. It is true that he is a public figure, but there are certain limits of decency that a journalist, and above all a human being, should not exceed. Meanwhile, one rumor was enough for you to start writing out crazy stories. I believe there are honest people among you. I know many people personally and I appreciate this relationship. I ask all of you to be professional and work not on a base of gossip."

    "So you deny that ?liwi¨½ski received letters with threats?"

    "Of course."

    "What about the macabre package?"

    "If your ''reliable source'' cannot tell a dead cat from a film prop, it means that we have very good special effects specialists in Poland ... or unreliable sources."

    "So how do you explain the ambulance in front of this house? Maybe it came from a movie set?"

    "The ambulance was real, and so were the medical staff. Dominik ?liwi¨½ski actually felt bad, but it was a temporary faintness caused by overwork. Mr. ?liwi¨½ski recently started preparing for a new film and, as always, lost himself at work."

    "Is it not true that he is no longer a member of your agency at this point?"

    "Yes, it is true, although I hope it is a temporary solution. After seven years, we were almost like an old marriage, so Dominik ?liwi¨½ski decided to try something new for his career."

    "It is said that the reason for the separation was the Polish-French production of Baptiste."

    "Exactly. Despite advanced preparations, Dominik did not want to get involved in this project. I didn''t want to listen to him, it''s a very interesting movie after all, so he decided to leave. I have a lesson now."

    "So how did it happen that you provide information instead of ?liwi¨½ski?"

    "Let me refer to my own analogy - the divorce is pending."

    "However, do you follow the projects of your former actor on an ongoing basis?"

    "Of course, after all, I''m also a fan of his talent. However, I am not going to interfere with anything and I am very curious about the results. I hope that thanks to his new experiences, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski will become an even more mature actor."

    "So you don''t hold a grudge against him?"

    "No way. As I said, it was my fault and I assume all the responsibilities. In the future, I will try to choose roles that suit my pupils more. After all, the actor is not an automaton, but a sensitive man, and it is this sensitivity that allows them to play so fantastically. You will be able to find out about it in two weeks, when "A Memory of Spring" with a young and very talented ..."

    "And I think he actually managed" Andrzej admitted, retreating to the kitchen. The taste was bitter in his mouth after these words.

    Dominik slipped in behind him.

    "I wish you would hug me now," he said, "but when these hyenas looking ..."

    "They''ll probably be gone soon. Don''t worry about them. I mean," he corrected quickly, "I''m not saying that you embrace me now ..."

    ?liwi¨½ski laughed softly.

    "Thank you that you are here. If it weren''t for you, I''d be huddled in the corner now."

    "Not true. You are very brave."

    "Just because I have your backup. Could¡­ could we go somewhere for a few days? Free yourself from all these ..."

    Andrzej''s heart beat faster. The closeness of Dominik and his proposal for a joint trip could not remain without effect. Even when he acted innocently, this boy was dripping with sex, and when he really wanted to be seductive, there was no way to resist him. And recently Dominik has released his irresistible charm to Andrzej more and more¡­

    Being close to Dominik was just dangerous.

    "It''s all over" they heard Marczak''s voice coming from the living room. Dominik immediately withdrew towards it. "They''re starting to run out. They should be gone in an hour at the latest. I don''t want to impose my presence on you, but it would be bad if I left right away."

    "Then I''ll turn on the water," said Nowicki gloomily. "Do you prefer tea or coffee?"

    "Coffee" the answer, as Andrzej had predicted, sounded arrogant.

    "Dominik, I will keep the guest company" Nowicki informed Dominik, trying to sound natural, but with difficulty suppressing his irritation. "You can go to bed if you like. It was a tiring morning."

    "I''ll stay. Thank you for taking care of this, Marek. And¡­ I heard your kind words. I am grateful for them too."

    "When I threatened you with sanctions for breaking your contract, I didn''t know that it was really all my fault. I can admit when I am wrong. And I sincerely hope" he added "that you will consider returning to my agency. You didn''t feel bad in it, did you? At least¡­ professionally."

    "This is true. Before Baptiste showed up, it was fine."

    "I really saw a chance for you in this film. You could go out into the world. This role could give you a Golden Palm. This movie will be a sure favorite for an Oscar.

    ?liwi¨½ski blushed and looked down.

    "But I don''t have such ambitions. Maybe not yet, and maybe I''ll never have them."

    "Now I know that," Marczak smiled sadly. "How could I forget for a moment your wonderful sensitivity and modesty?"

    With a loud click, Andrzej set a mug of hot coffee in front of Marczak. In response, he received the manager''s charming smile, dripping with falsehood.

    ''This guy has the nerve,'' Andrzej thought. ''Like nothing, he changes tactics and tries to approach Dominik again. The degenerate turns into a charmer and an understanding guardian. Reptile changes its skin like a chameleon of color.''

    "By the way, Mr. Nowicki, I saw some of your works. And I don''t mean those made from behind the bush. They are very good."

    "Thank you," he grunted. Compliments from such lips did not sound pleasant at all.

    "You will certainly take excellent photos of Dominik, if you have time for it."

    "Don''t worry about it" ?liwi¨½ski entered between them, probably sensing the growing tension. "Andrzej takes his job seriously."

    "Then I should hire you at my agency. I have many celebrities who would like to be seen by another photographer''s eye, and you, as far as I can tell, are unemployed."

    "No thanks."

    "But why?"

    "I don''t like you. Reason enough for me."

    "And I am satisfied with such an answer. This coffee is good, although a little bitter."

    "Sugar has gone up recently, and I''m unemployed."

    Marczak smiled at him, but differently than before. Andrzej had the impression that the smile was sincere. Chills ran down his spine.

    "My proposal is opened," announced the manager.

    "I''ll bring you sugar ..." Dominik was already getting up.

    "You don''t have to! Without it, coffee tastes more intense" he took another sip from the rim of the mug, staring at Nowicki.

    ''What''s his point?'' the photographer was irritated.

    Suddenly came understanding - this was what Marczak wanted to, cause him to be agitated, to throw him off balance and perhaps to ridicule him in Dominik''s eyes. So since he is playing this way, Andrzej will play his game. He formed his lips into the broadest, most sincere smile he could afford at the moment.

    "You are very flexible, Mr. Marczak."

    "My teacher was necessity. But you, Mr. Nowicki, seem to be a man of honor and principles. Actually, I should thank you for holding me back then. I don''t know if I could bear it if I actually did something terrible to Dominik."

    "And yet he has to live with the awareness of how close it was."

    "I don''t know if I will ever be able to make it up to you," Marczak said to the actor, "in any way to make it up ... That''s why I beg you, don''t hesitate to ask me anything. You know I can really do a lot."

    "I know, but ... So far it is fine, as it is. I didn''t want to fight you, so if you sincerely give me my freedom, that''s enough."

    "With heartache, but honestly. I know how devoted and faithful you have always been to me despite all my adventures. I guess I have to accept your right to your own." He looked at Andrzej again. His gaze passed over his entire figure a little longer, lingering on his crotch. "I hope you enjoy it. Your new partner looks interesting."

    Nowicki''s lips parted in surprise. Is he just imagining thinks, or has he just been assessed by Marczak as a sexual object? How dare he?!

    "Forgive me, Marek, but whatever connects me or will connect me with Andrzej on a non-professional basis is not your business" said ?liwi¨½ski firmly. "As you may remember, I do not discuss my private life with third parties."

    "Well, this is I who should apologize. It''s time for me," he said, standing up. "Thanks for the coffee."

    He left. However, the blush on Andrzej''s face and his lips parted in disbelief remained after Marczak.

    This guy really had unimaginable audacity and an ego the size of Mount Kilimanjaro.

 Chapter 82 - So Much Hesitation

    "I''m sorry for him. He was out of place" Dominik moved closer to him. "Do not worry about him. He did it out of jealousy. He knows I chose you and he''s probably bitten by the question why? In what are you better at than him?

    Nowicki looked at the actor with wide eyes.

    "In what¡­?"

    "In everything. Come upstairs with me and I''ll prove it to you."

    "You haven''t eaten your breakfast yet."

    "Later. First, whet my appetite with conditioning exercises. In other words, keep turning me until I sweat."

    "You really want sex in this whole situation?"

    "But only with you. I don''t know why, but with you I don''t need to be afraid of anything or anything. And if you''re tense, we''ll fix it right now."

    "That''s not the point. Rather ... Dominik, we shouldn''t have sex. This is about to go too far, get out of control and¡­ Some paparazzi might still be around" not that argument he wanted to use. He was going to say they shouldn''t sleep together for Dominik''s sake, but he wouldn''t accept that explanation.

    "Well, yes," the actor admitted resignedly, and stepped back. He looked very disappointed. "You''re right."

    "I''m sorry."

    Andrzej really felt that way. He did not understand why. Yes, he didn''t want to hurt the actor with rejection, especially now that he had to avoid stress and really take care of himself. There was something else about it, as if he was causing suffering not only for him. But why would refusing to have sex with a guy hurt him too?

    What if they''ve already gone too far?

    Andrzej wanted to find a girl for Dominik, he wanted him to feel the taste of normal relationship and sex, and at the same time to forget that he himself was immersing deeper and deeper into the world of ?liwi¨½ski. It is the actor who begins to drag him to the side of his preferences.

    ''Nonsense! I''m not gay,'' Andrzej assured himself as he watched Dominik walk away. ''I''m not and that''s it! I have to prove it to myself.''

    Only that looking for a partner for himself will mean that he will leave this house for a good few hours. Leaving Dominik alone was not a good solution when journalists lurked nearby, Marczak dared to re-enter the actor''s life and somewhere there was a sick madman who sent ?liwi¨½ski a macabre package. Under such circumstances, there was no option that Andrzej would be able to just leave the house and focus on the conquest. It was just not possible.

    Plus, all this thinking about sex made his cock rise. Damn it. Maybe ignore it, then it will pass by itself, or shake off in the bathroom? But if it''s supposed to be handwork, why not let Dominik ...

    Oh, no no! What a ghastly thought to use this beautiful man for such a small activity! No, absolutely not, even if the actor himself enjoyed it.

    Because in fact, not to lie to himself, caressing someone else''s penis gave a man a special kind of pleasure. While playing with himself, he focused on the sensations of his penis, when he was taking care of someone, his hands and mouth received stimuli. The way his treatments cause the penis to enlarge, harden, and eventually begin to drip fluids, had a special kind of sensation that seemed reserved for women. Touching your own member was pleasant, but someone else''s - even ten times more.

    Maybe I shouldn''t have said no to Dominik?

    Get a grip, he scolded himself. Think that nothing good can come to him if you sleep with him. You will relieve yourself, but he ...

    He has needs too, and it''s really nicer to make love than to just shake off.

    Damn it!

    ''I''ll go ask what he wants for breakfast and ...''

    Damn it!

    ***

    As Dominik was going upstairs, he felt sadness overwhelming him. He had the impression that after all the steps forward, he was losing Andrzej and that was even before he actually won him.

    Two passionate nights - what were they in the context of their whole life, or even two months of their relationship? Just a wonderful dream? Really nothing more? Will Nowicki really start to elude him before they reach the appropriate state of fulfillment?

    Andrzej started pushing him away from him, Dominik thought glumly as he crossed the threshold. He knew he would, but it still hurt. If he could do something, anything to keep him with him, he would do anything. Andrzej wanted Dominik to sleep with women, so if he tries to do it, if he proves that he cannot achieve fulfillment in this way, will Nowicki give up? Will he then believe that only he, no one else?

    Dominik was excited, but at that moment he could not count on sex with his beloved. Andrzej clearly said no. It''s a pity, but if Nowicki keeps refusing him ... After all, ?liwi¨½ski is not a monk and sex was not forbidden for him. If he cannot count on Andrzej, then maybe himself ...

    He didn''t like it, he really did not. He definitely preferred having someone in his arms and having that someone do very naughty things with him.

    No, not someone, he corrected himself. Andrzej. Only him. Only his lovely, sweet Andrzej.

    Imagination was doing its job when Dominik began to caress. It wasn''t that, it was empty, but what else could he do if he couldn''t count on Nowicki''s reciprocity?

    Someone knocked on the door. Not someone, Andrzej! It could only be him! Dominik blushed and hid the traces of what he was doing.

    "Please, come in" he called.

    The photographer shyly slipped inside.

    "I didn''t ask what you wanted for breakfast."

    "Whatever you do, it''ll be fine."

    "Are you sure?"

    "Of course."

    "No special wishes?"

    "I told you about one, but you refused," Dominik remarked with a slight pout. It surprised him that he did not receive any comment.

    Could it be, he thought, feeling his heart racing that Andrzej had changed his mind after all, but he couldn''t say it?

    "Because you see" Dominik continued, changing tactics "We are both men. Maybe I don''t look manly and I can actually remind someone of a woman sometimes, but I also think with my dick, you know?"

    Nowicki looked away somewhere.

    "You are not effeminate," he said quietly, but bluntly. "Not at all. You have a subtle beauty that can be associated with femininity and you are very sensitive, but that doesn''t change the fact that you are a guy. I know that. I never thought of you as a woman, even, you know, when ..."

    "I like sex," Dominik continued, feeling he could get good results," is there something wrong with that? I think about it a lot and sometimes I would like to make it over and over again. Is it so abnormal?"

    "More typical, I would say."

    "I''ve never had sex with someone I don''t like, but it''s also probably not that unusual."

    "I can''t speak for everyone, but I''ve also ... only have sex with people I like."

    At the sound of these words, Dominik''s heart skipped a beat. Andrzej has never had sex with someone he doesn''t like? Does it mean¡­?

    The actor, however, had to control himself. He couldn''t put too much pressure on Nowicki. Andrzej was just beginning to discover the possibility of enjoying sex between men. If for some reason he is scared of these impressions and this pleasure, Dominik may forever lose the chance to win Andrzej. So he has to be very careful. Maybe he had to deal with Nowicki like an egg so as not to destroy this fragile relationship between them, but he was ready for it, because Andrzej was a truly wonderful man who cared more about Dominik''s happiness than his own.

    It was this fact that ?liwi¨½ski decided to use at this point.

    "I know that you are worried about me," Dominik said "about how I will deal with the scandal when it turns out that I''m gay and you know what? I don''t care what others think. I never really wanted to be an actor. I became one because it turned out that way. I might as well be lining up supermarket shelves. Family ... You were right then, my mother should accept me anyway, and if she doesn''t, if she renounces me - well, we don''t have the best relationship at the moment. I was afraid of all this being with Marek. I don''t think he did it on purpose, but he instilled in me a fear of the whole world. You showed me that I don''t have to be afraid of everyone. I know you don''t love me, not romantically, but you care about me and our bodies are good together. There are many marriages without love, even without sympathy, so what we have is more than most people have. You said yourself that you were never in love and still had sex with different partners. I accept it completely for myself. Therefore come to me and take me."

 Chapter 83 - On The Way To Discover Love

    Dominik was so logical! Andrzej was unable to challenge any of his arguments. Sex does not have to go hand in hand with love. Yes, it is wonderful when this happens, but such cases are rare.

    Nowicki did not go to the bed, but to the window. He covered the blinds, creating a more romantic atmosphere in the room, and only then did he sit down on the edge of the bed, turning his head towards ?liwi¨½ski.

    "I don''t know what''s inside you, I don''t know how you do it, but my body craves yours. When I think about sex, even with a woman, I come back to you anyway. Why, why do you want me so much?" He touched his cheek.

    Dominik smiled happily.

    "I promised to tell you, so listen up. First your eyes" the actor touched his eyelids. "They are gentle and warm, but also very brave. When I look at them, I know I can rely on them. I know these eyes won''t lie and betray me. There are still your lips" he led his finger towards them and Andrzej couldn''t resist and he took it inside. "They''re soft and warm, they always tell the truth, never lie, and when they touch my body, I have the impression that those places will melt. Oh¡­ just like now."

    "Go on, go on."

    "The outline of your jaw is sharp and strong. It impresses and attracts me. Then your torso" Dominik went on to unbutton his shirt "is hard, masculine, exciting ... Your belly ... Oh, God ... I can''t, I can''t speak anymore ..."

    He really could not. Andrzej''s caress, telling him all these things turned him on so much that he lost his breath. At the very thought that in a moment he would come closer to the most erotic part of his body ...

    Nowicki lifted his chin and pushed his mouth into his. Dominik could do nothing but groan with pleasure and anticipation. The hot, moist kiss lasted until they both lost their breath and had to pause to take the breath. Dominik felt absolutely happy at that moment.

    "You don''t need to say more" Andrzej smiled. They were so close he could barely make out his features, but he was grateful for the look on his face anyway. "Thank you."

    Another kiss pressed their lips together. It had both passion and warmth, thanks to which ?liwi¨½ski felt not only growing excitement but emotional closeness.

    Suddenly Andrzej started. Through the shorts Dominik felt Andrzej''s hand. Nowicki''s hand was probing his organ and the actor was glad that it was hardening so quickly. Let Andrzej know, not only by words, how special he is for him.

    "Uhm," the caress snapped a sigh from him. He wanted more, he wanted much more. He moved his hips.

    "How impatient you are," Nowicki laughed softly.

    "It''s because I''ve waited so long. If you knew my dreams today ..."

    "Today''s dreams?"

    "When you held me in your arms, I dreamed that you were in love with me so much that we merge into one. When I woke up I was glad you weren''t there otherwise I wouldn''t let you out of bed until you satisfied me."

    "Sometimes you make a little dirty."

    "But I said that like every guy, I never stop thinking about sex. And you are extremely sexy."

    "Because of you I am breaking my own rules. There was going to be no sex until you recovered."

    "You are the best medicine for me. I recover best in your arms."

    "But ..."

    "Oh, shut up at last. We both want it."

    "You''re right," Andrzej admitted, and placed Dominik with his back on the bed, immediately getting to his underpants. He ran his hand over his naked buttock. "What? Are you wet already?"

    "Before you came, I was thinking about you¡­" Dominik blushed, feeling humiliated at the thought that he was revealing this part of his intimacy to his lover. "Well ... Today you can right away. I am already prepared."

    Andrzej blinked quickly several times. He was red almost like ?liwi¨½ski. He pulled up the actor''s thighs and, without much ado, put a finger between his buttocks.

    "Ouch!"

    "It did come in smooth, but I''m a little wider than a finger. How about two?"

    "Shit!"

    Dominik wanted to howl. Two fingers was not a lot, but Andrzej knew more and more that what mattered not only the size, but also what was done inside. His fingers rummaged shamelessly over the actor''s softness, teasing his walls.

    "Oh, Andrzej, oh¡­!"

    ''But Nowicki, whether he is ready,'' the actor worried. ''I should take care of him properly ...''

    "If you want me so much that you couldn''t wait for me and you started playing alone, I''ll have to do something about it. Attention, I''m in."

    "Ooooh ..."

    He entered, hard enough to take Dominik''s breath away for a moment, but not so as to hurt him. He was suitably hard and stiff, which increased Dominik''s blush. So Nowicki really wanted him like Dominik did!

    Before the second thrust, Andrzej leaned over him and kissed him again - hard, passionately, penetrating the innermost recesses of his mouth. But there was no brutality in it, only hunger. And passion. Only then Andrzej began to slowly move in him, rubbing the entire surface of his penis against Dominik''s hot, narrow softness, acquiring larger and larger sizes.

    ''I love him,'' Dominik thought, taking both physical and emotional pleasure from the act. ''I just love, love ...''

    "I love you," he whispered without even realizing it. "I love you, Andrzej, above everything ..."

    At this point, as in his dream, they merge into one.

    ***

    For about three hours, that is, from the moment when Andrzej said to him: "Pack your bags, we are going out of town for a few days," Dominik couldn''t stop smiling. He was so happy and excited that he was close to singing. Only once two days ago he mentioned that he would like to go somewhere, disappear for a while, and now he was sitting in the car next to Nowicki and looking at Polish landscapes through the window.

    "Where are we going?" He asked cheerfully before he even started packing.

    "On the Bug River. A friend has a house there and he made it available to us for a few days. "

    The area was familiar to Dominik, although he had not been here in years. The Bug was the main river in eastern Poland and a frequent destination for recreation trips. He himself spent several days here several times as a teenager and always remembered those times well. The Bug was one of the most beautiful and treacherous rivers in the country. Nature endowed it with enormous charm, but also with strong whirlpools that changed the architecture of the bottom and could kidnap even the most talented swimmer and to take him to the depths forever. That river was untamed, wild and maybe that is why she was so attractive.

    For Dominik, this trip was a wonderful surprise and once again confirmation that he was not indifferent to Nowicki. It is true that Andrzej firmly claimed that this was not a romantic love, ?liwi¨½ski began to have doubts as to the truth of this statement.

    First of all, Andrzej did everything to make Dominik happy. At ?liwi¨½ski''s request, they lived together, now Andrzej looked after him, cared for and made sure that he did not have to worry too much. He helped and supported Dominik with his whole being, more than a sincere friend, even more than a brother. He didn''t do it out of guilt, but out of love. One could still assume that it is extremely intense love of one''s for another human being, if not for the second argument, which was sex.

    What connected them during sex was not just physical. Andrzej was so tender and caring about his lover''s needs that it could be either an extremely sophisticated game or true love. As it was impossible to find any falsehood in Nowicki, accusing him of manipulation was also absurd. The conclusion was obvious - Andrzej loved him, although he did not realize it yet.

    This trip was the final confirmation of this theory for ?liwi¨½ski. Only someone who really cares about him would prepare such a surprise for him - a romantic trip for two, well, in this case for two man.

    "I did not expect that you would enjoy this trip so much" said Nowicki, not hiding his surprise.

    "I''m delighted," Dominik admitted, looking away from him. He knew his eyes were blazing with joy at that moment. He had heard more than once that he had a charming look and that the color of his eyes was absolutely unusual. Even Andrzej was not indifferent to them.

    "I am happy to" said Andrzej. "You look very good too."

    "Thank you."

    They had made love to each other once since the doctor''s diagnosis - which was ten thousand too little - but Dominik was happy anyway. One time with Andrzej was better than ten with anyone else.

 Chapter 84 - A Cabin By The River

    "You care a lot about me," Dominik added glowing with happiness. "I don''t want your efforts to be wasted."

    He saw a shy but proud smile on Nowicki''s lips and knew that it pleased him. Dominik''s heart leapt with joy. He wanted to touch Andrzej, feel his skin, feel his scent and - for that he hoped most - drag him to bed.

    "Are we there yet?" Dominik asked a little impatiently.

    "No, what?"

    "Nothing. I just can not wait."

    "You haven''t been away too much lately, have you?"

    "In fact, I haven''t been on vacation since¡­" ?liwi¨½ski mused. He really had been thinking hard about the last time he had such a trip. "I don''t remember." I guess it was a while."

    "But you know that we are going there not only on vacation?" Dominik did not understand, so Nowicki added: "I took the camera."

    "I know" smiled ?liwi¨½ski.

    He didn''t mind appearing in front of the camera as a movie character, but he had big problems when he was going to be filmed or photographed as himself. Dominik was a shy man who was not easy to open up to or trust a stranger, so since he started his career seven years ago, he has not made any friendships or even deeper relationships. It is true that his possessive lover and manager in one person also had his part in it, but the fact remained that ?liwi¨½ski was very lonely and thirsty for ordinary human closeness. Nowicki, who so suddenly appeared in his life, filled his every gap and his lens was not a threat to Dominik, but a friend.

    "Actually, I''m glad you took it" Dominik replied. "Oh, I can''t wait anymore!"

    "Only a dozen more kilometers. We''ll be there in about ten minutes."

    The information pleased ?liwi¨½ski but also made him nervous. He had high hopes for this trip and trembled at the thought that they might turn out to be a disappointment.

    ***

    The small houses were scattered every fifty or hundred meters apart. All of them were on a fenced property with so many tall trees that it could be considered separate parts of the forest, where someone had erected a building in the clearing without any specific architectural style or even the material from which it was made. The one they came in front of was a combination of wood, brick, and what looked like chaff. It was painted with plain oil paint the most common brown and plain blue.

    "How beautiful!" Dominik called enthusiastically. He was completely honest. Objectively, this place was nothing special, but for him here and now it was a wonderful dacha where he can spend some beautiful days with his beloved.

    "Nothing special" Nowicki grimaced.

    "Are you kidding? It is phenomenal. Can I go inside?"

    "Keys" Andrzej tossed him a key ring.

    It was still morning and the autumn sun was illuminating the area nicely. Golden, orange, and red leaves swayed lazily in the slight breeze. While walking towards the house, Dominik looked around enjoying the view, and his nostrils with the pleasant smell of moisture that accompanies all water reservoirs. At one point he had the impression that he saw something silvery between the trees. He deviated from the track and saw a broad ribbon of river below. He paused, captivated by the sight.

    "Ten years ago the river ran further" explained Nowicki standing next to him. "A flood from a few years ago changed its course. There, several houses were washed away and collapsed into the current. The next such flood may make this one disappear as well, which is why my friend decided not to buy something better. He had left this place for himself because¡­ well, the view is really beautiful."

    "Oh yes!"

    Dominik was charmed. The river meandered about three meters below his feet, lazy, calm, allowing the sandbanks to form islands overgrown with reeds. A few hundred meters down there was a small pier with three moored boats. On the other side there was a checkerboard of meadows and freshly plowed fields.

    The actor looked back at the bungalow and saw that two windows overlooked that way.

    "These are the bedroom windows" explained Andrzej. He didn''t interfere with any ''yours'' or ''mine''. Does that mean something?

    "Let''s go inside," the actor suggested. He wanted to see for himself how many bedrooms there are in the house as soon as possible.

    "Lead it. After all, you have the keys."

    Right, he thought.

    As for the house itself, ?liwi¨½ski had no expectations. It was just an interior to protect against the cold, rain and prying eyes. His hopes were related to what could happen in this cottage.

    Immediately after entering, an open, though not very large, space was revealed to him. On the left there was a stove, a sink, a refrigerator and cabinets, and on the right a fireplace. Fireplace! Straight ahead, behind the half-wall, you could see a wide bed (only one !!!) and windows overlooking the river.

    Yes, Dominik exclaimed triumphantly in his mind and stepped over the threshold.

    "A bit of dust in here" Andrzej apologized. "No one has been here since July."

    "It''s okay," ?liwi¨½ski replied enthusiastically and showed Nowicki one of his most radiant smiles. "You know I like to clean up."

    "Yes, but now I''ll take care of them. You should rest."

    "No way! I could stay in bed at home! Here ... Here I want to relax. Your friend seems to have some cleaners here, a floor brush and a mop." He looked around the interior.

    "They should be here somewhere" Andrzej looked into the cupboard by the front door.

    "Oh, it looks like you''ve been here once or twice. With a girl?"

    "Sometimes" admitted Andrzej. "Some time ago a friend won this place at poker. He makes them available to us when we want to go out of town."

    "Hmm, You have friends who win at cards holiday cottages."

    "People put up different things: money, valuables, cars, sometimes even their girlfriends."

    "Really?" Dominik was sincerely surprised. "And you ... are you good at poker?"

    "Not really," he admitted, "that''s why I don''t play."

    "Have you ever won or lost ... a girl?"

    Andrzej looked at him from under his long lashes and Dominik felt a shiver of excitement. What would it be like to be paying off the debt in this man''s arms? Would he enforce it to the last drop of sweat or show chivalry and return her/him intact? Or maybe a kiss would be enough, which would prove his charm and leave indelible memories at the same time?

    "Is something on your mind?" asked the photographer looking at him shrewdly.

    "Nothing" Dominik replied immediately taking from his hand a cloth and a furniture spray. Too bad, these fantasies had already turned him on. "I just don''t know anything about your past and I''m a little curious."

    "There is nothing interesting" Nowicki pulled out the brush. "I was leading a rather normal life. School, studies, work, nothing really interesting."

    "And friends? You certainly have more than just Paulina and Marta."

    "Just Paulina, actually. Marta is more like a good acquaintance. I have a few buddies, but we''re not close. We rarely meet."

    "Why?"

    "We have our own lives, other interests. Our paths diverged."

    "But this one is lending you the keys to his cabin."

    "But I take pictures of his girlfriends."

    "Any specials? For example¡­ in negligee?"

    "It happened" Nowicki laughed.

    "And the nudes?" Dominik was genuinely interested not only in the answer, but also in how Andrzej would give her.

    "These too, though rarely" Andrzej''s voice was completely natural, it did not tremble even for a second. "In college, we even had to photograph nudes to pass the subject, so this is a photo for me like any other."

    "And did you photograph someone close to your heart?"

    "Never in the act or in the nude."

    "Why?"

    "Paulina and Martynka are really close to my heart, but they are like family. We would all feel uncomfortable in this situation. And Martynka is only a child."

    "Right, stupid me. But I do not."

    "Sorry?"

    "I said I wouldn''t feel stupid if you wanted to take a picture of me like this."

    The silence lasted a few heartbeats, and finally Andrzej broke it. His voice was calm, deeper than usual.

    "Be careful, or I''ll take your words seriously and use them against you."

    "Can I really count on this?"

    "Such photos are not safe for you" Andrzej noticed. "If they accidentally fall into the wrong hands, you could be in trouble."

    "I know" Dominik sighed, collecting a layer of dust on the cloth. "I regret more and more that I am not an ordinary person, not known to anyone Kowalski, who can enjoy freedom."

    "Believe me, such photos would be detrimental to the average Kowalski" Andrzej started sweeping. "If his boss found out about them, for example, he might lose his job because of them."

    ?liwi¨½ski sighed silently. At that point, he himself thought that maybe losing his job wouldn''t be a terrible thing in his case.

 Chapter 85 - A Long Return Home

    When Marek threatened to demand compensation from him for breaking the contract, Dominik started going through his bills and bank accounts. It turned out that he does not spend much - he has not taken out a loan and he has not devoted more to life and pleasure than an average Pole.

    Dominik bought his house with cash two years ago, and although the salaries for the actors were not high, he received a higher stake with each subsequent role. If at that moment he quit acting and did not change his life habits, he could live peacefully for thirty years. For twenty-eight if he buys and keeps the pony he wanted to give Martynka for her birthday.

    Previously, Dominik did not deal with his finances, leaving everything in the hands of the manager. The discovery of how much he has in his bank accounts meant that acting ceased to be a form of compulsion to earn a living. Yes, he did not want to lose to Marczak as a forfeit, so he wanted to get a role without him, but if it were to be the last in his professional life, it would not be a great loss for him.

    You could even say the opposite. If he quit acting now, he could live a normal life for the first time - go to the store without fear of being stopped by some fan, go for a walk without fear that paparazzi are lurking around the corner (not that everyone is so bad) and finally love who you want without fear that the media will tear them to shreds.

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski surreptitiously looked at Andrzej. His companion cleaned up excitedly, not continuing the topic. He probably thought his argument went to Dominik. The photographer himself was actually unemployed because of him, because his conscience and honor refused to reveal ?liwi¨½ski''s compromising photos. If he gave them to a publishing house or sold them anywhere, he would be rich now. However, he decided to keep them secret, not wanting to expose the actor to a scandal. Dominik did not know exactly how and why Nowicki lost his job, but the starting point was certainly the photos he had taken.

    ''Exactly,'' Dominik glanced at him again, ''Andrzej has my photos naked already. So what''s the difference of a few more or less?''

    But now was not the best time for this type of conversation. Maybe in the evening - by the fireplace and a glass of wine.

    "You mentioned your mom was dead. And dad?" Dominik asked. He just wanted to know more about Andrzej.

    "Both of them. They died within a year five years ago."

    "I''m sorry."

    "It''s okay. Mum was ill for a long time, dad could not survive the second heart attack. Your dad is fine?"

    "Yes. The whole family is doing great."

    "Is it big?"

    "Parents, older sister and younger brother."

    "They didn''t start their own families?"

    "No. It is true that we do not maintain contact with each other, but my mother would order me to be invited to a wedding."

    "Are you sure you wouldn''t like to meet them?"

    "Actually ..."

    The acquaintance with Andrzej began to open up a world closed by Marczak to him. Dominik never really wanted to cut off contacts with them and sent them gifts and special greetings, but he did not see them and they rarely called each other. At the beginning, he worked hard on could not replay to all invitations. Years later even invitations stopped coming. It never bothered him, because Marek took over his whole life, but Nowicki was completely different and his company and acquaintance with Paulina and her eight-year-old daughter made him think about his parents and siblings. And miss them.

    "You think we could go to them?" Dominik asked timidly. He did not want to cause trouble for Andrzej, but since they have already managed to leave Warsaw ... "It''s actually a stone''s throw ..."

    "Sure. Do you want to go now?"

    "Aren''t you tired of driving?"

    "I? No. We''ll only eat something quick, and I''m ready."

    "Really?"

    "Sure. We''re starting in half an hour."

    ***

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski''s family house stood in the suburbs - a two-story, newly renovated house, no bigger than the one in which the actor lived now. He had his own yard and a garden with conifers. The gate was open, but Andrzej decided not to enter the property. They hadn''t made an announcement, so they were intruders at the moment. Nowicki preferred to park on the side of the road.

    "It''s your family," he said, turning off the engine. He was blatant that Dominik needed some encouragement. At this point, he looked very vulnerable. "They will surely be pleased with your visit."

    The actor smiled faintly. There was no doubt that he was upset. Andrzej himself felt his heart beating faster. Dominik made very quick progress to get out of the mental golden cage in which Marczak had locked him, and this cost him a lot of emotions. It is true that the doctor did not recommend him a lot of stress, but repairing relations with his family could bring much greater benefits as a result.

    "Thank you for supporting me" Dominik said looking at Andrzej with the eyes of the begging kitten.

    "You''re welcome. And there is no need to delay. Go."

    "What? Me alone?"

    "It''s your family," Nowicki repeated in a different tone this time. "Don''t you think they should feast your eyes on you first, get used to the thought that they really see you, and then possibly meet the stranger you came with?"

    "Maybe you''re right, but ..."

    Andrzej saw a small, middle-aged woman leaving the house. She pretended not to be interested in a stranger''s car in front of the property, but she glanced at it quite often. Nowicki pointed his head at her.

    The actor turned to her and froze. Finally he grinned and, waiting for nothing, opened the car door.

    "Good morning mum!" He called as he got out.

    "Oh my God!" The woman squealed. "Dominik! Son, is that really you ?!"

    "Yes, mum," he walked over to her quickly and gave her a warm hug. "I''m sorry to not announce, but I had the idea to come only around noon."

    "God, how skinny you are," his mother cried. "You don''t eat anything in this Warsaw!"

    Andrzej looked at the two and their greeting with a smile on his face. He was a bit afraid for Dominik, that the years had done their job and the meeting would be rather difficult. But the mother has always been a mother, and the sight of a child she had not seen for so long filled her heart with joy.

    "Come to home! Father won''t believe when he sees you! I''m about to make something good to eat ... And this man in the car" she pointed out to Nowicki "he won''t be sitting there like that. Good morning." She walked over to the car. "Please come to our house. You can also drive the car into the driveway."

    "Thank you, but I don''t want to disturb the family reunion."

    "Nonsense! You can''t sit in the car like that. You have to go inside."

    "In that case, thank you. I''m just gonna move the car."

    Dominik''s mother made a nice impression. He wasn''t really surprised because her son was definitely a lovely man. He inherited a charming smile from her and Andrzej was sure that in her youth she must have been extremely beautiful, although her eyes were far from the piercing blue of her son. She spoke with a distinctive, melodic Eastern accent that made her speech sound a bit like singing. She also exuded sympathy and warmth. So the photographer could not understand why the boy is so afraid to confide in her about his problems?

    Or maybe he WAS afraid, maybe in this case we can already speak in the past tense, Nowicki thought hopefully. After all, a few weeks ago he did not even want to see his family and now he decided to meet her.

    Andrzej parked the car and got out of it. Dominik was just entering the house, being pushed by his mother. The woman herself - clearly very excited - was waiting for him. He approached ?liwi¨½ska[1] and bowed politely to her.

    "Let me introduce myself: Andrzej Nowicki, photographer and friend of Dominik."

    "Friend? Really?" she was surprised and pleased at the same time. "I''m so glad. I was afraid that I let him out into the world too early and he would not be able to cope with it alone. I am his mother, Helena ?liwi¨½ska."

    Her fears were well-founded, thought Andrzej. Dominik did not do very well alone, but he tried to fix it. A sensitive seventeen-year-old tossed to the prey of a wolf like Marczak did not know how to defend himself against him. He didn''t even know he should. Yes, he had been happy these seven years, but now he was discovering just how illusory and empty that happiness was.

    [1] About Polish surnames ¨C in lot of cases, when surname of a man ends with ¨Cski, -cki, -dzki, the surname of a woman in the same family ends ¨Cska, -cka, -dzka. Dominik ?liwi¨½-ski but hut mother ?liwi¨½-ska.

 Chapter 86 - Back Home

    But Andrzej shouldn''t be the one to told her that and he will not. He was just a stranger, but isn''t their own son a stranger to her now? What does Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska really know about her adult child?

    "Thank you for persuading him to come to us."

    "It was actually his idea," Andrzej explained.

    "Really?" she rejoiced.

    "One hundred percent," he nodded, smiling warmly.

    "Thank God! I thought he didn''t want to see us. However, I prayed that he would come home like the Prodigal Son."

    Prodigal son? What is she talking about?

    "You have a beautiful house," he said.

    "Thank you. It has recently been renovated. Our younger son, Olek, is a very talented builder. You''ll meet him because he''s in the living room. Please."

    Entering the salon, Nowicki felt a rather heavy atmosphere. Apart from Dominik, there were two men in the room. One was clearly older, of medium height, broad-shouldered. The second, even taller, was very young, built almost like a woodcutter. Their faces were gloomy.

    "I didn''t come here to argue" Dominik said very quietly. He did not noticed their entry. "I just wanted ..."

    "What''s going on here, Zygmunt? Olek?" asked Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska.

    "Nothing," the young boy replied, and headed for the exit. "Only a big star graced our thresholds."

    "Don''t talk about your brother like that! Dominik got talent from God and he uses it beautifully!"

    "And you always defend him, even though he hasn''t shown his nose here for seven years!"

    "Enough, Olek, leave your mother" interjected an old man, probably Dominik''s father.

    "Let her not defend him!" He exclaimed furiously. The younger brother, it seemed, was not thrilled about the older brother''s return.

    Andrzej looked at one then the other. When 17-year-old Dominik left home, how old could the boy have been? Twelve? Thirteen? Perhaps he was staring at his older brother and awaiting his arrival for Christmas, at the end of the school year, for his birthday.

    "Come on, you''re right," Dominik said. "It is my fault. If you want me to leave now, just say."

    "What? Dominik, no!" His mother cried, grabbing his arm, but he was still looking at his brother.

    "Since you are here, you can stay" decided Olek.

    "Thank you."

    The atmosphere barely relaxed and Andrzej started to worry, how much more emotional effort will cost Dominik to return home?

    ***

    Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska set up dinner and cake at once, and in the meantime she put sandwiches and biscuits on the table. It was certain that she wouldn''t let them go until they had eaten everything.

    Mr. ?liwi¨½ski took out a half liter of clean one[1] and insisted they drink it with him. Andrzej, due to the fact that he will be driving, agreed to only one glass. Dominik did not go so easily, but he managed to stop at two. He explained that he cannot mix alcohol with drugs. At these words, his mother immediately joined him and Andrzej saw Dominik lying for the first time. "It''s nothing," he said. "I''m finishing taking the antibiotics I had for my sore throat." The woman believed or pretended to believe.

    "Tell me what''s going on with that stalker," his father said, "because I don''t understand what it is."

    Dominik was a bit confused, especially since his younger brother came into the room and his mother kept checking in from the kitchen.

    "Oh, it''s nothing," he tried to joke the situation. "Sometimes famous people get crazy fan mail. They don''t talk about it out loud so as not to encourage them, because they write terrible stupid things. Even I did not write such poor poetry, but they send it from the heart, so you have to be gentle so as not to upset them."

    Nowicki noticed that Olek, as befits a young man of their time, knew the meaning of the word a little better than his father. His forehead was as clouded as if he was about to rain down.

    He spoke little to his brother. He didn''t even hang out with them. He just hung around all the time and watched. Nowicki had the impression that he was watching his brother as if he wanted to read what kind of man he is now. It was surprisingly mature for such a young man.

    "You''re Andrzej, right?" Olek turned to the photographer in an undertone.

    "Yes."

    "Don''t you fancy some fresh air?"

    "Actually, I do," he admitted, sensing that the boy wanted to talk to him about something.

    "Then let''s go get a cigarette," Olek announced loudly, and headed for the exit.

    Nowicki followed him.

    Dominik looked at them quickly, but Andrzej smiled reassuringly. There is no reason to worry, he said with his eyes and followed the younger ?liwi¨½ski.

    Downstairs, right outside the door, the boy took out a pack of cigarettes. The photographer declined the offer.

    "Dominik was different once," he said, lighting a cigarette. "And it''s not that I was a kid and I saw him differently. He was different, brighter, happier. I thought he went to the big city, made a great career and turned himself away from a gray family, but I guess it''s a little different, huh?"

    "I think so."

    "I knew damn it. But you look like a decent guy. Are you good to my brother?"

    "I beg your pardon?"

    "Well, you guys sleep together" Olek said indifferently, letting out the cigarette smoke.

    "Er, I ..." Andrzej was speechless. He had never expected that in Dominik''s own family home, his own brother would ask this type of question.

    "Does not matter. You don''t have to answer if you don''t want to. After all, that''s your business. But I don''t think you''ve been together long."

    "I''ve known your brother since the second half of August."

    "Oh. So what about this stalker? Somehow I don''t feel like believing that it was just a prop. People on the forums also think the statement of Marczak it''s a hoax."

    "It wasn''t a prop," Andrzej admitted. He saw no reason why he should lie to this smart boy. "But it was a one-off situation, so we took it as a stupid, macabre joke."

    "Are you sure a one-off?"

    "I don''t know about another case."

    "Then promise me that at the second one you will not wait, but call the police. I don''t want anything to happen to him. After all, this is my older brother."

    "So you forgave him for leaving home?"

    "And I had a way not to? My mother was so proud of him that the hell took me. Dominic this, Dominic that, and Saint Dominic will not even get his nose in the house. But now I know it wasn''t that rosy for him at all."

    "Where from?"

    "It shows after him. Dominik can only play in front of the camera, never in his life. His eyes ... Someone hurt him badly. But not you. He looks at you with love. It''s kind of silly to see your own big brother look at a guy like that, but if it makes him happy¡­ Damn it! Okay, come inside now," he stepped on the cigarette butt. "Oh, and it doesn''t bother me so much that you fuck my brother. As long as it is by mutual consent. Otherwise¡­"

    "Do not worry. In my life, I wouldn''t do anything to hurt him."

    "I believe you. Dominik still cooks sometimes?"

    "Yes, often."

    "Well?"

    "Very."

    "Do you think he will come to us more often now?"

    "Yes, I think so."

    "That''s good. Otherwise I would have to find him in his Warsaw and kick his ass."

    Andrzej smiled as he imagined the scene.

    "But seriously," Olek stopped in the hall and lowered his voice. His eyes were so penetrating that Nowicki felt a shiver down his spine. "Take care of my brother."

    "I will."

    ***

    Dominik slept in the car with his head hanging over his left shoulder. Sleep overwhelmed him about halfway from his family home to the cottage on the Bug River. They stayed at the ?liwi¨½ski house until late and it was only after 11:00 pm that they managed to get out. It is true that they both received an invitation to stay for the night, but Dominik wanted to spend as much time as possible on the river and after making a solemn promise that now he would not break off contacts for so long, he managed to wriggle out.

    Before dinner, Julita, Dominik''s came by to say hello to her younger brother. She was already living separately. Before that, she left work and came only to hug Dominik and spend some time with him. It was a matter-of-fact woman who looked at both of them with penetrating eyes, and Andrzej wondered if she, too, suspected her brother''s relationship with him. However, she did not say a word about it and Nowicki did not feel any hatred or dislike from her.

    The day was rich in impressions, so Andrzej was not surprised that Dominik fell asleep, tired. Most importantly, he said goodbye to his family with a sincere smile, although tears spun in his eye. After seven years of solitude and isolation, it seemed he had managed to return to his family.

    [1] Commonly about vodka.

 Chapter 87 - Courage Of The Morning

    For some reason, everyone, or almost all, believed that it was Andrzej''s merit. Even Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska hugged Nowicki good-bye and thanked him for taking care of her son. The photographer didn''t feel like he deserved it, but Dominik looked at him with his sincere, charming smile as if joining his mother''s thanks. It was a strange feeling, but nice.

    Nowicki lost his parents a few years ago. The only grandfather he remembered had died even earlier. As the only child, Andrzej did not know what it was like to have a sister or a brother. At this point, he no longer had any family members and was largely lonely because of it. He wondered what Christmas could be like in such a busy house. Dominik''s parents were very cordial to him and he liked his siblings as intelligent, quick-witted and, above all, loving. He wondered how Dominik could not miss them all?

    He drove the car to the cottage and turned off the engine.

    ?liwi¨½ski slept soundly, and his breathing was deep and even. Andrzej was sorry to wake him up, but it was neither a good position to sleep nor a good place. It was getting quite cold.

    The night was not really warm. Andrzej got out of the car, opened the door of the house and came back for Dominik. The actor was sleeping so sweet that Andrzej had to try to keep the dream alive. He unbuckled Dominik''s seat belt and gently, like a small child, took him in his arms.

    He was so light and tiny. Even after a hearty dinner, which lasted until the night and was actually a typical Polish feast, weighed only a pinch. At that moment, there was no trace of this strong, possessive lover in him that dragged Andrzej to bed.

    But soon Dominik will be standing firmly on his feet again. Nowicki will see to it personally.

    ?liwi¨½ski, being carried, grunted in his sleep and pressed his head to Andrzej''s shoulder. The warmth of his breath made Andrzej''s spine shiver pleasantly. He really liked this kid.

    The kid, he snorted in his mind. The actor was less than five years younger than him, in fact very little, but his small build, sensitive personality and lack of independence in life made him resemble a naive and innocent child to a large extent.

    It was cold in the cabin too. Sloppy construction did not anticipate someone spending time here outside of summer, but preventive people did. The fireplace was practically new, because his friend had just come up with the idea of ??installing it. He found fireplace very romantic.

    Andrzej laid Dominik on the bed, but the actor''s arms, instead of falling limply, embraced him tighter.

    "Don''t let me go," Dominik muttered, half conscious.

    "It is cold. I have to start a fire."

    "No ... we will warm each other ..."

    "There is no discussion," he replied softly. "If we fall asleep in this cold, we''ll both regret it. Be a good boy and go to sleep."

    I guess he was too tired to argue. His arms dropped.

    Andrzej took off his shoes and covered him with a blanket. For now, it was too cold to undress. He took care of the fireplace himself.

    He sat down in front of the fire and took out his phone. He had one unread message from a friend who had given him the keys to that cabin.

    Nowicki read it and swore - a load of nonsense, no particulars. He had expected more from someone of his kind.

    Shit, he cursed. Why is it all going so slowly?

    ***

    Andrzej was awakened by the smell of fried sausage. Half asleep, he tried to get up and found that he had just become entangled in some cloth.

    "Be careful, or you''ll hurt yourself," he heard a familiar laugh.

    "Hm? Oh boy," he groaned, trying to unravel himself from the blankets. Practically his whole body ached.

    "You got what you were owed for not wanting to sleep in bed with me. It looks like you fell asleep in front of the fireplace. If it weren''t for that pseudo bear skin, you''d be pretty cold yourself. Only in the morning, when I was leaving for the need, I found you on the ground. You slept so hard I couldn''t wake you up.

    Nowicki yawned loudly and widely. He stumbled disentangling from the blankets.

    "I would probably still be asleep if not for these smells" he approached the actor standing in front of the pan. "Where did you get the sausage? I don''t remember packing it."

    "From shop. About a mile from here is a small village and a grocery store. We passed them on our way here."

    "Did you go shopping alone?" Andrzej felt a layer of ice cover his heart.

    "Yes" Dominik admitted.

    "Never do this again!"

    "What? Why?" ?liwi¨½ski was surprised. His eyes screamed with great question marks.

    "Because ..." Andrzej did not know what to say to him? How to explain his violent reaction. "If you were not there, and I woke up, I would be afraid that something happened to you."

    "It''s nice, but don''t overdo it," laughed Dominik. "What could happen to me?"

    "We are on the Bug. This river is eating people."

    "Well, yes, but I left you a note anyway "?liwi¨½ski took a crumpled piece of paper out of the trash, where it was clearly written: ''I''m shopping''. "I threw her out as soon as I got back."

    "But don''t do it anyway," Andrzej said.

    "Why?" Dominik really didn''t understand. "Do you...? You think this stalker can be dangerous, don''t you?"

    "No, I mean ... It might have been a stupid joke, but until we find it, I don''t want to risk it. Shit, I am beginning to understand what Marczak meant when he said that he was locking you up from the world to protect you."

    ?liwi¨½ski smiled gratefully and stroked Andrzej''s cheek.

    "He protected me from the world, but not from himself. His imprisonment has made me unable to take care of myself or protect myself, but you are different. You give me self-confidence and courage. That is why I am not afraid of the world or people anymore."

    "They say that only fools are not afraid."

    "Maybe ..." admitted Dominik. God, how beautiful and seductive he looked at that moment! "But I lived seven years fearing even my own shadow. I don''t want it ever again."

    "So I''ll be afraid for the two of us" Andrzej promised.

    "Thank you" Dominik climbed on his toes and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. Andrzej felt as under his influence blush bloom on his cheeks.

    What am I, a teenager, to blush under the influence of a stolen kiss?

    "It''s going to be a beautiful day," Nowicki observed, looking out the window. "What do you want to do today?"

    "Roll around in the sheets, sweat and moan. Of course with you" ?liwi¨½ski replied without hesitation, with full enthusiasm.

    "Can you explain to me how someone so subtle and sensitive can say such things freely?"

    "Of course. It''s love. It is love that is making me shameless. Now sit down, breakfast is ready."

    Taking his seat at the lopsided table, Nowicki noticed on the cupboard open packages of drugs that Dominik was supposed to take. The actor caught his eye.

    "I''ve already taken the ones to be taken before meals," he said lightly. "Do you want to count my pills?

    "No need, I believe you. Yesterday I didn''t have time to ask you, what are your impressions after meeting your family?"

    ?liwi¨½ski did not answer right away, but a warm, cheerful smile did not leave his mouth.

    "Ok, I think," he admitted.

    "Your mother feels guilty that she let you go alone into the great world. She was afraid it was too soon."

    "It was," he admitted. "In retrospect, I can see how much I lost because of it. However, you cannot live in the past. She had good intentions. Marek too. I myself was too young to make responsible decisions myself, but apart from temporary falls, I probably did not grow up the worst."

    "I don''t think so," admitted Andrzej. "By the way, your brother knows we sleep together."

    "What?!!!" Dominik paled with terror. "Did you tell him ?! Why?!!"

    "I didn''t tell him anything and didn''t confirm his suspicions, but he knew anyway. He said if I hurt you, he would kick me."

    Dominik slowly lifted his jaw, and it dropped from the impression.

    "My little brother," he said delightedly. "Who would have thought. I find it strange that he knows, but I''m relieved. After all, he didn''t condemn me."

    "Why would he do this? He is a young, conscious man and he loves you."

    Dominik frowned, as if unpleasant thoughts had occurred to him.

    "And I hurt him. He was thirteen when I left home. He may not have looked at me like in a picture, but as an older brother I owed him protection."

    "Then why did you abandon him? Why have you never contacted him? Don''t say that Marczak wanted to protect you from the thirteen-year-old as well. Because it''s just weird."

    But wasn''t that what the relationship between Dominik and Marczak was like?

 Chapter 88 - What Drives Dominik Is Love

    Dominik gave the impression that he had heard an uncomfortable question.

    "No, that was ... I don''t know," he admitted irritably. "First it was really a job. Then Marek took all my time. When I mentioned that I would like to see someone from the family, it was always the wrong time as we were going to have some important meeting. And so with time I thought less and less about seeing them, and finally the very thought became strange."

    "But now you''ve come back to them. You won''t leave them any more, will you?"

    "Right, I won''t" he smiled and stared at Andrzej with his beautiful, aquamarine eyes. The photographer once again wondered how nature could create such a color of irises.

    "You''re looking at me weird again," Andrzej said, feeling uncomfortable.

    "Weird?"

    "Yes. As if you had something on your mind."

    "There is something like that," he admitted.

    "If it''s related to me, I want to know."

    "For sure?"

    "Yes."

    "But for sure?"

    "Yes."

    "I love you."

    Andrzej swallowed hard.

    Dominik wasn''t lying. He was a wonderful, even brilliant actor, but in his private life he could not lie. His eyes were too sincere to hide the truth. Nowicki had heard this confession from his lips, but it was always accompanied by emotional tension, usually also erotic. For Andrzej to be aware that these words were used in a normal, everyday situation, at breakfast consisting of fresh bread and fried sausage ...

    Andrzej believed him. He absolutely believed that Dominik was speaking these words honestly.

    Three people who did not know each other knew that they were sleeping together: his friend Paulina, the actor''s former lover - Marczak, and young Olek ?liwi¨½ski. To Nowicki''s surprise, no one looked at them with disgust and it was even natural and obvious to them. They did not consider the relationship of two men to be a bad thing. Andrzej also did not think that what they were doing was shameful, but love?

    Love?

    Nowicki felt his heart beating harder and faster. He adored Dominik, loved being with him, being in him, talking to him, caressing, kissing, but loving? He would give everything for him, his passion, his life, but he couldn''t give him a heart.

    Why?

    Is it because he is a man, or is there something wrong with Andrzej and he cannot love at all? After all, he had never been in love with a woman, much less a man.

    Dominik smiled at him warmly, but with a certain sadness lurking deep in his lovely eyes.

    "You don''t have to say anything," he said. "I know you don''t love me back. Not like we both would like to. Maybe it will come in time, maybe not. For now we have what is and for me it is more than I ever had."

    "For me, too," Andrzej admitted, and he fell silent, surprised by his confession. Why did he say that? "It means¡­"

    "After breakfast, let''s go for a walk. I''m fed up with sitting in four walls. You think there are still forest mushrooms?"

    "I have no idea. Do you know mushrooms?"

    "What a question! A good cook should know which mushroom is best to add to which dish."

    His enthusiasm, his smile, were not fake. His whole being was happy and daring to spend time away from the city, media and possible persecutors.

    Nowicki treated the matter of the letter and the parcel extremely seriously, especially after what Marczak suggested. Dominik was beautiful and very seductive, so it was more than likely that in addition to thousands of normal or fairly normal fans, he would also get those who would not accept reality and in their sick minds would start creating fantasies with him in the lead role. These people weren''t necessarily evil by definition, but their delusions could have ended very badly - especially for Dominik. And then there was the actor''s health."

    In this case at least, although so serious, he had the full support of ?liwi¨½ski, who understood perfectly well where he was. The boy always tried to live healthy - he exercised regularly, ate balanced meals, did not drink alcohol, did not smoke, did not use any other stimulants and even reduced sugar. He would have lived a long and healthy life for decades, if not for trouble with his lover. At this point, the saying "die of love" was taking on real meaning.

    Dominik knew what was threatening him and decided to live. Andrzej could not be happier than seeing his responsibility, efforts and a sincere smile accompanying them.

    It seemed that the very core of ?liwi¨½ski''s nature was not melancholic. The boy was full of smile and optimism. It was the last few years that had pushed him into loneliness, fear and sadness. Now Dominik, freed from Marczak''s influence, smiled and lived as his nature desired. Was it just a break-up with an ex-lover that caused it?

    ''I love you'' - these words Andrzej heard from him so often, and yet he was not able to accept them. He always knew when an actor was lying, and when he said these words, he was completely honest, yet Nowicki could not accept his confession.

    Dominik cannot love him because simply no one can love him. He, too, had never, never had such affection for anyone. He just wasn''t made for love.

    Contrary to ?liwi¨½ski, who seemed to be unable to exist except under its influence. Interestingly, maybe in fact love was the same for him as oxygen was for others, so when he realized that Marczak was toxic to him, he found another, closest object for himself - Andrzej. In that case, it wouldn''t be true love. Indeed, Dominik would have believed it to be so, but in fact it would only be a product of the actor''s mind, which, unable to exist without this feeling, created his illusion.

    "I don''t even remember the last time I was picking mushrooms" said Dominik excitedly, gulping down the sausage. "I''ve always liked doing this."

    "Then we''ll see if they grow."

    "They should," said the actor. "The litter is moist, the nights are cold and the days are warm, these are ideal conditions for mushrooms!"

    Even such a simple thing as a walk in the woods and picking mushrooms brought Dominik so much fun. Did he really like mushroom picking, or was he a prisoner for so long that he enjoyed everything new to him?

    They left for the forest right after breakfast. It was still chilly, so they put on light jackets. Andrzej offered sweaters, but ?liwi¨½ski definitely shook his head. Sweaters are nice and warm, he explained, but it''s a nightmare to get tangled up in twigs or pick needles out of them. Andrzej had to agree with him. It seemed that Dominik, despite his years in the capital, had not forgotten his contacts with nature. Nowicki, a typical great-grandfather townsperson, had to admit that ?liwi¨½ski was right as soon as they entered the first conifers.

    Andrzej had to take the camera with him. The golden Polish autumn was in full swing. The forest shimmered with the green of spruce, juniper and pine trees, the white of birches, and all shades of yellow, orange, red and even pink from the leaves and fruit sticking to trees and shrubs. The fleece was brown with old leaves and cones, green-silver with mosses, and purple with spreading heathers in places. Against this multi-colored background, in the golden rays of the sun, Dominik looked as beautiful as if he were a forest deity or at least an elf recovered from a classic fantasy novel.

    "Look, the squirrel, the squirrel!" Dominik exclaimed excitedly as a small, fuzzy pet with a fluffy tail ran a few steps away from him. Literally a moment later, the actor raised his head and, pointing to the trunk of a tall tree, exclaimed: "What a beautiful woodpecker!"

    The forest was full of life, colors and the singing of various birds. The joy and energy of the forest were beautifully reflected in Dominik''s face and eyes.

    As it turned out, the mushrooms were actually still growing. With a joyful smile like that of a small child who finally has the opportunity to go for a walk in the forest, Dominik searched for noble boletus (porcini mushrooms), less noble but very aromatic boletus commonly called podgrzybki, kozaki standing on thin legs and kowale calling with their red hats. The abundance and variety of mushrooms in the actor''s basket surprised Nowicki, who began to seriously consider whether all of them were edible. He didn''t know much about mushrooms at all, so he''d rather pick the ones with the prettiest, blood-red hats with white spots on top, under which tiny dwarfs lived in fairy tales, or the pretty burgundy ones. He would certainly poison someone by telling him to eat these mushrooms, but Dominik grew up in this area, so Andrzej simply had to trust him.

    Trusting this lovely man somehow did not pose a challenge for Andrzej. Looking at him through the lens and without it, Andrzej could not believe for the thousandth time that such a beautiful and lovely man exists.

    But he had to admit that the sight of smiling brightly Dominik made him happy.

 Chapter 89 - The Best Day

    Andrzej has never eaten a more delicious mushroom soup in his life. Its taste was like the same as all the previous ones, but a thousand times more pleasant. But he had never participated in mushroom picking either and had no idea how much fun anyone could from it. The fresh air, smelling of damp and forest, only whetted their appetites, and they did not look back when quite a large slab showed its bottom.

    "Phew, well, I''m full," Dominik said, unbuttoning the fly button and stretching on the old, creaking chair. "I can not move."

    "Will you stick into the pants you were supposed to be wearing during today''s session, then?"

    "Of course. I have a fast metabolism."

    "I noticed."

    Whether it was pill for an appetite or fresh air job, Dominik regained his appetite.

    "I am so good that the only thing missing is a hot bath."

    "Sorry, we only have a cold shower."

    "So I let it go for now. You''ve been working with the camera a lot today. Will you show me the pictures?" Dominik asked.

    "Only after I prepare the album."

    "Same excuse again ... But I''m so curious!"

    "Patience is a virtue."

    "As you like" ?liwi¨½ski gave up and looked at the fireplace. "You really want to have a session here? I don''t know much about it, but don''t you need more light for a good photo?"

    "Don''t worry, I have everything under control."

    "Hm, I''ll trust you."

    "I''m going to be busy making a plan and selecting props right now, so I''ll get over it a bit."

    "I''ll help you," Dominik offered enthusiastically.

    "Better not. We have very little space here, so it will be difficult for me to accommodate everything. One is more than enough."

    "Then I''ll finish cleaning the mushrooms ..."

    "Oh no! Don''t you dare to get your hands dirty with those slimy ... How are they?"

    "Ma?laki?"

    "Yes. Anyway, they are all slippery and dirty."

    "Because they grew in a cozy, humid environment and were also harvested with dew."

    "Does not matter. They are really dirty and it''s hard to clean your hands afterwards."

    "All right," Dominik sighed. "I''ll take a blanket and a deckchair and go soak up the sun so as not to disturb you."

    "I''ll try to get it on quickly."

    "I hope so!" Dominik stood up. So I''m going to bask in the autumn sun! "

    ***

    It was probably the most beautiful day in Dominik''s life, or at least at that moment he couldn''t remember a better one. Can there be anything better than going out of town, to such a wonderful place, with a loved one?

    ?liwi¨½ski made himself comfortable with a blanket covering only his legs. The sun was already leaning towards the west, and due to autumn it was not high in the sky anyway, but it was still warm, and its golden rays sparkled in the blue ribbon of the river flowing nearby. On days like this, the world was really beautiful.

    Dominik closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The air smelled like water and resin. The leaves rustled with a gentle rustle and the birds sang their joyful songs. Even a woodpecker was cheerfully tapping a tree looking for bark beetles. This world was like a fairy-tale idyll. It was just wonderfully beautiful.

    But maybe in the state of mind Dominik was in now, any place would be beautiful? Maybe his joyful heart saw only good things around him. But isn''t that the way it should be?

    Yesterday, Dominik met his family for the first time in years. The meeting did not go smoothly, but what could he expect when he left the family like a prodigal son for years? But it was a huge step forward for Dominik - all thanks to Andrzej. If it weren''t for his warm heart, the young actor would still be locked in his home, afraid to experience life.

    And life was waiting for him and it opened its arms wide. Life was more than the possessive love of Marek, who always wanted Dominik for himself. Maybe he protected him from the evil of this world, but thus deprived him of strength and ability to function independently. The price was too high. Dominik paid her because he did not realize it. Now he didn''t have to pay anyone anything.

    He should, ?liwi¨½ski thought with a sigh. He should repay Andrzej for appearing in his life. He should repay him for sacrificing himself so much for Dominik, more than many people who assured of his love would. Nowicki never said that he loved him and, looking into his eyes, Dominik had the impression that he would never hear these words from him, but in every gesture by Andrzej, in every word he received, the actor received more love than during a year with Marek.

    It was a strange love, what Nowicki was giving him. Also selfless, so devoted, so warm and bright. It was expressed not in pathos but in complaints that Dominik should eat more. Andrzej did not bring him flowers, but by threatening with his finger he made the actor swallow the pills. It was love without romantic ecstasy, but ordinary, everyday love. This was what its charm was all about, and that is probably why Nowicki will never recognize it as ''love''.

    Actually, Andrzej doesn''t have to do that.

    Andrzej does not have to do anything to be in Dominik''s life. Let them be just friends, lovers from time to time. That''s enough for now. And later? Later will be ... later. They will cross that bridge when they come to it. Today Dominik spent an absolutely wonderful day, full of sunshine and idyllic nature.

    In the evening, something even more exciting awaits him, something that made ?liwi¨½ski''s heart beat faster. This will be his first professional photo session with Andrzej. Dominik will have to do his best not only for himself but also for Nowicki. The photographer could not be left without work forever and Dominik ?liwi¨½ski''s photo session will look great in his regime. Eventually, both of them will be able to benefit from their acquaintance professionally. But will Dominik, caressed by Andrzej''s eye hidden behind the lens, be able to focus on work?

    Dominik shivered, and not from the cold. He just was looking forward to this photo shoot!

    ***

    Andrzej set up the last lamp and turned it on. Its light hit Dominik''s eyes and the screens placed nearby. In this lighting and with decorations provided by the photographer, the old, inconspicuous summer house turned into a country villa.

    "Woooow¡­" ?liwi¨½ski expressed his surprise. "Your friend has a whole studio here!"

    "I told you that I sometimes take pictures of his girlfriends."

    "Sometimes? Judging by all that, this is probably quite common."

    "It used to be, but there has been no time to play it for several months. Someone else takes care of the girls."

    "Excuse me?"

    "What?"

    "What did you say? That someone else deals with his girlfriends?"

    Andrzej was silent for a moment, trying to understand Dominik''s thoughts.

    "No, these aren''t his partners, or at least not all of them! He provides hostesses for local events and has a small night club."

    "He''s a pimp ?!"

    "No, real hostesses. Opening a supermarket, beer day in ?wi?tokrzeszowice and stuff."

    "And for that you need acts?"

    "No, I just did these to his private girlfriends. Once a buddy was crazy about photography so he invested in it. There''s also a costume chest upstairs. You''d be surprised if you saw them."

    Dominik blushed and looked away.

    "Maybe we''ll start?" he suggested still flushed.

    "I''m in position."

    They agreed that the main theme of the current session would be romanticism. Dominik has already played the roles of lovers, and although they made fans fall in love with every one of them again and again, they were all contemporary and quite shallow. Andrzej said that there is no frame for them and there is no restlessness of the heart in them, which was sown by poetry two centuries ago. ?liwi¨½ski knew what he was talking about and agreed with him completely. However, they did not want to do the sessions in the historical background. Their idea was to show that you can also be romantic in the twenty-first century.

    Dominik was wearing a white shirt, but totally contemporary, and blue jeans. He took the armchair prepared for him by the fireplace and picked up a glass of wine.

    "All right," said Andrzej, taking the camera in his hand. "We both have experience in this rodeo, but this is our first professional photo session together. I''m going to take some pics for orientation now, and you feel free to slowly step into the role. You won''t have to try very hard. You are thoroughly romantic anyway."

    "Don''t say such things to me" Dominik asked. "Otherwise I won''t be able to concentrate on my work."

    "Why?"

    "Because I''m just going to think about you and how I''d like to please you in bed."

    Andrzej felt his breathing become heavier.

    "First, try to please the photographer in me."

    Dominik beamed as if he had just heard the best news possible.

    "Hey, hey, what are you doing, focus, focus" photographer admonished Dominik even though the view was unearthly and the shutter of Andrzej''s camera was already in motion. These photos will go to a private album.

    After a really short warm-up session, they got down to normal. Dominik turned out to be an almost professional model and immediately followed the photographer''s instructions to the letter. The session went very smoothly.

    "Great, now look into the flames as if you are thinking of something wonderful that you miss." the photographer ordered. "Perfect. The camera really loves you."

    Andrzej admired the beauty of the actor''s expression, where the truth was visible, as if the longing he made him feel was not a game but a reality.

    ?liwi¨½ski turned his eyes away from the fireplace and stared them at Nowicki. Under this gaze, the photographer felt a flame in his body. Dominik was no longer only romantic, he was becoming more and more erotic. His hand went to the top buttons of his shirt.

    "Dominik, what are you ...?"

    "Continue taking pictures," Dominik ordered.

 Chapter 90 - Naughty Dominik In Splendid Evening

    Perhaps Andrzej should tell him to stop, in the end the boy spoiled his photo session plan, but he was unable to. The buttons, one by one released from the holes, revealed more and more of Dominik''s beautiful body.

    Eventually, entire torso and stomach of Dominik were visible - every muscle and even his nipples. The man''s chest was not taboo and his nudity and was seen on the beaches and at construction sites, but in the frame of the white, seductively unbuttoned shirt, it had a strong erotic overtone. When this image was joined by a glass of carmine wine put to his mouth, Nowicki came to the conclusion that the only thing saving him from madness is the fact that he looks at it all through the lens. Otherwise, he couldn''t guarantee that this session wouldn''t end early in a very indecent way.

    Dominik dipped his finger in the wine and put it to his mouth. He stuck his tongue out and caught a ruby ??drop dripping from it. He brushed his lower lip away with his fingertip, never taking his eyes off the lens. Then he stroked his chest in an annoyingly slow motion and arched himself.

    "When you made me think of something pleasant that I miss," he said, his voice dripping eroticism, "I remembered how you touched me. The passion of your breath, the softness of your strong hands, the hardness of your penis, and I couldn''t concentrate on my work anymore. I have to¡­" He unbuttoned the button on his pants and sank his hand into them.

    Andrzej felt the pressure on the fly himself. His penis pressed the slider harder and harder, but the sight of Dominik shamelessly extracting his organ in front of the camera''s eye was too amazing to give it up.

    "Look what you''re doing with me," the actor complained, looking into the lens reproachfully. His hand began to slide along the shaft of his penis. "How dare you? In a moment, this beautiful, soft rug will be stained with a thick, sticky liquid. You can stand there and watch, or you can come closer and join this obscene situation."

    Nowicki lowered the camera, attracted by Dominik''s raised organ against the background of blue jeans.

    "Give it to me," he said and knelt in front of the chair. With tenderness and a groan, he pressed his lips against his side, as if he was greeting his lover after years of waiting. "Shit, you are too ... too ..."

    He couldn''t speak any further. He wanted too much to fill his mouth with Dominik''s hard masculinity. Take it in, suck it, move it, finally make it explode.

    "Andrzej, you are¡­ Ah! Andrzej ..."

    He was in the way of the actor''s trousers, the cold, coarse metal fly. Dominik understood his intentions and raised his hips letting him free himself from his jeans. Nowicki, feeling like a thirsty nomad in the desert, did not even release his penis for a moment. Sucking a penis was a delight that, for obvious reasons, only a man could give him.

    "Ah ... If you don''t stop, I ..." Dominik warned.

    ''Yes, quickly'', Nowicki thought as he dug his hands into his buttocks. ''Do it quickly!''

    "I ... oh ... ah ... aaaaaa ..."

    A strong stream hit the photographer''s throat, almost causing him to choke.

    Andrzej left him without even trying to understand how he had come to suck a guy with such passion. Dominik, this sweet, unearthly Dominik did with him whatever he wanted.

    "Oh, Andrzej, you are wonderful" said ?liwi¨½ski panting. "And will you ... show me how I act on you?"

    "You want to see¡­?"

    "Yes."

    Dominik was wonderfully erotic and absolutely shameless. Next to him Nowicki did not feel embarrassed. He got up and released his penis, hardening, arched as if just waiting for the coming caress.

    With a catlike motion, in which there was no shame, the actor slid to his knees and pressed his lips against him. They were hot and humid, full of fervent passion and unsatisfied hunger.

    Nowicki loved this feeling when sweet, charming Dominik devours him with gusto. He loved how the flame in Dominik''s throat enveloped him and set him on fire. His lover''s eroticism was so great that his penis responded quickly. Too fast. He could feel himself starting to sweat.

    ?liwi¨½ski paused. He still had it in his mouth, but he stopped moving. He remained motionless for five or seven seconds, then he sucked it passionately as if he wanted to suck the last drop of semen out of him.

    "Oh, shit!" Nowicki moaned, unable to stop his sperm.

    As soon as Dominik released his member, Andrzej fell to his knees in front of him. They were faces on the same levels now, and the photographer could see lines of his own sperm oozing from the corners of the actor''s mouth and his absolutely sexy, unconscious gaze.

    He put his mouth to his and opened it almost forcefully. He crushed soft lips. He pushed his tongue into them, feeling the salty taste of his own semen. He heard a sweet, muffled groan fading into delight.

    His mouth, his tongue, his eyes and his hot skin were not enough. Andrzej''s hands crawled under Dominik''s shirt, stroking his back. They slid lower greedily finding his buttocks.

    "Umhm¡­" his lover groaned again. Every cell in his body leapt with excitement.

    Clasped in a passionate embrace, they lost their balance. They fell on the rug in front of the fireplace, not ceasing to caress and kiss each other for a moment. They both had already received their first fulfillment in their lover''s mouth, so they didn''t have to rush, although they both hardened quickly.

    "Andrzej" Dominik groaned, taking his lips away from him. "Don''t make me beg. I want you ... there."

    Nowicki knew exactly where - in this tight, hot hole that would suck him deep into itself and envelop him in delightful softness. What''s so amazing about welcoming a man into you, he wondered again, that Dominik so sweetly asked for it?

    "Then spread your legs a little."

    The actor obediently exposed his crotch. The sweat-covered pink skin and white shirt reflected off the dark brown of the faux bear''s fur, creating an extremely erotic sight.

    Andrzej already knew what and how to do to facilitate his entry into a lover and not to cause him too much pain. He moistened his finger with his own saliva and with his left hand, playing with the actor''s proudly protruding penis, he put his right to a pink eye.

    "Ooooh ..." Dominik groaned tensing as the finger overcame the first resistance. The space was cramped but humid, and getting inside wasn''t difficult as at the beginning.

    It''s probably because we do it more and more often, thought Andrzej and put his other finger in. Literally a moment later - the third.

    "Damn you ..." Dominik groaned, coming to meet him.

    Nowicki changed position. He slipped his knees under Dominik''s hips and replaced his fingers with a penis. He bent over ?liwi¨½ski''s face and plunged his lips and fingers into it.

    The silkiness of his lover''s hair and the velvety of his skin made Andrzej a thrill of delight. Sex with this man was not just a pleasure for the body. While kissing and caressing him, he had the impression that he had the most miraculous sacrum. Once again entering him, he felt as if he was accessing a piece of heaven on earth, although as always at the moment of entering, his lover tensed his body. With each centimeter, his interior became more accepting. A more complete experience.

    "I love you" Dominik whispered for the thousandth time.

    Nowicki pulled his torso up and set it upright. Thus, the actor, under the influence of his weight and the gravity acting on him, fell more heavily on his member.

    "Ah ..." a deep gasp let him know that the intensity of his lover''s sensations was changing.

    It was almost like then, the first time Dominik was an active party.

    Almost.

    Now they both moved, meeting each other to the rhythm of the groans of pleasure emitted by both.

    Andrzej pressed his hot, sweaty body against him, caressing his back and buttocks. His mouth touched his neck. He embraced him so tightly as if they were really going to merge into one. Even Dominik''s penis had no room for itself between the abdomens of the men and rubbed by both of them began to release the accumulated semen.

    Dominik''s interior enveloped Nowicki with softness, heat and moisture. Moving in it was already easy and Andrzej felt him coming towards the ejaculation of his sperm.

    Andrzej slowed down. He would no longer avoid pleasure, but he was turning into a selfish beast and wanted to lead his lover to the height of ecstasy earlier.

    "Why ... did you stop?" Dominik groaned.

    "You did it on purpose, right?" Andrzej asked, keeping Dominik in his strong embrace.

    "What?" He asked innocently, but Andrzej knew better. They were so close that he felt his lover''s cheeks temperature rise.

    "You ruined my session and you seduced me again."

    "No, I ..." Nowicki with a sudden movement pushed harder, causing the actor to groan.

 Chapter 91 - I Need Some Space

    "What did you say?" Andrzej asked in a harsh but cheerful voice, pointing out that his indignation was not a real indignation, but a form in a refined caress.

    "It''s just that I don''t ..." Dominik tried to defend himself but he was completely at the grace and disfavor of a man he rode. Another, even harder thrust took Dominik''s breath away. "Yes!! I did it on purpose! I love you, I want you, I adore you¡­!!! He has to admitted.

    Andrzej closed Dominik''s mouth with a kiss - not because he didn''t want to listen to him, he just couldn''t help but unite with him as much as he could. At the same time, he resumed a hip rhythm that was convenient for both of them.

    Then he got his way. He felt a warm stickiness on his lower abdomen and a shiver passed through ?liwi¨½ski''s body. There was no longer any reason to hold back and the photographer allowed himself to be fulfilled. Dominik''s scream of pleasure, which broke through his joined lips, vibrated in his ears for a long time, when the exhausted, they warmed naked in the warmth of the fireplace.

    ***

    When Andrzej was on his way back home, he only worried about one thing - that he would find in the letterbox or in front of the front door some evidence of a madman''s twisted love, which would destroy Dominik''s good mood. It would be really bad, because the boy in the mood as he was now, was simply bubbly. Nowicki himself was delighted with how well everything started to work out for the actor.

    Most of all, it looked like he had mended his relationship with his family. Before returning to Warsaw, he visited them again, and although they spent much less time there than before, the relationship between them began to resemble those of normal families.

    Because it was the most normal family in the world, quite nice and loving. Even Olek, who was a bit hostile during their first visit, now elbowed Andrzej in the side and patted his older brother on the back, causing Dominik''s face to blush. They did not say a word to each other about the actor''s sexual orientation, but it was obvious that he was not pushed away because of it. Dominik then smiled warmly and gratefully and was glad that he had gained the acceptance of someone important to him.

    The whole family still believed that it was thanks to Andrzej that their prodigal son had returned home. The denial did not help, Nowicki, like a natural son, was taken to the breast of Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska and he was informed that he was always welcome here.

    Andrzej wondered if she would have treated him the same if she knew he was fucking her son. He felt very strange with this thought and said that he was not surprised ?liwi¨½ski was hiding being gay from this sweet woman.

    For Nowicki, this trip was successful in many ways, but it caused a new confusion in his mind. As often as he would not have promised himself that he would no longer have sex with Dominik, the actor''s closeness made his word blur to smoke. One word of the actor and one smile from him were enough for Andrzej to feel his insurmountable, magnetic force.

    It wouldn''t be so bad if sex was just good. Then it really wouldn''t be much of a problem, because he could have good sex with hundreds of women. The one with the actor was just amazing. Unearthly. Addictive.

    And yet they should stop it. It will not be good for Dominik if he stubbornly sticks to his current preferences. A boy should approach a woman intimately at least once - he will not like it, no problem, but he should make an attempt, and he will not do it if he stubbornly sticks to Andrzej. He will stick if the photographer allows him to.

    "Dominik ..." he started in the car. He knew the conversation could be difficult, he was nervous about it, but he had to do it and the sooner the better.

    "Yes?"

    Damn, Andrzej swore, now ?liwi¨½ski does nothing on purpose, and yet every cell of my body reacts to him.

    "Please, don''t do this again."

    "What?"

    "Don''t provoke me, you know ... to have sex."

    "Why? You don''t like it?"

    "Yes, but ... please, just ..."

    "I don''t understand," Dominik darkened. "If we both like..."

    "That''s not the point, I ... It has gone a little too far, and I ... need some space."

    Dominik blushed up to his ears and lowered his head.

    "Sorry, I didn''t think. I''ll try to be more good, I promise."

    It''s all over, Andrzej breathed a sigh of relief. I hurt Dominik, I pushed him away, but¡­ it will actually be better for us. For everyone.

    So why do I have such remorse?

    They rode in silence for about a minute.

    "Sorry, I didn''t want to ..."

    "It''s all right," Dominik looked up. His eyes were red but shiny. "I think I know how you feel. I became persistent, possessive. I focused so much on my emotions and feelings that I forgot that you had never been with a man before and it might be difficult for you. I repeat, I love you, and I have not taken into account what you may be feeling. So actually I''m sorry."

    "No problem. I am flattered when you talk and think about me. Only¡­"

    "Have I cornered you a little too much?"

    "Some."

    Dominik smiled and rested his head against the headrest.

    "Well, now at least I also know how Marek felt when I told him to stop dating. It hurts, but I have to let you go. Because you''re not leaving forever, are you?" He looked at Andrzej. "Can I hope we can go back to sleeping together?"

    "Hmm," Nowicki cleared his throat. "That''s why I need some space to think about it."

    "But you''re not leaving the house, are you?" Dominik was scared.

    "You cook too well. I''m staying."

    "Then when we get home, I''ll have something extra ready."

    Andrzej did not know what reaction he expected from Dominik when he told him that he wanted some space. ?liwi¨½ski, however, was very conscious and mature. Perhaps he really saw an analogy between Nowicki''s current situation and his own a few months ago. The photographer knew that accepting his request was unpleasant for ?liwi¨½ski, the more he was impressed with the maturity of this decision.

    Dominik was quickly becoming very brave and strong. At the beginning of their acquaintance, Andrzej did not see how fragile and gentle ?liwi¨½ski could play the role of a rebellious young wolf, but now he saw that the boy had features that were drowned out, or even buried under Marczak''s domination. Dominik was a more complex personality than he expected. And more intriguing.

    ?liwi¨½ski seemed reconciled with his fate and behaved normally until the end of the road. At home too. Andrzej, who was so afraid of his reaction, felt relieved, but also disappointed. Why did ?liwi¨½ski give in so quickly?

    Until the end of the day, the actor did not smile flirtatiously at him, did not say any ambiguous word or looked suggestively between Amdrzej legs. Was it really that easy for him to get over the fact that Andrzej wouldn''t sleep with him?

    Nowicki felt strange with this thought, and when, after saying "good night", he entered his room, he did not quite know what to think about it.

    He decided that now that they were returning to normal life, he could work a bit on the photos he took. So far, he has already prepared four folders, in which he cataloged the photos depending on their purpose: official for Dominik, official for him, for the actor''s private album and the last - never show to anyone. The latter was to include a session that Dominik had so shamelessly conducted in a cottage on the Bug River.

    Well, maybe not all of it. The first photos turned out really well and presented a captivating heart, but a morally decent sight. Looking at them, Andrzej smiled. There are people the camera just loves. In her lens they are like gods and you don''t even need to use excessive makeup to hide imperfections, because even if they did appear, they were just¡­ perfect. There were few such people in the world, but when they did, they were able to take over the screen completely. Dominik was undoubtedly one of them and this is probably why he was so loved among the audience and so hated by his colleagues.

    Since he decided to work, Andrzej decided that he would need coffee. He left the room to prepare it and heard laughter coming from ?liwi¨½ski''s room.

    "No, no problem, really," he heard a muffled but clearly pleased voice through the door. "We''ll talk when we meet. Great, we have an appointment. Bye!"

    ''Bye?''

    Who could Dominik talk to like this and at such late hour?

 Chapter 92 - Jealousy?

    It sounded like Dominik had something special to do with the person on the other end of the line. But what? With who? After all, he had such close relations only with him and Marczak, and with his manager everything was over.

    What if not? What if Andrzej''s rejection made the boy, unable to bear being alone, returns to his former lover? In the end, Marczak turned out to be very helpful and understanding in his own way. Could Dominik really talk to Marek in this warm tone?

    No it is not possible. True, he hated loneliness and rejection badly, but he could not return to his former lover immediately after the new one rejected him. Dominik was not so unstable in his feelings. It was just too fast!

    So who was he talking to? After all, he did not meet anyone new in the meantime and Andrzej knew all his friends. What could have happened that he suddenly found himself with someone on such an intimate foot and Andrzej did not even notice it?

    He brewed the coffee too strong, and spilled it while lifting the cup. Why is this kid so irritating to him?

    "Oh, I thought you were in the kitchen" he almost ran into ?liwi¨½ski when he was leaving. The actor seemed extremely overjoyed.

    "Do you need anything?" Nowicki Asked.

    "Thank you, I can handle it. I just wanted to tell you that I will be a little out of the house tomorrow."

    "Oh," he pretended not to care while every cell in his body screamed, ''Who are you meeting?''

    "It won''t bother you, will it?

    "Of course not!"

    "Great! Do you have some boiling water left in the kettle?"

    "Some."

    The actor walked past him with a smile and, humming (humming !!!), poured water into the tea bag thrown into the mug.

    So Dominik is really meeting with someone. With someone to whom he spoke so cheerfully and warmly as before to no one but Andrzej. But no, it can''t be a new lover. Neither old.

    "Good night" ?liwi¨½ski smiled at him radiantly and walked towards the stairs. For someone who had received a kind of break-up declaration a few hours earlier, he was behaving extremely cheerful.

    On the other hand, Andrzej felt unpleasant.

    That night, Nowicki could no longer work. Nor to sleep.

    Actually, what could Andrzej expect from Dominik? The actor told him about his love for him and was rejected - not immediately, it''s true, but the effect was the same - Nowicki did not love him and did not want to pair with him. In that case, he also had no right to interfere with his privacy in any way. They were not a couple, so ?liwi¨½ski could meet and sleep with whoever he wanted, just like Andrzej. After all, it was perfectly normal.

    Not if you confess love to someone.

    But Nowicki himself did not believe that this feeling was real and only waited for the actor to shake off it and understand his mistake. But he hadn''t expected it to make his chest feel so painful.

    However, it is good that Dominik turned his attention away from him. Andrzej knew perfectly well that he would never be able to love him the way he should, and that he would only hurt this sensitive soul. It''s good that it happened as it is. Maybe this will make Dominik happier.

    Without him.

    Sleep overwhelmed him just as he began to wonder if it might be better if he had moved out of this house completely.

    ***

    Dominik looked absolutely radiant. To Andrzej''s surprise, he appeared at breakfast not in everyday clothes, but in going out.

    "I thought you were going out in the evening" Nowicki was surprised. He wasn''t in the best mood today. He slept badly that night and had a headache.

    "Tonight? No, I don''t know how long it''ll take me, so I''d rather leave early."

    "Oh."

    "But ... Andrzej, you don''t look good. Are you feeling bad? Maybe I should cancel my plans?"

    "Do not worry about me. I just didn''t get enough sleep. Go and have fun."

    "Are you sure? I don''t want to leave you alone if you are not doing well. Haven''t you caught a cold? You don''t have a fever?"

    "Of course not," he replied a little too sharply. "I was up late over the pictures. Just that. So don''t worry about me at all and go where you were supposed to go."

    Dominik looked undecided.

    "All right, I''ll go," he said, "but under two conditions. First - you go to bed right away and sleep through the night. Second - if you feel worse, you call me immediately. Promise me that please ..."

    Nowicki totally did not understand ?liwi¨½ski. How can he worry about him, make such demands on him when he himself goes to meet his lover. It''s just¡­ And he, Andrzej, should agree to all this politely? Why would he put up with ...?

    Because he has no right to interfere with Dominik''s private life. They were friends, it didn''t change, so the actor was worried about him as Andrzej was worried about him, but they didn''t have anything more intimate at that point, so ?liwi¨½ski could meet whenever he wanted and with whomever he wanted.

    "I promise," he said gently. "But you don''t want to leave without breakfast."

    "I will eat out," he explained. "I''m going, I don''t want to be late. See you!"

    "See you," Andrzej replied, watching his shy, lonely Dominik rush out to meet someone else.

    ***

    Though he had promised, Andrzej had no intention of going back to bed. He was not bedridden, and lying idle would only heighten his thoughts. So he decided to do something useful and send his resumes, cover letters and work to advertising and modeling agencies.

    Working in such a place was not his dream. Nowicki wanted to be completely on his own and make a name for himself. This, however, took time and money, and at the moment he did not have that.

    During his studies, Andrzej was a good photographer. He even won two prestigious awards. Then, however, there was the issue of paying off the student loan and several other more or less significant problems, so he ended as a paparazzi in the tabloid where he remained until September. Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was the reason why he quit this job. He had wanted to do it for a long time, but he always missed that decisive factor. Acquaintance with a famous actor turned out to be what he needed.

    What has Dominik been doing in the city for so long?

    And with who?

    Andrzej has already sent his resumes to all photo agencies and studios he found on the Internet (without Marczak''s one, of course). It is true that Dominik''s former manager was running a really good business and those who got under his wing were quickly making a career, but Nowicki would probably have to starve to find employment there.

    No, not even then, he stated firmly as he closed the tab with that agency''s website. He would rather steal or beg, as long as he didn''t have to deal with this man and his company.

    Dominik doesn''t come back for a long time ... He''s probably having a really good time.

    Andrzej knew that he had no right to interfere with the actor''s privacy and kept repeating it to himself all night, morning and afternoon, but that didn''t change the fact that he was irritated. You don''t confess love to someone over and over again and then, quite suddenly, go on dates with someone else.

    Nowicki did not even notice that he spent most of the day on these considerations. It was late afternoon when a taxi pulled up in front of the house.

    Dominik got out of the cab, carrying shopping bags - by no means filled groceries.

    To see him laden with packages was something new for Nowicki. Had the actor spent the whole day shopping? He was again asking with who?

    "Sorry it took me so long," the actor said excitedly as he packed inside, "but I had some trouble making my decision. I didn''t expect shopping to be so difficult. Fortunately, I had support with me."

    ?liwi¨½ski stood in front of Nowicki with a worried expression.

    "How are you?" He asked.

    "Good. I said you have nothing to worry about. Hey, I''m really okay, so don''t look at me like that."

    "I''m sorry, I ... I''m gathering up my courage" Dominik blushed up to the tips of his ears. "I didn''t think it would be that hard," he laughed nervously.

    Andrzej felt his heart leap into his throat. Dominik wanted to end their relationship, that''s for sure, he just can''t say it directly. It was a bit unpleasant, but Nowicki knew that the actor''s feelings were not real, that this was only an illusion, compensation for what had been lost.

    "All right," he said gently to him. How could he make anything difficult for him? Dominik was sweet and lost and their moments together were a perfect distraction from current problems. "Just do it."

 Chapter 93 - In The Bloom

    ?liwi¨½ski took a deep breath and extended his hand with the bag to the photographer.

    "Thank you for everything you do for me. I know it''s not much, but please take it as a symbol of my gratitude."

    Andrzej blinked his eyes.

    "You got me a gift?" He wanted to make sure he hadn''t misheard.

    "Mm. I am ashamed to admit that I actually do not know what you like or what you would like to have, so I used Paulina''s help. She was good enough to devote a whole day to me. So ... sorry if you don''t like what I bought."

    Nowicki was so surprised that he took the bag automatically and muttered a vague ''thank you''.

    So Dominik wasn''t on any date? Yesterday he made an appointment with Paulina to help him choose a gift for him?

    Still not sure what was going on, Nowicki looked into the bag. There was a nicely packed box of quite a size inside. He took it out, opened them and ...

    He looked at the logo on the bag and back at the contents. By surprise, he was speechless.

    "I really don''t know anything about it, so sorry if you don''t like it ..."

    "Are you kidding? This gem actually takes pictures by itself. The matrix has 51.4 megapixels and is more than one and a half times larger than in normal full-frame bodies. Three frames per second is nothing for him, in JPEGs he can make bursts of up to thirty, in RAWs of ten. Million-dot resolution with increased image clarity and enriched with technology that reduces flare. It is a work of art among modern cameras![1] Only that I can''t accept it."

    "Why not? You like it."

    "Dominik, this is something that costs more than a new car!"

    "But ... my life is probably worth a little more." Dominik was confused. "I know, you didn''t do it for the money, but¡­ Why have money if you can''t spend it to please someone who''s important? So please ... do it for me."

    Andrzej did not look at the camera, the list price of which oscillated around thirty five thousand, but at the man who offered it to him. Dominik''s aquamarine eyes sparkled with uncertainty and hope as if he really put a lot of heart into choosing this gift and was afraid of Nowicki refusing it.

    ?liwi¨½ski really got involved in buying this camera. After all, he had spent the whole day choosing something that would satisfy Andrzej''s taste. No one else took that long to please him. And yet Dominik had been walking around the house from yesterday evening excited, as if he really wanted to make a good choice.

    Nowicki knew that it was too valuable a gift, but he could not say no - not if the kitten''s sweet eyes were looking at him. After all, it was a gift above all from the heart.

    "Thank you," he smiled, capitulating. This caused an explosion of a smile on ?liwi¨½ski''s lips. "It''s really perfect."

    "No, I thank you! Thank you for being my friend!"

    ***

    Andrzej''s phone call surprised him. From mid-September, he sent his work to modeling and advertising agencies, but this was the first time he had received an invitation to an interview. In addition, it was from one of the largest agencies in the country.

    "They really invited you," exclaimed Dominik delighted. "I''m so glad!"

    "I suspect it''s your merit. I have included two of your photos in my portfolio."

    "I''m happy that I could help!"

    It''s been a month since the ?liwi¨½ski''s visit in doctors office, three weeks since they returned from this wonderful trip to the Bug River, and it seemed that Dominik was bursting with health and enthusiasm. All the time he was taking his prescribed medications and following all the doctor''s instructions, but Andrzej was surprised to see something else - the actor was always at least three times happier after spending the night together.

    Right after returning from the Bug River, Andrzej announced the time without sex between them. He wanted to rethink some things and, above all, wean Dominik from sleeping with men. He lasted a week. After all, at one of the dinners, the tension between them was so great that he actually had a very limited choice - to throw himself at Dominik right away and vent the accumulated in both sexual fruastration, or to suffer physical and emotional pain and throw himself at Dominik later.

    And this is how he found out once again that, living in the same house as Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, he was unable to avoid physical interactions, and he had no desire to move away from him. After all, he became more and more dependent on the actor.

    "Well, but I haven''t got the job yet."

    "This interview is pure formality. Have you read what they have been writing about me lately?" Dominik laughed.

    Andrzej also smiled. After a mini sensation with the stalker and Marczak''s speech to the media, slightly different rumors related to Dominik began to leak. Someone let go of the paint that immediately after parting ways with his longtime manager, ?liwi¨½ski began to be in the world, not to mention that, he immediately accepted the role proposal and his extravagance went so far as to have a private photographer. He is seen more and more often in the company of several women, and it has even been written that he is now recapturing the years of his life under Marczak''s dictatorship.

    Nothing has been said about the pony he had bought yet. Fortunately, it was supposed to be a surprise gift for Martynka. However, the little horse was selected and the advance was paid. Now he was waiting for the most important thing - the approval of the future owner.

    There was a lot of truth in all these rumors. They dined with Andrzej at Paulina''s regularly, often in the company of her and Martynka. Once again, the whole group go to the zoo and ?azienki - of course they fell victim to paparazzi there. Dominik did not care at all, and the eight-year-old was delighted that her photo appeared in the newspapers.

    ?liwi¨½ski felt sorry for Ewelina, who as a consequence did not win neither Andrzej nor him, so as compensation he took her and Marta to a small outdoor event. He met Marta on another occasion, completely by accident, and they went shopping together, which ended with Andrzej''s new bag for photographic equipment. Dominik seemed to be really blooming.

    The rumor about his participation in the new film was released by Maciej Werner himself and he immediately confessed to the actor. It was already known that ?liwi¨½ski was getting ready for a new role, but everything was quite vague and did not arouse such excitement in the media. Werner considered the participation of Dominik in his production for certain and decided to spoil his fans a bit by building their appetites. He called every few days to make sure everything was okay. He did not ask for details, but he was interested in the general outline of ?liwi¨½ski''s health. Dominik calmed him down and said that he felt much better, but the doctor had to give him the green light. The visit was coming soon and everyone was positive about the results.

    It looked like Dominik was on top, and he started to really live a full life. He was not afraid to go out among people or talk to journalists. His star began to shine even more intensely in the media light.

    "I''m not going to the interview" Andrzej announced suddenly, shocking ?liwi¨½ski.

    "What? Why?"

    "Then I have another, more important meeting."

    "What? What meeting?"

    The actor leaned in to see the date.

    "Never mind" Nowicki quickly blocked his view. Too late.

    "You mustn''t do this," Dominik said, frowning. "You mustn''t give up the interview for the sake of such a trifle..."

    "It''s not a trifle. If I don''t go to the doctor''s check-ups with you, you won''t be there yourself."

    "Not true! Did you forget I promised? Throughout the month, I did everything the doctor told me to do, and more, just to get my results right. And they will come out right. I want to do those tests to prove to you that you don''t have to worry about me. It will only be a formality, you''ll see, so there''s no way you will give up this chance because of me. I forbid!"

    "As if you had power over me," Nowicki snapped coldly.

    "I have" the actor decided that he had to prove something. "You do not believe me?" He moved closer to Andrzej.

    "Are you playing sex appeal again? Is this your only advantage over me?"

    "I don''t need any more. After all, we both know that you love to make love to me" He licked Nowicki''s auricle.

    "Come on, this really isn''t the time," he tried to push him away, but it wasn''t that easy. Neither the actor was cooperative, nor was Andrzej in his heart willing to do so. But he had common sense. "Such things are not done when you make an appointment with someone."

    "I''ll stop teasing you if you promise me something¡­"

    [1] I ask technology experts to remember that I took this book out of a drawer, where it had been lying for some time. Technology is probably moving faster than the humble author of the text.

 Chapter 94 - Happy Moments

    "What should I promise you?"

    "Just promise to me..."

    "Don''t be childish!"

    "Andrzej ..." he whispered straight into his ear, as subtly as if it was the movement of the breeze.

    "Shit, I promise, but get off me. What can I do for you?"

    "You''re going to the interview," Dominik said triumphantly, stepping away from the photographer.

    "What? You tricked me, you little ..."

    "Oh, the doorbell!" Dominik cried with a smile, running towards the exit. "You''d better get it together because you look like you''re doing something very interesting."

    Andrzej smiled to himself. During this month, ?liwi¨½ski underwent really huge changes. In fact, there was no trace of the wounds Marczak had inflicted on him. They healed completely and Nowicki felt a great satisfaction that he contributed to it.

    The meeting was very important to both of them, so Andrzej immediately restored himself to relative order. Admittedly, it was completely unnecessary, because within five seconds a tornado burst into the living room, which almost knocked him to the ground with its momentum.

    "Uncle, good morning!"

    A beaming eight-year-old burst inside in her fall jacket and a raspberry beret on her long blonde hair. Her grip was far too strong for someone so young.

    "Good morning, Martynka. You strangle me" Andrzej was laughing saying this words.

    "Sorry," she pulled away from him and looked around the living room. "Wow, it''s nice here!"

    "We''re not interrupting?" Her mother asked, smiling ambiguously.

    "Not at all" Andrzej replied, angry with himself that she could see Dominik''s shameless behavior.

    "We had a little exchange of views" added Dominik with a mischievous smile. "It ended just before you came. Can I have your coat, please?"

    "Of course! Martynka! Get over here quickly and don''t step on the floor with those dirty boots!"

    "I''m coming. Uncle Dominik, you have a nice house!"

    "Thank you. I am glad that you and your mother were able to visit us today."

    "This is the award for the sixth[1] from the essay" Paulina Kowalczyk beamed with pride.

    "Six?" Andrzej seemed to feel exactly the same. "What were you writing about? Will you let me read?"

    "Of course! To Uncle Dominik too, because I wrote about you both!"

    "About us?" The men looked at each other.

    "The teacher told us to write a fairy tale, the heroes of which are our dads. I don''t have a real dad so I asked if this could be a fairy tale about my other dads. The teacher asked why I was talking about a few and I said that one my uncle is my godfather is like a real dad to me and the other uncle is a daddy to me as a princess!"

    A huge blush appeared on ?liwi¨½ski''s face.

    "Really?"

    "Yes! I am much better than the other girls because they only have one dad!"

    Paulina touched Dominik''s arm softly.

    "Children have crazy imaginations and do not fully understand all the concepts. Hope you don''t mind?"

    "No," he said hotly. "Absolutely not. It''s very nice. Thank you."

    "Then where are the cookies?"

    "In the kitchen," Andrzej announced. "Will you come with me, my little kangaroo?"

    "Sure!"

    Taking the girl with him, Andrzej smiled at the still stunned Dominik. Kids really have amazing imaginations.

    ***

    Martynka had not finished visiting the house yet, so while Andrzej was serving her as a guide, Paulina and Dominik were drinking coffee in the lounge.

    "How''s it going?" She asked over a cup.

    "I don''t know," he admitted with a sigh. "Probably good."

    "Something without enthusiasm is your answer."

    "Every day I love Andrzej more and more. It starts to scare me a little how important he becomes to me. You know, since he entered my life, he completely changed it. For the better. I just have the feeling that it is at the expense of his own."

    "You''re such a big boy and you talk such nonsense. Andrzej adores you."

    "I wouldn''t say. I find it a little more¡­ complicated," he sighed again.

    "Maybe. Some. Andrzej is handsome as hell, he is a wonderful warm man who will do literally anything for those who are important to him, but he has never been in a relationship long enough for the other person to notice it. Usually he scares people off pretty quickly."

    "Really? I have not noticed."

    "Women find him extremely inaccessible, which attracts them strongly, but also intimidates them. They were always afraid to take the first step, but when he invited them they were delighted. But then they quickly lost their courage in front of him."

    "Why? He''s not scary at all."

    "Maybe not for a man," she laughed. "For us women, his gaze is terrible. We have the impression that it is digging deep into our souls and discovering the greatest secrets."

    "It''s true that his gaze goes straight to the heart ..."

    "And then Andrzej does exactly what it takes to fulfill your desire?"

    "Yes I think so."

    "You have to have the courage to expose yourself to someone like that. We women may dream of such a man, but when we meet him, we are afraid to be with him. We prefer to remain mysterious."

    "I understand," he smiled. "It''s a bit like chasing your dreams. Everything is fine until you reach it, because when it does, after a moment of satisfaction comes emptiness."

    "I guess you could say that. However, you are not afraid of his gaze. I wonder if it''s because you''re a guy?"

    "I am a bit scared," Dominik admitted "that Andrzej is so committed to my happiness, forgetting about himself, but then I see his smile, I hear his laughter and I think that maybe he also gets similar pleasure from being with me. That despite everything, he also feels happy with me ..."

    "I also want it like that!" from the stairs came their childish cry and the patter of little feet. Andrzej appeared embarrassed right behind the speeding Martynka. - Muuum!

    "What do you want, honey?"

    "They have their own bathrooms! Each room in this house has its own bathroom! I also want it like that!"

    "Each?"

    Paulina looked at ?liwi¨½ski surprised. She had only been in two so far - the guest room downstairs and once, a long time ago, in Dominik''s private bathroom, when he was in such a deplorable condition that he couldn''t even prepare a bath for himself.

    "Bedrooms only," he admitted, embarrassed. "There were five of us in the house, so I know what a nightmare it is when you can''t wait to take a bath and you can''t even brush your teeth before leaving the house."

    "But each? You''ve lived alone for a long time."

    "When building the house, I thought that it would not be like this forever."

    As soon as he replied these words, he felt strangely uncomfortable.

    "Because it won''t be" Andrzej announced in an ordinary tone and sat down on the couch as if nothing had happened.

    Dominik felt overjoyed. Although Nowicki was not looking at him busy playing with Martynka, he had the impression that at that moment Andrzej was talking about himself. After all, he had once promised him - and he was renewing that promise - that he would stay with him as long as the actor wanted. And he wanted it to be that way forever.

    He saw Paulina smile and felt her hand on his. She was warm, supportive. Paulina has known Andrzej forever and they have always been best friends. She knew everything about him, more than Andrzej knew himself. Dominik followed her gaze. Nowicki teased his goddaughter. He laughed. He looked relaxed and happy.

    He, probably was happy.

    ***

    Although he really did not want this turn of events, Andrzej went to the job interview on the same day as Dominik''s visit to the doctor. He wanted to try to change the date of the meeting, but ?liwi¨½ski forbade him. He was already a big boy, he decided, and should be able to deal with a little thing like talking to a doctor. It was enough for Nowicki to take him for examination.

    The photographer had to succumb not only because he promised, but also felt proud that Dominik was taking his own actions and decisions. He was becoming more and more independent and self-confident. Andrzej could not trample it with his overprotection. In addition, the actor did not receive any more bizarre letter or macabre parcel, so while the private investigation commissioned by Nowicki did not bring results, it seemed that it was actually a distasteful joke and everything vanished in the air. Therefore, there was not the slightest reason not to allow an adult male a little freedom in his life.

    Working in an advertising agency was not what Nowicki really wanted, but it allowed him to make a name for himself and thus made it easier for him to start his own business. In addition, work is work - insurance, salary - all this was really useful in life and Dominik was so independent that he did not require constant care. Therefore, whether he wanted it or not, Andrzej crossed the threshold of the agency.

    The woman who accepted him was definitely not young, although Botox stubbornly tried to argue otherwise. Slim, with strong makeup and long tips, she looked at Andrzej curiously, as if she were looking at a zoological specimen.

    [1] In the grading system, six is a grade given rarely and only for skills clearly exceeding the level of education. This is the best possible school grade. And don''t worry, the difficulty level of a text written by an eight-year-old girl is no higher than a few simple sentences.

 Chapter 95 - Too Good To Be True

    "There''s been a lot of talk of you and your photos lately," the woman said as he sat down. To the photographer''s surprise, she had a very pleasant, beautiful alt.

    "Really?" he was honestly surprised.

    "You have withdrawn from the world of gossip and do not even know that you have become the subject of a few yourself," she laughed.

    "Indeed," he admitted, feeling awkward. He suspected it might be rumors about his relationship with Dominik.

    "Young Werner, please remember my words, this boy will go up really high, he spreads word that he wants to hire you to promote his new movie."

    "First I hear," Andrzej Nowicki muttered.

    "I also heard voices that you rejected a job offer from Marek Marczak."

    "That''s right," he admitted that world heard about this.

    "May I ask why?"

    "I do not like him."

    "And that''s reason enough for you to give up well-paid, prestigious job?"

    "Yes."

    The woman laughed. Even though her plastic surgery face looked a bit ghastly, her laugh was quite pleasant. Andrzej smiled at her.

    "I don''t like him either," she said. "The smart little bum thinks he''s the navel of the universe. I offered him an advertising contract for ?liwi¨½ski three times and he refused each time. But you can help me with that."

    "If you invited me only for this ..." Nowicki got up. He should have reckoned with the fact that he would only get a job thanks to his relationship with Dominik.

    "Sit, young man," she waved her hand at him. "Don''t be like that, bathed in hot water. We are talking about two separate issues. I want you as a photographer whether ?liwi¨½ski agrees or not. My twenty-five years agency has been doing great without him, and it will do twice as long. We do not rely on stars, but on craftsmen. And you''re damn good."

    "So why are we talking about him and not about employment conditions?"

    "Here are the conditions," she said, offering an employment contract.

    Andrzej blinked his eyes. He really had a contract with his name in front of him with a salary three times higher than in the publishing house.

    "As you can see, young man, we don''t even want you exclusive. Take your own photos of whomever you want and whenever you want, you only have to do your job well for us."

    "But why?"

    "Because I saw your photos and you charmed me with them. Not with ?liwi¨½ski, although it gave me the idea of ??the campaign. I mean that old man. He looked very special in this photo."

    "He''s my grandfather."

    "Ah yes," she smiled, understanding. "Your photos show the truth, reveal the heart. Maybe that''s why you communicate well with ?liwi¨½ski, who becomes the whole character he plays on the screen. We have a lot of talented photographers in the country, but they love to rely on photo manipulation and gimmicky software. They lack the old-fashioned view of an object as someone who communicates some truth."

    Her words were surprising. They gave him unexpected pleasure. He thought he must have blushed.

    "Thank you."

    "Plus, you are a very pretty boy. You didn''t think to stand in front of the lens, did you?"

    "Probably not."

    "You should. You have a shapely body and extremely interesting features. You are handsome, sexy, but you have something inaccessible about you, like a forbidden fruit, which is a bit scared to break even though you feel like it. I would have the perfect cosmetics line campaign for you. Of course, also quite outside the main contract. So how, boy? Will you stay with my advertising agency?"

    "As a photographer?"

    "So far, yes. Think about the rest. You could get a pretty big bonus, you would be famous, and women would kill themselves for the very chance of meeting you. Doesn''t that sound tempting?"

    It sounded, and it was very tempty - money, fame, women ... Maybe even with his popularity he could catch up with Dominik to some extent?

    Andrzej looked at the contract again. It was too good not to be a dream. But why not dream for a few weeks?

    ***

    The doctor was reviewing the test results for the second time. Dominik was waiting for his words impatiently but full of optimism.

    "Impressive," said the doctor, finally putting the papers down. "It is rare to see anyone improve their results so significantly within a month."

    "So I''m well?"

    "Not completely. You still need to take your prescribed medications and get regular tests, but we can reduce the doses. You can also cut down on red meats and saturated fats. It seems the danger of a more severe disease has receded. However, you must bear in mind that you will always be at a higher risk. But you really impressed me with the results. How did you achieve them?"

    "I had a good motivation."

    "It is very important indeed. You can go back to your duties, but please don''t over exhaust yourself. How about your appetite?"

    "Wolf like, just like it used to be. I went out of town for a few days and my energy returned immediately."

    "Yes, fresh air and rest have a good influence.

    "I think so too," he admitted enthusiastically.

    There was also something else about the fireplace, the bearskin rug, and the very naughty behavior of two adult men, but the doctor didn''t need to know about it.

    "I can see that you are bursting with energy. If all my patients could take care of their health in such a way, I would have to change jobs. Congratulations and see you in a month."

    Dominik left the office, all in larks. He regretted that Andrzej was not there to listen to the good news together, but he couldn''t let the photographer miss a chance for such a good job. Nowicki had sacrificed too much of his life for him anyway and deserved the best. A month ago, when the doctor had worse news for him, ?liwi¨½ski decided that he would do everything to recover, and it was mainly because of Andrzej. The month spent together seemed like a fairy tale in his memories, so he was completely convinced that the results would be positive and did not need any support in this matter.

    Leaving the clinic, he took out his phone. He had to call Andrzej, no, he can still be at the meeting, he will write him a message with good news.

    "Dominik, is it all over?"

    The actor jerked in surprise and looked up. Nowicki was just decelerating his run.

    "Andrzej? What are you doing here? And the meeting?"

    "It''s over."

    "And?"

    "All good. What did the doctor say?"

    "As if, but what, do you have the job?"

    "Of course. And you, can you get back to the set?"

    "Even now. But how is it ''as if''? They said they would call?"

    "No, I''m supposed to call them. Your results, was the doctor satisfied?"

    "Delighted. What do you mean, are you supposed to call them?"

    "I have to review the agreement and check if it suits me ..."

    Dominik beamed with happiness. So Andrzej got the contract right away And now he just had to think if his terms were right for him? What great news!

    "We have to celebrate this," Dominik offered enthusiastically.

    "Actually ... why not," Andrzej agreed. "What do you want us to do? You want to go somewhere? To threw a party?"

    The actor changed his expression to cunning, which with his features looked more charming than suspicious.

    "No," he said shortly. "We''re going home."

    ***

    Dominik was leaning on his elbow and looking at Andrzej with curiosity. What the photographer had just told him was new to him and sounded really interesting.

    "I never thought of playing in an ad," he finally admitted, "but it could be fun. Did you know that young children prefer watching commercials to normal movies? It''s a real art to include content that will interest people in thirty seconds."

    Nowicki looked at him suspiciously.

    "Are you serious or are you kidding?

    "I''m serious. I know many actors consider themselves too good to act in commercials and those who do so consider themselves desperate or greedy for money, but being an actor is just a job."

    "If you are considering it because I get this job, then better ..."

    Dominik snorted like an offended cat and sat down so that he could see the lying photographer from above.

    "I don''t have to do such things for you, and you know what, I guess you have terrible complexes if you don''t believe that your work alone can bring you success."

    Andrzej gritted his teeth ¨C well, ?liwi¨½ski was right in that. During his studies, Nowicki was full of passion and self-confidence, but the gray reality and work, which he did not like and consisted of taking pictures from hiding, made him doubt whether he had any talent at all.

    "Remember that I saw your portfolio? I didn''t choose you as my photographer just because you''re good in bed. After all, I offered you this before we started making love. Maybe I''m not some big critic, but I usually know what''s good."

 Chapter 96 - Like A Kitten

    Andrzej smiled uncertainly.

    "Then why haven''t other agencies offered me a job?"

    "Because what you do is different than what modern marketing expects. Your photos are not commercial. They speak to the human heart, not to their simplest needs. It''s art."

    Nowicki felt intimidated by this statement. Does Dominik really think about his photos this way? It was very enjoyable in a way. Andrzej once again thought that the actor was too cute and sweet to be an ordinary person. Nowicki always felt good in his company, as if ?liwi¨½ski was filling the so far empty part of his heart.

    "If you say so," he smiled at the actor.

    "Of course! It''s just¡­ I don''t have an agent right now," he worried. Sitting there, naked, on tucked legs, he gave the impression of a helpless, sweet kitten. "And I can''t negotiate contracts. Anyway, I will get involved in this film now ... I don''t know what to do."

    "If you are interested in the idea itself, meet the people in the agency and hear what they have to say. Be indifferent and wait for what they tell you. When you find it interesting, say you need to think about it. As for the schedule, how long can it take to film such an ad? Day? Two?"

    "I have no idea."

    "You are Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, a star, everyone will wait for you if you are tied to another activity at a given moment. And now you have a lot of free time, because Werner is not moving yet. By the way, have you already told him the good news?"

    "Mm. He was delighted. It looks like winter shooting will really start in December."

    "See, you have at least a month."

    Dominik looked at him intensely. Andrzej felt a bit uncertain under this gaze. Those aquamarine, seductive eyes made his heart beat restlessly again and his penis signaled its presence.

    "Why are you looking like that?" he asked.

    "I love you," he heard in reply. Each time Dominik spoke these words to him, Andrzej felt his throat dry. "I want you."

    "Hey, are you not having enough after tonight?"

    "And you?" He asked with seductive shyness and slipped his hand under the sheets to find Nowicki''s penis. "Oh ... but probably not."

    Andrzej bit his lower lip. Dominik''s hand began to caress him under the cover, while his eyes did not lose contact with him. The actor ran his tongue over his mouth and moved restlessly. Nowicki saw perfectly well how his manhood was also beginning to rise. He reached out to reach for it, but ?liwi¨½ski shook his head. He himself took his penis and began to masturbate in front of his lover.

    The photographer felt his face flush. Dominik masturbating was a sight so obscene and so sexy that he couldn''t contain his own excitement. The mute command of inactivity only intensified his arousal.

    How was it possible, he asked himself, that a man could evoke such impressions and reactions in him?

    Not every man, not any random man, just this one. The one and only one.

    "Dominik ..." he whispered.

    "Is it okay? Or maybe you prefer stronger?"

    "I prefer¡­"

    He couldn''t find the words. He swallowed hard because of the lack of saliva and reached his hand to the actor''s cheek. His skin was as smooth as if he hadn''t seen any stubble. It was an unusual, pleasant feeling.

    "I prefer you to kiss me," he finished.

    The actor smiled sweetly. Without interrupting his caresses, he leaned over Andrzej and pressed his lips to him.

    In bed, Dominik was unpredictable. It was never the same with him. Sometimes he was possessive and predatory, other times shy and sweet. He could take on any pose and role, play any game to drive his lover to the madness of ecstasy, but Andrzej loved making love to him the most when he was most natural.

    "You are a small, perverse kitten" he muttered to ?liwi¨½ski embracing him and pulling him towards him.

    "Mraaaauuuu ..." he replied with a smile.

    Their hard penises rubbed against each other and their tongues raged filling both of them with excitement. Andrzej reached up to his lover''s buttocks and stuck his fingers firmly into them. The actor gasped.

    It did not require any additional preparation. They made love half the night. So the finger entered quite smoothly, although it had been two hours since the last intercourse.

    "Miaaauuu" Dominik tense up, feeling like his lover teasing the softness of his interior. "Do you know how cats love?" He asked directly into Andrzej ear.

    Andrzej swallowed. As a child, he was with his grandparents in the country, where he saw a white and gray young kitten lying on her stomach with her hind legs tucked in and her ass stuck up vigorously. A nearby tomcat was acting very weird. Nowicki saw nothing more, because his grandfather had chased away the cat''s company, but the memory remained in the boy''s head and when he was older, his brain connected the facts. Yes, he knew how cats made love.

    "Uuuhmm¡­" he nodded slowly.

    Dominik slipped off him with a mischievous smile. He swiftly turned his back to his lover and took exactly the same defiant pose as the other kitty.

    "You''re kidding" Andrzej swallowed hard.

    "Mm," he said, shaking his buttocks provocatively.

    Blood rushed to Nowicki''s brain and, he had to admit, not only there. The view was at the same time extremely attractive and sexy, but also animal obscene. The actor''s soft, bright buttocks, which he displayed so beautifully, attracted like the most powerful magnet.

    At this point, Andrzej was no longer thinking. Dominik again turned off his rational thinking ability. There was only the cry of the flesh, the first, completely primal reigns.

    Nowicki pressed his face between the actor''s buttocks, causing him a delightful groan. His tongue began to caress the pink eye of the entrance, inhaling the subtle scent of sex and previously used moisturizers. Leaning on the sheets with one hand, he reached for his lover''s penis - hard, swollen, ready for action. With an almost animal rule, he slid his tongue down towards the dark testicles and put them in his mouth.

    "Oh, Andrzej, no ..."

    The words refused, but their tone and Dominik''s body showed that the boy took the utmost pleasure from being caressed. Wonderfully sexy, wonderfully obscene, seducing with every moan, every movement, even every breath.

    "Oh, Andrzej" he repeated "I will ..."

    Oh, no, thought Nowicki and released his testicles. He also weakened the caress of the penis. If Dominik comes now, he''ll be too tired to enjoy the penetration, and the photographer has come too far to hold back now. The actor''s irritated eye contracted invitingly and relaxed, making Andrzej not want to wait anymore.

    He put his penis''s head to the very entrance. Dominik stiffened and gasped. He waited impatiently for Andrzej to fill him with himself.

    Slowly, for they hadn''t had sex for several hours after all, he plunged into the hot, delightful softness of the tunnel.

    "Ooooh¡­" Dominik moaned under him.

    "Is it okay?"

    "Ooooh¡­ so good. Your penis ... Give me more ... More.

    A thrust a little harder than before made the actor scream softly.

    "Just like that?"

    "Oh yes! Yes! Yet!"

    "So beware."

    Another, slightly stronger push almost did not deprive ?liwi¨½ski of his balance. His back arched upward. The angle of penetration also changed with the change of position. Andrzej decided that the previous one was more pleasant.

    "Back down, kitty," he patted him lightly on the spine.

    Dominik obeyed the command without saying a word and Nowicki, without waiting, started to move faster and stronger in him.

    "Oh! A¡­ a¡­ aaaaaah¡­" a series of interrupted moans came out of ?liwi¨½ski''s chest. "Ooooooh ...

    Andrzej felt that the flame of his interior was about to suck the semen out of him. Dominik liked it when he reached it, so at the moment when the climax was approaching, he grabbed his lover''s penis.

    He liked it when they came together.

    The explosion shot through his spine and a stream of sperm burst into Dominik''s ass. Less than a second, Andrzej felt a hot throbbing in his hand and a familiar, thick liquid covered it.

    "Oh, God ..." Dominik groaned, losing his balance and falling onto the sheets. Nowicki was sure he had hit the pool of his sperm directly. "I have never felt so good with anyone ..."

    Andrzej looked down at him, at this wonderful, sweaty body, panting with exhaustion and ecstasy. His eyes caught the actor''s ass, an opening that was slowly closing. Before he did it, the photographer saw a stream of his own sperm pouring out of him. He couldn''t help but put his finger there again and found the actor''s prostate.

    "Ah ... are you insane? I¡­"

    But Dominik''s insides reacted, tightened, trembled, begged for more.

    The second finger, then the third, and Dominik was shaking again as if in fever, lying on his stomach in a pool of his own sperm, absolutely sexy, utterly defiant and inviting.

    Andrzej knelt over him, drilling his fingers into his ass. He wanted him, he wanted him again. Which time is it today? Does not matter! The sun was rising higher and he was already harder with his other hand.

    Than Andrzej whispered to Dominik''s ear.

    "How about a replay of entertainment?"

 Chapter 97 - Interesting Challenge

    Dominik sucked in a breath and with his fingernails digged into the white linen, drawing it to his mouth.

    "Remember," he groaned painfully, "if I go mad with pleasure, it''s only because of you."

    Nowicki laughed and entered, immediately deep and strong. Dominik was slippery and wet with excitement and semen, so every movement made a smacking noise. Andrzej''s testicles were hitting his buttocks and each movement tore from ?liwi¨½ski''s mouth a louder scream of ecstasy. In the end, the actor''s lips bit on the sheet - exactly at the same time that Andrzej came.

    The exhausted Dominik could barely catch his breath. There was no question of moving. With the last of his strength he only gasped:

    "I hope ... you''ve had ... enough."

    Andrzej fell next to him. They lay facing each other.

    "So far, yes," he admitted.

    "That''s¡­ good¡­" ?liwi¨½ski closed his eyes. It was evident that he was exhausted.

    Nowicki''s hand was heavy, as if it had turned into lead. He picked it up with difficulty and laid it on his lover''s wet, light brown hair.

    "But only for now," he added, and fell asleep himself.

    ***

    Janina Pasek was exactly as Andrzej told - after her numerous rejuvenating plastic surgeries and with heavy make-up on her face, she looked a bit scary, but it was enough that she spoke to blur that impression. She had a warm, pleasant alto that made Dominik feel comfortable talking to her - and that was rare.

    He was also not disturbed by the presence of her assistant, who, despite the fact that he looked at him haughtily from behind his glasses, also made a nice impression.

    Or maybe it''s only me that the world is so beautiful and nice, thought ?liwi¨½ski smiling in his mind at the memories of tonight with Andrzej. Especially until the morning.

    Right after he got up, Nowicki called his boss with the information that ?liwi¨½ski was able to listen to her offer. The owner of the agency did not hide her surprise and only asked when.

    "This afternoon" announced Andrzej playfully looking at the pale, barely alive Dominik. The actor was truly horrified at the thought that after the night and morning marathon he would have to meet on business matters. The photographer, however, smiled at him so beautifully that there was really nothing to delay. ?liwi¨½ski shook his head resignedly, but did not object. Janina Pasek agreed immediately.

    The actor had been in her office for about a minute and had already noticed that, despite the modern decor, Mrs Pasek kept mementoes of bygone eras. They were mainly old, black and white pictures hanging on the wall, showing gray models against a gray background. Dominik liked all the photos. They had a special charm about them and the same warmth that radiated from the old lady.

    "I am glad that you have decided to listen to our proposal," she said. "Mr. Nowicki has a strong gift of persuasion."

    "In this case, he didn''t have to use it," Dominik replied. "I''ve never acted in an advertisement and admits that I was interested in this idea. It is true that I have plans for this winter ..."

    "Oh yes, we know," she smiled. "That''s why I promise that the photos will not interfere with the production of the film. They usually take one day for filming and one day for a photo shoot."

    Dominik said it was really not much. Working on an advertisement could turn out to be a really interesting experience.

    "What would I advertise?"

    The woman didn''t answer immediately, which made Dominik curious. Could the product be so¡­ embarrassing?

    "It cannot be denied that you are the most popular among the female audience, therefore the campaign will also be targeted at women. We want you to advertise yoghurts."

    She said it without blinking an eye, as seriously as if she were talking about a nuclear crisis. Dominik tilted his head, put his hand on his chin in a thoughtful pose and smiled mysteriously. The information amused him and he barely suppressed the outburst of laughter, but it was not for nothing that he was called the most talented actor of the young generation - he was able to hide his true emotions perfectly. Something told him that the photo Andrzej took quietly some time ago during breakfast did not go unnoticed here.

    It was the first day that Nowicki started walking around the house with a camera. It was still late summer, when they did not have such close relationships. Dominik was eating his breakfast in peace and quiet when Andrzej burst into the kitchen taking pictures. ?liwi¨½ski, who was rather shy outside of work, felt strange because of such a brutal breach of his privacy, but since Andrzej was taking the pictures of him, it was not that embarrassing. Now he loved being photographed by this man.

    "A product is a product," he said, still smiling. "Although I find a rather interesting fact that my face would increase its popularity."

    "Trust me. I am a professional."

    "Then I keep listening."

    "As I said, we anticipate two days of your work. Here is our offer" Mrs. Pasek nodded to her assistant, who put a fee card on the desk in front of ?liwi¨½ski.

    Dominik was slightly shocked. Heard that popular people can get a good salary from advertising, but want that much?

    "Of course," Pasek added quickly, "it''s a payoff for one shooting day."

    In one shooting day, he thought. He knew that most Poles would not earn as much in a few years. In fact, even he himself has only recently begun to win more money for the roles.

    "Suppose I agree," he said in a completely calm voice. "You might call it a whim, but I only work with one photographer."

    "It shouldn''t be a problem. Mr. Nowicki is already on our payroll and we will make sure that he is available on time. I saw some of your photos that he attached to his portfolio and it actually looks like you work well together. My client would like to introduce new, fall and winter flavors to the market. We would like to start shooting in November. What do you say?"

    "November, hmmm ..."

    He had almost all of November completely free and he really liked the offer. He was about to agree when he remembered one.

    "Before I say yes, I want to get acquainted with the script and the outline of the campaign. Forgive me, but I don''t want to appear in something that will arouse... disgust in me."

    "Of course," she nodded instantly. "Tomaszek!"

    The assistant was already prepared. He took out and placed two storyboards in front of ?liwi¨½ski and a few photos of the new product. Dominik carefully looked through the two picture stories and read the texts. He found them pretty good. The first one showed the time of breakfast and was very similar to the photo taken by Andrzej.

    "I wonder if I should copyright your agency," he observed jokingly.

    "You were our inspiration, I admit. Would you like to replace the second number with a five?"

    Dominik was surprised again how easy it was for people to push him money just to spend two days of his life for them, for nothing but work.

    "Agreed," he held out his hand to her. He had the impression that if he delayed his decision even more, Pasek would offer him even more salary and he already thought that it was too high.

    ***

    It was really funny to appear in an advertisement, for example, of yogurt. First of all, he could make a lot of money with little effort, and secondly, it could have been a one-time opportunity for him. Dominik began to think about quitting the acting profession.

    He started acting in movies by accident. Castings were rare in his area, so when his mother heard about one from Dominik''s tutor, who was also the head of the school''s theater club, she immediately persuaded him to go to the audition. The boy was cute and talented, so he immediately attracted attention. Before he knew it, he was already on his way to Warsaw for his first set.

    Everyone was surprised how easily he handled the camera. He had almost no stage fright at all and he changed the mood of the character he played like a chameleon. It came so easily and naturally to him that he didn''t understand why someone who was acting was doing something special. Yes, he was rather surprised why everyone suddenly began to praise and admire him. He wasn''t doing anything special.

    It was Marek Marczak who made him realize that what came so naturally to him would cost others years of study and work. Dominik had a real talent and that made him special. Therefore, he should seize the opportunity and star in the next movie.

    And then another.

    And another ...

    This is how seven years have passed.

    It''s not like Dominik didn''t like acting in movies. On the contrary, thanks to them, he could experience adventures that he did not have in his own life. The roles also allowed him to learn skills that he would not otherwise have mastered. He learned horse riding, fencing, fluent English, and very good Russian and French.

    There was nothing he could not learn to be good at his role.

 Chapter 98 - Missing

    For the latest film (it was still shown in cinemas and it was supposed to be premiered on DVD only for Christmas), Dominik read the entire civil and criminal code, and during the shooting he even asked the screenwriter if he was sure that he wanted to use such a wording and not another one that would better fit the scene in court and to characterization of the hero.

    The director laughed and commented: ''Dominik, he''s your hero! Do what you want with him!'' So Dominik did and the movie hit theaters all over Europe and even parts of Asia. Currently, he has traveled to America and Australia.

    However, acting in films was not a passion for him, or, as other actors announce, "his whole life". It was a job he had talent for, which was not difficult, and he did it well. However, he was less able to bear the media hype associated with it. All he dreamed about was a quiet, peaceful life with someone he loved.

    So with Andrzej.

    Maybe if he had been offered to play in something really cool and exciting, Dominik would have enjoyed being an actor more. "In the Light of the Accusation" he even liked it, it was sensational, with a thrill, and his indomitable hero fell to his heart. However, previous productions were commercial for profit. Yes, they all earned nice money, but ?liwi¨½ski did not enjoy playing them. He really was waiting for something more interesting.

    Therefore, the script of Maciej Werner was a pleasant surprise for him. It was a black comedy in which the main character - a hired killer - undertakes to kill the heiress of a fortune by simulating an accident. The girl is a total idiot, but she is incredibly lucky and evades death every time. In order to avoid unwanted descent of others, the killer has to save random people who fall into his traps and completely accidentally becomes the hero, the title "Samaritan from the Black Cloud".

    The script was interesting and Werner somehow gathered real professionals for the project. Patrycja Maj, who partnered with him in the last film and was just finishing shooting for another production agreed to play the young millionaire. She was beautiful, talented and very popular. She grew into a real star. Dominik was glad that he would be able to work with her again. However, he made a decision that it would be his last production, unless someone impressed him with the script.

    He knew, of course, the old truth that if an actor stopped acting he would cease to exist and it was almost impossible for him to return to the screen in style. While there were exceptions to this, they only confirmed the rule. At this point, however, he did not care at all.

    It cooled off at the end of October, so he buttoned his jacket. The taxi had already been booked, but it hadn''t arrived yet. He took out his cell phone to inform Andrzej about the course of the meeting. Just thinking about his reaction, he smiled. How about wait and tell him in person?

    Dominik smiled to himself. It''s amazing how little time has passed since his life changed so dramatically. Three months of acquaintance with Nowicki was enough for him to be able to go to a job interview and negotiate a contract himself. In a few, at most a dozen or so days, he will start shooting for the ad and in the meantime he should be learning the script for a new film.

    Of course, he will still have to arrange with Werner when he is planning his shooting, which scenes he wants to shoot first, and of course when he plans to try on costumes, test shots and the rest. After all, making a movie is not only about getting an actor on the set and playing his part.

    Instead of Andrzej, the actor called his director. If this was going to be the last movie of his career, he was going to do his best to make it successful.

    They made an appointment in two days. For ?liwi¨½ski it was a perfect date, because it was then that Nowicki had his first photo session planned in his work. Since Andrzej was starting to deal seriously with professional matters, it would also be a good time for him. After all, he should somehow take time without a loved one.

    The taxi hasn''t arrived yet. As he waited for her in the cold wind, he wondered if he was changing his life so much that he should get a driver''s license?

    ***

    "I''m back!" Andrzej called from the entrance, expecting that in a moment Dominik would run into him with momentum, asking how his first session in his new job went. However, nothing of the sort happened. "Dominik ?!"

    The silence that answered him surprised him. The actor certainly did not leave the house because there was light in the living room and kitchen. Maybe he''s in the bathroom upstairs and he didn''t hear me come back, he thought as he set aside his camera bag. It was a debut not only for him, but also for the equipment that ?liwi¨½ski gave him. The camera did really well and Nowicki couldn''t wait to show it off to him. Dominik will surely be pleased that he really liked his gift.

    The day was busy and intense, so Andrzej was hungry as a wolf. There were no smells coming from the kitchen, however.

    It was strange, because Dominik had promised him a delicious dinner to celebrate his first day at work. The actor was so excited that he was planning the menu all morning. Nowicki entered the kitchen but saw no signs of preparations for dinner.

    Maybe the meeting with Werner was extended and Dominik did not have time to start yet?

    Maybe, but ...

    The house was strangely quiet and empty. There was something disturbing in the air.

    "Dominik!" He called again, moving towards the stairs.

    The corresponding silence became more and more unpleasant. What if the actor''s health has deteriorated again and the boy is lying unconscious somewhere?

    Nowicki quickened his pace.

    "Dominik! Answer, the hell!"

    He opened the door to his bedroom. Darkness greeted him. He turned on the light and looked inside - no sign of ?liwi¨½ski. He ran to the bathroom - empty.

    "What the hell is he ...?"

    His anxiety grew exponentially as he checked every room in the house in turn. There was no trace of Dominik.

    Where could he be? Where could he suddenly disappear?

    He ran outside the house looking for any signs of the actor''s presence. He ran the whole garden, peering between the bushes.

    Easy, he told himself, maybe he''s gone somewhere for a while. It is enough to call him on a cell phone ...

    The familiar ton rang strangely close. Andrzej looked where the display light flashed. He bent down to the trunk of the young thuja by the gate and picked up the phone from there.

    At this point, Andrzej had the worst possible feeling.

    ***

    The two men, separated only by a rectangular table in the small interrogation room, looked at each other without speaking. One of them was dressed in a white sports sweatshirt from the highest shelves of brand stores. His long, blond hair fell over his forehead and almost covered his arrogant blue eyes. The man was in his late twenties, at most in his early thirties, athletic, and seemed completely laid back, which could not be said of the latter. Dressed in a cheap suit, shorter, with brown hair no more than a centimeter long, his eyebrows were knotted and he clearly looked tense. The blonde, who had just comfortably put his hands behind his head and lay down on the chair, looked with hatred.

    "How many times do I have to say, Officer," asked a bored man in a sweatshirt, "that I have nothing to do with this case? All the girls I hire, no matter what part of the world they come from, are completely legal here. I get them a work permit and permanent residence card myself. I would never stoop to human trade in my life."

    "But you know something about it," the other snarled.

    "If I knew, I''d send these bastards to hell. Not only are their girls cheaper, but they also do whatever they are told. And that''s unhealthy for my interests."

    "You only have money in your head. What about these poor girls?"

    "What about them? I guess that''s what the police are for to worry about? They''re not paying you for that, Inspector?"

    "So be a good citizen and share information about it."

    "I''d love to, if I had one, unfortunately ... " from his pocket came the sound of the ''Independence Etude''. "Sorry, I have to pick it up. Andrzej, how are you¡­?"

    The man''s face turned serious immediately. His mouth and eyes tightened.

    "In half an hour I''ll be there and... I''ll bring in reinforcements. Don''t touch anything."

    He hung up and looked piercingly at the policeman sitting across from him.

    "Officer, it looks like a certain citizen needs the help of a specialist. Perhaps¡­ someone has been kidnapped. Help me find this person and I''ll help you find those responsible for smuggling these girls. So how, do we have a deal?"

    The policeman did not hesitate.

    "We do."

    "So let''s go, because the trail is getting cold."

 Chapter 99 - Suspicions

    The car that stopped in front of the house was not familiar to Andrzej, but the man who got out of it was. At least one of them. The face and silhouette of a second, slightly shorter, brunette in a suit he knew, but he didn''t know where from. He didn''t look like one of the Bambus''s boys, but since this one had brought him here, it meant he could be of use.

    He had barely opened the door when Bambus burst into the house.

    "How long has he been gone?" He asked looking around the living room.

    "At least an hour."

    "Are you sure he didn''t go out alone?"

    "Are you kidding?"

    "Calm down. I brought a specialist. This is Robert Adamski, police inspector ..."

    Andrzej looked more closely at the shorter man with a fierce expression on his face. Adamski, Adamski, hell, he knew that name from somewhere.

    "Nice to meet you, Andrzej Nowicki. Thank you for agreeing to help. Have you been introduced to the topic?"

    "I only heard about the possibility of kidnapping."

    His voice, businesslike and harsh, sounded familiar too.

    "Do you know the name Dominik ?liwi¨½ski?" Andrzej asked.

    "Is this the actor for which the article on police errors and incompetence was published?"

    Andrzej gritted his teeth. He didn''t like this cop.

    "This is his home," he ignored the comment. "When I got home from work an hour ago, the door was open, and the lights were on in the living room and kitchen, but he was nowhere to be found. I checked everywhere. His phone lay under the thigh by the gate as if it had fallen out of his pocket there.

    The inspector frowned.

    "So this package wasn''t a prop?"

    "We came up with it on the spot. More specifically, his ex-manager."

    "Who sent the package?"

    "The name was false," Bambus said, "So was the address. Some kid delivered the package to the courier company. When asked for a description of the person who gave it, he said, ''Some guy.'' On this the trail was cut off.

    The policeman looked at him as if he was slimy. It was obvious that he had no sympathy for Bambus.

    "Letters," he turned to Andrzej.

    "There was only one."

    "Please."

    Nowicki disappeared and after a while he returned with a sheet of paper. He noticed that the policeman was wearing blue nitrile gloves and that he had taken an evidence bag from his pocket. His expression was still sour.

    "How many people had it in their hands?"

    "Three," said Andrzej. "Me, Dominik and Werner."

    "Werner?"

    "Maciej Werner, screenwriter and director. They had an appointment when the package arrived. Today too." He frowned. It was a strange coincidence. Very strange.

    The policeman apparently thought the same, or so it seemed to Nowicki after the change of expression on his face.

    "I talked to him several minutes ago" Andrzej explained. "He was at some bar. He said he left before six."

    "We will check" said the inspector, examining the text of the letter and putting it in the bag. "I''d like to take a look around the house."

    "Yes of course."

    "Were there any threatening calls?"

    "No, none."

    "Ransom demand?"

    "No."

    "So how can you be sure that Mr. ?liwi¨½ski did not leave the house alone? Maybe he just forgot to turn off the light?"

    Andrzej, who accompanied him on his tour, gritted his teeth.

    "I just know. Dominik ... had very difficult experiences some time ago. He knows how worried I am about him. He wouldn''t leave just like that without leaving me a message. Especially not today, when we were supposed to celebrate the first day of my new job."

    "These difficult experiences did not contribute to emotional disturbance?"

    "They did," he admitted glumly. "But if you''re suggesting that he might have broken down and run away from home, then it''s impossible. Impossible," he repeated emphatically. "Besides, Werner said the meeting went off as normal and they agreed a lot. Dominik was doing great when Werner left."

    "No sign of a break-in," said the inspector. "Are you locking the house?"

    "Yes. And the gate has a code lock."

    "Does anyone besides you have access to codes and keys? The cleaner? Security firm? Friend?"

    Andrzej thought for a moment.

    "No," he said firmly. "Some time ago I asked Dominik about it. I''m the only one he gave the keys to. Although the wicket can not be closed. It does not latch automatically and does not trigger any alarm. Werner might have left it ajar when he left."

    "There is still a door. If ?liwi¨½ski left this house with the participation of third parties, most likely it was someone he knew or who could gain his trust and to whom he opened it. Anyone you can think of?"

    Yes, Marczak, he thought, gritting his teeth. Dominik wanted so much to have this relationship completely behind him that he could let him in to discuss everything. Marczak had a violent temper and despite assurances that he regretted his earlier act, he could do something to Dominik. But he couldn''t just tell the policeman that name without arousing his interest as to why he immediately thought about it.

    "It could have been someone from his former agency or someone he knew. Dominik is a bit¡­ too trusting. But on the other hand, there''s no reason to be afraid of anyone he has had a business dinner with or worked on a movie with. We don''t have any visitors, but he would let anyone in so he wouldn''t be rude. Even a peddler."

    "And do you think of anyone who might want to hurt Mr. ?liwi¨½ski?"

    "Want to hurt? No¡­"

    Suddenly Andrzej felt sick. After all, Marczak did not want to hurt him, and despite everything, he hit him, knocked him to the ground and tried to ra*e him. After all, almost every crazy fan carries in his mind the belief that only his love can make the object of their feelings happy.

    Nowicki sat down heavily. His knees buckled as he realized what a kidnapper might want from Dominik.

    "No, not hurt. I am afraid the opposite may be the case."

    "The question I am going to ask you may be indelicate, but it is necessary. What about Mr. ?liwi¨½ski''s love life? Can a lover be female involved, or¡­ a male lover?

    Andrzej shook his head.

    "Dominik doesn''t have a girlfriend and when it comes to his previous relationship ..."

    Bambus spun on the heel.

    "I''ll let the boys know what''s going on," he said, and went outside.

    "Mr. Nowicki, do you want to find ?liwi¨½ski or not?"

    "Can I trust you this will stay between us?"

    "As far as the investigation will allow."

    "I guess¡­ I have no choice. Dominik had a long-term relationship with his manager, Marek Marczak. The parting was turbulent, to say the least. Recently they started to come to an agreement, but ..."

    "Do you suspect him?"

    "Yes. No. I do not know. Marczak has an explosive temperament, and there are no signs of a struggle ..."

    "We''ll check this lead. Is there anyone else who, now or in the past, could have an intimate relationship with ?liwi¨½ski?"

    "Just me¡­"

    He said it! He really said it! He confessed to himself and to someone else, this serious-faced policeman with a stern gaze that seemed to see criminals and crime everywhere. Even Nowicki felt guilty under him. He had the impression that when Adamski looked at someone, no secret was hidden from him.

    "Hmm," he muttered. "I didn''t think you would turn this way, Mr. Nowicki. Although your morals and sense of honor have always been twisted."

    "You know me?" Andrzej felt anxiety. The face and name were familiar to him, but he was unable to anchor them in space and time.

    "I have a memory for liars, even if they''re just high school bastards."

    Adamski! Yeah! He remembered now, although, truth be told, he would rather forget everything completely. So that was that boy, the prosecution witness in the case against Bambus. But he wasn''t going to take revenge on that now, was he?

    "Relax," the inspector guessed his thoughts. "I am a policeman. A professional. I will do everything in my power to find ?liwi¨½ski. After all, part of my job is to protect victims."

    ***

    It was nearly eleven o''clock in the evening when Andrzej made a decision. He took ?liwi¨½ski''s phone and dialed Marczak''s number from memory. The voice on the other end spoke on the third ring.

    "Dominik! I''m so glad you''re calling ..." Marczak''s voice was really overjoyed.

    "It''s me, Nowicki. We need to talk."

    "Why are you calling from Dominik''s phone? Where is he?"

    "That''s what we need to talk about."

    "I''m still at the office. Do you know the address?"

    "I know."

    "I''ll tell security to let you in. I am waiting."

    Andrzej hung up the phone. He had no idea what to make of Marczak''s reaction. He answered cheered, as if he actually expected Dominik to call him. In that case, he was either pretending very well, or he really had nothing to do with ?liwi¨½ski''s disappearance.

 Chapter 100 - Facing The First Suspect

    Marczak was definitely capable of pretending and lying, as evidenced by this little press conference in front of the actor''s house. He invented the deceptions on the spot without changing the tone of his voice, expression or even eyesight. After all, he had years of private and professional practice.

    And yet Nowicki had the impression that this time he heard something really honest in his voice. His joy, surprise, and then matter-of-factness had traces of the same tension that he felt himself. It could be a lie, but it could also be absolute honesty. It will be easier for Andrzej to unravel it if he looks into his eyes.

    At least he hoped so.

    At present, Dominik''s disappearance remained a mystery. The policeman who visited their home did it completely unofficially. He investigated the scene and stated that he did not officially see any grounds for reporting. There were no signs of a break-in, no abduction, threatening letters, ransom demands, so far everything indicated that ?liwi¨½ski left the house and had not returned yet. He might as well have fun with some little lady right now. That would be the official position. Yes, with such a public person there was a heightened risk of a crime, but official reporting would have given them nothing more than they had now. The only thing they would get would be a media sensation and they didn''t necessarily need it. Leaving house, the inspector stopped in the doorway.

    "You''re afraid of a sexual abduction," he said matter-of-factly. "You have reasons. People like ?liwi¨½ski are extremely attractive to this type of attackers. But it is good. In most of these cases, the kidnapper isn''t about killing his victim, it''s about making them his own. There is a very high probability that your friend is alive."

    Andrzej turned pale. He preferred not to think about what was happening to his Dominic right now.

    Inspector Adamski has promised to look into this matter. Although the first impression was unpleasant, and their temporary contacts in the past were not the best either, at the end of the meeting, Nowicki decided that for some reason he could trust him. This man not only loved his job, he was his job, so in fact, he would do everything in his power to find the actor as soon as possible. It was as if the case of his disappearance had a special resonance for him.

    Bambus also did not remain passive. He launched his entire network and even awarded a prize for providing information on the current whereabouts of ?liwi¨½ski. His channels, completely unofficial and not always legal, were reliable, and Andrzej knew that sooner or later they would bring some results. It surprised him that someone like Bambus had brought a policeman to the case, especially this one, but he didn''t have time to wonder where the idea came from, or why the cop agreed. He was only glad that someone experienced would help him find Dominik. It was the only thing that mattered to him at this point.

    Going to Marczak, Nowicki felt bad. It wasn''t the best idea to recall case from years ago, and it only made his head confused. He should focus on ?liwi¨½ski and only him. If Marczak has anything to do with his disappearance, he will pay a lot for it. He will pay for it with his own blood.

    In fact, the security guard at the entrance had been warned about his visit. He just asked for his name and was kind enough to even point him upstairs and explain how to get to the appropriate office. Nowicki thanked him and, feeling how his anger was building up in him, went to meet Marczak.

    The corridors were empty, lit only with alarm lights, but it was impossible to get lost. The agency occupied half floors, and the president''s office was at the end of a hallway lined with posters.

    He didn''t even knock. He opened the door with momentum and his eyes found Marczak standing at the desk.

    "Where''s Dominik ?!" Andrzej attacked from the threshold, grabbing the skirts of Marczak''s jacket. "Answer, because if not ..."

    Instantly he found himself on his knees with his arm painfully twisted back. The situation seemed strangely familiar to him, although he was a witness at the time, not a participant.

    "Relax, Mr. Nowicki, from the beginning" he heard right next to his ear. "Something happened to Dominik?"

    Andrzej was pissed off, no, that''s not enough to say, he was pissed off to the max.

    "Let me go, you bastard! You know very well!"

    "I assure you that no" the grip eased and Andrzej jumped up from the ground. The man in front of him was staring at him with the same irritated, defiant gaze as his own.

    "Dominik is gone."

    "What? What do you mean? How did this happen? When?"

    "Would I be here if I knew?!" He exploded. "He did not wait for me at home, although he promised ..."

    Andrzej already knew that it was not Marczak who had ?liwi¨½ski in his hand. This discovery hurt more than a twisted arm. He could handle Marczak, he would know how to play everything. He had photos of him, he had Bambus men prepared. He was not afraid of Marczak. But if Dominik was in the hands of some unknown madman ...

    Andrzej''s mouth opened by itself when he began to talk about everything. He didn''t have much to say, but he felt that despite his confused past, Marczak still loved Dominik in his own way and would do anything to find and help him.

    "Did you notify the police?"

    "Sort of. One inspector is already on the case."

    "Name."

    "Adamski. Robert Adamski."

    "Suitable for this?" Marczak went to the telephone on the desk and picked up the receiver. With his other hand, he was flipping through his contact pad.

    "Yes, I think so. What are you gonna do?"

    "I''m calling the commander of the capital city police."

    "At this time?"

    "If the crime is awake, so should the police."

    Somehow, Andrzej was not surprised either by Marczak''s answer or the fact that the manager had a number to the commander of the capital police. As it turned out, private.

    "Marek Marczak from this side. Sorry to wake you up, but one of my people may be in danger ... Yes, he''s missing this evening, and he''s not the type that would run on his own ... Of course, as always ... Yes, there was some initial research. A certain Robert Adamski¡­" Marczak frowned. "What? Why? I see¡­ In this case, it won''t be a problem. The boy is clean as a snow. I understand that I can count on help? Thank you. And again, sorry to interrupt your sleep. Good night."

    Nowicki looked at him with like a wolf. In the conversation with the commandant, Marczak was so soft that he was almost slimy. But when he hung up, his eyes grew predatory and his expression tight.

    "You don''t like me," he said bluntly. "It''s no secret. I would also like you not to exist and not to bother with Dominik and me, but because of the situation, I propose an alliance. A truce at least."

    "Agreed."

    "Please have a drink," he handed him a glass of whiskey.

    "In such a situation I don''t think¡­" growled Andrzej.

    "And I am. You are so upset that you are about to explode."

    "How am I not to be, if at this point Dominik ... ?!" His voice stuck in his throat. He was so scared at the thought that someone might be hurting him ... And all this because instead of protecting him, he wanted to take some idiotic pictures ..."

    "Sit down and drink," said Marczak imperiously. For some reason, his voice had power over Andrew, and he obeyed. The alcohol burned his throat, but after a while the tension he felt eased slightly.

    "Thank you," he muttered. He rubbed his forehead with his hand. "I''m sorry¡­"

    "I''m not surprised you suspected me," said Marczak, pouring it into his glass and filling one for himself. "The circumstances in which we met were not the best. I do not deny that I am not the cleanest man, but Dominik ... He is really someone special to me and I cannot forgive myself for hurting him, that''s why ... That''s why I agree to your relationship."

    Andrzej wasn''t looking at him only at the carpet on the floor. In his hands he held a glass of amber liquid and a pleasant warmth spread over his body. But the heart still ached. He should be anywhere else now, looking for Dominik, looking into every house and room he could find, but it would take a million years, and it probably wouldn''t work. Meanwhile, his Dominic ...

    The thoughts hurt too much. He drank his glass immediately.

    It was truly difficult, almost impossible to bear.

    "This Adamski" continued Marczak "has a reputation. It is rare for a commandant to immediately recognize the name of someone who does not work directly under him. He''s a good cop, though ... difficult. He has results, and this is the most important thing. Tomorrow morning he would be ordered to deal with this as a priority."

 Chapter 101 - He Has To Survive No Matter What

    "Tomorrow morning¡­" muttered Nowicki.

    "Yeah ... Dominik had received letters before, but it wasn''t anything serious. Tomorrow I will deliver them all to Adamski, but I don''t think anything will come of it. It was just bad poetry and absurd love confessions. Only this package to Dominik''s house was something else. Have there been any more?"

    "No. Nothing. All the time since Dominik started treatment, nothing suspicious has appeared."

    "Has he taken treatment?"

    Nowicki lowered his head even lower.

    "When you tried to ra*e him," he drawled, letting his fury emerge, "his back was so bruised that he could hardly move. Still, he forgave you because he loved you. But then ... I found him a few days after the party with the French. He was broken, half conscious, exhausted, as if he couldn''t find the motivation to even breathe. From then on, every day was a struggle for him. That''s why I hate you so much.

    "And ... treatment ..."

    "This parcel made Dominik almost faint. Second time in a few days. In the end, we persuaded him to see a doctor. Had he not taken treatment, he might have been in a very bad condition."

    Andrzej noticed that Marczak was sitting down heavily in front of him. Did this information hurt him? That''s good. Dominik suffered much more because of him. And longer.

    "It''s all¡­ my fault," he heard a voice of remorse. "And even then, at the party ... I thought it was just a game on his part, I didn''t suspect that he really ... But now? The treatment helped, right?"

    "His results have improved significantly. Lately he has been feeling great and full of energy. The doctor said that he would not get out of the risk group that easily, but the danger receded."

    "Thank God!"

    Nowicki scowled at him. Does Marczak regret it? And good. He hoped he was suffering the same as Dominik, but that didn''t change the fact that the actor had gone through hell through him and had to give absolutely everything to just live. Nor will it help in the current situation ...

    But what can help in such a situation?

    Marczak suddenly looked up. Their eyes met.

    "How many people knew that Dominik had serious health problems?"

    "It''s hard to say," thought Andrzej. "Do you suppose the stalker might have found out about them, thought his actions were too dangerous, and held off until his health improved?"

    "There is such a possibility."

    "The medical staff of the ambulance and the clinic must have known about it. We suspect that the leak about the parcel came from the paramedic who could see it," Nowicki thought aloud. "Journalists pay a lot for information about Dominik."

    "Medical staff. Who else?"

    "Movie world. Dominik was supposed to start shooting the new film in December, but due to his health condition, he warned Werner that he might not be available. I have no idea who Werner might have passed this information on to, but I have even heard rumors of Dominik being unwell.

    "Yes, but these were unspecified rumors. The ambulance near his house did not help" said Marczak. "The neighbors knew about it, so probably their friends, shop assistants, their customers ... People like to talk."

    "Later it was mentioned in the media ... It seems that all of Poland could have heard about his health problems."

    "And half of Europe. In France, it was written that it was because of them that Dominik resigned from the film. Who, then, could have known that he was doing better?"

    "Are you kidding? Recently, the media has written about how active Dominik has become. Even the biggest idiot would guess he was doing better."

    "So this lead won''t get us much. But we have no other. Too bad your people didn''t find the sender of this package."

    "What?" Andrzej blinked his eyes. He has a feeling as if he has drunk too much, and at this point he begins to hear strange things.

    "You don''t think I missed your little investigation into my case, Mr. Zgrywus?"

    "How long have you known about this?" He asked grimly. He seemed to underestimate his opponent.

    "From the beginning."

    "And you didn''t tell Dominik about anything?"

    "For what? You don''t want to hurt him, do you?"

    "I would never do that," he drawled.

    "Exactly, and he ... He likes you very much. More than me right now. You know, Mr. Nowicki, Dominik never asked for anything, he didn''t want anything for himself. Being with him was comfortable because he always gives a man exactly what he needs, no matter how much it costs himself. It''s easy to get used to it and forget that he may also have needs. As long as you are the answer to his desires, I will not take you from him, but then ..."''

    His smile as he spoke these words was dangerous. Andrzej felt like a mouse that the cat looks at with a promise that it will tear out all its insides within an hour.

    "You''re not worried about Dominik? After all, he is now God knows where and under what conditions. After all, at this point someone may ..."

    "Don''t get me wrong, I''m no less afraid for him than you are, I''m just cold-blooded. It won''t help him if I run around people blindly making accusations. Don''t you think it''s better to collect all the data and only then start working systematically?"

    "I suppose so," he admitted reluctantly. He was annoyed that Marczak kept a cool head and shamelessly pointed out his emotionality.

    I''m sorry to be worried.

    "He''s a strong boy. He would survive the night. I don''t believe the person who kidnapped him really wanted to hurt him, so as long as he stays in the role it should be fine."

    "As?"

    "Please don''t pretend, Mr. Nowicki. Even in bed, a person takes on some roles depending on the moment or preferences of the lover. Dominik is very good at this. He will read the mood of the other person and play the corresponding character to gain time. After all, he has an incentive to survive, right?"

    Andrzej did not understand this man. On the one hand, he said that he was concerned about ?liwi¨½ski, and at the same time spoke so lightly about the fact that the actor could carry out the orders and fantasies of the torturer unscathed for himself. It''s as if forced sexual activities with some creepy type weren''t anything special and could not be harmful. Was Marczak so unfamiliar with Dominik''s sensitivity, or was he so degenerate himself that emotions and feelings did not matter to him in sex? In Marczak, there was something of the Marquis de Sade, where the greater the perversion, the more pleasant the sensations.

    However, Dominik was different. For him, sex was love. If someone forces him to do something, the boy will really suffer. There was a risk that what happened after the party with the French would repeat itself, but another blow and shame could inflict too deep wounds and prevent the gentle ?liwi¨½ski from getting out of his stagnation this time.

    "Because if, for you, Dominik after the ordeal, it will be too much to handle" he added looking at him saggy Marczak "he will always be able to come back to me."

    Never, thought angry Andrzej. He would never let his Dominik fall into that man''s dirty hands again. Never!

    At that moment, Nowicki stated that he hated Marczak to the limit.

    "Well, well, Mr. Nowicki, don''t be so irritated. I suggest that tomorrow morning, after I finish talking to Inspector Adamski, we go on our own little investigation. We''ll start by talking to the ambulance staff. But now you should go home and sleep. I''ll drive you ..."

    "Thank you, I don''t need that."

    "Ho, ho, you''re not going to drink and drive, are you?"

    "You drank too."

    "Just a sip. Well, please don''t argue. Let''s not waste energy fighting with each other, when we have to save it for Dominik."

    Andrzej resigned. He didn''t really feel like arguing with this arrogant and insensitive jerk. He got up and felt dizzy. He held on to the backrest to keep from falling.

    "And you wanted to drive like this? You would kill yourself on the road and what would Dominik say when he comes back? " Marczak helped him keep his balance, which was almost unbearable.

    Dominik, yes, Dominik! He had to find him as soon as possible, he had to save him from what was happening to him now and could still happen ...

    But in fact Nowicki felt a bit drunk.

    Andrzej only drank two glasses of whiskey, it was nothing to him. He could absorb much more and stand firm on his feet. Then why now¡­?

    Well, he drank on an empty stomach after a whole day of work. He was stressed out on his first photo shoot at work, but most of all he was all shaken up with Dominik''s fate. Dominik, what''s happening with you?

    Dominik, please, where are you?!

 Chapter 102 - In The Hands Of Someones Madness

    Dominik woke up feeling chill. He tried to open his eyes, but the sharp pain in his head made him close them immediately. He wanted to reach for the covers with his hand, but couldn''t. Instead, he heard a metallic sound.

    Immediately, despite the pain and numbness, he opened his eyes.

    Where was he? What happened to him?

    He didn''t recognize the interior he was in. He couldn''t see clearly in the twilight, but he definitely didn''t know the gray concrete walls without any decorations or windows, as if he were in some basement or shelter. He didn''t understand how he got inside and what exactly happened to him? The panic, however, made no sense. He took a deep breath.

    Slowly he began to remember.

    He talked with Maciej Werner about the film. It was their first meeting after the doctor let him return to the set. Andrzej was not at home - he went to his first photo session in his new job. He was supposed to come back late in the evening and Dominik promised him a delicious dinner and almost all the time during the meeting he only thought about what he would cook and how quickly he would get Andrzej to bed.

    The shooting of the film was actually supposed to start in December, because the director, who is optimistic about ?liwi¨½ski''s health, has not yet changed his plans. Werner was discussing the schedule with Dominik when the actor felt unwell. He felt dizzy. He staggered. He remembered the director supporting him and anxiously asking if he could help - and that was it. Dominik didn''t remember anything else.

    He tried to move his hands again. His wrists felt pain as if they were in shackles. Were his hands actually in handcuffs? But why?

    He couldn''t see well in the twilight, but despite the unpleasant thud in his head, he quickly realized that he wasn''t wearing clothes. The light quilt which he was covered with slipped to the side, giving only one leg warmth. Who for God''s sake could do this to him? For what?

    The last thing he remembered was Maciej Werner, bending over himself, but he probably didn''t ...?

    His heart skipped a beat with fear. He was naked, handcuffed to the bed - that could not be a good sign. Whoever did this to him surely had no pure intentions. What is he going to do with him? Humiliate him? Take dirty photos and then blackmail him, or maybe ...?

    Dominik pulled up his legs for warmth and to hide his exposed manhood. He swallowed hard.

    He only remembered Werner, but he couldn''t imagine why this nice young director would do this to him. After all, they communicated well and Werner assured him more than once about his devotion to the actor. But what if his devotion was completely different that Dominik assumed?

    What if it''s not Werner, but someone completely different? If someone burst into his house to kidnap him and the director got in their way and so that he wouldn''t disturb them, they decided to remove him? Could they even¡­ kill him?

    ?liwi¨½ski huddled as much as he could, rolled up into one small grain.

    Who is doing this to him? Why? For what? What does he want from him?

    Oh, Andrzej, he sighed wistfully. Do you know someone has kidnapped me yet?

    ***

    Time passed slowly. Dominik, huddled on the bed, was very cold. He was trembling. His head was pounding, so he suspected that some drugs had been administered to him to put him to sleep. From time to time he would fall into a restless nap with blurry figures passing before his eyes. Someone was bending over him, shining into his closed eyes, but when he opened them, he couldn''t see anyone above him. He was falling asleep again.

    Finally, a fluorescent lamp shone on the ceiling. This time the light was real, because he was painfully stung when he opened his eyes.

    "Good morning, Dominik" the man who entered sounded overjoyed. The light from the light bulb he turned on blinded the actor, so he could not see his face yet. "Did you sleep well?"

    Dominik''s eyes grew used to the light. Now he could easily recognize the man who approached him with his breakfast tray. His heart beat faster - not with fear, but with anger. So it''s him after all!

    "Wrong," he admitted softly. "I was cold."

    "Oh sorry. The blanket has come off of you?"

    "I would have straightened it back, but my hands are tied a bit," he indicated.

    "I was afraid that if you wake up and do not recognize the place, you might try to do something stupid. Unfortunately, I couldn''t be with you all the time. I had to act like I didn''t know anything about your disappearance. Your Nowicki is terribly annoying."

    "Andrzej?" Dominik couldn''t contain the hope in his voice. Andrzej is looking for him!

    "This is not good partner for you," Werner mentally said, setting the tray down and pulling the covers over Dominik. "You can afford someone better."

    Werner brought his lips closer to Dominik''s and slowly placed a warm kiss on them. ?liwi¨½ski started - it was his only reaction.

    "I do not understand why¡­? Why are you doing this to me?"

    "What?"

    "Why did you kidnap me, undress me and put me in bed?"

    "You silly! Because I love you and you can''t see it. I had to get your attention somehow" explained Werner in a tone so calm and gentle as if he was explaining something to a little child.

    "But ... Didn''t you think to buy me flowers, send me a gift? Say what you feel¡­"

    "I sent you a gift, but you are looking only at Nowicki. I''ll prove to you that I''m better than him."

    "Gift? What gift?" Dominik felt a shudder, this time not from the cold, but from disgust and rising fear. ?Do you mean ... this ... You sent me the dead cat?"

    "It was a little joke. I really didn''t mean to hurt you. I figured if you''re gonna be in a black comedy, you''d get a joke, but you''re so sensitive, even more than I thought."

    This time the kiss was longer and deeper, but Dominik felt as if he had something disgusting in his mouth. He hated this feeling. He was under the impression that his disgust would suffocate him. He managed to break away and turn his head. He felt severe nausea. He began to cough.

    "Stop it," he asked. "I''m feeling sick."

    "Not true. The doctor said you were healthy. You told me that yourself."

    "But this night ... I was very cold. And this drug ..."

    "It was just a sedative, nothing more."

    Dominik gritted his teeth. Werner seemed to only hear what he wanted to hear and find answers to everything. How was it possible that this talented writer and director had such cruelty about him?

    "That kitten ... did you kill him?"

    "Why do you care so much about him? It''s just a pet. Oh, Dominik, I dreamed of a moment when I could hold you in my arms. I will prove to you that I am the best choice for you."

    The man leaned over him and began to caress his chest and lick his nipples. When Andrzej and even Marek did it, it was a caress. Now Dominik felt nothing but a growing disgust. These hands had innocent blood on them. True, it was just a kitten, a stupid animal, but it did nothing to be murdered.

    "Stop it," Dominik asked again. He was stronger than he was before, but the disgust still made him feel weak."

    "You''re right," surprisingly, Werner obeyed. "You must be hungry. I have prepared breakfast for you. Hope you like scrambled eggs. Please say "a"."

    Dominik did not want to.

    "Why don''t you cooperate with me? You should be more polite. I am asking you nicely."

    "You kidnapped and imprisoned me! You think these are the circumstances in which I might be inclined to be polite?"

    "You should!!!" Werner seemed to be losing control of himself. "I''m just doing this to make you understand!"

    "I understand very well! You are sick! If you really loved me, you would never treat me that way!"

    Werner calmed down and smiled.

    "Soon you will understand everything, my dear. My beautiful." He stroked the actor''s cheek. "You will soon understand that this is my true love. Most sincere. Oh, your penis is so curled up like a bird shivering with cold. We''ll warm him up soon."

    "Leave it!" growled ?liwi¨½ski trying to dodge but he had a limited range of movement and his member disappeared in hot, male mouth.

    Dominik knew what was happening, and yet he hoped it was some foul dream that he would awake from. He felt sick. Why does someone reduce him to the level of a sex toy, ensuring that he loves him? How could anyone lie to him and himself so hideously?

    Werner''s head worked hard, and so did his tongue, but ?liwi¨½ski felt no pleasure. His organ didn''t even twitch.

 Chapter 103 - The Call

    The man sucking him began to get impatient.

    "It won''t do any good," said Dominik. "No matter how you try, it doesn''t."

    "Impossible! I know you''re gay! You should come or at least harden. So why?"

    "Because you are not Andrzej," he pronounced emphatically. "You know why I chose it? Because he would never do this to me! He wouldn''t have tied me to bed against my will! He wouldn''t make me have sex when I said no! Do you think that after you treat me this way, I will be able to feel more than disgust towards you?"

    He got a sharp cheek slap, so strong his head tilted to the side.

    "Here you are!" Dominik growled provocatively "Hit me again! Do what you want with me! But I can guarantee you one thing - I will never, ever consider you as my lover. All you will get from me is contempt."

    Werner stepped back. He looked completely confused, as if he didn''t understand what was happening. Has Dominik managed to find his way to his consciousness?

    "I''ll prove you wrong," the captor said confidently, and left.

    Dominik had a bad feeling about this.

    He was right. The director returned after about three minutes with his black suitcase.

    "I will prove to you that only I can give you real pleasure."

    He opened the suitcase and pulled out two more pairs of handcuffs.

    Dominik gritted his teeth again. He knew what to expect.

    He already had sado & maso experience. Marek had all sorts of needs and sometimes demanded this kind of play with his lover, but Dominik never liked them. Yes, they might be exciting at times, but they only fulfilled the body. His heart remained empty and ?liwi¨½ski always felt afterward not only disgust, but even betrayal. However, while Marek was then someone he loved and was able to find in his behavior at least a substitute of tenderness that would allow him to reach orgasm, Dominik was firmly convinced that in the case of Werner it was simply impossible.

    "All you will give me is disgust at you. If you do it, if you treat me this way, I will never forgive you."

    "Not true," Werner smiled. "After what I do with you, you will cry for more."

    Werner grabbed Dominik''s right ankle and snapped the handcuffs on it. The actor tried to defend himself, kick him, yank him out, but was unable to. The grip turned out to be too strong and after a while his leg was chained to a specially prepared railing. With an efficient movement, Werner did the same with the left one, brazenly opening all of ?liwi¨½ski''s intimate spheres to the view.

    "Think again about what you want to do," the actor asked icily. He knew he was throwing peas against the wall, but he couldn''t just let things unfold. "I will not forgive you for this, I swear ..."

    "Hushhhhh ..." Werner took a red gag with a ball from his bag and put it on Dominik, preventing him from speaking. "Only when you try will you find out how wonderful it is!"

    Dominik squeezed his eyes shut. Tight as if it were his only way to defend himself. Because he actually didn''t have any at the moment. Naked, tied up, completely enslaved, he had only two choices at this point - try to fight even though he had no chance, or sail away and pretend that he wasn''t here.

    ***

    The third day had passed since Dominik had disappeared and Andrzej felt as if his body was about to fall apart. He couldn''t eat during this time, hardly slept, and he didn''t care about the calls he got from his new job that he was failing to meet session dates. After the second call, where quite harsh words were said, he did not answer the third. The fifth was the last.

    Dominik was gone three days and Nowicki was dying of anxiety about his fate. What if the abduction was commissioned by some sheikh or some other fabulous rich prince who, enchanted by the beautiful actor, decided to have him only for himself? In such a situation, Dominik could have been abroad for a long time and practically impossible to recover.

    No, even if he was taken to the edge of the world, Andrzej will not rest until he finds him. Never, never give up the search.

    What if Dominik is locked up by some psychopath in a dark and cold cell where his mind and body are tortured? Or how do traffickers do with reluctant girls, has he been stuffed with hard drugs and will be turned into a zombie without will at any moment?

    "Calm down," he heard an irritatingly composed voice beside him. "We''ll save him, no matter what."

    The statement irritated him, but also calmed him in its own way. It did not bother him so much that he went everywhere with Marczak, because at least they were moving forward with the investigation. The manager had several advantages over the police, one of which was his money, which opened the mouths of those who could not be intimidated by law enforcement.

    Dominik''s search was divided into four groups: Adamski''s group with legal connections, the Bambus group moving in the shadows, the one Marczak who relied mainly on bribes and his own, the smallest, but which was something like the headquarters to which all reports were sent.

    Hospitals, morgues and air traffic throughout Poland were monitored on an ongoing basis. No plane, not even the smallest one, left without their knowledge. Nowicki felt a little overwhelmed by the scope of the search and terrified that so far they had not produced any result other than the exclusion of further leads, and this was some progress, albeit a hell of a small one. After all, Dominik could not dissolve into thin air, and everything indicated that.

    "If you still don''t sleep tonight," said Marczak, "you will die."

    "What do you care?" Andrzej growled. This guy had the annoying habit of poking his nose into his affairs.

    "You''re very cute in your own way. It would be a pity if you went to waste."

    "Don''t start with it again," Nowicki groaned. Since the first day they started to investigate the leads together, Marczak from time to time threw comments at Andrzej about his beauty or how attractive he was. Nowicki had no idea if he was just doing it to upset him even more or if he was actually going to pick him up, but either way it wasn''t the best time for this kind of banter. Didn''t the idiot really realize that at this point Dominik might ...

    "I wonder" Marczak sounded very serious "whether not to publish a message to the media. And the award announcements."

    Andrzej lowered his eyes. They had talked about this before. He didn''t even remember who came up with the idea. Adamski was opposed to this type of announcement before the forty-eight hours had passed, but now more than seventy-two hours had passed. Nowicki himself was neither for nor against the idea at that moment, and he suspected that it was due to the way he had treated his body recently. He really couldn''t tell if the consequences would be more negative or positive. But at this point they probably didn''t have much choice.

    "I think we will have to do this ..."

    "Is it just my imagination or is something in your pants ringing?"

    "What?"

    "In your pocket. Telephone."

    "Aaaah¡­ oh yes."

    Andrzej took out his cell phone. He didn''t recognize the number. Picked up.

    "Yes, I''m listening."

    "Andrzej? Andrzej, it''s me..."

    "Dominik?!!!"

    The car jerked suddenly to the side of the road.

    "Dominik, where are you?"

    "I don''t know, I ... This is a forest. I freed myself and started running, but¡­ Andrzej, I''m so glad to hear you."

    "Are you okay? How are you?"

    Marczak tapped him on the shoulder, showing: "give me the number he is calling." He himself was already on the line with someone else.

    "Goo¡­ good. Do not worry. I love you, Andrzej ..."

    "Dominik, someone will come for you soon. We will find you. Lots of people are looking for you and we''re just tracking the phone you''re calling from, so stay tuned, okay? Talk to me."

    "Andrzej ... I love you ..."

    Why does his voice sound so faint? Was he really hurt? Or is he already losing consciousness?

    "I love you too, that''s why... Stay with me, you idiot, don''t hang up!"

    The car started moving again. Andrzej noticed that they had changed direction. Now they were moving towards Wilan¨®w. Marczak was giving some orders via the cell phone.

    "Dominik, you have to hold on, you understand? We''re on our way."

    "He''s in Warsaw. The patrol should be there in less than ten minutes" said Marczak.

    "Dominik, ten more minutes and someone from us will be with you. Dominik?"

    "I am here. I''m so glad you said that, even though..."

    Was he crying? Was ?liwi¨½ski crying on the other side of the line?

    "What did I say?"

    "That ... that you love me..."

    Andrzej''s heart beat faster. Did I say that? Really? When¡­?

    "I love you, damn it," he admitted. "So wait. I''m on my way to see you."

    Failure to answer chilled his spine. He''s not ...?

    "Dominik!"

 Chapter 104 - Not Quite Safe Yet

    The car sped up, hammering Andrzej into the seat. He did not have time to think about what Marczak was doing. Nowicki snuggled into the phone as if it was the most precious thing in the world.

    "Dominik, I know that you are tired, but please do not go to sleep. Not yet," he begged as if he were whispering the most powerful spells. "There should be someone with you in a few minutes. They can call you, you can see the flashlight lights, so it''s important that you let them know where you are. Please focus for a few more minutes. Don''t be such a selfish stubborn..."

    The city lights flashed before his eyes. They were going fast, too fast by law, and still too slow. Marczak was talking to someone through a headset. Andrzej got the impression that they had just passed the red light. All the time, all the precious minutes he was talking into the receiver praying that Dominik would be safe and sound.

    "Dominik, please, can you hear me? Please¡­"

    "Hello?" Suddenly Andrzej heard a strange, matter-of-fact voice.

    "Who are you? Where is Dominik?"

    ?Constable Piotrowski. Mr. ?liwi¨½ski is safe now. We''re taking him to the hospital."

    "Thank God! Is he all right?"

    "I''m not a doctor, but ... I guess so."

    Andrzej had never felt such relief in his life, yet his heart was beating so fast and hard that he could hardly breathe..

    "Thank you," he said softly.

    "It''s our job," the policeman replied, and hung up.

    Dominik was alive and safe. Thank God! He spoke to him a while ago, and the policeman who found him said that he was not too bad. Of course, Andrzej will not be completely calm until he sees Dominik with his own eyes, but that will happen soon.

    "They''re taking him to the hospital," he said quietly. Suddenly he realized something. "I did not ask which..."

    "I know. I talked with Adamski. He''s on the way too. We''ll be there in less than a quarter of an hour."

    "Quarter an hour" Nowicki was unable to hide his disappointment. He wanted so much to see his Dominik, whom he so much¡­ loved?

    "And you? How are you feeling?" Marczak asked with very calm voice.

    "I?"

    "Did you realize you just confessed?"

    "I? For what?"

    "For the fact that you are in love with a man."

    Andrzej felt a blush envelop him.

    "It''s not your problem!"

    "Maybe not, but I rode with you for three solid days. I got to know you a bit during this time."

    "Yes? And what?"

    "Maybe nothing, but all this will have an effect on Dominik. Will you be able to support him always? Even if the whole situation becomes public?"

    "As if you had no trouble disclosing," he mocked.

    "I did not have. Dominik was right, it wouldn''t spoil my reputation, on the contrary, it was something to brag about. It was he who did not want disclosure. Now, he may not have a choice. Do you think you''ll be able to stick to him then?"

    "Let''s leave this topic. For now, I just want to think about him."

    "Fine."

    He only wanted to think of Dominik, but couldn''t. Marczak''s words fell under his skin. Besides, not only they, but the very fact that they were said. It was as if Marczak was worried not only about ?liwi¨½ski, but also about him. No it is not possible.

    "Andrzej" Marczak said, suddenly stopping in the hospital parking lot without looking at the photographer.

    "What? I am in a hurry."

    "You probably won''t believe me, but I really liked you. I hope you and Dominik will be happy together."

    Nowicki had no answer for him. He was too tired and stressed to wonder if Marczak was serious or mocking.

    "Thanks," he growled, looking at him for a brief moment. Then he jumped behind the cars and ran towards the entrance.

    Did he saw Marczak''s sad smile in passing?

    ***

    The patrol who found Dominik in the woods immediately drove him to the nearest hospital. The actor was cold, on the verge of hypothermia, he had scratches all over his body and traces of handcuffs on his wrists and ankles. He was able to move on his own and flatly refused to take any medications until he saw Andrzej. With difficulty, but he was persuaded by the doctor on duty to conduct the tests.

    ?liwi¨½ski saw a seep confusion in her eyes. After all, he was not just casual man off the street, but one of the most famous actors in the country. The marks he wore on his body were unmistakable. He felt sorry for the woman who had to deal with this situation, whether she wanted it or not.

    "Sorry about my condition," he said sincerely looking at her calmly with his aquamarine eyes.

    "You are apologizing? No, why? Actually it is I who should apologize, I''m just wondering what could have caused these injuries ...?"

    "You don''t know?"

    "Uhm ... I can guess, a little ..."

    "If you are uncomfortable, maybe another doctor could ..."

    "Please don''t tell me nonsense. I am a doctor. It''s my job!" she assured him firmly.

    A thousand questions rattled in her head, he could see it in her gaze, although she herself, like a pro, asked none.

    Yes, she was a professional, although she looked not much older than Andrzej. And that was her job.

    "Will ... if I tell you something, will you have to tell the police?" he asked.

    "Not if it comes under medical secrecy."

    "Oh..."

    She blinked her eyes.

    "And not if I think it might be harmful to my patient''s health."

    He smiled at her faintly but warmly.

    "I won''t tell anyone else but you. Please, do not tell anyone about what I will say¡­ I will say it once and try to forget it. Because this ..." the memory was painful, his emotions raged, but he couldn''t show himself like this to Andrzej, that''s why he has to tell it to someone before he will look into Andrzej''s eyes. Andrzej will be worried, and Dominik did not want to cause him anxiety. He had to shake it off before he could see him. That''s why Dominik said: "He¡­ wanted me to love him. How lonely he must have been, how unhappy to do something like this¡­ I¡­ actually don''t remember much. I squeezed my eyes shut and¡­ let him do anything."

    But he remembered enough - slimy kisses that made him want to vomit, a touch that made his body disgusted, caresses that, although tender, could not bring him pleasure because they were not from those hands that should ...

    His eyes moistened. He didn''t want this. He shouldn''t show his weakness to anyone, but the events were too fresh and the emotions too intense. He just couldn''t stop his tears.

    What happened a moment later surprised him. Her arms were so strong and her embrace was so warm that he felt as if he didn''t have to hold back his emotions. It was unprofessional of her, but he was grateful.

    "It''s okay," he said, stepping away from her. Why did she also have tears in her eyes? "I will be okay now. Thank you."

    "As a doctor I encounter similar situations. They are more common than we would like to know, although men ... I mean ... "

    "I know," he assured her gently. "For this I am a public figure. Therefore, I do not need to say how important discretion is to me. Even the police can''t know about it, and best of all ... I shouldn''t have asked for it, anyway please, so you can guess how desperate I am. Don''t write anything on the card. Indiscreet nurse, orderly or cleaning lady ... I''m sorry, but if something gets into the media ... "

    Dominik tried to be calm and tough, but the mere thought of what rumors would do to him as soon as someone caught the sensation was unbearable for him. He didn''t do anything wrong, he just experienced something ... unspeakable, but people, if they find out ... Slander and insinuations that he provoked this situation, that it is even manipulation on his part to attract attention or arouse pity... pity itself, which will constantly remind him of these terrible moments. People will reassure him of love and support and keep tearing that painful wound open and not allowing it to heal. They will be noble compassion for the innocent victim, and he will have to relive the nightmare every day. No, it will be too cruel for him, he can''t take it!

    And Andrzej ... When people look at them, they will also see Andrzej and ask questions about their relationship. They will discover the truth and distort what is between them, make it something hideous as much as what Werner did to him ...

    God, no, no, Dominik''s heart can''t stand it if Andrzej is involved in all this!

    He looked at the doctor so pleadingly that he would have to soften even the hardest boulder.

    "Okay," she promised, "but I need to examine you. I need to check for more serious injuries. You understand, don''t you? Sorry... I''ll try to be gentle¡­"

    He sighed. He didn''t want anyone to see him there right now. He just wanted to see Andrzej.

    But the policeman found him in the woods - half-naked, with traces of restraint, half-conscious - and brought him here so that the nice doctor could, like him, do her job.

    Because it was just a job. Nothing personal. Only her duty.

    "All right," he smiled at her, reassuring her and himself. "I trust you and¡­ thank you."

 Chapter 105 - So Close And Still So Far

    The doctor, Edyta Tarkowska, left the diagnostic room and saw three concerned men in front of her, one of whom was so concerned and pale, as if he needed medical attention in a moment.

    At the sight of him, the young doctor''s heart tightened with pain and sympathy.

    She smiled at him. The regulations forbade revealing the details of the patient''s health or allowing anyone other than the closest family and the police to visit him at that moment, but she knew that this tall blond man with a beaming gaze was for ?liwi¨½ski something more than an ordinary acquaintance. After all, her patient had made it clear that he would not agree to any sedatives or sleeping pills until he saw his friend.

    Friend, lover, whatever. Remembering one and having the other before her eyes, she had all the rules and conventions in her ass. Whatever their relationship was, it was immediately obvious that it was something special. They loved each other very much, and she didn''t care if it was brotherly, between friends or lovers. Tarkowska only knew that she was dealing with a case of a bond stronger and more important than rigid hospital rules. She was about to speak when a man with brown hair and a stern gaze approached her. He took out his ID and introduced himself. Ah yes, a policeman.

    "How is ?liwi¨½ski feeling?" He asked immediately without much ado.

    "He''s cold and sustained a few minor injuries. I would like to leave him under observation and light antibiotics to rule out pneumonia, which is common in such cases."

    The doctor noticed the relief in the blonde''s face and a new twinge of anxiety.

    "Can I question him?" the policeman continued asking.

    "The patient is very tired and I would like him to rest."

    "Just a few questions" policeman insisted. "It is about a committed crime."

    "All right, but only five minutes."

    "And I ..." the blonde broke away with the question.

    "I would like you to come to my office," she said firmly. "I need information about the patient''s recent illness."

    Tarkowska could have asked the patient about it, she should have asked, but ?liwi¨½ski was very tired and taken over by what had happened. He was also in a slight physical and emotional shock, so if there was any possibility of getting information from someone in the family ... She had no hesitation in assuming that these two men were family. Some ties are stronger than blood ties. Most of all, however, she wanted to talk to this man in private.

    "But..."

    "I invite you" she was firm.

    The door to the examination room opened and Andrzej for a moment saw Dominik in a hospital gown. Dominik saw him too, and his face shone like a thousand suns. At that moment, Adamski blocked their view and closed the door behind him.

    The doctor looked at the third man she recognized from television and gossip magazines, Marek Marczak, the former manager of ?liwi¨½ski.

    "Don''t worry about me," he said with a strange sadness and even bitterness in his voice. "I''m just serving as the driver here."

    The blond turned to him.

    "Thank you," he said. "I really do"

    "You''re welcome. I will wait for the inspector and, if I am not need it here, I will return home."

    The doctor gently took the blonde''s elbow and forced him to follow her.

    "Mr. Nowicki, right?" She asked when they were inside room next door.

    "Yes. How do you know?"

    "Sit down, please" she indicated him a chair and she took a seat behind the desk. "Our conversation will last a while. I know about you from Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, who even demanded to let you in."

    "Then I don''t understand..."

    "Let''s say that I prefer not to break the hospital rules. Plus, I really need some information from you¡­"

    She also wanted to prepare him somehow for a meeting with a young actor who had obviously fallen victim to physical and mental violence, but she could not do it without breaking medical secrecy and without breaking a word given to ?liwi¨½ski. Although, judging by the expression on Nowicki''s face, he was well aware that he might expect something bad.

    "Does ?liwi¨½ski suffer from any diseases? Is he on constant medications?" Tarkowska asked.

    Nowicki meticulously told her about the course of Dominik''s disease and the test results. Hearing that, she frowned.

    "Now there is no question of leaving the hospital faster than in three days. We''ll have to do more detailed tests," she announced. "The injuries prove that Mr. ?liwi¨½ski could have been detained against his will. How long it took?"

    "Three days. He was abducted from home, we suspect he was under the influence of some intoxicating substance. And then ... Can you tell me if he...?"

    "I can not. I''m sorry."

    Nowicki took this information calmly, but Tarkowska saw in his eyes the stubbornness of a man who knows the painful truth and intends to demand justice from the perpetrator. A shiver ran down her spine and she wished with all her heart that Nowicki would succeed.

    Tarkowska was an emergency room doctor, she saw many victims of various kinds of violence, but to kidnap someone from his own home, bind his hands and feet and ... Certain crimes had to be punished with all resolve. So she should have told the police about ?liwi¨½ski''s injuries, but saving the victim is more important than arresting the perpetrator. Or so she believed.

    "When will I be able to see him?"

    "We have one free double room. I''ll smuggle you right into the ward. I will come for you as soon as possible. It is late at night, the wards are quiet and calm, so no one should cause us problems, especially when you will be accompanied by a doctor."

    "Thank you. You don''t even know how much that means to me."

    There was genuine sincere gratitude in the man''s voice. Such devotion between two people, as between these two men, was something very rare in this world.

    "You''re right," she sighed, standing up. "I can only imagine it."

    ***

    The man who entered the examination room was not Andrzej. Andrzej was standing in the corridor and they could share their eyes only for a moment, but thanks to it Dominik knew that his beloved was close. He hadn''t spoken to him and had only seen him for a moment, but for now it must have been enough. He was sure that the nice doctor would allow them to meet later.

    "Good evening, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski. I''m Inspector Robert Adamski" the man who entered waved his ID in front of him. "How do you feel?"

    "Very good, thank you. And you?"

    Dominik wasn''t lying. Now, when he saw Andrzej, everything was fine.

    "I''m not complaining. Do you know in what case I came?"

    "I think I can guess it," he admitted. "How long ... have I been gone?"

    "Three days."

    "Three days ..." he repeated like an echo. At this point he couldn''t tell if it had been long or short. For him, this time passed differently than for the world. So Andrzej had known about his disappearance for three days. Was he worried? Was he suffering?

    "These abrasions," the policeman pointed to his wrists, "indicate that you may have been abducted against your will, held and possibly tortured or forced into sexual activity. In this case, you have the right to make a criminal complaint. You can do this in a case or against a specific person if you know who did it. Do you want to press the charges?"

    Surprised, ?liwi¨½ski blinked his eyes. He remembered something else about his role in the box-office movie "In Light of the Accusation."

    "Actually ... I''m sorry, I don''t know" he said. "I''m a little¡­ distracted."

    "I know these things can be difficult for the victim, especially if the victim is a male, but you should prosecute. It''s the beast that hurt you deserves to be punished. The longer you wait, the better his chances will be to get rid of the evidence and get away."

    "I understand," he admitted, looking down.

    The policeman sighed.

    "Me too," he admitted. "Well, I won''t force you to do anything, but think about it. Mr. Nowicki and Mr. Marczak have my numbers, so if you decide to submit a report or simply need support, please call me. Most importantly, you have all your body parts in place. Because you have them all?"

    "Yes, yes," he said quickly.

    The policeman smiled, which seemed strange, as if his face hadn''t been used to that expression.

    "I won''t bother you anymore. I think there''s someone you''d like to see more."

    There was no point in denying it when every cell in his body cried out for that one beloved name. He smiled apologetically.

    "But ..." added the policeman, already touching the door handle "in your place, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, I would be careful about Nowicki. He is not as clean as he seems."

    "What do you mean?" Dominik didn''t understand.

    "Just be careful."

    The actor was surprised. What is this policeman doing? Despite his gloomy appearance, he seemed to be a decent man, so why should Dominik be careful about Andrzej? He talks about him, the best man Dominik knew, as if he were a criminal. Or maybe¡­?

 Chapter 106 - Have You In My Arms

    No, whatever, Dominik shook his head. He loved Andrzej, he loved him with all his heart, and even if Nowicki was once involved in something illegal, it must have been old.

    Only the present mattered, and in it ?liwi¨½ski heard the sweetest confession he could wish for. It is true that he was terribly tired and cold at the time, but he certainly did not mishear - Andrzej said that he loved him. Now he waited excitedly to see the man he adored with all his heart and body when the policeman left.

    Yet he was disappointed again. The person who came in was not Andrzej, but a doctor and a paramedic with a pram.

    "We''re admitting you to the ward," she announced.

    "What? No! I do not agree, I ..."

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, take it easy" she smiled sweetly. "It won''t be too bad, I promise. Don''t you remember how hard you worked a month ago for good results? Are you going to spoil it all by stupid stubbornness?"

    "No. I''m sorry. I just¡­"

    "This is Patryk. He''ll take you to your room."

    Dominik was weak, and his legs gave way as he got up. Relieved, he leaned on the paramedic''s shoulder.

    True, he had worked too hard all month to improve his results, only to waste the entire achievement by stupid stubbornness. But Andrzej... Dominik wanted so much to see him, touch him, apologize for all the worries he had brought him and beg a kiss...

    But will Nowicki want him? When he sees him in this state, when he realizes that Dominik was a toy in the hands of another man ...

    "Head up" the doctor walking next to him put a hand on his shoulder smiling warmly at the same time. "Our contract is still in effect," she winked at him.

    So they will let him see Andrzej after all? He felt a flush on his face. He wanted to ask about it, but couldn''t with the paramedic. If the doctor herself does not say anything directly, it means that neither should he.

    "We''ll get you a drip. This is the easiest way to quickly replenish nutrient deficiencies. Unfortunately, the kitchen is already closed, but I will smuggle something out of the vending machine for you."

    "Thank you. You''re very nice."

    She smiled a little coquettishly at him.

    "It''s just a trick, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski. Sheer deception.

    ***

    Andrzej opened the door and looked at Dominik lying on the hospital bed. The actor had patches on his face and hands, he was pale and seemed even smaller than ever, but at the sight of the man entering, his eyes glowed with such a strong glow that Nowicki could not help that his own gaze was blocked by a moist fog.

    "You look terrible!" ?liwi¨½ski called to him. "His voice cracked with emotion."

    "And who says?" Andrzej asked cautiously approaching.

    "I have an excuse," Dominik said. "After all almost whole night I struggled through the forest. And you?"

    "I ... was losing my mind while you were away. I''m sorry, Dominik, I..."

    "Andrzej, you¡­ are you crying?"

    "I couldn''t protect you. That''s all ... your suffering ... just because I couldn''t protect you..."

    "Stop it" ?liwi¨½ski, though hooked up to the drip, started to get up from the bed.

    "Don''t get up, you mustn''t!" Andrzej was already with him.

    "So stop saying these stupid things and..."

    At this point, Andrzej had him in his arms.

    But Dominik broke free from his grip. He was trembling. He looked down at the floor.

    "Are you feeling bad?" Nowicki was concerned. "I''ll get a doctor!"

    "No! I¡­"

    Andrzej remembered his behavior, his escapes caused by shame and fear that what had happened to him deprived him of the right to be happy. Back then, the mere threat of r*pe, the mere intention of treason, was enough to make him run away from people. Nowicki was even afraid to imagine what was now.

    But it didn''t matter to him. He scooped Dominik into his arms and pressed him against his chest as hard as he could. In his mind, like a mantra, he repeated his heartfelt love declaration, sincerely hoping that these feelings would somehow reach the man he embraced.

    "I told you once," he said warmly, but with all conviction flowing from the bottom of his soul, "that whatever has happened to you, it does not change how I think of you. I will never leave you and you will always be dear to me. Why won''t you believe me?"

    "Because ... because I..."

    "You turned my world upside down. I don''t know how it happened and the mere thought scares me, but¡­ When you disappeared I thought I was going crazy," he repeated. "How could I get so addicted to someone? How could I¡­ love?"

    Dominik softened in his arms, and suddenly a sob shook his whole person. Andrzej smiled tenderly and stroked his head. With a limb of awareness, he caught that someone had opened the door and then closed it, not daring to break this intimate moment.

    Crying finally tired ?liwi¨½ski and the actor lay down without taking his eyes off Nowicki.

    "I love you," he said in a weakening voice.

    "I know."

    "Will you stay with me?"

    "Always."

    "Come on over here."

    "Are you crazy? It''s a hospital bed! We are in the hospital!"

    "It can take our weight. Please¡­"

    His large aquamarine eyes, covered with tears, did not asked, they pleaded. Andrzej was powerless under their rule.

    "Move over. The other way, you fool, here''s your drip," he instructed, softly taking off his shoes. "Are you not afraid of a scandal if someone sees us?"

    "No. And you?"

    "Not for myself, but for you."

    "Then come to me quickly."

    ***

    Edyta Tarkowska was thirty-three years old and had a horribly unsuccessful marriage behind her. Despite her profession, or maybe because of it, she was an incorrigible romantic. Though the loss of a patient hurt as hell, every life saved made her heart run wild with joy. Each patient she looked after had their own history, some sad, some happy. Mostly very similar, although never identical, because their stories were made up of thousands of events and hundreds of people.

    She herself has never had a chance to learn the whole story. She saw only fragments of it, usually painful, often tragic, but sometimes also incredibly beautiful and made something extraordinary happen to her heart.

    She met this one during the night shift.

    The face she knew from billboards and from the cinema has become a real person for her today. Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was even more beautiful in his life, because even the best photos were not able to reflect the true charm of his gaze. It was so beautiful it was breathtaking.

    Yet someone had hurt this man.

    Physically, ?liwi¨½ski did not suffer any serious injuries. If he was sexually abused, the perpetrator did not want to cause him pain, so there were no signs of forced entry. However, Tarkowska was afraid of his psyche. ?liwi¨½ski was detained against his will and probably tortured physically and mentally. God knows what exactly this psychopath did with him for the past three days. Such events could not remain without a trace.

    It was heartbreaking to see someone so talented and beautiful a victim of someone else''s insane lust. It was downright terrible!

    She was worried. She couldn''t stop. She allowed Nowicki to meet ?liwi¨½ski, because she thought it would help the actor. They must have been really good friends if they both wanted to see each other so much. Maybe lovers, it crossed her mind, though the idea was pure abstraction. If bending the rules and admitting a visitor to the ward helped the patient, she saw no reason not to. Carrying ?liwi¨½ski the promised snack, she opened the door ...

    ... and immediately closed it.

    What she saw was nothing wrong, but a moment was enough for Edyta to feel a blush on her face. Nowicki and ?liwi¨½ski hugged each other tightly, as if they were afraid that the slightest gust of wind could separate them forever. The heat from them was so intense it tinted her cheeks.

    Was it just an ordinary friendship, or was it actually something more? Were these two really¡­ lovers?

    Leaning against the door of the room, Edyta Tarkowska, a thirty-three-year-old doctor from the city hospital in Warsaw, felt her heart beating hard in her chest.

    If they are lovers, so what? It''s their life, they can do what they want with it.

    No, that''s not it. Her heart beat even faster. She could still feel the intensity of the warmth in her body as it hit her as she opened the door to the room. His power made her feel jealous. She envied them both that they had found such ardent love for each other. A man with a man, a woman with a woman or a man with a woman - it doesn''t matter if there is someone who will love you so much.

    After an hour, she quietly looked into the room again.

    Nowicki was lying on the same bed as ?liwi¨½ski, due to the limited space, they were very close, although they were separated by bedding. They both slept very soundly and peacefully, facing each other, and their hands were clasped together.

    She looked at them for a moment, unable to take her eyes off them. Pale and tired, exhausted both physically and emotionally, they found a rest in their closeness. It was just¡­ beautiful.

    Tarkowska took a blanket from the other bed and covered Nowicki with it. As she left, she turned off the light.

    ***

    The end of Volume 3

    See you tomorrow at the same time :)

 Chapter 107 - A Legend So Romantic It Needs To Be Protected

    Janina Pasek, a woman who hired him as a photographer in her agency, looked at him with the eyes of a bird of prey. Andrzej Nowicki knew that this conversation would be unpleasant, after all, in the first week of work he had culpably neglected his duties, but at the moment when Dominik, the most special person in his life, went missing, he was unable to think about anything else but this, to find him. He completely ignored the job and - no need to cheat - if the same circumstances had arisen, he would have done exactly the same.

    "How is he feeling?"

    He hadn''t expected this question. He started in surprise, unprepared for this turn of events.

    His still-present boss did not take her eyes off him.

    "I don''t ask for details, I don''t want to know them," she said matter-of-factly. "I just want to know if he will be able to appear in my advertising campaign."

    Andrzej did not know if she was so insensitive or tactfully ignoring the delicate nature of the problem. However, she definitely knew about the problem, and Nowicki decided that maybe he would be able to get some information from her about how the whole situation affected this small, big world of cinema and the media.

    "There is a lot of gossiping about it?" he asked.

    "Not anymore," she said. "Marczak did a good job of cutting off the matter with the media before it started. People do not even want to whisper about it, so as not to face his revenge. This man can destroy or save anyone and it seems that he still has a weakness for ?liwi¨½ski. Pneumonia is a serious disease. She closed many mouths."

    However difficult it was for him to do so, Nowicki had to admit she was right. Marczak was a master at manipulating the media and creating reality according to his preferences. This time, he used his talent to hide Dominik''s several-day nightmare from undesirable eyes.

    "This world knows many secrets" said getting up the old lady in exaggerated makeup. She went to the window and looked at the panorama of Mokot¨®w unfolding from it. "It''s always been like that. Many eminent people of theater, cinema and fashion hid even very ugly secrets. It gave them a kind of charm" she turned to Andrzej with a warm smile. "Your boy is charming too. You are a lovely couple, and voices are spreading that they would like to see you together. In addition, romantic legends began to circulate about you."

    "I don''t know what you''re talking about" Andrew announced brilliantly hiding his guilt and pretending to be innocent as a newborn child.

    "You idiot. About how you met, of course. About how you became his knight. And about recent events as well. These legends are so beautiful that they cannot be tainted by leakage to the media. Every second woman wonders how much truth is in them and dreams of being in the shoes of one of you. I''m curious about it myself, but I won''t ask.

    "So ... do you think all this will not hurt Dominik?"

    "If he doesn''t take any stupid steps, everything should be fine for him. Our environment will not make him a pariah, on the contrary, will surround him with a beautiful legend, you just have to watch out for gossip outside the environment, but thank God in Europe there is no fan-like absurdity as in some countries, so the actor is still perceived as a human not property and people, they don''t really get into his life with dirty shoes, although that can change quickly." She sighed and added. "As long as recent events were not too difficult for him."

    "He should be able to handle it" Andrzej assured, although personally he was not so sure. He could not stop worrying not only about Dominik''s physical but also mental health. The actor tried to act normally, but who knows what were his thoughts when Andrzej was away from him?

    The information that the art and film community would not reject ?liwi¨½ski, that Marczak provided him with relative security in the media was comforting, but if some unofficial media, some influencers unfavorable to Dominik, smell sensation and want to gain fame at his expense, the matter may get out of hand. Then even Marczak''s long tentacles will not be able to save the young actor.

    As if Dominik didn''t have enough trouble dealing with what that brute had done to him.

    "You see, physical beauty inspires the noblest reflexes in some types of people," Janina Pasek continued "but it also awakens the most primal and dirty instincts in others. Beautiful people have always been exposed to attacks of jealousy or physical assault. Their only fault is that they are beautiful."

    Mrs. Pasek''s gaze shifted to the wall where a number of old photographs hung. In one of them a woman was presenting a coat. She was just looking at this picture. Andrzej took a better look at the photo and found that it was young Mrs. Janina.

    "I didn''t know you were a model."

    "Those were the old days. I don''t remember them well. I saved the photo because of¡­ the photographer who took it. He was my first and only love. When he photographed me, it felt like he was taking my soul. Your works remind me of his."

    "I do not know what to say. I''m honored."

    "You''re embarrassed," she laughed, "and you''d rather not hear such comments from an old woman. The truth is, I was furious with you for ignoring your job, but the circumstances of the incident are perfectly justifiable. I will not fire you."

    Andrzej was surprised, though only for a moment. After all, everything his boss had said so far led to this solution. All the conversation so far was the explanation of her decision.

    "Thank you," he replied from his heart.

    "You''re welcome. After all, I''m the romantic type. In return, however, I have a request for you".

    "What request?" He asked suspiciously.

    "You and ?liwi¨½ski will come to my party."

    "Together?"

    "Does it make sense to take two cars? I invite both of you, regardless of whether ?liwi¨½ski will be able to take part in my campaign. Don''t you know by any chance what is happening to the young Werner? I''d like to invite him too, but it looks like he''s gone."

    "I have no idea. I''m not his nanny."

    "I thought maybe because of ?liwi¨½ski ... Anyway, never mind. The party is on the twenty-third. Take your time."

    "November?"

    "Something''s wrong?"

    "Actually ..." Janina Pasek was a decent boss and she shouldn''t have given him a second chance, and yet she did. But there were things more important than work. One of them was Dominik, the other - Martynka. "My goddaughter has her birthday then and Dominik takes her to ponies. Later, there''ll be a little party at her mom''s restaurant."

    "How old?"

    "Eight. She will be nine."

    "So the party will end no later than eight. You''ll have plenty of time to change and come over."

    "Yes but¡­"

    The whole day on the run and the evening at a party that Dominik didn''t like so much can be difficult for him. It''s a miracle that after his last ordeal he didn''t catch pneumonia, even though he was officially in hospital for it. The doctor who led him said that he was unimaginable luck and that he should spare himself.

    "It is also my birthday, Mr. Nowicki. I do not accept any gifts, but on this day I require one thing from people - to celebrate with me."

    "In that case, I cannot speak for Dominik, but I will come for sure. Thank you for the invitation."

    "If you''re late, I''ll save you a piece of the cake. For both of you."

    ***

    Dominik was watching TV.

    At this sight, Andrzej frowned. ?liwi¨½ski in front of the TV was a rare, even surprising picture. He was definitely the book type. At a time when Nowicki was commissioned by the newspaper where he was working at that time to take interesting pictures of a young, popular actor, ?liwi¨½ski was active all day - exercising, preparing for a role, cooking something or cleaning up. In the evenings he picked up a book - an indifferent genres - and hid in bed with it. In those days, the TV only turned on when he was bothered by loneliness and silence.

    Was it the same now?

    "I returned!" Andrzej called from the door.

    It was only a moment. Dominik in the blink of an eye turned off the TV and ran to meet him.

    "And what?" He asked anxiously.

    Only now did Nowicki see how upset the boy was. Was he so worried about the fact that Andrzej could lose his job because of his kidnapping? It was so¡­ sweet. Anyway, all Dominik was like that. Shorter and smaller he always had to raise his head to meet Nowicki''s eyes. His face, invariably beautiful, had always been so emotional, so much so that it was doubtful how did this boy become an actor? His unbelievably aquamarine eyes shone so brightly as if they wanted to engulf him with the gravity of the twin suns. Dominik was the most beautiful man Andrzej had seen and had been the fullest of his life for some time.

 Chapter 108 - But It Is A Man, Not A Legend, Who Needs Protection More

    "The boss asks if you will be the face of her advertising campaign?" Andrzej asked with a smile.

    "You are staying?" ?liwi¨½ski''s face beamed.

    "I''m staying," he admitted smiling even more.

    Dominik immediately hung around his neck. Nowicki was surprised again at how fragile he had become. When a few months ago Andrzej, then still paparazzi, began to observe the most popular actor of the young generation, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, he was a beautiful twenty-four-year-old man. Yes, he was short and slim, but his arms were strong, and his chest and belly were beautifully sculpted. ?liwi¨½ski ate healthy and exercised regularly, making his body look like a young god. However, the subsequent brutal events in his life made the actor lose his appetite and energy, and his health deteriorated. Everything was starting to return to normal when the traumatic event happened to him again. It''s only been a day since he left the hospital after a madman abducted him, held him, and did with him God knows what. A total of eight days away from home, spent not on a pleasant trip but in a dark basement and in the hospital smelling like disinfectants.

    Every time Andrzej realized how much pain Dominik had endured recently, he was flooded with fury. ?liwi¨½ski was gentle and shy, he never hurt anyone, and meanwhile fate did not spare him. Not in private life and not so much in professional.

    In a sense, Dominik''s very innocence provoked such situations. It was cruel, it was mean and it was sad, but true. A man with such a nice personality became an easy target for predators. Too easy. In addition, his attractive exterior evoked the worst instincts in many - as Mrs. Janka[1] aptly noticed. For Andrzej, however, his Dominik''s innocence and delicate beauty were beautiful and he could not remain indifferent to the harm of this man. He had to protect him. Unfortunately he failed. Dominik fell into the dirty hands of some garbage, which turned the three days of the actor''s life into a nightmare. Nowicki sincerely hoped that the ordeal had ended when ?liwi¨½ski returned home.

    "My boss asked about you."

    Dominik lowered his head.

    "This campaign ... I don''t know if I''m fit for it. The idea is funny enough, but I don''t think I will stay a good choice for long."

    "Do not talk nonsense."

    "I don''t want to hide anymore..."

    "But you don''t need to brag. I asked Mrs. Janka a bit, and we can play it to your advantage."

    "How? Dominik moved away from him to get a good look at his face."

    "No statements, no denials. We''ll stop hiding in corners, and when someone asks, we''ll say it''s none of their business. We''re just going to smile mysteriously."

    "In that case, no one will be able to say whether we are really dating or just making fun of?"

    "Exactly. Journalists are not allowed to infringe your privacy. Sure, you''re a public figure, but that doesn''t mean they can do whatever they want with you. If someone catches us doing something romantic, we''ll make him stuff himself with hay. If someone is throwing mud on you online and writing erotic rumors about you, we will sue them for tarnishing your image and violating your private space. We will not hide or show off. We will behave normally. What do you think?

    Dominik nodded enthusiastically.

    "But¡­ even the rumors on the internet? I''ve read about other film environments and people can be really cruel ... "

    "Don''t worry too much. Like I said, if somebody throws mud on you, we''ll take them to court. You are a public figure, but not public property, and if someone teases you, we''ll deal with him. "

    Andrzej tried to be calm and self-confident so that Dominik felt safe thanks to his assurances. The young actor probably needed nothing more than stability and a sense of security, so even if Nowicki himself did not feel most confident, he could not show it. He probably succeeded because Dominik looked reassured.

    It was a good time to change the subject to a slightly lighter one.

    "What were you doing all day?" Andrzej became interested, moving deeper into the apartment. "Did you watch TV?"

    "Just a little. I called my parents and siblings. Olek sniffed out some rumors about me on the Internet and he was terribly irritated that I didn''t tell him anything, but he didn''t tell my parents either. I thanked Paulina for the chocolates and ate almost the entire box. In general, I made some calls to people thanking them for their care and help. But¡­ I don''t have numbers for all of them. Marek said some friends of yours also helped with the search."

    "Well, that friend who lent us a cabin."

    "I would like to thank him for contributing to my search."

    Andrzej felt a bit insecure. Bringing his Dominik into contact with someone like Bambus, the head of the Warsaw underground world on the right bank of the Vistula - was definitely not a good idea.

    "It won''t be necessary," he smirked. "I already did."

    "Don''t act as if you don''t want us to get to know each other" ?liwi¨½ski laughed. "It''s infantile."

    Damn it! The point is, he doesn''t want them to get to know each other. But if he tells Dominik about it, he will start to inquire.

    "I''ll pass it to him," he promised without enthusiasm, "but he''s busy now. He''s helping this policeman with something."

    "So your friend is a detective? Thought he had a hostess agency."

    "He''s not a detective. He only knows the environment where the case takes place. So what, will you play in the ad?" Andrzej again decided to change the subject.

    "Maybe. I''m not sure. I''d like to speak to your boss again. I still have reservations about whether I am suitable for promoting any product after all."

    Andrzej gritted his teeth. This abduction severely damaged Dominik''s self-esteem. The actor didn''t talk much about what happened. He said that the person who kidnapped him did it out of misunderstood love, and he didn''t blame her for it. He even sympathizes with her, because, probably, he already understands what it means to love sickly and obsessively, which is why he did not report to the police. However, it was the case of second person who, in the name of misunderstood love, treated Dominik so objectively and heartlessly. ?liwi¨½ski, gentle and sensitive, could forgive this person, but never forget. Andrzej could not do either of that.

    "It''ll be okay," he said. "My boss likes you and she really wants you in this campaign. She won''t make you do anything, but she''ll be very glad if you agree. She even invited us to her birthday party."

    "Us? As a couple?"

    "Kind of. She wants us to come together, in the end it would be stupid to take two cars since we live together anyway - these are her words, not mine - and you still can''t drive ..."

    Dominik blushed to his ears.

    "So people know about us. More and more of them."

    "You know, I don''t think we can really hide what we feel about each other. You''re a hopeless actor in these things. Or am I wrong?"

    "No. You''re absolutely right," he admitted without hesitating.

    "I''m hungry."

    "Sorry, I was in no mood to cook. We''ll eat the jars from Paulina."

    "She provided us with so much that it will last for a year."

    "Not with your appetite. Thank you for not telling her or my family about my disappearance. They would be so worried."

    "In fact," Nowicki admitted embarrassed, "I didn''t have time to think about them. I was so worried."

    "I''m sorry" Dominik blushed to the tips of his ears and looked down.

    "Hey, you would give it up" Andrzej with a gentle smile took his chin and looked into the most beautiful eyes in the world. Two aquamarine suns looked at him with the sincerest love Nowicki had ever seen. Even the unusually long and dark eyelashes did not manage to cover this glow. "I love you."

    ?liwi¨½ski smiled radiantly, but Andrzej had the impression that there was something flickering in his eyes, like tears. However, he could not check it, because the actor drowned in his torso.

    "Hey, are you okay?"

    "Yes, just ... I don''t deserve the happiness that you are."

    "Who taught you to talk such nonsense?" Nowicki felt confused. He slowly got used to the thought that he might have a romantic feeling for someone, especially a guy, but he was making progress in this matter. "I''m the lucky one. You know you taught me to love."

    Dominik looked up shyly at him.

    "Really?"

    "I''ve never lied to you in my life. I''ll even prove it to you. I really want to play with you in the bedroom."

    Usually, such words evoked an erotic reaction in Dominik - he would start teasing Andrzej or go straight to action - but now his body went numb. He smiled, but not as provocative as usual. Without a word, he took Nowicki''s hand and they headed towards the actor''s room.

    Andrzej narrowed his eyes.

    No, it certainly seemed to him. His lover has not yet been inclined to have sex. At least not when he was with him. The only thing Nowicki should consider now is where they will start today.

    [1] Janka, pet name for Janina.

 Chapter 109 - The Past Cannot Be Changed, But You Can Fight For A Better Future

    Paulina Kowalczyk was Andrzej''s friend from school years. They lived in the same district and graduated from the same high school. Although they never dated or even shared a kiss, when she got pregnant and her boyfriend turned out to be the last bastard, Andrzej offered her marriage.

    The 19-year-old girl refused, but asked Nowicki to become her daughter''s godfather and to participate in the girl''s life. Andrzej took up the role willingly, and from then on, although they had no affiliation or relationship, he became part of their family. When he lost both his parents in college a year apart, the time has come for her to support him.

    Andrzej could not imagine a warmer woman and a more dear friend. Sometimes he even wondered why nothing romantic ever developed between them, but he always found that he just couldn''t love that way. As he approached his thirties, he was now resigned to the fact that love was a feeling he would never experience in his life. He was even used to women not being able to be with him for more than two months. He was handsome, so it was easy for him to find a girlfriend for a night or two, but there was something about his personality that made him completely inaccessible and sooner or later (usually sooner) women would withdraw from his life. They stayed friends, sometimes even had sex, but never got back together as a couple.

    Nowicki knew that he would remain lonely for the rest of his life. It was just a fact, completely obvious and natural until Dominik confessed his love to him. It was then that everything in his life began to turn upside down.

    It was Paulina who predicted this course of events.

    It was then the last Sunday in August - a beautiful day, though not too hot. Dominik promised the newly met Martynka, Paulina''s daughter, a trip to the zoo, so the four of them went there. When the actor and the girl were watching the kangaroos, Paulina noticed that if he and Dominik lived under the same roof, the sensitive homosexual actor after an unsuccessful relationship would surely fall in love with his handsome guardian-roommate. Andrzej did not believe it, he even laughed. For him, it was impossible for anyone to fall in love with him, especially a guy. He himself had never exhibited such inclinations - it was all the more absurd. And yet the reality showed something else, it proved that the woman was right. ?liwi¨½ski fell in love with Andrzej and his love also seduced him, and suddenly Nowicki realized that this feeling could exist for him.

    Paulina was really his best and friendliest friend. It was to her, completely unconsciously, that he directed his steps after the first night together with Dominik in his arms. She did not triumph that she was right, she was just glad that Andrzej found love for himself.

    Now, when Nowicki''s heart was torn again by anxiety about ?liwi¨½ski, he saw only one person from whom he could seek advice and support.

    Paulina ran a small but very nice family restaurant. Since she took over the managerial duties completely, she has doubled her profits. She worked like an ox, but the hard work paid off. Despite the constantly busy schedule, she was always able to find time for her friend and now, when she saw Andrzej, she smiled broadly at him.

    "Hi Andrzej, it''s been a long time!" She exclaimed. She exaggerated a bit, because only a few days had passed since their last meeting. "Today without Dominik?" She asked.

    "Dissapointed?"

    "A little, but more worried. How is she doing?"

    "Find a minute for me, and I''ll tell you."

    "I will find it. Wait in my office."

    It was more of a tiny closet than an office, but there was room for a desk, two chairs, and a small couch. It was hard to move inside, but the room was enough for the chef of the restaurant to receive a private guest or to check the books in peace and quiet.

    Nowicki did not wait long. Paulina burst in almost immediately after he sat down.

    "And?" She asked immediately. "What about Dominik?"

    Andrzej really needed to talk to someone about Dominik, yet he hesitantly hesitated to raise this topic with Paulina. He trusted her like no one else, he trusted her good judgment, but some things were very delicate, especially since they concerned not only himself, but most of all Dominik. His beloved Dominik did not want people to know about his problems, to worry about him. He did not want to cause them unpleasantness and worry. He was so grateful to Andrzej that he kept the information about his kidnapping to himself!

    But Andrzej could not cope with what was happening alone, and Paulina was the only person who knew everything about the previous events and kept them secret ... Who, apart from her, will be able to analyze the subject well and to find a solution? Maybe there were other people who could help, but that would mean that more people would be privy to Dominik''s intimate secrets. The young actor was a public figure, so the more people knew about his personal life, the greater the risk was that someone would learn about him and start causing serious problems. Meanwhile, after these terrible experiences, ?liwi¨½ski should rest, regain balance, and not deal with some scandal.

    Andrzej did not feel strong enough to deal with it all alone. He had to find help, otherwise he sensed something wrong. He had no choice. He had to initiate Paulina into everything, hoping that this strong woman, instead of helpless tears, would give him a solution or at least show him the right path.

    "I don''t know what to do with him," Nowicki confessed helplessly. "Absolutely no idea."

    "What do you mean? What happened?"

    Paulina had already guessed that something big had happened. After all, he would not come to seek help from her with something small.

    "You know what happened to him recently?" Andrzej asked gloomily.

    "He was in the hospital for pneumonia. But the last time I spoke to him, he said that it was okay and that he had left hospital. I wanted to visit you, but I still don''t have enough time. But¡­ Are there any complications?"

    "It wasn''t pneumonia. They suspected it might develop, but luckily it missed him. He was cold and exhausted, so he spent several days under an IV drip. Here, however, is not about what he was in the hospital for, but about why he ended up in him. Dominik has been kidnapped."

    "WHAT?!!!"

    Paulina''s shock was genuine. Andrzej could see the terror in her eyes, but his more terrifying thought was that someone might hear what they were talking about.

    "Don''t yell!" he admonished her. "We''re trying to keep it a secret."

    "My God, how is that? Why? Who could have done it? For what? For the ransom?"

    "For love," he sneered. Andrzej felt terrible saying these words. Someone who hurt someone so terribly had no right to say that they were doing it out of love.

    "Oooooh¡­ Marczak?"

    "This time he was clean as a whistle. It''s someone completely different. Dominik¡­" Amdrzej couldn''t go on. The mere idea of ??what was happening to his lover while he was held captive made him feel black despair.

    What happened to Dominik was the negation of love. It was an abomination that had to be eradicated from this earth, burned with fire, but when punishing the perpetrator, it was impossible to forget not to harm the victim further.

    Nowicki had no idea how much Paulina was imagining, but the woman was clearly pale, anxious.

    "I can''t even imagine it," Paulina shook her head. "Like some third-rate American movie. My God, I don''t know what Dominik went through, but when I talked to him, he sounded so cheerful! It''s okay now, isn''t it? He sounded so natural on the phone ... He wasn''t faking it, did he?"

    The photographer sighed. He felt relieved that Paulina did not ask him about the details of what the kidnapped Dominik had gone through, but was worried about whether it was all right now. The past cannot be changed, but you can fight for a better future.

    Andrzej knew that the woman was really worried. She recognized Dominik as a member of her family, allowed him to contact her greatest treasure, Martynka, and practically pushed Andrzej into his arms. She loved him like a little brother. That is why, together with Nowicki, she will fight for Dominik''s future.

    "If Dominik is pretending, he is doing it also from me" said Nowicki. "Maybe even from himself. He tries to deal with it all as best he can, but he has a hard time. And I don''t know how to help him. I''m so helpless again."

    He lowered his hands helplessly to his knees. Dominik was suffering, there was no doubt about it. It had to be. It would be unnatural to have another state. He suffered alone, because in his incompetence, Andrzej was not quite a good support for him.

 Chapter 110 - To Overcome Helplessness

    Nowicki felt Paulina''s hand on his hand. His friend sat down on the couch, so their knees were almost touching. Just her touch and company cheered him.

    "I have no idea how he must feel now" Andrzej confessed. "When I try to imagine it, I just can''t. I know he is suffering, I know he is struggling, but ... If I could, I''d take it all on myself, but he won''t let me. I can see him trying, but ... Sometimes he can''t tear himself away from me. Then I hug him in my arms and stroke his head, at the same time feeling that he is moving away from me. This is so weird."

    Paulina''s other hand appeared on his other hand.

    "You love him," the woman said mildly.

    "Finally I understood it and told him how I felt. I know that he has not stopped loving me, but ... sometimes we are so close, and sometimes it seems to me that we are separated by oceans. When we made love..."

    Shit, he wanted to seek advice and support from Paulina, but he couldn''t finish the sentence. They had discussed their erotic life with each other more than once, but when he talked about Dominik it was ten times harder. After all, it wasn''t about a fleeting love affair or advice on the best position to please a woman. The case concerned someone exceptional in every respect. The only one. Priceless.

    Paulina squeezed his hands.

    "You think he was¡­ ra**d?"

    Andrzej''s heart and throat tightened with iron hoops. His beautiful, beloved Dominic ... But they had to deal with this problem, no matter how painful it was.

    "It depends on how you define it," he said quietly. The words barely passed his throat. "I mean¡­ You know, we got that bastard with Bambus."

    "Hope you cut his balls off!" Paulina hissed with venom that a cobra might envy her. "Or that Bambus tied a stone to his legs and threw it to the bottom of the Vistula ..."

    "No," Nowicki shook his head resignedly. "At first I wanted to kill him, cut his liver with a blunt knife, and have him eaten raw, but then I thought about Dominik. This boy is not the type to want bloody revenge, so I was afraid he would take it bad if one day the bastard''s body came out ..."

    "Good chain, big stone and it will not come out" Pauline assured having in her eyes all the hatred of the world.

    "Maybe. But this type looked so pitiful and shabby, as if he was already doing his penance. As if Dominik himself had put him in his own private hell. Seeing his suffering made me feel better. Sometimes life is a better punishment than death."

    "Really? Serves him right. But ... what about Dominik? What ... with you?"

    Exactly, what about them? It was on this matter that Nowicki came to Paulina.

    "He pretends so badly that he''s okay, and yet he kicked me out of the bedroom. Maybe not literally, but he doesn''t want to share a bed with me, although he hasn''t missed an opportunity to drag me there before. I know he has a problem falling asleep. The light is on until late and I sometimes hear him in the middle of the night coming downstairs or walking around his room. He doesn''t realize I know it or he would have stopped doing it."

    Andrzej knew that insomnia could come after such experiences. Even the doctor warned that it could be so.

    "And sex?" Paulina asked worriedly. "Did you manage to get closer to each other? I''m sorry to ask you that, but if that motherfucker did something to Dominik ..."

    Paulina rarely used such blunt words, but she hit the jackpot with the term.

    "Right after I left the hospital, he dragged me into a bedroom. Everything was fine, only afterwards I felt him freeze for a moment in my arms as if he was scared of something or remembered something terrible. The next night he didn''t even smile provocatively at me. After that, he never invited me to his place, and when I tried to get closer, he squirmed like an eagle owl. We made love one more time and he froze again at the end. Nothing since then. We hug, kiss, but nothing else."

    Andrzej clenched his fists, not noticing that Paulina''s fingers were squeezed in them.

    "Why can''t I help him? Why is it getting worse? I thought that with love and tenderness I would chase away bad memories from him, but it is not. There''s something in him, and I don''t know what and I don''t know how to get there to get it out of him."

    "You will, for sure."

    "So why is he pulling away from me instead of getting closer?"

    There was a silence as they both devoted themselves to their thoughts.

    "Maybe ... he''s dirty?" Paulina asked softly.

    "What?"

    "You know, dirty, unclean. I saw in some movie how a r*ped girl couldn''t meet her boyfriend''s eyes. She felt so unworthy to be with him that¡­ But this is probably not the best example."

    "Paulina!" growled Andrzej, feeling the terror overwhelming him.

    "The man who kidnapped him (let that bastard foul in hell) took something from him. He used him, maybe he dehumanized him in some way, so ... maybe Dominik feels inferior? Not good enough."

    "This is absurd! He is just as wonderful a person as ever! Nothing has changed!"

    "Maybe in your eyes, but in his? In the eyes of others?"

    "Almost nobody knows about what happened."

    "He knows. And you. And now me too. Maybe the doctor knows. Policeman."

    "I understand what you''re talking about, but he knows it doesn''t matter to me! I told him that! "

    "Maybe he knows, or maybe he is subconsciously afraid that it''s not true or that you will change your mind."

    "I''ll never do this! Never!"

    Andrzej himself was surprised by the enthusiasm with which he spoke it. He was usually calmer and more balanced. Is it Dominik that causes such turbulent emotions in him?

    Paulina smiled happy at him.

    "You convinced me," she said, "now just convince his reluctant, incomprehensible subconscious."

    "But how?"

    "Just be there and love him. I think it will really help him over time."

    ***

    Dominik woke up drenched in sweat.

    He was afraid, he was very afraid. This dream ...

    Like a cat, he curled up in his large, empty bed. He missed Andrzej, wanted to hug him, even to touch him, but he was unable to invite him to his bed. He loved him like a madman, but he couldn''t get addicted to him. Andrzej had to work, meet people, lead an active life and not be tied to him. It wasn''t love to take over someone completely. His lover had to have space and Dominik had to be able to endure several hours without him.

    Only this dream...

    How much time has passed? Two or three weeks after that terrible event? Dominik trusted someone, considered him a friend, and that someone drugged him, abducted him from home and imprisoned him in a concrete basement for three days and made him ...

    The actor shuddered. It is true that he turned off most of his emotions and even part of his consciousness, he turned the body into an empty shell without his self, but¡­ he could not do it completely. The memories remained, suppressed, deliberately distorted by his defending mind, but still present and flooded him more and more. That touch was so disgusting ...

    Dominik was suffering. He knew he should deal with his demons himself, that he shouldn''t burden anyone with them, but he felt that if he didn''t see someone who really cared about him right now, something inside him would break and it wouldn''t be glued together.

    No, not someone Andrzej.

    It was different from what Marek had done to him. He loved Marek in a way and then he belonged to Marek and now he belonged to Andrzej. Nowicki was so brave and so strong. Even when he could not admit that he loved Dominik, ?liwi¨½ski felt his love. The photographer could even assure that he would never love a man, but Dominik simply knew that Andrzej''s actions were more important than Andrzej''s words and deeds, even the small gestures he made always ensured his sincere love.

    It was this warmth and beauty that Dominik needed now so that his heart would not fall into small pieces.

    He got up and walked quietly, barefooted, down the corridor. He shyly opened the door to the photographer''s room and slipped inside. It was dark, but ?liwi¨½ski recognized the shapes of the furniture and the outline of the silhouette lying on the bed. He walked over to her and gently, so as not to wake the sleeping man, found his warm hand.

    "Uhm ... Dominik?"

    The actor wanted to run away, but he was held down by a warm, dear hand. How could he be so careless and wake Andrzej?!

    "I''m sorry!" the actor cried softly. " Go back to sleep."

    "You had a bad dream?" Andrzej asked and his voice sounded very warm.

 Chapter 111 - In Andrzejs Bedroom

    "It''s nothing" Dominik announced, not wanting to disturb the man he loved.

    "Come here to me," the photographer pulled him towards him, and Dominik lost his balance. He fell right into his hot, strong arms. "Do you want me to turn on the light?"

    While it was a shame to admit that a grown man was a little afraid of the dark, Dominik nodded shyly.

    "Only a bedside lamp," he asked. Thanks to this, he will be able to see Andrzej''s facial features.

    Nowicki made the room glow with a faint yellow-orange glow with one move.

    "I said you don''t have to sleep alone," Andrzej reproached him, covering him with a duvet and pressing him tightly against him.

    "I have to. I am too weak, too little independent. All I can do is worry those I love. "

    "Nonsense" muttered indignant Nowicki, gently caressing his hair. "Everyone needs a second person sometimes. We are a gregarious species after all."

    "Yeah, but¡­ I don''t want to be a victim all the time. I do not want to naively allow myself to be exploited."

    "So I am using you?"

    "No!" Dominik did not understand how Andrzej could even think that way. "You the only one in my life, you never wanted anything from me!"

    "It''s not true."

    "No?"

    "I want you to let me be with you in everything. Especially in pain. I want you to trust me."

    "I trust you! I only trust you, but¡­ I''m afraid I''ll get addicted to you like used to be addicted to Marek. I need to be more independent."

    "You are," Andrzej assured him emphatically. "After what you''ve been through, everyone would have nightmares. Me too. I understand that you want to be strong and independent, but are you sure you''ve chosen the right time for it? You''re not doing it too fast, too suddenly? You should first gather strength and deal with that, and I want to be with you at this time. Therefore, do not turn me down when you suffer. You know that I will always take you into my arms."

    "I know."

    It was true. Since Andrzej admitted to himself and Dominik (as it turned out also to Marczak) that he loved him, something changed in him. It is as if the last barrier of his resistance has been broken. Now he hugged the actor in his arms without embarrassment, conveying so much love and warmth to him that ?liwi¨½ski almost cried with happiness. His dream finally came true and Andrzej belonged to him, but the fulfillment of the dream was not that wonderful.

    It''s not that something was wrong with Nowicki. He was completely flawless, the problem was Dominik himself. The memories of the days he had been held in his head were too tight. Even the abrasions on his hands did not fully heal, leaving marks. And yet everything was supposed to be different. Everything was supposed to be like in a fairy tale. Meanwhile, the demon came and ...

    Dominik remembered how stressed and exhausted Andrzej was when he saw him after all these days. He realized how much he had grown into the life of this wonderful man, and although he was touched and happy that someone loved him so much, he could not bear the thought that Nowicki was suffering so much. If Dominik had been stronger then, he would not have become a victim of Werner so easily and he would not have worried Andrzej. Therefore, now he had to do everything to become stronger physically and mentally. He cannot rely on Nowicki constantly, because that will not do any good to any of them.

    Andrzej stroked his head with extraordinary tenderness. He was way too understanding for him, too good. Dominik felt guilty about it.

    "Why didn''t you ask for anything?" he said in a broken voice. "Why don''t you ask who did this to me?"

    "Because I know," Andrzej replied softly, tenderly.

    "What do you know?"

    "I know everything. We got him while you were in the hospital, me and my friend, the one from the cabin. The fucker confessed to everything."

    "Yes?" Dominik asked fearfully. "So you know ... what he was doing with me?"

    "I know that you have been as relentless as a bull, that despite all the efforts you have never come."

    Dominik hid his face in the pillow. He felt embarrassed hearing these words from Andrzej''s mouth. Werner called what he was doing to him an endearment. Under normal circumstances it would have been caresses, but it was not normal, and Dominik could have put it all in one word - torture. Fortunately, in his twisted mind, Werner was such a perfect miracle that he didn''t even pay close attention to what he was doing, and the reluctance and disgust with which Dominik treated him made him increasingly clumsy.

    "No, I would not blame you if you came, after all you are just a guy and the body can react to stimuli, but if all these toys didn''t make ..."

    "Shut up," asked Dominik despairingly. He was so embarrassed!

    "Why? Ah, sorry, I didn''t think I was bringing back bad memories ..."

    "No, that''s not the point. But it''s¡­ embarrassing," ?liwi¨½ski explained with difficulty. How could he talk to Andrzej about the fact that when they were together another man... Dominik had to change the subject, so he asked a question that bothered him a lot. "What did you do with him?"

    "Nothing," sighed Andrzej. "He looked so shabby that I hardly recognized him and decided that there was no point in doing anything. He looked like a living dead. But just say one word and Werner will end up with the police. Or in the Vistula."

    "No!" Dominik objected. The mere thought that the matter might become known to the public was terrible. Suddenly, the last part of Andrzej''s speech reached him. "How is it ''in the Vistula''?!" He asked.

    "You''re right, it''s a shame about this beautiful river, such rubbish."

    "It''s not that ... You''re kidding me!" Dominik was indignant.

    "Just a little," admitted Nowicki. "If you wanted to, I would have killed him, but you are too good to want revenge. But the police ... "

    "No. I don''t want media coverage. And he ... I think the most painful thing for him was that he couldn''t satisfy me," said Dominik a bit proudly, but blushing up to his ears.

    "This makes me unique on a global scale" Andrzej kissed his hair causing a pleasant shiver in ?liwi¨½ski.

    Only he, Dominik thought, only his closeness and touch can make my body come alive. My Andrzej.

    He moved closer to Nowicki and kissed him on the lips. He wanted to blend into him completely, to merge into one being that no one would ever be able to separate into two again.

    "I love you" he heard the most wonderful words in the world and felt Andrzej''s knee pressing between his thighs.

    Dominik suddenly froze.

    Andrzej''s movement was not intrusive, yet it caused an unpleasant white emptiness in ?liwi¨½ski''s mind. It''s not that Nowicki''s touch was unpleasant, on the contrary, but the actor''s body stiffened.

    "Take it easy" he heard a dear, sweet voice and felt Andrzej withdraw his knee. "Everything at your own pace."

    "Forgive me¡­"

    "Don''t you dare to apologize to me. The relationship is not all about sex."

    "But¡­"

    Nowicki slowly shook his head.

    "There is not any ''but''. I love you. I love you exactly as you are and we really don''t have to keep making love like cats in March."

    ?liwi¨½ski felt tears in his eyes. He knew about it, he knew that Andrzej finally reciprocated his feeling that he had done everything to make Dominik feel safe and good with him, the more he was tormented by the thought that since the abduction he had problems with physical rapprochement. It is true that they had sex twice since then, and they both received fulfillment, but at some point something knocked in Dominik''s head as if it were some kind of a latch and the actor suddenly froze. Sometimes it happened during caresses and then it ended with caresses, sometimes only after intercourse, but often as soon as he realized that they would make love to each other.

    The latter was more and more frequent.

    And that was one of the main reasons Dominik didn''t want Andrzej in his bed. He felt ashamed that despite the closeness of his beloved man, he was increasingly frightened by the thought of sex. He had seduced him, he made him fell in love with Dominik, and now he was unable to satisfy him.

    "I should get back to myself ..." ?liwi¨½ski tried to get up.

    "Stay, please," he felt Andrzej''s hand on his wrist.

    "Leave it!" Dominik broke free, causing surprise in his lover''s eyes, but Dominik himself was terrified by his violent reaction. "I''m sorry!"

    He couldn''t bear it. He couldn''t bear the thought that the touch of the man he loved made him react like that. He ran to his room.

    Andrzej did not follow him. He didn''t even shout behind him.

    ''Why is this happening? Why do I reject the one I love? ''Dominik desperately threw himself on the bed.

 Chapter 112 - Every Problem Can Be Fixed

    "It cannot be that way anymore," said Andrzej firmly, standing over Dominik, who was reading the newspaper. The actor swallowed. "You need to talk to someone about this. No matter with whom. With me, with a psychologist, hell, even with Marczak, but you have to talk to someone about it."

    The very thought of opening his mouth to someone and talking about all the pain he was feeling, all his fears, was excruciating. How could he just tell someone about all that was in his head and heart? How could he talk about all this darkness and all this fear?

    "I can''t" ?liwi¨½ski lowered his eyes. "I can not."

    "You have to" pressed Andrzej and Dominik shuddered. He was not afraid of Andrzej, he was not afraid that this wonderful man would do something to him, but he was afraid that he would be a disappointment for him. "I watch you all the time. It''s getting worse."

    "I''m sorry, I ..."

    "Goddamn it, stubborn, don''t you understand you''re hurting yourself? Nightmares, fear of sex and some kind of guilt drawn from God knows where. It breaks my heart to see you suffer and I can''t help you!"

    There was desperation in Andrzej''s voice and Dominik felt so guilty that he led him to such a state.

    "Sorry," he replied helplessly.

    "For what do I need your apology? Do you think they''ll help me when you get depressed or other shit? I don''t want your apology, I want you. Dominik" Andrzej knelt in front of ?liwi¨½ski and took his hands "please."

    The actor bit his lower lip.

    He didn''t want to talk to anyone about it, wasn''t ready, just like that. The nightmare he''s gone through, all the dirty disgusting things that have been don to him¡­ He didn''t want to call it another name, but the truth was, he had started to see himself how bad it was and that it was getting worse. He was afraid to talk to people, but he was even more afraid that he was hurting Andrzej. And if he goes on like this, if he pushes him away more and more and more violently, he will lose him. It wasn''t even about sex anymore. It started with Nowicki''s good heart and friendship, and on this they built their relationship, but if Dominik treats him as an enemy, one day Andrzej will get fed up with it and he will simply leave. And in the condition he was in now, Dominik would not bear the loss.

    At this point, ?liwi¨½ski had no real choice - he had to fulfill Andrzej''s wish and talk to someone.

    "Tarkowska" the actor made a decision.

    "Tarkowska? This doctor? She is not a psychologist ... "

    "I trust her. He''s a good doctor and... she knows about us. About everything. She did not judge. She helped us meet. I think I could talk to her."

    Nowicki was so relieved that he exhaled loudly.

    "Thank you. Really. I will arrange a meeting with her."

    ***

    Dominik was not one of those people who would easily impose themselves on others, but doctor Edyta Tarkowska herself encouraged him to report to her if he was in such need. During the five days he was in the hospital. Edyta looked after him in all aspects. She was only his attending physician, yet she ruthlessly suppressed all rumors and curious looks on the ward and allowed Andrzej to exceed the permitted visiting hours on her own responsibility. She was no one important in these hospitals, but it looked like she had said a word or two to her colleagues and maybe even to the head physician. Dominik knew, however, that she had not revealed his secret.

    The young actor did not understand why the medical staff, led by Tarkowska, treated him so well. Besides, he didn''t try to understand it. He was very weak physically and mentally and was just glad to get out of that nightmare. He was glad to finally see Andrzej again.

    Edyta Tarkowska seemed to understand this and treated Dominik more like a younger brother in need of care than like a famous person or an ordinary patient. As a result, ?liwi¨½ski felt more relaxed and obediently submitted himself to treatment.

    When he was leaving the hospital, Tarkowska said that if he had any questions, he could always find her, although in her opinion he should see another specialist, like psychologist. Dominik was grateful to her, but he was not going to take advantage of any of her suggestions or offers. He was just going to forget. He did not expect that, under the influence of Andrzej, he would have to ask someone for help.

    They weren''t in her office. They were sitting in the hospital cafe. Tarkowska hugged the latte mug with both hands.

    "I am not a psychologist," she continued, "but I know that victims of violence, especially sexual abuse, often have problems re-establishing a normal relationship, especially with the person they are in a relationship with." Reasons can be different - fear of getting hurt again, traumatic memories, feeling dirty, feeling guilty... It''s not unusual."

    The awareness that others were experiencing something similar, that it was even frequent, did not comfort Dominik at all. This meant that his fears and reactions were not individual, random delusions, but an actual problem.

    "And can... be cured of it?" Dominik asked hopefully and fearfully. He was counting on an affirmative answer, but he was afraid that he would be sentenced to incurability.

    "Of course," she assured him with a reassuring smile. "A lot depends on the depth of the relationship you have with your partner. I will not give you any specific method, because that really should be done by a specialist. You should meet him together as a couple ..."

    Dominik closely began to feel fear and resentment. Tarkowska must have noticed this because she immediately added:

    "Relax, Dominik, it''s not a compulsion, it''s a possibility. The point is that couple relationship healing should be done in a couple, preferably under the supervision of an experienced guide who will ask you the right questions. But there are some things you can try to do yourself. Do you love your partner? Do you trust him?"

    "Completely" ?liwi¨½ski assured without hesitation. He never trusted anyone like Andrzej, but ...

    "Then talk to him. Just with him. Just like that, honestly."

    "I don''t want him to think I''m afraid of him. If he does, not wanting to hurt me, he will move away from me."

    "Are you afraid of him or that he will abandon you? When you push him away, are you afraid that he is a real, physical threat to you or that at some point he will discover that there is something wrong with you and then go away?"

    "How do you know?" ?liwi¨½ski asked in surprise and suddenly blushed as he realized the truth. "This is a typical symptom, isn''t it?"

    "Unfortunately, yes," she nodded. "Victims of violence, whether it''s physical, psychological, internet hate or otherwise, start to think badly of themselves. They start to feel guilty and think there is something wrong with them. The truth is, they aren''t a hair inferior to who they were or other people. Objectively looking, and in the eyes of loved ones, they are just as good, but they don''t see it. This is what is so terrible about violence. This fear causes you to move away from your loved one in order to avoid this kind of pain. You have experienced a nightmare that in your own eyes has changed you, made you worse, although it is not so, but you are afraid that Andrzej will see it and walk away. By not wanting to be rejected, you reject him."

    Yes, Dominik felt this way, but there was a mistake in Tarkowska''s words, in her thinking. After all, Dominik really was handicapped and yet he did not reject Andrzej, he really wanted to be with him ...

    "No, I don''t ..." he began to explain to her, but fell silent. I guess he does.

    "I don''t know if it will cheer you up, but you''re not the only one with this problem. Even without such transitions, people fear rejection. Being abandoned is no fun, and often couples break up precisely because this fear creeps in between them. It''s just that you''ve been a little more scared of him lately because you''ve had a very bad experience. I assume you are also afraid of intimate closeness?"

    He blushed. It was almost taboo for him to talk about such an intimate topic.

    "Yes," he stammered in embarrassment. "You know what he did with me ..." Not Andrzej, the other one, when he kidnapped him, undressed him, tied him to the bed. He hoped Tarkowska would understand who he was talking about.

    "You think Andrzej can do the same to you? Afraid he won''t listen when you say no? No, you don''t have to answer. I work in the ER so I see all kinds of cases. Similar to yours. Worse. Something as beautiful as love and sex suddenly becomes stripped of its beauty. Dirty. It''s not easy to go back to what it was. You have to build everything from scratch. You want it, don''t you?"

 Chapter 113 - The Fears Of Love

    "Of course!" he assured. "And no, I''m not afraid that Andrzej will do something like that to me."

    But he also trusted Marek completely, and Marek not only cheated on him, but also attacked him, and then sold him for a role in the film ...

    He also trusted Werner, who kidnapped him and made ...

    But here it is about Andrzej! - a policeman warned him against Andrzej, saying that Nowicki is not as clean as he seems.

    Is Dominik really subconsciously afraid that Andrzej will want to hurt him in this way?

    No! It is impossible!

    All the situations in which they found themselves together ran through the head of the young actor. Andrzej was strong, determined, tough. He could use violence, he could be adamant, but he had never done anything that would harm Dominik. Marcus showed such signs, but the inexperienced Dominic was unable to interpret them. Werner surprised him completely, but ?liwi¨½ski did not allow him to enter the intimate zone and the trust between them was not of that nature. Andrzej was capable of violence, he was capable of anger, but he had a chivalrous nobility that would not allow him to just hurt someone. Even Werner was left alone, not satisfying Andrzej''s thirst for revenge. So how could he want to hurt Dominik?

    No never! It is just against Andrzej''s character.

    "Andrzej is very important to me," assured Dominik, "and I can''t imagine him wanting to hurt me physically. Or mentally. I don''t know what I''ll do if I lose him."

    "Why would you lose him?" Tarkowska asked, and only now did the actor begin to realize what his real fear was.

    "Because I ..." he clenched his hands on his coffee cup. "I am¡­"

    "Finish."

    "I ..." it was so hard. "I really am a defect. Damaged."

    "You really think so?"

    "Yes. I know, you said that victims of violence often think badly of themselves, but it was not the first ... "

    "It wasn''t the first time?"

    Dominik saw the terror and pity in her eyes. He hated when people looked at him like that. It was these looks that made him see himself as inferior. Looks that say ''you are so poor, unhappy, clumsy...''

    "Don''t look at me like that," he said, fighting the temptation to walk away from the table. After all, he promised Andrzej that he would try to solve his problem, that he would talk to someone. Since he had come so far with Tarkowska, he did not want to start over with another person, because she would probably look at him the same way.

    "Sorry, I didn''t mean to. And he, Andrzej? How does he feel about you?"

    Dominik shook his head.

    "He just fell in love with me and has yet to discover that I am defective. But when that happens, he will leave me, and I won''t be able to breathe without him because he has become as necessary to me as air."

    "You can''t live in constant fear. Nobody can. Dominik, you are very handsome and since I had the pleasure to know you a little, I know that you are also a very valuable person. It looks like you''ve had some really tough experiences behind you, more than I thought, but you''ve overcome the earlier ones, and you''ll beat these too. I don''t know why you view yourself in such a negative way, but ... it didn''t occur to you that everyone has some complexes? Even Andrzej?"

    "He''s perfect," the young actor shook his head. No matter how hard he tried, he could not imagine any fault with Andrzej.

    "In your eyes. And in his?"

    ?liwi¨½ski stared at the liquid in the cup. He remembered all the times Andrzej said to him: "You taught me to love." He did not pay much attention to it, because for him Nowicki was an ideal - brave, composed, firm, masculine, and at the same time incredibly caring and warm - and ideals cannot have complexes.

    Or maybe they can?

    He looked up at Tarkowska. The doctor smiled warmly at him. Oddly, she was so little older than him, and seemed much more experienced in life, and was definitely very smart.

    "So what should I do?" he asked, not with desperation but with determination. He really wanted to be with Andrzej as before this incident, when their relationship was full of erotic tension and a certain lightness.

    "Hmm, I don''t know. If it were me, I would tell him everything. Of course, I would be very afraid of losing him, but I wouldn''t be able to live in fear all the time, I just wouldn''t be able to do it, so I would like to face reality and get it over with."

    "And if ..." the very thought of the breakup was too painful for him to think to the end. Tarkowska, however, seemed to have read it.

    "There is such a possibility, but you know what? I think it will be okay. I don''t know Andrzej very well, but from what I''ve noticed he is very intelligent. He''s probably well aware of your flaws and accepts them anyway. He accepts you."

    Right, the actor thought. After all, Andrzej was associated with him, he knew all his experiences. He knew about his experiences with Marczak. He must have realized there was something wrong with Dominic to attract people with such brutal inclinations.

    Not people. Human. Only one, only Marek. One man is the exception, two are the introduction to the rule. So then ...

    But Werner ...

    Werner was a crazy fan, not a part of his life. Dominik did not get involved with him. Many movie and song stars have fans who should end up in a mental hospital, and it wasn''t the artists'' fault, but that some couldn''t tell reality from delusions, like Werner. Who knows how many artists in the world have suffered from such a misunderstood love and, like him, remained silent, fearing the reaction of the environment and fans. Werner was therefore a professional risk, not a blemish on the character of a young actor.

    However, Tarkowska was right. Dominik will not stand this fear for long. He already felt that the fear of abandonment, of losing Andrzej, was starting to cloud his mind. If he lets it continue, he will accidentally hurt the one he loved most in the world.

    So he had no choice. He had to bring about a confrontation.

    ***

    The taxi driver, as usual, dropped him off at the very gate of the property. Dominik paid for the course and looked at the dark windows of his house. It was only 4:30 p.m., but in winter it was getting dark so quickly that it sometimes seemed as if the day did not exist at all. Heavy, gray clouds in the sky, which threatened with rain, did not improve the mood of the actor who was facing a difficult, very important conversation.

    He entered the empty house and turned on the light. He was just taking off his shoes when someone got up from the couch.

    "Andrzej?" ?liwi¨½ski exclaimed in surprise. "I thought you were at work!"

    "I left early. Mrs. Janka, doesn''t mind as long as I''m doing my job."

    "Why are you sitting in the dark?"

    Nowicki shrugged his shoulders.

    "I didn''t notice when it got dark. I think I fell asleep. "

    Dominik smiled warmly. Andrzej''s hair was actually messy, as if he had turned his head several times on the pillow. Only there was no pillow on the couch.

    "Did you sleep well?"

    "Not really. I have the feeling that I heard every car passing by."

    Something jumped in ?liwi¨½ski''s heart. Andrzej had such a restless nap? Why?

    "Trouble at work?" he asked timidly.

    "I didn''t want to miss your return. You didn''t let me drive you, but I couldn''t help it that ... I was worried about you ..."

    The strategy that had been constructed for the entire journey collapsed in ruins. Dominik stared at the handsome face of the man he loved and who had always been there for him and with him, from the first moment they met. Only real friend. The only man to whom he could always tell anything, and he was there for him. Always, so why now...? Suddenly he felt his eyes wet. Fear, uncertainty, love, gratitude, and guilt flooded him in a great, nervous river.

    "Andrzej, it''s all sitting inside me and I can''t get rid of it. What Marczak did to me, how he enslaved and betrayed me. How Werner lied to me and used. There is something wrong with me, since I trigger such behavior in people."

    "Are you afraid that I will do that too?"

    "No. Yes. I do not know. No. You wouldn''t hurt me that way, never, but ... I must be broken, flawed. Eventually you will see it and you will go away and I will be left alone, heartbroken. And I won''t survive this anymore. And it scares me because I know I''m just as crazy about you as Werner or Marczak is with mine. And you are too good, too beautiful to endure such a madman..."

 Chapter 114 - The Sacrifices Of Love

    "My crazy you, I love you for that" Andrzej was already smiling at him. Dominik could barely see him through the tears of emotions bubbling up in him. "You don''t think I feel the same way about you? Sometimes I just want to lock you in my arms and never let go. I am afraid that in my obsession with you I will become just like them."

    "No, you will never... How can you even think that? You are a good man, without a hint of selfishness, not like them," Dominik assured fervently.

    "For sure? You see, I am so afraid that I will lose you, that you will abandon me, that you will push me away, that I almost lose my mind. It wasn''t like that before, but since you started to move away from me..."

    "So ... are we afraid of the same thing, just the opposite?" Dominik was amazed because he felt exactly the same.

    Andrzej thought for a moment.

    "Exactly," he nodded. "Look, if you don''t want to make love to me, we don''t have to. Life is not limited to sex."

    "It''s not like that. I really want you, and when I think about you, I ... you know¡­"

    " You get an erection?"

    "You didn''t have to say it! Only when I am with you and you take the initiative... Tarkowska said that it was common in such cases, that I was subconsciously afraid that you would want to take away from me the opportunity to say ''no''. I know that you will not do it, I trust you, but my subconscious mind remembers those events too much and ... "

    "Then I have an idea. You will tie me to the bed and you will be in full control of the situation. What do you think?"

    Dominik remembered himself in such a situation, his helplessness, his enslavement ... He put Andrzej in his place and felt a shiver full of reluctance.

    "I couldn''t do this to you!"

    "Hey, don''t be so scared! You''re not gonna hurt me. We''ll just play a little. I have never done this, but I want to try it. I want you to be in full control."

    Full control? But¡­ Dominik took a deep breath.

    The idea was strange. Very. But if Andrzej wants to try, they will. He never thought his lover would have desires like that, but he has them, they will try. Dominik will do anything not to lose him. And this time, he would not let fear take over him.

    He had too much to lose.

    ***

    It really was something new for him. For both of them, Andrzej corrected quickly. He himself was excited about the whole situation, but when he handed Dominik the tie with which he was supposed to tie him to the bed, he sensed that the actor was shaking.

    "Take it easy," he said to him with a warm smile. "Everything is in your hands. Don''t go further than you like. If you decide you don''t want to do anything, just don''t. Okay?"

    ?liwi¨½ski nodded. His tiny hands trembled as he bound Andrzej''s wrists together and tied him to the bed. Nowicki did not expect much from the whole situation. Dominik was too nervous to achieve fulfillment.

    Neither of them were naked. Aside from the shoes, they were fully dressed. It was Andrzej''s idea. Dominik could do anything in this situation - to bare only him and to stay safely dressed himself, to undress both of them or to play through his clothes. The decision was entirely up to him.

    "If you want to stop, you have to tell me. Got it?" ?liwi¨½ski asked in a quite serious tone.

    "I will," replied Andrzej. Dominik''s tone would have amused him were it not for the realization that so recently the actor was tied to the bed and forced to have sex despite the protests. "Don''t worry, if this is you, everything will be a pleasure."

    ?liwi¨½ski started. Did he remember that he had once spoken almost identical words to Andrzej?

    Nowicki moved his wrists slightly.

    "Not too tight?" Dominik asked anxiously.

    "No. It is just right."

    The knot was actually too loose, but his lover was so afraid of hurting him that he wouldn''t tell him. After all, it''s not like he was going to spring up and take control. It wasn''t BDSM. Okay, a bit of B, a bit of D, but SM - Dominik will never dare to do that. Not that Andrzej would like them.

    Andrzej knew that after what Dominik had gone through, an intimate rapprochement might not be easy for him. He was prepared for it, and yet he suffered. Not because he wanted to have sex with him (yes, that too), but mainly because of the sadness in ?liwi¨½ski''s eyes. Dominik, like almost every guy, liked sex and so far, when they were together, he had a real pleasure in it. Both of them were doing very well. The thought that someone had tainted this part of his life, took away the intimacy of intimacy and made sex no longer a pleasure for the actor and a cause for stress made him want to do everything to restore his joy of making love. He searched dozens of websites with advice on this subject and found somewhere that a little bondage and letting a female partner (in this case, a male partner) take over total domination, can make her (him) regain confidence and pleasure from the experience. If there was even the slightest chance that it would help, Andrzej was ready for anything.

    Especially that there was actually something excitingly spicy in the fact that none other than Dominik ?liwi¨½ski himself ties him to the bed.

    "Shit, Dominik," he said, shaking his hips restlessly, "you haven''t done anything yet, and I already want you."

    The actor blushed but also smiled and looked in the direction of Andrzej''s fly, where the hill was slowly beginning to appear.

    "You''re quick," he observed sarcastically.

    "It''s all your fault. You''re too sexy."

    "I am?"

    "You''re the only guy I let myself be touched like that."

    Suddenly Dominik''s eyelids fluttered.

    "You mean the others tried?"

    "Old history" Andrzej blushed. He felt that he was acting terrible stupidity.

    Nowicki had no idea what his lover was thinking, but the proud expression on his face as he straddled his hips made him anxious.

    "What?" he asked ?liwi¨½ski, not really knowing if he wanted to know the answer.

    "So the dear Mr. Nowicki was hit on by guys and what, never anything?"

    "Of course not," he assured him, offended.

    "You were never even curious?"

    "Never."

    "So how did you end up tied up in my bed and your penis just thinking about what I will do with it can''t sit still?"

    "Still asking? Maybe you will get off me so kindly?" He moved restlessly but the knot did not allow him much.

    Dominik leaned over him and, bringing his face close to his, whispered:

    "I''m so happy."

    "Uhm ..." Andrzej wanted to answer him, but his sweet mouth gagged him. Is it possible? Was Dominik really happy?

    "I seduced a wonderful specimen of a man," the actor joked, releasing his lips. "In addition, I did something that others have tried unsuccessfully."

    "Don''t make fun of me."

    "I''m not kidding. Well, maybe a little. But it''s only because I love you so much. And I know you love me. You even let me tie you."

    "It''s not a big deal," he blushed.

    "For me - very much. It''s like sacrificing yourself for me."

    "Well, I don''t know. It is even quite exciting. But also annoying. I would like to embrace you and play a little with you, and I must lie down like a tied pig at your mercy. Shit," he cursed.

    "What is it?"

    "You''re really not going to get down to business? Will you let me suffer like this?"

    "Actually ..."

    "What exactly?"

    "Actually, I can''t ... stand like this anymore." Why does this shirt have so many buttons?" he got irritated attacking Andrzej''s clothes.

    Nowicki gasped. Dominik, in complete control, took possession of his torso and nipples. He was still straddling him, so when he leaned over to caress him, his stomach scrubbed against Andrzej''s underbelly, producing an obvious effect.

    Dominik himself seemed more and more relaxed. I guess he found out that the whole station is not at all unpleasant for Nowicki - after all, he had hard evidence for it. The actor''s movements were smoother and his breathing was faster. He reacted particularly well to every groan of pleasure given by Andrzej.

    "Oh, Dominik, you are ..." he couldn''t finish, because his mouth was filled with a soft cry of surprise and a little pain. Dominik bit his nipple!

    The actor breathed heavily and ran his hand over Nowicki''s fly to check the effect of the new game. The effect was undeniable.

    "I thought so," he muttered, and dug his nails into his chest.

    But something was wrong. His breathing was too fast, too heavy, as if he was being driven not by excitement but some form of fear. Andrzej felt anxiety - not for himself, these bites and scratches were nothing severe - about his lover, who gave the impression that he was about to have some kind of attack.

 Chapter 115 - Tenderness Of Love And Guilt Of Love

    "Dominik, look at my eyes," Andrzej asked. "Dominik ..."

    The actor did it reluctantly. But when Andrzej looked at those two angry blue stars, he bit his lip painfully. He saw their confusion and impending panic in them.

    He had to do something, whatever, bring his lover back to his former, relaxed state.

    "I love you," Nowicki continued. "I love you like a madman and I can see that something is wrong. Tell me the truth."

    "I¡­" he turned his head. Lost, ashamed, as if caught in some sin.

    "Dominik, tell me ..."

    "I don''t like it," he finally blurted. "I don''t want to take advantage of you."

    "Then don''t do it. After all, I told you to do only what you want to do."

    "But ..." the actor blushed up to his ears and looked down. "You like it."

    What a darling little idiot!

    "I like everything you do with me," he announced with a warm smile. "But what I like the most is having you in my arms, caressing, hugging and kissing every bit of your skin. That all" he wiggled his bound hands "this game was just meant to make you feel more confident. I have no such fantasies or needs at all."

    "But he¡­"

    "He is reacting to you moron, not to the game."

    Andrzej did not even notice the moment when Dominik threw himself on his chest. Literally in a fraction of a second, the actor was lying on it like a fly to the honeycomb. He wanted to embrace him, but his tied hands did not allow him to do so. All he could do now was lie down and whisper in his lover''s ear.

    "You are the most important to me," he said. "It''s been like this since I met you, although it wasn''t love then, at least not like that. I guess. Ever since I had my first word with you face to face, I couldn''t think of anything but your happiness. You keep saying that I never want anything from you. It''s not true. I am a terrible egotist because I want your happiness from you. I am a terrible egotist, but the only real pleasure for me is that you are happy. Therefore, remember, do not do anything that can upset you. I love you so much it hurts."

    Dominik got up without a word and took off his clothes. Nowicki saw his slim torso regain its elasticity, as if Dominik had started spending time in his home gym again. His arms were still not as flexible as they used to be, slowly regaining their firmness and strength. The belly was smooth as always, and so were the hips and thighs. Andrzej saw that the actor''s member reacted to the nudity and the proximity of their bodies. It is true that it was just beginning to rise, but Nowicki was glad that Dominik was still excited. The actor straddled it again, but reached for his tie and untied it.

    "Maybe someday," he announced. "Right now, I want your arms the most. Not erotic fun, real¡­ closeness."

    "And here we are unanimous" Andrzej smiled radiantly and embraced him tenderly, warmly, with all the love of his heart.

    It''s not that sex was completely unimportant, but he loved Dominik not for the fun and pleasure they gave each other in bed. He loved him because he was sweet, shy, naive and gentle, but extremely brave and strong. He was his fairy-tale princess to protect, but most of all someone who answered his heart''s need to have someone.

    So Andrzej caressed him slowly and tenderly, constantly remembering to include in every movement of his hands and his mouth as much hot feeling as he could. Soon Dominik returned the caress with the same hot emotions that began to burn their bodies. The love that contained not only reigns but most of all the sincere desire for the happiness of the other person made them burn. Time has lost its meaning. They didn''t know the place anymore. They made love with a passionate tenderness they had never experienced before.

    ***

    Since Dominik''s abduction, Andrzej did not like the actor opening the door. ?liwi¨½ski said, however, that he would not allow that event to take over his life and when the intercom was heard he got up, gave Nowicki an expressive look and went to answer it.

    ?Franciszek Werner to Dominik ?liwi¨½ski. I humbly ask for a conversation. I am Maciej''s grandfather."

    At the mere mention of the man who abducted him, the young actor froze and his heart began to beat unpleasantly fast. He really wished he never heard of this man again.

    But now Dominik was looking at the serious face of the man who looked as if he was approaching ninety years of age. The old man was still quite straight, except that he was propping himself up on a wooden cane.

    Maciej''s grandfather, thought ?liwi¨½ski. What could he possibly want?

    Dominik felt an aversion to this man''s grandson, not to him, so he answered politely.

    "Please, come in."

    The old man paced the space between the gate and the house as slowly as if it were a kilometer. Dominik, who was waiting for him in the doorway, felt a stronger pound of his heart and greater anxiety with each of his steps.

    What could this man want from him? Why does he know his address?

    Mr. Werner climbed the steps and looked up at him.

    "It''s you! It is really you, in person!" he said.

    He was old and brittle. Up close, he looked worse than first impressions showed. He had sunken cheeks with liver spots and watery eyes. What could he possibly want?

    "Please," the actor let him in.

    Andrzej got up from the couch. He was as confused by the old man''s visit as Dominik.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, I won''t take much of your time," the old man announced as soon as the door closed behind him. "I beg you, please forgive my grandson. He... he can''t live with guilt. He tried to kill himself."

    The words struck more suddenly than the lightning bolt from the blue. The news was absolutely shocking. Dominik blinked his eyelids, not sure if he heard it right.

    "Well," Andrzej suddenly interjected, without any pity and without any understanding for the pain of the old man, who was talking about his grandson''s suicide attempt. "I wish he could have made it."

    "Andrzej!"

    Dominik was surprised by his outburst no less than the information from the old man. He glared at Nowicki, but that didn''t help. The photographer was furious.

    "Do you know what your grandson did to this innocent man? Do you know? How dare you ask Dominik for anything?"

    "Andrzej, stop it! I am sorry, Mr. Werner..."

    Yes, Maciej did terrible things, but that was no reason to vent his anger on this weak old man.

    "No," the old man cut him off firmly. "Your friend has a right to be angry. After Maciej tried to kill himself, he explained everything to me. I humbly apologize for his actions. They are unforgivable, and yet¡­ And yet he is my grandson. My only surviving descendant. It is true that he deserved a punishment, a terrible but just punishment, but probably not death? Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, I am begging you... "

    Franciszek Werner clung to his hand. There were tears in his eyes. Dominik wanted to free himself from this sobbing old man, but he was unable to shake him away. After all, this old man came to ask for grace. His, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski. He begged him with tears in his eyes for mercy... How strange that was!

    "Let''s sit down. Please." Dominik felt strange, insecure, but somehow he had to get through this sudden situation. "Will you bring us some water?" asked Andrzej.

    Nowicki furrowed his eyebrows but without a word made the request and set the glasses filled with mineral water in front of them.

    "Relax, Mr. Werner. Please."

    "My God, you really are not an ordinary man," said the old man, staring at him. "I didn''t understand my grandson, his obsession with you, but now..." he shook his head.

    "Please, have a drink and calm down," Dominik handed him a glass of water. He did not understand what the old man meant. Maybe it wasn''t really he who was talking, but some old disease that confused his mind?

    "My grandson has always been a very sensitive child. Extremely gifted. He had a wonderful, vivid imagination that he cultivated like a garden. He has always had a weakness for things that are extraordinarily beautiful - flowers, poetry, even people. He built his own worlds and stories around them. My son and daughter-in-law were not, however, one of those people who would flatter his talents. He did not have an easy childhood with them and maybe that is why he ran away into the world of fantasy. He always wrote such beautiful stories ... Seven years ago, when he was graduating from high school, he became obsessed with you. He bought all the posters with you, he was in the cinema so many times that he probably spent all his pocket money on tickets. I thought it was no big deal. You were so popular back then that almost every teenager was constantly chattering about you. Each generation has its idol, its star. Maciej said that you inspired him to take up film and chose a film school instead of the planned history of art. He was in a boarding school, so I didn''t have constant contact with him, but I should have known something was wrong. I should have noticed something. "

    The old man hid his eyes in his thin hand.

    "Only when I found him when he was putting the noose around his neck..."

 Chapter 116 - Meeting The Devil

    ?liwi¨½ski turned pale. Werner was wearing the noose around his neck? Dominik looked helplessly at Andrzej. What was he supposed to do now? How to behave?

    "Man is not able to choose who to fall in love with or with what force, right?" old Werner asked suddenly, staring his watery eyes at Dominik.

    "But he has no right to trample other people''s feelings at the same time," commented Nowicki firmly.

    Dominik scolded him with a gaze. He understood Andrzej''s fury, he was also upset himself, but that was no reason to torment the old man who had seen his grandson, the only surviving descendant, put the noose around his neck. The sight must have shocked him.

    "I know, I know," replied the old man, "and he understands it too. When he realized what a big mistake he had made, how much his behavior had hurt the man he idolized, he couldn''t bear it and tried to took his life. Even now, I''m afraid to leave him alone at home lest he try again. Mr. ?liwi¨½ski" the old man with difficulty fell to his knees and folded his hands in front of Dominik as if he was praying "I am begging you ..."

    "Get up, for God''s sake!" Dominik started to panic.

    "Not until you agree to forgive my grandson!"

    "This is called blackmail," growled Andrzej. Dominik began to see in his eyes that he was struggling to contain his fury. "You''re just like your messed-up grandson."

    "Andrzej! How dare you?"

    It was bad. The old man did not want to get up from his knees, he did not want to let go of Dominik''s hand, and this behavior only irritated Nowicki more. Andrzej, of course, was right, the young actor felt forced by Maciej''s grandfather, but the distraught old man had no other means of persuasion than pleading.

    "Because it''s true!" Nowicki did not control his voice anymore, but he did not flinch. Thank God, at least there would be no blows. "This man is so worried about his criminal grandson and he won''t even think of you for a moment! Why should you turn into a knight in shining armor and save someone who kidnapped you and tortured you for three days?!"

    "Because I can!" he replied, surprised at his own words. Yes, he could forgive Werner and save his life. It was difficult, it was painful, but it was doable. Therefore, in a gentle voice, he turned to the old man: "Mr. Werner, get up. You came by taxi, right?"

    "Yes," the old man no longer cried. Hope filled his pale eyes. He got up slowly from his knees.

    "Andrzej, I have a request for you ..."

    He didn''t have to say anything. Nowicki gritted his teeth. He was angry, but he was already starting to calm down. Maybe he disapproved of Dominik''s decision, but he respected her. Maybe he understood that a young actor could not do otherwise.

    "All right," Andrzej sighed resignedly. "I''m going to get the car."

    ***

    Nowicki was driving the car while Dominik and old Werner, sitting in the rear seats, had a conversation with each other.

    "My daughter-in-law was very despotic to Maciu?, but when she died, he missed her very much. No wonder, he was only ten at the time. My son was not a father''s role model, but he didn''t have a good example himself. In my youth, and even in middle age, I lived a very lush life. It wasn''t until I started getting sick that I settled down a bit. Maciu? was already a man when I really started paying attention to him. But I have not noticed that his interest in you is so unhealthy. I guess I didn''t think anyone could be so obsessed. Thank you for not bringing an indictment against my grandson."

    "If I did, the matter would become public. I don''t need that kind of publicity."

    "Was that the only reason?"

    "Yes. I would have to go through everything anew, not only in court, but also in the media. I would worry my loved ones and I don''t want that."

    The old man nodded. Andrzej saw it clearly in the rearview mirror. He bit his lip. He was angry with old Werner for his selfishness, with Dominik for his good heart and with himself for allowing Dominik to do whatever he wanted, whether it''s good or bad for him.

    But maybe it wasn''t that bad? ?liwi¨½ski was a sweet idiot who could not blame anyone or be angry about anything. Dominik has already forgiven Maciej Werner, at least as much as he could at that moment. Meeting a man who caused him so much pain will not be easy, but it may allow him to close this nightmare chapter. Maybe such an ending will be something good?

    Nowicki sighed. There were more of his wishful thinking than of real premises, but he knew one thing for sure, had Dominic refused the old man''s request, his conscience would have plagued him more than this whole visit to the Werner house.

    He adjusted the mirror and looked at his lover. Dominik was serious and listened to the story. Knowing his sensitivity, he probably imagined the unhappy childhood of poor little Maciu?. Andrzej smiled sadly. Dominik would not be what he is without his wonderful sensitivity.

    "Is it somewhere here?" Nowicki asked. He slowed down, but it was still hard to read building numbers.

    Werner turned his head to the street.

    "Yes. We''re almost there. Third house on the right. Yes, here it is," he added as Andrzej slowed down even more and flashed his turn signal. "Take me to the yard."

    The yard, huh? I think it''s a park.

    But could he expect something different from a residential district of Warsaw? A beautiful palace instead of a house and a two-hundred-meter-long drive clearly testified that the inhabitants were not poor.

    "Does your grandson know that you came for me?" Dominik asked.

    "No. I think he wants to see you, but knows he has no right. He''s really broken."

    Dominik stared at the floor. He didn''t speak the rest of the way. Andrzej had no idea what his lover was thinking about, but suddenly he found that he wanted to shake his hand.

    In front of the house an older lady dressed in neither a nurse''s apron nor a maid''s uniform waited for them. She helped the old man out of the car and looked at the two young men without surprise as if she were expecting their arrival.

    "This is Magda," Werner introduced her. "She looks after me and the house. Now also my grandson. How is he?"

    "He is calm. He didn''t try any madness."

    "Good." There was a clear relief in the old man''s voice. "Gentlemen," he said to the guests, "let''s go inside, please."

    The house, which looked great from the outside, was not so great on the inside. The furniture in the living room was old but hardly antiquated, and the wallpaper bore clear traces of age. It seemed that the building was too large to be dealt with by a single maid, and the host either did not want to or did not have the resources to take care of its good condition.

    "My grandson''s room is upstairs," said old Werner. "Let''s go."

    He climbed the stairs very slowly, but he made no breaks in his journey. Andrzej, who was walking a few steps behind him with his lover, put his mouth close to Dominik''s ear.

    "Are you sure you want to do this? You don''t have to."

    "I know but¡­"

    "Remember, this time he won''t hurt you. I''m right there."

    "Thank you."

    "It''s here." Werner stood in front of one of the upstairs rooms.

    ***

    It''s about to start, Dominik thought, swallowing. I will see him for the first time since that day...

    He was scared. Not Maciej Werner himself. At that moment, he couldn''t do anything to him. He was afraid of his reaction to the sight of him, of whether he would even be able to look at that face without feeling nauseous and not remembering it all - the lascivious, almost deranged gaze and touch that, despite Werner''s best efforts, could in no way be pleasant.

    The worst part was that the director had no bad intentions. He didn''t want to hurt him. He really loved him in his own way and wanted to prove it to Dominik. It''s terrible that love can turn into something so horrible.

    "Maciu?" the old man knocked on the door. "Maciu?, are you there? You have a visitor."

    "I don''t want to see anyone!"

    "But Maciu? ..." the old man opened the door a crack. Dominik noticed behind them a wall hung with hundreds of colorful cards and a young Werner leaning over the desk.

    "I told you, Grandpa, I didn''t ..." the writer turned and fell silent in mid-word. His face paled to death.

    "Good morning," said Dominik softly. Werner did not react. He hadn''t shaken off the shock yet. "May I come in?"

 Chapter 117 - Dominiks Future

    The director looked at ?liwi¨½ski then at his grandfather as if he did not understand whether he could see well. Dominik thought he had to take the initiative.

    "Your grandfather invited me. He said you have a very hard time with what happened between us."

    Maciek Werner''s eyes filled with tears.

    "How can you be here? How can you look at me with those divine eyes? How can you ... not spit in my face?"

    "I don''t know," Dominik admitted. Maciej''s grandfather quietly retreated into the corridor, leaving them alone, but despite the fact that ?liwi¨½ski crossed the threshold, he did not close the door behind him. "What you did to me was disgusting, you hurt me a lot, but that''s no reason to kill yourself. I''m not expecting you to die."

    "No reason!" Werner laughed hysterically. There was something ghastly about that laugh and Dominik, feeling an icy chill down his back, took a step back. He had the impression that he was dealing with a madman. "You ripped my heart out! You trampled it!"

    The young actor was stunned by Werner''s words. Did he think or did Maciej blame him for the whole situation?

    "I never gave you hope," said Dominik dryly. Either he didn''t understand something, or Werner had a somewhat misconceived notion of who was to blame for the whole situation. It needed to be fixed.

    The director fell silent.

    "I hate you," said Werner after a long moment, "and I love you. God, how much I love you! And I hate just as much for what you did to my heart! For the fact that I cannot be with you, and without you ... But I hate myself the most."

    Maciej Werner was definitely not in a balanced emotional state now and probably more than Dominik, he needed a psychiatrist now. But the psychiatrist was not here now, there was only ?liwi¨½ski facing a man who literally loved him madly.

    "Why?" he asked Werner. Will the director admit to himself and to Dominik that he did something wrong? Will he be able to ask for forgiveness? ?liwi¨½ski was able to give it to him, but he wanted to see repentance.

    "Because I ... I ..." Werner, however, was unable to arrange his thoughts. He clenched his fists.

    ?liwi¨½ski looked at him in silence. Did he hate Maciek? Was he afraid of him? Dominik had a man in front of him who was in so much pain that he could not cope with it. He couldn''t even understand what was happening. Could Dominik hate a man who looked so pitiful, who was so overwhelmed by suffering? Dominik remembered that feeling. Desperation, pain, confusion. When he was in such a state, Andrzej was at his side. Who will be at Werner''s side?

    Dominik did nothing to feed Werner''s illusions. He wasn''t seducing him. He did not provoke. He wasn''t flirting. He treated him normally as an ordinary business partner, although maybe not entirely, because for a while he thought that they could become friends. Even so, as part of Werner''s illusions, he felt somewhat responsible for them. Perhaps, if Dominik was not friendly, but completely professional ... But Franciszek Werner said that his grandson''s fascination began seven years ago and then Dominik did not know him yet and was just starting his career.

    Being an actor was fun. ?liwi¨½ski liked to bring joy to people with his roles. People liked to look at him. Until he met Werner, he thought it was a good and fair deal. But how many more people like Maciej, caught up in a sick love born of illusions, were hiding in society? They were normal, professional, and good on the surface, but they carried a madness within them that was just waiting to be activated by someone like Dominik.

    "Sorry," ?liwi¨½ski said gently. "I''m sorry I can''t love you. Not everyone is allowed to be together, and I know how much it hurts, but you also hurt me. You took something very important and precious from me and then you were saying that you are doing it in the name of love. But which love makes you bear suffering to your beloved? If what you''ve done is a sign of love in your eyes, I feel sorry for you."

    Yes, in view of this unhappy and pathetic man, Dominic could feel only pity.

    "I just wanted you to understand!" Werner dug his nails into his head.

    Dominik felt sorry. Poor, unhappy young director still couldn''t get out of his imaginary world. He absolutely needed psychiatric help.

    "I understand. And you?" He asked. "You said you hated me. And that you hate yourself. So you wanted me to understand love or hate because it''s probably the same for you. I''m sorry, really. However, you have to accept reality. And the reality is, I''ll never love you. Never. By hurting me, you yourself bury your chances of even friendship with me. Please do this, accept the truth. For your own good. And for me, if you still have a little bit of that love you mentioned."

    ?liwi¨½ski decided it was time to leave. Already in the corridor, he stopped and looked at the director.

    "You know, this script that you wrote for me is very good. I was really glad to play this character. It''s a pity that I''ll never be in this movie. You have a talent. Don''t waste it. As you know, I didn''t file a report with the police. Take it as a second chance and start living reality, not fantasy."

    At the end of the corridor, Maciej''s grandfather and Andrzej were standing. They must have heard every word. The actor walked over to them and took his lover''s hand.

    "We''re going back," he said.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski" said the old man. "I thank you."

    Dominik shook his head.

    "You have nothing to thank me for" Dominik really thought so. He hadn''t done anything to make Werner feel better, moreover, he was absolutely convinced that while he hadn''t done anything wrong, the whole situation was somehow his fault. So he added: "I think ... I think you should ask a psychiatrist for help. Let''s go now," he whispered to Nowicki, who shook his hand warmly.

    They walked down the stairs, holding hands. Themselves. The old man stayed upstairs. He must have been watching over his grandson so that he would not try to do something stupid again.

    "Are you okay?" Andrzej asked softly.

    "Umh. Less or more. I''d like to speak to your boss. Do you think she''ll find a moment for me?"

    "I think so. You still haven''t given her an answer regarding the ad. You made a decision?"

    "It all depends on the course of the conversation. ''Cause you see, I decided I wouldn''t act in movies anymore."

    "What?!"

    "Acting has never been my passion. Yes, it was fun, but¡­ and besides¡­ Besides, I don''t want to act for the sake of acting and money. Werner''s film was supposed to be my last one, but since I don''t act in it, my career will end now."

    "Are you sure?"

    "Yes."

    "And you want to tell Mrs. Janka about it?"

    "Yes. I would play in this spot, but if I''m not going to pursue my career it could have an impact on the campaign."

    "You''re too honest, you know?"

    "There is no such thing as ''too honest''. You should know that, my sweet blackmailer."

    "You may not remember me this?"

    "Why? This is one of the best memories I have."

    "No kidding."

    "Not at all. After all, I met you then."

    "To the car, now."

    "What? Why?"

    "Because I have to kiss you, and I don''t want to do it in this place. Ride inside."

    Dominik laughed and took the passenger''s seat. Sometimes something truly wonderful can come out of something apparently bad.

    ***

    Janina Pasek was looking at Dominik very penetratingly and a little sternly. Her gaze resembled that of a stern math teacher who, looking at her favorite student, wonders why this brat hadn''t done his homework for the first time.

    Dominik, however, did not feel embarrassed by her gaze. On the contrary, he had the impression that this severe teacher was not thinking about how to punish a wayward student, but wondered if perhaps something bad had happened in his house that caused the boy to fail to fulfill his duties as a student. After all, she was Andrzej''s homeroom teacher.

    "Dominik" Janina Pasek finally spoke after a long moment of silence. The woman was forewarned about the matter with which he came to her, so she had time to think about the subject. "You look better than I could have expected from your adventures. I must admit your eyes are shining surprisingly bright. Andrzej is also today very... radiant."

    The young actor blushed.

    "Today''s breakfast was extremely nutritious and tasty," he explained, smiling mysteriously.

    Indeed, his breakfast today consisted of pancakes with white cheese, white coffee, and Andrzej''s kisses. Delicious.

    "Looking at you now," smiled Mrs. Janina, "I can''t imagine anyone else who would better sell something ... delicious."

 Chapter 118 - Does Something Connect These Two?

    Dominik blushed even more, not realizing that even in this old lady he was starting to induce a certain hunger. It was not an erotic desire, Janina Pasek was too smart and too mature for that. It was a desire to have something to do with this man, even if it was the same yoghurt for breakfast.

    "Dominik, I know that you are going through a difficult stage right now and you have made a decision not to act in the movies anymore. Forgive me for saying something that upsets all people of a certain age, but you are still very young and may change your mind. I''m not saying that you made your decision rashly, but I know circumstances change in life and people make decisions that they hadn''t planned before."

    "I''m not angry and I understand," he replied warmly. "Yes, you are right. One day I may get a very interesting offer, or I will be so poor and desperate that I will take anything, but today, as it is now, I want to end the movie world. From now on."

    "Are you going to completely give up public life and hide somewhere? What am I asking?" she laughed, "You''re hiding all the time. Rather, I should ask, are you withdrawing completely and completely withdrawing your face from the media? If so, you shouldn''t be shooting this ad. However, if you are not completely hiding, I still want you for my campaign."

    Dominik was genuinely amazed. After all, if he withdraws from the film, he will lose popularity and...

    "Why?" He asked.

    "Dominik, you have extremely charming eyes. They are pure and shiny like jewels. Magic even. You also have a wonderful smile and you are very photogenic. You''re short so you''re not a model for catwalk, but you can be a photo model."

    Mrs. Janina''s statement surprised Dominik, who did not even try to hide it. The woman smiled sweetly at him. She was no longer a strict math teacher, but a nice tutor.

    "I''ve been wanting a contract with you for a long time," continued Mrs. Pasek. "I saw you in every campaign we did, but Marek Marczak jealously guarded access to you. I''m not surprised, he wanted to have you exclusively, but I don''t think he even told you that you are such a tasty morsel for so many industries."

    "It''s true, he didn''t tell me," admitted Dominik, surprised.

    ?liwi¨½ski trusted Marek in everything related to the development of his career and his private life, having no idea that Marek Marczak was actually blocking certain paths for him. Was he doing it for the sake of Dominik''s career or for himself? It didn''t matter now. Let the past remain in the past.

    "Thank you. I admit you surprised me. You know what the acting community says about colleagues in commercials, so I think Marek could have protected me from this kind of situation. But now I am responsible for myself, so if you still want me to be in this ad, I would be happy to do so."

    "Lovely, Dominik! Really wonderful! You don''t have to worry about anything, I will prepare everything and set a date. Do you like a particular date particularly?"

    "No," he said. "I have no specific plans for the coming months."

    "No?" Mrs. Janka was surprised. "I thought this new Werner movie... Ah, right, you made the decision to pull out of the movie."

    "Yes," he confirmed. "But something tells me that this Werner project can be greatly postponed in time ..."

    ***

    Dominik let out a long yawn and propped his elbow on the kitchen table. He was tired, very tired. Since he had overcome his uncertainty about his physical relationship with Andrzej, they both wanted to make up for lost time, and when they went to bed together, they made love without restraint. Never in his life had Dominik been as happy and calm as he is now, which did not change the fact that he was seriously sleepy and battered, so much so that he did not even want to change from his bathrobe, even though it was almost eleven. He yawned again and rested his head against the table with his arms.

    "I would make you coffee, but I have to find those damn papers," Nowicki''s feverish voice came from the living room. "Haven''t you seen them?"

    "Which one?" He asked lazily without looking up.

    "The ones in the green folder..."

    Dominik thought for a moment. Yesterday, when they returned from the photo session to the yogurt advertisement, Andrzej had it in his hand. They started kissing right at the front door and when Andrzej hugged him, he no longer had them.

    "Check by the dresser next to the hangers!"

    "But I''ve already looked there ... Oh, never mind!"

    Dominik smiled happily. For the first time in years, he was living with someone, and those little everyday troubles like lost documents and keys, those little things he could share with someone else, made him want nothing more at that moment.

    Because who would really want more than to share life with the person you love and know that the feeling is one hundred percent mutual?

    It wasn''t always like that, he recalled with a smile. Although he has been living with Andrzej since August and they are already November, they have only recently become a couple. It took some drastic events for Andrzej to realize that he loves Dominik, but ever since that happened, ?liwi¨½ski was happy. Yes, they had temporary problems, but now they acted like newlyweds. If he could, the actor would stop time at this point.

    "Hey, what are you doing here?"

    ?liwi¨½ski raised his head. Andrzej is talking to someone? Yet the doorbell was not heard.

    "I have something for Dominik."

    Is that ... Marek? The actor looked up, listening carefully.

    "I was just leaving ..."

    "I know you don''t like it when we talk without you, but don''t be so jealous. I will also find time for you. My proposal is still valid.

    "You would finely give up."

    "Never. Not after what we''ve been through together."

    What did they go through ... together? What are they talking about?

    "Shut up at last. What do you want?"

    "I said, I have something for Dominik. Script."

    There was silence. ?liwi¨½ski tried to hear the tiniest sound coming from the living room. The last time he saw the two together, they were trying to tear each other''s eyes, but now they talked like a pair of good friends or like people who share the same secret.

    Has something happened between them?

    "I''ll be good. I promise."

    The voice of Marek Marczak, his former manager and former lover, sounded as soft as if he were seducing one of his actresses. Why is he talking to Andrzej this way?

    "Hold on. I will ask if he wants to see you."

    "Sure."

    Are they really¡­ nice to each other?

    "Dominik, listen" Nowicki appeared at the doorstep of the kitchen "Marczak came and wants to see you. He says he has a script."

    "Script? I''m not going to be in movies anymore."

    "I can tell him that, but you said yourself that you don''t want to act because you don''t like the proposals. Maybe it''s worth checking what he brought?"

    "You think so?" Suddenly ?liwi¨½ski felt a twinge in his heart.

    "Yes. I don''t want you to do something you don''t want to do, but you are a really good actor. It would be a shame if you rejected the offer without reading it. Only I have to go and I don''t know ..."

    "Don''t worry" ?liwi¨½ski smiled radiantly. Weird, he thought, but he didn''t feel the way his expression was showing. "I''m already a big boy and Marek will not hurt me. Right, Marek?!"

    "Right" Marczak appeared behind Nowicki and clapped him on the shoulder. "I wouldn''t do that to either of you."

    Andrzej let Marek touch him? Andrzej, who had murderous flashes in his eyes every time he saw Marczak, even when someone mentioned him?

    Another twinge in the heart. Wait a minute, am I jealous? Do I really think that Andrzej, my Andrzej, could have slept with another man? Neeee ...

    His hardly forced smile became natural. After all, Nowicki had never been interested in men, and had Dominik not seduced him, he would have still paid attention only to women. But on the other hand, if he was seduced by Dominik, it might as well have been someone else, and such Marek knew dozens of ways to wrap someone around his finger. ?liwi¨½ski already paved the way, broke the first resistance and showed his lover the pleasure of being with a man, so Marczak now had an easier task. Dominik awakened these passions in Nowicki, and then refused him sexual closeness, so maybe then ...

    No! Whatever happened between the two (and something for sure), Andrzej did not betray him. Never!

    "All right," he told them both, "I''ll see what you brought. Just wait a second and I''ll change."

    He immediately ran upstairs. He didn''t want to leave them alone any longer than was necessary. Of course there was nothing suspicious about them, but ...

 Chapter 119 - Come On, Little Tiger, You Have Something To Fight For!

    "I''m here" Dominik ran down after literally two minutes, but there was no trace of any of them.

    "I took the opportunity to make my coffee," said Marek''s voice. "No, correction, your Nowicki allowed me."

    ''Your Nowicki''? What is that term?

    "I see that you are not jumping to your eyes anymore" Dominik remarked as he entered the kitchen. Marczak stood by the stove waiting for the kettle to boil.

    "I don''t know how much Nowicki told you about what happened when you were abducted ... I''m sorry, I didn''t want to evoke bad memories."

    "No problem. We haven''t talked much about it. And what happened?" Dominik tried to hide the suspicion and anxiety he felt behind his mask of plain, polite interest.

    The kettle whistled and Marczak turned to turn it off and pour the coffee. ?liwi¨½ski felt his heart pounding with uncertainty. What will he hear in a moment?

    "We spent a lot of time together looking for you. He¡­ is a really decent guy."

    "You wanted to pick him up? My boyfriend?"

    "I wanted to loosen him, distract his thoughts from the search. He was acting like he was going to go crazy in a moment, so I teased him a bit."

    "And he didn''t break your nose? He hated you."

    "You know," Marczak smiled sweetly, "he tried."

    Dominik blinked his eyes. He didn''t understand anything. He tried to put the information in his head, but it didn''t make much sense. It seemed that while he was being held by Werner, Marek was getting to Andrzej, who tried (tried!) to chase him away by force. Now, in the company of Marczak, he behaved completely differently than before Dominik disappeared. It''s as if he doesn''t know how to behave. But Marek probably did not ...?

    "What did you do to him?" He growled. Rage filled him. If Marczak hurt Andrzej ...

    Marek looked down at him with a sneaky, feline smile.

    "Are you sure you want to know?"

    "Talk! Now!"

    Marczak''s lips did not stop smiling ambiguously, but no sound came out of them. The blackest, most terrible thoughts began to run through ?liwi¨½ski''s head. He imagined Andrzej, overwhelmed, crushed by the weight of Marek''s body, and the manager himself brutally stabbing the photographer''s body with his¡­ It was so frightening, so horrible that Dominik felt a rage seize him. If he doesn''t get a reply within seconds, he''ll tear his ex-lover to shreds.

    "Nothing," Marczak''s face softened. He seemed to be laughing in a moment.

    ?liwi¨½ski did not take his watchful, combat-ready eyes off him.

    "Really nothing. Your boyfriend accused me of kidnapping you, so I made it clear to him how wrong he was. I teased him, it''s true, but I didn''t even touch him. I admit, I like him, so I do not rule out that I will try to get him from you, but even I have a bit of decency. We spent a lot of time together looking for you and Nowicki got used to me. I won''t say he likes me, but I don''t give up hope."

    "And so recently you said you were crazy about me," Dominik shook his head. The sense of relief was so great that he felt as if he had just now inhaled a breath.

    "I''m crazy. I want both of you."

    "You''re totally perverted!"

    "I know. And I like be that."

    The actor was unable to say whether his ex-agent was serious or joking. There was a serious risk that his mind really had fantasies about both of them, after all, ?liwi¨½ski remembered his tastes and appetites well. Marczak has organized more than one event for prominent people of this world, whose sexual debauchery could resemble the orgies of the ancient world, and he knew that he himself did not avoid similar adventures. Dominik never wanted to take part in them, and Marczak offered him a similar game only once, but it did not change the fact that they took place without ?liwi¨½ski. Andrzej would never agree to this type of fun. Marek can only dream about it.

    No, better not even dream about his Andrzej.

    "Keep your hands off Andrzej," he said harshly.

    "What, are you afraid he''ll betray you?"

    "I just don''t want to expose him to the unpleasantness of being with you."

    "Dominik, I don''t recognize you! What a tiger is made of you now!"

    ?liwi¨½ski blushed up to his ears.

    "Leave Andrzej," he repeated.

    "And you? You haven''t mentioned anything about yourself."

    "It was already fixed, so... Forget about both of us. I''m serious. Understand?"

    "Coming back to the matter" Marczak neatly changed the subject "I got a very interesting offer for you. A few weeks ago I was contacted by a director from the United States asking for some information about you. Of course, I mean information about your acting skills and potential. Yesterday he sent me the script asking me to present it to you."

    "Have you forgotten to tell him I''m not your actor anymore?"

    "No, but you don''t have a new manager and for the public we''re on the best relations, forgot? Anyway, I brought you this script."

    "I quit acting."

    "Yes, I know from Nowicki, but it does not change the fact that if you had received an interesting offer, you would have played. And this proposal is interesting."

    Dominik sighed and held out his hand for the script. The red marker was the name of one of the characters marked with an ellipse, the one who was intended for him - Capt. Christopher Shuba. It was the second name on the list right after Lisa Crain."

    "The main role?" He asked incredulously.

    "That''s right, the main male role. National affiliation undefined. The action takes place during the First World War and just before it. A beautiful singer, invited to the salons, conducts an intelligence campaign. She meets a handsome British officer who, when the girl gets into trouble, tries to save her. It''s just a spy adventure movie, but you''ll find some scenes that could go down in the history of the cinema."

    "No thanks."

    "Dominik ..."

    "Foreign production, shooting God knows where and for how long. I do not want to leave. Not now."

    "Andrzej? He will understand."

    "I know, but ... I''ve been through a lot lately. I really just want to be with him for a while."

    "Is it because of Werner?"

    "What?"

    "You didn''t say it out loud, but you won''t be in his movie. Looks like no one will play. Is it because of him you don''t want to appear in front of the camera? You are afraid?"

    "Me? Afraid?" he laughed nervously. "Of what?"

    "That something similar will happen to you again. You''re afraid to be in the movie, aren''t you?"

    "No, I¡­"

    "It would not have happened to me if I had not been so popular, so crazy sexy. You''re thinking so, aren''t you? All because of how the media create me. They''re making me a male sex bomb. They''re selling my sex appeal. Any moment and they will start offering me stripped-down photo sessions. And then some madman shows up and wants me to himself. No, not me, this image created in the movies. And now again, a silly tale with pretty faces. Adventure commerce. Read the script, then say no. Be honest with yourself and the people making this movie. Dominik, I ... What happened to you was my fault, because I made you this way. You are not just a cute face and a pretty body. You are not defenseless. You have the courage and heart to fight, only by cutting you off from the world I showed you that you don''t have to do it, that you have no reason to. But now you have. You have Andrzej."

    "What are you ..."

    "When you sensed that you might lose him, you started to fight."

    "Yes but¡­"

    "You care about him very much. He cares about you too. When you were gone, he was losing his mind because he couldn''t protect you. Show him he doesn''t need to be afraid for you. That you can fight for yourself."

    "With a movie?"

    "Yes, with a movie," affirmed Marczak. "Show him you don''t bury your head in the sand. Prove to yourself, to him and to the whole world how strong you are."

    "With a movie?" Dominik repeated with a crooked smile. Marek was pretty crazy if he thought that something like a movie could have such a power of communication.

    "Read the script. I''ll wait for the phone call" he said calmly and headed for the door. "See you."

    "See you," Dominik replied.

    He had no intention of reading the text that the manager had left behind. Who the hell is he to give him any orders? Once, only six months ago, his word would be the final order for Dominik, but now Marczak had no power over him. None. The only thing he could do to ?liwi¨½ski is to irritate him.

    And he did it well.

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was not a violent man, on the contrary, but this time he wanted to strangle Marczak.

    Because, in a way, Mark was right.

    Dominik sat down heavily on the couch and cursed as ugly as ever.

 Chapter 120 - Andrzej Has A Secret Friend?

    Mrs. Janka, because that was what Andrzej had called his boss recently, was smiling at the photos he presented to her. She looked at each one with great attention and put them on the desk so that each of them was clearly visible.

    "Hard to choose, really," she said. "Not only is Dominik beautiful as a dream, but you also captured him perfectly, although I must admit that working with both of you on the set was not the easiest one."

    "What to do?" He grunted to hide his confusion. "Now you know what he is like."

    "Cookie with cream. The assistants still blush at the mere mention of the session."

    Andrzej also blushed. When asked to look seductive, Dominik first looked around at people around them, causing them a thrill of anticipation, and then adopted one of his most charming smiles. One of the assistants squealed, and almost tangible particles of sex began to hover in the air. The erotic tension grew to such an extent that Andrzej had difficulty concentrating, and soon the actor himself noticed what was happening and suddenly felt so intimidated that he stopped cooperating. Having had enough of all of this, Nowicki asked all women out of the plan - except for Mrs. Janina, of course. Only then could they return to work.

    "This boy has a million dollar smile," said Mrs. Pasek shaking her head. "Only which picture to choose? Which to choose?"

    "If you can ..."

    "Do you have any types?" she looked at him curiously.

    "I would suggest this and that," he pointed to two.

    Mrs. Janka frowned.

    "Why? To tell the truth, I like these two the least. Dominik looks the least sexy on them. You''re not jealous, are you?"

    "No, but look closely. I took this picture right after all the girls left. Do you see the look of relief and relaxation on his face? Just like a respite after a hard day''s work. A moment of well-deserved pleasure without remorse."

    "Nowicki, you have your head on your neck."

    "In turn, this second photo is a moment of anticipation and promise. Something beautiful is going to happen, something wonderful that you''ve been waiting for all day, maybe longer. We all know what''s gonna be next, so we don''t have to bombard our clients with this. Will the promise itself not tempt them to reach for this product? A promise that they will feel like this after eating it" he pointed to the first photo.

    "You know, Nowicki, most photographers wouldn''t even show me these two photos. I wanted sex appeal, so they would insist on the ones that attracted me at first glance. They seduced me in a second, but you''re right, the before and after pictures are more interesting. I will show the client both versions, but I will opt for yours. Looks like you know your model really well."

    "I guess you could say that."

    Mrs. Pasek shook her head, unable to take her eyes off the photo.

    "As much as asking to be seen in a movie again," she said. "Hasn''t he changed his mind?"

    "Not yet, but he got a new script. He has promised to read it, but he is not enthusiastic."

    "You think it''s because of what happened to him?"

    He knew she meant abduction.

    "Partly. It''s probably more complicated. Dominik was very young when he started acting and for many years he did just that. I think he really wants to live normally like his peers and make up for a lost youth a bit."

    Janina Pasek smiled sadly.

    "That''s why I don''t hire teenage models. They may be enthusiastic and beautiful and people are eager to look at them, but children should be children as long as possible. When I started, I was the same age as Dominik. Those were crazy and bitter times. The world was different then, but youth was just as stupid."

    "Do you regret it?"

    "Maybe. After all, ''young people can go crazy...''" she cited old poem. "Let us leave it, however. Better tell me, how are the preparations for ..."

    ***

    Dominik did not want to stay at home. In fact, he had a great desire to go out, anywhere. He was irritated by Marczak''s visit and felt as if he was about to choke. Get out, just get out of the house and get some fresh air.

    It wasn''t too cold for November. The temperature was definitely positive and the sun encouraged to take a walk. So why not put on a jacket and go out? Just go where?

    He had lived in Warsaw for seven years, for two in this quiet, peaceful district, almost in the suburbs, which was Wola Grzybowska, but he did not know her, and even less the city. Always at Marek''s side or under the care of a chauffeur, he did not bother to get to know the area. Once he was among people, he attracted their attention and eyesight so much that he deliberately avoided contact with them. Acquaintance with Andrzej began to change it and the actor was already with him, Paulina and Martynka in many places. He liked the Warsaw Zoological Garden the most, because it was the first place he visited in this nice company. Nowicki also took him to ?azienki, to Wilan¨®w, Powsin, to the Old Town, and of course showed him his Praga. They visited several museums and visited a few restaurants, and with the girls he was even in several shopping malls. These places were interesting and cool for him, not because it was their own feature - his company made the time spent there so nice. ?liwi¨½ski could now go to each of them, but he did not want to do so. Not alone.

    But he didn''t want to stay at home either. He grabbed his jacket and left. Just like that, for no real purpose just to get some fresh air.

    It was early afternoon, but the shadow in front of him was long. In late autumn, even at noon, the sun was low and it warmed poorly. The children, however, who ran past him with backpacks on their backs, did not seem to mind. They laughed as they soared up the dozens of maple leaves lying on the pavement. Across the street, a young woman was driving a stroller with a baby. She was overtaken by a middle-aged runner. From the opposite direction, towards Dominik, an old man was approaching, on a leash he has a small dog of unspecified breed. People lived their own lives and nobody paid much attention to him.

    There weren''t many shops in the area. Public transport was so developed that it was enough to take the high-speed train to be literally in a few minutes in the very center of the city filled with shops, galleries and supermarkets. For those who did not necessarily like to wander half the city every morning to buy fresh bread, there were local shops offering these products. In one of them, Dominik had been shopping since he moved here, and it was the only store he visited quite regularly. Now he also walked in and politely said "Good morning" to the saleswoman and her only customer.

    They both smiled politely and Dominik approached the boxes with vegetables. He chose three plump tomatoes, a few carrots and a green onion, asked for a box of his favorite tea and white cheese, paid and left.

    He only walked a few steps when he got the impression that he was being followed.

    Could it be paparazzi?

    Or maybe another crazy admirer?

    His heart beat harder. Please, he thought despairingly, I don''t want to go through this anymore!

    He didn''t want to show that he was nervous, but he looked around nervously nonetheless.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski!" He heard and almost jumped. A huge man in a dark tracksuit was approaching him unhurriedly. In broad daylight, in front of the people, he shouldn''t do anything illegal, but Dominik took a vigilant position.

    "Sorry to disturb you, but I noticed you were upset. Something happened?"

    "I don''t understand what you are talking about?"

    "Mr. Bambus told me not to reveal myself to you, unless something happens."

    "Are you¡­ following me?"

    "Oh, okay," the man scratched his head. He didn''t get too close so as not to invade Dominik''s personal space. "After the recent events, Mr. Bambus prefers not to risk and sent me just in case."

    "And who is this Mr. Bambus?"

    "He''s a friend of Mr. Nowicki. So¡­ did something happen? Can I help?"

    "Thank you, it''s all right" said ?liwi¨½ski with an uncertain smile. Was this man really his bodyguard?

    "Good," the man in tracksuit smiled. "Please don''t tell Nowicki that I''m watching you. He''ll be furious. Mr. Bambus made the decision himself and it will be a problem."

    Dominik did not understand anything at all. Who was this Bambus that gives him protection behind Andrzej''s back? Judging by the bodyguard''s appearance, probably not a policeman.

    "And why did Mr. Bambus decide to grant me protection? It''s not his business, is it?"

    "Actually, no," he admitted, "but you are Mr. Nowicki''s business, and everything about him interests my boss."

    This answer only raised more questions.

 Chapter 121 - Interesting Facts From Andrzejs Past

    "And if Andrzej finds out that Mr. Bambus is interfering in his affairs, will he be angry?"

    "Well ... I must have said too much ... It is best to forget that you saw me at all." But if you''re in trouble, just shout. I am Myszy."

    The man in the tracksuit backed up hastily. ?liwi¨½ski looked quickly at the passers-by. There weren''t many of them. The woman with a stroller met another and they were both standing on the sidewalk talking. The couple of teenagers walked as close together as if they wanted to merge and didn''t even pay attention to where they were going. The runner was returning along the same route ...

    If the man in tracksuit had hostile intentions towards him, he could kidnap Dominik or even kill him and no one would pay attention to it. The previously recognized actor, who was afraid to go out into the street so as not to be attacked by female fans, now aroused no one''s interest. Have people forgotten about him, or was he himself (well, maybe Marczak had something to do with it too) that caused this paranoia? Or maybe people just got used to it? After all, it had been his neighborhood for two years. Once upon a time, when he left the house so rarely, he could actually cause a sensation, like a unique zoological specimen, but now it was everyday life on the street. Does he become so common to people?

    Dominik smiled at the thought. He never noticed it, but recently he could actually show up in the city alone or in company and he was not accosted by anyone and no photos of him taken from behind a bush appeared in magazines. The more he was seen, it seemed, the less sensational he was. After all, he was no longer the secret that everyone wants to guess, because he himself revealed it piece by piece. His first appearance at the party was a sensation, as was his first dinner in the company of Andrzej and a day spent with friends, but each subsequent event was less and less commented on. Even his presence in the hospital, although sniffed out so quickly, did not have any major media consequences. Although when it comes to this last event, Dominik knew that Marek did everything in his power to silence the matter.

    Marek Marczak, the same man who broke his heart twice and led him to the abyss of despair just a few months ago.

    ?liwi¨½ski once loved him. He had such a great affection that Marek was literally the whole world to him. Although it was alluring and romantic at first, it took drastic events to convince Dominik how unhealthy it was for him. As a consequence, Marczak was supposed to stop being a part of his professional and private life, but it was easier said than done.

    Marek was very specific - handsome, classy, ??brave, intelligent and knew exactly what strings to pull to achieve his goal. His methods were not always legal, but they were always effective. As he once managed to manipulate the media to create the right atmosphere of inaccessibility and mystery around ?liwi¨½ski, now he could take the journalists'' breath away from him. Dominik was therefore free from them and all thanks to Marczak.

    The actor no longer wanted to owe anything to his ex-agent. He had forgiven him in his life for all his betrayals and even those recent August events, but that didn''t mean he wanted him back in his life. Marek wasn''t bad, just twisted in his own way. The power that money gave him, position and compromising materials for the majority of people whose voice counted in this part of the world made him create his own morality, in which his own desires and instincts were the most important. With great difficulty and pain, Dominik broke free from this reality, dominated by Marczak, not to return to it after just a few months. It was completely different now. Now he had his Andrzej, whose disinterestedness and concern for ?liwi¨½ski was almost the opposite of Marek''s behavior.

    The man Dominik spoke to a moment earlier said that he was his bodyguard in case something unexpected happened. A bodyguard sent secretly by a friend of a friend without this friend''s knowledge, it sounded a bit strange and ?liwi¨½ski couldn''t help it, that the situation presented in this way did not inspire his trust. Who was this "Bambus"? Could he really be trusted, or is he just another deception, another false friend?

    This time, however, it was supposed to be Andrzej''s friend.

    Dominik knew little about Nowicki''s past. Once he asked Andrzej about it, but he replied that it was quite normal - school, studies, work. No ex-wives, no relationships lasting more than three months, and no adventures worth mentioning. He also reportedly had no friends except Paulina, with whom he had been friends since high school and with whom he proposed right after graduating from high school. A few buddies, but none really close. And yet the bagman pretended to be an envoy of Nowicki''s friend.

    Is somebody lying here?

    Certainly not Andrzej. He might not be telling Dominik the whole truth, but he certainly wasn''t lying to him.

    But then who were the Bambu guy and the man in the tracksuit he had met a while ago?

    Dominik knew this might sound paranoid, but he felt uneasy that he was being followed. The guy said he was supposed to protect him, but it was a complete stranger sent by someone whom ?liwi¨½ski had never heard of before, so who knows where his loyalty lay and whether his role really is to keep the actor safe? That is why Dominik carefully checked whether the gate closed properly and, after entering the house, turned the key twice in the lock.

    ***

    Andrzej showed up two hours later, when it was still light outside. Dominik, who had just been wiping imaginary dust in his office (not many had accumulated since the last vacuuming two days earlier), entered the living room as soon as he heard the sound of the door closing. Nowicki was hanging up his jacket. Noticing ?liwi¨½ski, he smiled warmly. Dominik must have had something in his expression, because Andrzej frowned.

    "Marczak tried something?" He asked tensely.

    "No, just ... Who is Bambus?"

    The surprise on Nowicki''s face made Dominik know that Andrzej knew this pseudonym. He felt even more interested and anxious.

    Nowicki exhaled. It was as if the tension was coming off him.

    "Bambus is my friend, the one from whom I had the keys to the summer house."

    "Just ... a friend?"

    Andrzej went inside.

    "You probably want to hear everything?" He smiled indistinctly.

    Dominik felt a lump in his throat. Had he touched some of his lover''s painful past? Yes, he was curious, he wanted to know everything, but not at the expense of Andrzej''s suffering.

    "If you don''t want to talk about it ..."

    Nowicki shook his head, took ?liwi¨½ski''s elbow and led him towards the couch. He sat him down beside him and put his arm around him.

    "I didn''t want you to know about Bambus as you shouldn''t be associated with certain names and matters. Bambus is said to be doing illegal business. Actually, he''s kind of a gangster. He manages affairs on the right-bank Vistula. At least that''s what the police think."

    "Ooooh..."

    Dominik really didn''t want to show any surprise, but he couldn''t help it.

    "We met in high school. I was a good boy, he belonged to a rebellious youth who had a conflict with the law. We weren''t very close, but when he got into serious trouble, I testified in his favor. Not entirely truthful. Bambus escaped justice and said he owed me something. I guess he liked me a little more than I liked him then. He tried to get me into his group, but that wasn''t for me, so I backed out. We have been doing each other favors since then. Usually it wasn''t a big deal, for example I would take pictures of his girls sometimes, sometimes he would wind me up as a photographer for some party. But when you got that package, I asked him to help me trace the sender. Then he participated in the search for you."

    "Do you want to tell me," Dominik sat down so that he could see Andrzej''s face better, especially Andrzej''s eyes, "that you have connections with a local criminal group?"

    "Sorry."

    His brown, warm eyes now expressed embarrassment and regret. ?liwi¨½ski was unable to catch their gaze.

    "I understand," he said.

    Three seconds passed before he straddled Andrzej''s lap and took his face in his hands. He put his mouth to his without words. The kiss at first was warm and one-sided, saying, "Do you think this will stop me loving you?" Then he started to evolve and gain passion: "you know, it''s even appealing." Finally he put his arms around him and greedily kissed him, "take me, I want you so much!" At that moment, Nowicki shyly returned the kiss and touched his back.

    Still kissing him, Dominik reached for Andrzej''s fly. It was still soft, but that could change in a flash. ?liwi¨½ski knew how to caress his lover in order to quickly bring him to the right state.

 Chapter 122 - The Best Method Of Questioning

    "It doesn''t bother you? Andrzej asked when they parted their lips for a moment. "That I hang out with people suspected of having crimes? That I lied for one of them in court?"

    "No," he replied completely honestly. "It''s even exciting."

    "But ..."

    "Do you trust him? Bambus?" Dominik took out Andrzej''s penis and caressed him with his hand while his lips were on his neck.

    "Yes. I know he''s not quite clean, but he''s a good guy. He will do anything for a friend."

    "So you are his friend?"

    "No. Not like I''m Paulina''s or¡­ yours. Dominik, you shameless, what are you doing in broad daylight?"

    "Shut up and just kiss me," was the command.

    There was no objection. It could not be when Andrzej felt his face on his face, and the penis extracted from his pants was rubbing against Dominik''s member - both locked in his lover''s moving hand.

    They kept kissing. They completely immersed themselves in the passionate dance of tongues and the sound of their rapid breathing. They were as close as if they were actually about to merge into one body. Andrzej was unable to do anything but let Dominik feel this tender caress.

    ?liwi¨½ski came first. His body trembled as he clung to his lover with his whole being. Nowicki loved to hold him in his arms when Dominik was shaken with an orgasm. He felt that he, too, would be fulfilled at any moment.

    "I love you," he heard the most tender whisper possible. "I love you so much!"

    The actor broke off the caress and moved his ass restlessly. Andrzej knew what he meant. He slipped his hands into his pants and began to caress his buttocks. Dominik responded to the touch more than willingly as usual. Nowicki did not even have time to realize when his lover freed himself from his pants and shamelessly put himself on his stiff manhood.

    "Ah ...!" came out of his throat at the moment of entry, because he was at the top, he himself adjusted the intensity and pace of the movements.

    Andrzej bit his lower lip and looked at Dominik''s face, who tilted his head back. For the thousand or millionth time, he decided that he had never seen anyone so beautiful and sensual. ?liwi¨½ski''s aquamarine eyes blazed so intensely and brightly like two blue suns around which Nowicki''s heart orbited. His lover always gave pleasure to the man and the artist in him.

    Dominik rested his feet on the couch on either side of the photographer. His breathing was hot and fast. When they kissed again, Andrzej had the impression that he was enveloped by tropical, sensual heat.

    ?liwi¨½ski was breathing harder and harder. He was so sexy that the photographer could no longer remain passive and began to move his hips.

    ?Oh, Andrzej ... Andrzej, I ... Oh!"

    Nowicki knew that his lover was about to experience a second fulfillment. It was a bit unfair because he hadn''t come even once yet, but that slim face framed by long hazel hair was so beautiful during orgasm that it compensated for any other potential inconvenience for him.

    "Don''t hold back" ?liwi¨½ski whispered in his ear.

    If he wishes it ...

    Nowicki was close. He could feel it. He sped up, and after a few harder strokes, he felt fulfilled.

    Dominik slipped off Nowicki''s lap, panting heavily. He slowly put on his pants, hid his drooping penis (he came in a few seconds after Andrzej) and pushed his hazelnut hair, wet with sweat, from his forehead. His cheeks and aquamarine eyes blazed. He took the gaze of Andrzej, sitting on the couch, on whose pants there were compromising traces of play of both of them, and he bit his lower lip.

    "I''m hungry," he announced.

    "You''re telling me this now?" Nowicki groaned. "Give me a moment to breathe."

    Dominik didn''t answer. He just smiled and walked a little shakily into the kitchen.

    "I''d like to meet that Bambus of yours," he announced. Andrzej heard the sound of water from the unscrewed tap in the sink.

    "For what? After all, I told you that this is not the kind of company you want."

    "If you were so concerned about my reputation, you wouldn''t risk being seen through the window as you used to be. You got careless."

    This, unfortunately, was true.

    "It''s all because of you," the photographer said, embarrassed. "With you, I lose my mind."

    "Only the guilty is looking for excuses! I really want to meet your friend and thank him for everything he has done for me. Or is there some other reason why you don''t want me to meet him?"

    "What the hell are you talking about?"

    "About nothing."

    Andrzej was too tired to see any hidden meanings in the actor''s statement. But he wondered how, after the ride they''d just made, Dominik could even stand on his feet. Apparently he really was stronger than he looked. Nowicki spread his arms on the back of the couch and looked around lazily.

    "Is there a script that Marczak brought on the table?" He asked seeing a thick pile of papers.

    "Yes."

    "Have you read it?"

    "No."

    "Why?"

    "I didn''t feel like it."

    "Do you mind me reading it?"

    "Not at all. Just wash your hands first, okay?"

    Andrzej smiled to himself. Being reprimanded by Dominik brought him pleasure. For years he has not shared a flat with anyone, let alone a life, so these small things of everyday life, in which someone else participated, were a real pleasure.

    "I''ll even change," he said, standing up. "You made a terrible mess with my clothes."

    "Do not whine. It is me who do the laundry."

    "You''re the one who insists on staying unemployed. Besides, I know perfectly well that you love to look after the house."

    "Division of responsibilities, my dear, division of responsibilities! We live in a partner partnership!"

    "Yes? Then why do I feel like you turn me around as you want?"

    Dominik turned to him. Andrzej''s pants were really in a deplorable condition, all stained white. His shirt didn''t look any better.

    "As I remember, you turn me around at night. On all sides."

    "I can not wait."

    "But you just had me" the actor laughed.

    "Only I can''t get enough of you. Never."

    Dominik blushed which made him look even sexier. But also innocent in a way.

    True, you can''t get enough of Dominik.

    Marczak.

    Werner.

    It wasn''t his fault. Dominik hardly ever provoked anyone on purpose, but Janka was right, beautiful people evoke the best but also the worst instincts in others. And Dominik was, without a doubt, absolutely beautiful. So could Andrzej really blame any of them for doing what they did?

    Yes, he could, because nothing justifies hurting another person and treating him as property.

    "Something happened? Dominik asked anxiously.

    "You''ve finished me off. I do not want to get up. But" he rose heavily "I''d better change before everything is dry on me."

    "I definitely approve of this idea."

    ***

    ''Convince him to star in this movie. He is stubborn, but this opportunity is simply not to be missed.''

    Nowicki read the text message and sighed. Two things he didn''t like about this news - first, Marczak still wanted to influence Dominik''s decisions, and secondly - the guy still had Andrzej''s number and dared to use it. Unfortunately, after everything that happened between them at the time of ?liwi¨½ski''s disappearance and when the actor was in the hospital, the photographer had no right to play a saint against Marczak. After all, Dominik''s former lover contributed to the fact that the boy is now quite well. The manager seemed to be redeeming his guilt.

    Andrzej raised his eyes from the phone display and looked at ?liwi¨½ski. The actor was sitting on the couch and using the remote he changed channels, pausing for no more than two seconds.

    "If you are so bored, maybe you can read Marczak''s script."

    "I do not want to. Besides, you said you wanted to read it yourself."

    "You''ve become a terrible lazy lately" Andrzej shook his head and reached for the script lying on the table.

    "I''ve always been. What do you think I should gift to your boss? Or maybe we should give something together?"

    "She said she didn''t want anything."

    "She''s a woman, she will always be happy to receive a gift. We can''t give her anything too personal. Maybe some work of art? How do you think?"

    "I don''t know much about art" Nowicki opened the script. "Your character is the circled one, right?"

    "Yes. Maybe a sculpture? After the decor of her office, I think she might like something modernist..."

    "In English?"

    "The sculptures have no language..."

    "No, the script! It is in English!"

    "What language is it supposed to be? It''s American production."

    "Dominik, do I understand that you got an offer to star in an American film and you don''t even want to read the script?"

    ?liwi¨½ski finally decided that what is currently on TV can stay because he stopped changing channels, sighed and lowered his head. Looking at him, Andrzej saw a glimpse of the not-so-old past - Dominik defenseless and vulnerable. For some reason, the boy didn''t want to act and it looked like he wasn''t in any of the films regardless of production.

 Chapter 123 - The Script

    There''s something in his head all the time, he thought anxiously. There was nothing worse than seeing someone you love hurt.

    "Just because the production is American doesn''t mean it will be good "said Dominik. "I''ve seen a lot of crap out there."

    It wasn''t just that, Andrzej was convinced of it, but he didn''t feel confident enough to push. ?liwi¨½ski really did not want to play and looked for every possible excuse for it.

    "Maybe you''re right," he admitted. "But I will read this script anyway."

    "As you wish."

    "I will go to the office" Nowicki got up. "Here I won''t be able to focus."

    "What? Why?"

    "Because you felt like watching the teleshopping channel," he ruffled Dominik''s soft, fragrant hair as he passed.

    "I''m looking for a gift for your boss!"

    "Yeah, she''ll love these high waisted slimming panties. Call them now and you will get a second pair for free."

    "Get out!" Dominik tossed the magazine pulled from the table after him. Andrzej, crossing the threshold of the office, heard his grumbling.

    In the past, this office was often occupied by Dominik, who liked to separate the space for work from the private space, which is why he usually prepared for the role here. On the shelves of the bookcase there were still foreign language textbooks and recordings, several legal codes and even a dummy training pistol for his last role. Since parting with Marczak, ?liwi¨½ski hardly ever entered this room in August, and now it was actually Andrzej''s office. The quiet, calm interior allowed him to focus on working on the pictures and at the same time keep his finger on the pulse of the things happening in the living room. So he sat down comfortably in the soft, swivel chair by the desk and began to read the papers he had taken with him.

    At the beginning the movie seemed boring and Andrzej had a hard time figuring out what was going on. It was the first time he read a movie script, which was a bit different from the theatrical one (and he read "Zemsta" while still in high school), but the farther he got into the text, the easier it was to assimilate it.

    At one point, he burst out laughing. The hero''s brilliant retort and the unexpected twist of the plot appealed to him. A few pages later, his reaction repeated. He imagined Dominik in that scene, which amused him even more. After a dozen or so more, Nowicki tensely leaned over the pages. He wanted to know quickly what would happen next. There was simply no way out of this situation ... So that''s how they solved this case? He hadn''t expected this, but it actually turned out quite well. The next scene touched him and the ending left with one conclusion - Dominik was made for this role.

    He took out his phone to check the time and saw information about a new message. He was reading so much that he didn''t hear it come.

    "We need to talk. You know what about."

    He knew.

    He dialed the number. The man on the other side picked up on the second ring.

    "And how?" Were the first words.

    "It''s a good script. He should have starred in this movie."

    "I know. Did he read it?"

    "Not yet, but I''ll make him do it, just ..."

    "You did notice?"

    "You know what''s going on? Is it because of Werner?"

    "Mostly because of me. Dominik, he ... Besides, you know how our relationship looked like. I took seven years of his life away from him" Marek admitted.

    "And what are you going to do about it?

    "Nothing. I have no room for maneuver. Everything is in your hands."

    Nowicki exhaled heavily. On the other end of the receiver, Marczak sounded so sad, as if he had to let go of his only true love. Who knows, maybe it was really so.

    "I won''t force him to do anything," said Andrzej. "I think this is a role made for him, but it will be up to Dominik to decide whether or not to play in this film."

    "I don''t expect anything more. Only¡­"

    "Do not cross the line."

    "You know that the photos will be shot abroad?"

    Andrzej gritted his teeth. He hadn''t thought about it. But the shooting in a foreign country lasting several weeks or even months meant that they would have to part ways or that Nowicki would have to quit the job he got so recently and liked.

    "It won''t be a problem," he said despite himself.

    "Maybe for you, but for him ...?"

    "I''ll think about that. Thanks."

    Andrzej terminated the connection. He felt something heavy lay on his heart. How is it: "It won''t be a problem"? It will be a big problem. Filming abroad. Dominik, who, after years of total domination by Marczak, was slowly learning the real world, was to leave for God knows how long and how far to work with complete strangers. Everyone would have concerns about such a departure, and ?liwi¨½ski in particular. Hell, three months ago he hardly left the house without Marczak''s company.

    The script was good - touching, funny, interesting, and while it told a simple espionage story, the characters were lively and intriguing. Even without a lot of money and big names, this movie can be brilliant. Such offers, such opportunities, are not often found.

    And yet Dominik had some good reasons to give up on her.

    Perhaps they would not be important to someone else, but ?liwi¨½ski was not someone else but himself, a sensitive, shy young man who was enslaved and used in the name of misunderstood love and now had to build his life anew. The task was not easy, especially since there was always something in the way, but the boy tried his best and was successful. However, playing in the new film may have turned out to be too difficult for him at this point. Especially when you consider his health problems.

    But the shooting won''t start now. First, the cast has to be assembled, the actors must learn the script and prepare for the role. There are likely to be hundreds of other cases and it turns out that the film will start shooting in six months at the earliest. By then, Dominik will be back in top form and will overshadow all Hollywood stars with his talent.

    Of course, as long as the stubborn one agrees to at least read the script.

    Andrzej smiled mischievously.

    It seemed he knew how to convince him to do so.

    ***

    His eyes were shut from thoughtlessly staring at the TV set, but Dominik did not want to go to bed before Andrzej finished reading the script. In fact, he very much hoped he wouldn''t go to bed alone. That''s why he waited.

    The door to the office opened, but before ?liwi¨½ski had time to turn towards them, he felt something heavy land on his lap.

    "You have to read it" ordered Andrzej standing over him.

    "I do not want. Maybe tomorrow," he replied, and he casually dropped the script on the couch.

    "It may be tomorrow," Nowicki smiled. "It might be the day after tomorrow. You can do it when you want. Just to be honest, I won''t go to bed with you until you do."

    "What?!" Dominik jumped up. He felt a flush of indignation on his cheeks. "You want to blackmail me ?!"

    "And it won''t be the first time. I''m going to sleep. Good night."

    "What? Wait!" ?liwi¨½ski jumped up from the couch. "Wait!!!"

    "Do you want something? I''m tired." Andrzej stopped with a bored face.

    "What are you making up again? After all, I said I don''t want to play in this movie! Why are you making me do this?"

    "Who''s talking about playing? Or maybe¡­ you are afraid that if you read the script you will want to star in this movie¡­ That''s why you don''t even want to touch it!"

    "Absolutely not! You are totally wrong!"

    "You deny so vehemently that I almost let myself be persuaded. Oh, and remember that I''m going to ask you a question about the plot. ¡­ dnight," he yawned slowly and started climbing the stairs.

    "What the¡­"

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was seething with anger. What does this Andrzej imagine to be who? He thinks he can so easily blackmail him with the threat of no sex? If he thinks he will break his stubbornness so easily, he is seriously mistaken. If Dominik feels like it, he will read this damn script and it is not Andrzej''s business when he will do it or at all. It is true that Dominik is not a monk, but he can go for a few days without sex. After all, he is also not addicted to carnal games. Actually, it is very interesting who will not be able to endure first without mutual caresses, especially if Dominik uses a few seduction tricks tested on Nowicki.

    But why just the thought of Andrzej''s blackmail made him start getting hard again?

 Chapter 124 - At Birthday Party

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski and Andrzej Nowicki entered the banquet hall very late. Although they appeared together, it would be difficult to say that they have anything more than a working relationship. ?liwi¨½ski smiled charmingly and immediately attracted the attention of the company, Nowicki looked as if he felt a bit uncomfortable. They made their wishes together, but then naturally split between two separate groups.

    Janina Pasek was a woman of great business and artistic influence. Her agency - one of the largest in the country, allowed several young people to make an international career and created advertisements also for foreign companies. No wonder then that the company''s founder had a "small" birthday party for two hundred people.

    Andrzej did not really feel well in this company. There were too many people of great influence and a great wallet here. He was a little relieved to see two other photographers working for Mrs. Pasek, who looked only a little less overwhelmed by all the glitz than he was. Dominik separated from him as soon as they made their wishes and now, with a glass of wine in his hand, he was talking to several models.

    "I''m glad you came," he said, hearing an unexpected voice behind him. Mrs. Janka crept up to him so silently that he was ashamed of his inattention.

    "We couldn''t miss an opportunity like this," he replied.

    "And yet your Dominik does not seem to be happy about it ..."

    "No, it''s completely different ... How do you know something is wrong? After all, he seems perfectly normal and cheerful."

    Mrs. Pasek laughed. She wore the same amount of heavy makeup as she always did, and despite another year on her resume, she looked as warm as ever.

    "He''s confounding[1]. Do you know such a word?"

    "I know. I wouldn''t say he is confused or lost. He looks like he always does." He surreptitiously glanced at his lover.

    "Are you telling me he always drinks this much? This is his second glass since you came a quarter of an hour ago. If this goes on, he will have to be taken out of the room, because he won''t be able to come out on his own."

    Nowicki frowned and looked at his glass. It is true that he rarely attended this type of event, but he knew that alcohol was sipping here to neatly maintain a social conversation, he did not pour it into himself to get drunk. Or so it was.

    "I do not regret his wine" said Mrs. Janka "but alcohol is rarely a good medicine. If you have argued about something, why not discuss it? Apparently, guys don''t like to do it, but sometimes you have to clean up the atmosphere."

    Andrzej looked at Dominik again. The actor smiled dazzling everyone around him, but you had to be close to him to know that it was his trained expression. Dominik''s real smile was not a pose.

    "He''s probably tired," he replied to his boss. "We were on ponies today with my goddaughter and then at the party. Two parties a day is quite a lot."

    "I''m sure you are right" Mrs. Pasek put her hand on his shoulder and smiled strangely. "Now I''m sorry, I need to talk to the other guests."

    This is fatigue, Nowicki repeated himself. In the morning the weather was exceptionally beautiful and the ride was accompanied by the sun, but later a strong wind and rain stopped the fun. Martynka was so delighted with her pony that it was impossible to get her out of the stable. Every five minutes she asked if the horse really belonged to her and every now and then she hugged either him or Dominik.

    Andrzej did not feel jealous about it. Paulina doesn''t either. They were both too firmly established in life and heart, eight... no, nine-year-olds, he mentally corrected himself not to fear that they would lose her to a four-legged mane. After the ponies, they went to a party at the Kowalczyk restaurant, which today was exclusively for them and decorated with balloons. The children with their mothers appeared, and they surrounded Dominik more or less as he was now. He smiled kindly and sweetly at them while Andrzej was taking birthday photos. The whole day on his feet, however, had to take its toll on such idleness as ?liwi¨½ski has recently become. It was definitely about that.

    Nowicki noticed that Dominik''s glass was strangely full. It was almost empty a moment ago. The ring of admirers surrounding the actor changed its composition each time Andrzej looked in its direction, except for the two twins. The sisters Natalia and Emilia Baka, who are just reaching the top thanks to their participation in a TV program and famous for their scandalous customs, apparently decided to take the opportunity to hunt down the sexiest actor of recent years for themselves. He could have bet that one of them (or both of them in turns) was offering him new glasses and Dominik was accepting them for some reason.

    Irritation stabbed Andrzej''s heart. He wasn''t jealous. Not only did he know that ?liwi¨½ski had no interest in the opposite sex, but the actor did not show him in any way. Polite and endearing, he sent the signals "I''m sexy but unavailable." Perhaps if they were twin brothers, Baka Nowicki might have been concerned about his lover''s loyalty, but now he was angry about something else.

    He approached the amused company with difficulty breaking through the circle of admirers.

    "Dominik, I''m sorry to disturb you, but I remembered that I still have to finish preparations for the next session. Could we leave earlier?"

    The girls raised their verbal resistance. The actor looked at Nowicki and it was clear that the alcohol had already started working. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes lost their sharpness of vision.

    "I''m sorry, but it''s been a really long day" added Andrzej smiling at them "and it''s not over yet."

    "As you like" said ?liwi¨½ski with resignation. Nowicki, who had never seen his lover under the influence of alcohol, was not sure what reaction to expect. This concession brought him relief. He preferred not to cause a scandal by bringing out a completely drunk star.

    "But no, Dominik ..."

    "Dominik, stay, the night is still young ..."

    "The party has just begun ..."

    "We can drive you home..."

    "... besides there are taxis ..."

    "No" said ?liwi¨½ski quite firmly. "Andrzej is right. It was a long day. Oops¡­" He wanted to step forward and swayed. "I think I drank too much..."

    Andrzej held him softly. Either Dominik drank more than he thought, or he had a low alcohol tolerance, which was the same thing. Maybe there will be rumors about it, but certainly less than if the actor left the party without being able to stay on his feet at all.

    "Sorry," muttered ?liwi¨½ski looking up at his lover''s face. His cheeks were deeply flushed and his eyes were strangely shining.

    "It''s fine."

    "No, it''s not okay. I think we should say goodbye to the birthday girl" Dominik looked around the room.

    "Not at all. Mrs. Janka will not be angry. Believe me."

    "But ..."

    "Let''s go home," Andrzej insisted with gentle firmness.

    "As you wish."

    Dominik clung to his arm a little tighter than was appropriate in company. Behavior was justified if he drank too much. He didn''t say a word more, but leaning against Andrzej, he politely allowed himself to be led out, put on his coat and put him in the car.

    The trouble only started at home.

    ***

    Dominik moved closer to Andrzej as soon as they took off their coats. He looked very cute, his cheeks flushed with alcohol. Very alluring. Nowicki clearly heard the accelerated beating of his and his own heart. He swallowed hard through his throat tightened with tension and excitement.

    "Take me today, please ..."

    Dominik placed a hand on his chest and fixed his incredibly beautiful aquamarine eyes on him.

    Andrzej''s mouth was dry. He wanted it, he wanted to take Dominik here and now, caress him, kiss him and finally hammer into him for maximum bonding, but he couldn''t do it. He warned the actor that there would be no sex until he read the script. There was more to it than his own stubbornness. This role was created for ?liwi¨½ski and if he intended to reject it, let him at least know what he was giving up. This blackmail and sexual abstinence were for the greater good.

    "You know I want you, but no. You know why."

    "I''ll read it. This will be the first thing I do in the morning. I swear it. Therefore ... please ..."

    [1] Actually, I don''t know if I used the right word. Janina Pasek used a very archaic word ''skonfundowany'' that is no longer in use now, it only appears in historical novels. Therefore, she asked if Andrzej knew such a word. The fact that Andrzej knows such archaism is a good testimony to his intelligence and education, therefore, despite the uncertainty as to what it should sound like in English, I did not withdraw this scene when translating.

 Chapter 125 - And How Can You Be A Blackmailer?

    "Dominik, I ..."

    "Please¡­" It was a groan, desperate and hot. Andrzej felt ?liwi¨½ski''s fingers clenching desperately on his shirt. Wonderful eyes looked at him with such plea that it was impossible to refuse.

    "How can I be sure that you will not change your mind ...?"

    "I''ll never lie to you or cheat on you. I love you. That''s why ... that''s why..."

    His breathing was heavy, desperate. Dominik could be terribly stubborn, and he probably would never have allowed himself to beg him like that if he hadn''t encouraged himself with alcohol. The actor hardly ever drank except for occasional toasts, so the mere fact that he had consumed more alcohol at the party today was disturbing. The last days when they fought each other over the script must have been harder for him than Andrzej could have expected. It wasn''t just a lack of sex. What exactly, Nowicki could not say, but since Dominik goes so far, it would be cruel to keep him at bay.

    Cruelty to both of them.

    Andrzej snorted. And so much of his willpower. So much for his blackmail for the actor''s sake.

    He hugged Dominik and kissed the tip of his nose. ?liwi¨½ski''s eyes widened with surprise and joy. His face lit up with the most charming smile that could light it. He looked as happy as if his life''s dream had come true.

    The actor climbed on his toes and kissed Andrzej strongly, hotly, as if this kiss was to satisfy both of them for those days of abstinence.

    I love him, thought Andrzej, allowing himself to release his own tension and desires. He kissed him back with equal passion. They wanted each other, that could not be denied. They wanted each other so much that they did not wait to reach the bedroom. Already in the living room, they began to take off each other''s clothes. Jackets, ties, belts landed wherever they could. There was no time to see where. Their lips remained pressed together, their tongues twisted madly, and their hands searched desperately for nakedness.

    Nowicki pushed. He wanted to make love to Dominik in a warm, comfortable bed, so he wanted to find himself in his bedroom as soon as possible. The actor stepped back, recognizing his intentions. He took the distance wrong. He stumbled over the step and fell backward. His buttocks hit the step hard, radiating pain from his tailbone. He continued to fall on his back, on his head, but Andrzej''s strong arms gripped him tightly and shielded him from the impact.

    "Are you all right?" Nowicki was concerned.

    "Yes. And you?"

    Andrzej looked down at him. Their eyes examined each other for several heartbeats, assessing the damage caused by the fall. There were none other than a slight bewilderment. Dominik''s white shirt parted to reveal his slim, shapely chest and stomach. The pants no longer had the belt in them, but they were still buttoned. Under the closed strut there was a clear ledge - attractive, so appetizing that Nowicki could not wait any longer. With a quick movement, he pulled out Dominik''s hard penis and took it deep into his mouth.

    "Oh, Andrzej!"

    The photographer did not react. He knew he had surprised his lover. They almost always made love in ?liwi¨½ski''s bedroom. A couple of times on the couch, but it was a quickie back then. They never did it anywhere else. Andrzej himself did not want it for the sake of Dominik. He couldn''t risk some paparazzi taking compromising photos of them. Today, however, he wanted him so much that he would not be able to stay in the bedroom. Not when in front of his eyes he had irrefutable proof of how much he excited the other man.

    ?liwi¨½ski was delighted. His sweet moans vibrated with excitement and pleasure in the air. His penis was stiff and responsive to the caress. The actor''s fingers got tangled in Nowicki''s hair. The touch of those tiny but strong hands made Andrzej become even more excited. With a quick movement, he pulled the pants and underwear from Dominik''s buttocks and lowered his tongue into the cavity between them.

    ?liwi¨½ski stiffened with a sweet, tickling ear groan. They hadn''t had sex for a few days, so Andrzej''s tongue met more resistance than usual, but it was even more exciting. Nowicki had irrefutable proof that Dominik''s devotion was total - despite the days of restraint on Andrzej''s part, he did not go to anyone else, he remained faithful to him.

    Andrzej was unable to stop caressing and licking him, although he felt more and more tension between his legs. It would be wonderful if his penis was in a warm mouth, or at least touched, but the stairs were not the best to change position and both hands of the photographer were occupied with the actor.

    "Oh, Andrzej, take me now" his lover moaned under him.

    "You''re not ready. It will hurt you."

    "I can take it. Please¡­"

    Nowicki felt a conflict. He wanted to enter Dominik as soon as possible, break into him and let himself be wrapped in a heated interior, but if he did now, his lover would feel discomfort. He didn''t want this. He couldn''t hurt Dominik.

    "Do not torment me ... Andrzej ..."

    Nowicki''s heart hit harder. Does his lover want the union as much as he does?

    Andrzej took his penis. He was not fully erect yet, but enough to punch Dominik. He will do the rest in its damp, soft interior. He put his head against the entrance and pressed.

    "Ooooh ..." the actor groaned tensing his body.

    "If it hurts, tell me" Nowicki ordered, going a centimeter further. "Will you tell?"

    "Yes, yes!"

    Gently at first, Andrzej told himself, moving very gently.

    Dominik was tight, so tight that Nowicki was reluctant not to go too far too quickly. He looked into his lover''s face, trying to read the signs of discomfort in it. ?liwi¨½ski bit his lower lip, but his face expressed only pleasure and excitement.

    He''s mine, thought Andrzej. That expression, those sparkling eyes and passionate lips can be only mine.

    He pushed harder, extracting a sweet moan from Dominik. The boy smiled happily and fixed his eyes on Andrzej - passionate, fiery and hungry. Beautiful, like Dominik himself. Trapped in this gaze, Andrzej could not tear himself away from it. He continued to move his hips until he felt his lover become looser. Then he could accelerate. Every more violent movement was carved on Dominik''s face with a grimace of ecstasy. This look carved into Andrzej''s heart like he did in the body of a lover.

    "I love you" Nowicki snapped. ?liwi¨½ski''s eyes filled with tears, but his lips remained wonderfully smiling. His arms stretched out and hugged the photographer''s neck, drawing him towards him.

    "I''m so happy" Dominik confessed, bringing his mouth close to his ear.

    ***

    Andrzej woke up in a familiar bed - not his own, but he spent more time in it than his own. He rolled over to see his lover, but there was a blank space in front of his eyes. Dominik must be in the bathroom, he thought, and lifted his head a little, but didn''t see the light shining from it. Then he must have gone down to the kitchen to get some water.

    He rolled over on his back and put his hands under his head. He was tired, but he didn''t feel like sleeping. After he took Dominik up the stairs, the fun wasn''t over. They were both too hungry for each other to stop there. They made it to the bedroom and¡­ well, they indulged in the pleasures of the body again. Those few days of abstinence meant that they had enough only when they collapsed from the effort into the rumpled sheets. They didn''t even have the strength to get up and wash. They just fell asleep.

    Dominik did not come back for a long time. Andrzej decided that he must have put the water on for tea.

    The stained sheets began to tease Nowicki''s body, so he got up and took it off. Dominik, Little Mr. Perfect, always had at least two clean shifts in stock and Andrzej knew why. He rolled up the stained one, but before putting on a new one, he decided to take a shower himself. His bathroom was across the hall, miles too far for someone who had had some strenuous conditioning exercises a little earlier than having sex with Dominik, so he took advantage of this lover. It was not the first time. The hot water cleared him, but he made him feel lazy. He finished in a few minutes and wrapped a towel around his waist.

    His lover did not return to the bedroom. Or maybe he was here, only saw that Andrzej was taking a shower and left? Nowicki put on new bedding and took the old one to take it to the laundry.

    There was a light on in the living room. Going down the stairs, the photographer saw Dominik sitting on the couch, in a bathrobe and with a mug of coffee. He was holding something on his tucked legs and he watched it carefully. A few steps down, Andrzej saw Dominik twist the typescript.

    Was he reading the script?

    ?liwi¨½ski was focused, but his face expressed nothing more. There was no amusement, no tension of anticipation, no surprise at the twist. It is as if the text did not evoke the same impressions as in Nowicki and Marczak.

    "It''s a good scenario" Andrzej shuddered hearing ?liwi¨½ski''s voice. The actor put down the typescript and looked directly at the photographer. "Very good. But I won''t play in it anyway."

 Chapter 126 - Rumors, Rumors, Rumors...

    "May I ask why?" Andrzej asked looking at Dominik carefully.

    Dominik sighed and wrapped his arms around his knees. He didn''t let go of the cup.

    "I have no heart for it," he replied.

    Andrzej felt a painful sting. So Dominik suffered one wound too much, to that extent that he lost his enthusiasm for the job he was doing.

    Nowicki went to the couch, put the laundry on the carpet and sat down next to ?liwi¨½ski.

    "Since that is your decision, I will support it. And¡­ did you ever have a heart to act, or did you always do it out of force?"

    "I guess I had," he admitted after a moment''s thought. "My first movies were an adventure. Fun. It was something new and interesting. Then I played with momentum. People wanted to watch me, Marek wanted me to play, so I lived up to their expectations."

    "And what were yours?"

    "I didn''t have any. Although¡­ My only ambition was to please Marek, so when we broke up I had to start looking for myself."

    "You found it?"

    "Not quite yet. I don''t know what I want to be or what to do, but I know I have more options than just being an actor."

    "Being an actor is wrong?"

    "No ... But I know that I can be an actor. I would like to know something else. Be someone else."

    "I think I know what you mean. I have always been a photographer, but it was my conscious decision, a conscious choice. Nobody asked you for your opinion when acting was chosen for you and you wonder if you would be better at something else."

    "Exactly."

    "You are good at cooking and if you started a restaurant you would definitely have a lot of customers. Would you like to be a restaurateur or a cook?"

    "Hm, I don''t think so."

    "You look great in front of the lens. You can be a model."

    "I sure wouldn''t want that."

    "You know several foreign languages ??well and you like to read. Maybe you would like to try your hand at being a translator?"

    "I don''t think I''m good for that."

    "Then maybe ... you want to be a shipbuilder?"

    Dominik smiled.

    "A miner?" Nowicki tossed another proposal.

    "With my height I would be a good sewer ..."

    "You see! Your new profession is almost in your hand."

    ?liwi¨½ski laughed.

    Andrzej looked at him for a moment and then put his hand on his head and gently ruffled his hair.

    "You don''t have to choose now," he said gently. "But since you are determined to quit acting now, you should call Marczak in the morning and confirm that you are not interested. Unless you prefer me to do it?"

    "What? No! I will do it myself!"

    "Hey, take it easy, I just suggested. I know you don''t like interacting with him."

    "You ... don''t you, too?"

    "I admit that he can be useful, but yes, I do not like contacts with Marczak."

    "Thank you."

    "For what? For the fact that I don''t like this Marczak shit?"

    "No, for not forcing me to do anything. Thanks to this, I can learn my own way. Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I hadn''t met you."

    "Probably easier. You wouldn''t have to think about anything. Marczak would tell you ''jump'' and you would ask ''how high''."

    "You know, it would even be funny if it weren''t so real."

    "I know," Andrzej sighed. "It''s hard to decide for yourself, huh?"

    "Too hard" admitted Dominik, "but it feels good."

    "I am happy to. So what, breakfast?"

    "Yes, I am very hungry."

    ***

    The rumor suddenly broke into a little gossip weekly. Dominik was treated quite gently in it. Its main character turned out to be a certain tyrant who directs the actor to such an extent that he forced him to leave the party prematurely. As it turned out, he persuaded the young actor to play in an advertisement for his benefit.

    The most disturbing fact, according to this rumor, was, however, that for some unknown reason the tyrant lives with ?liwi¨½ski, which is not practiced in the normal world. It was very suspicious.

    The article, although it was mentioned in a large headline on the first page, was in a journal so insignificant and unreliable that Andrzej would not even have looked at it, if not for a message from Marczak. After receiving and reading it, Nowicki burst out laughing so much that intrigued Dominik looked into his room.

    "Something happened?"

    "I actually don''t know" Andrzej finally mastered a laugh and began to wipe his tearful eyes with amusement.

    "Did you read something funny?"

    Nowicki considered for a moment whether to show the article to ?liwi¨½ski, after all it was just a meaningless gossip magazine, but he had already decided that he would not hide this type of information from him. It was Marczak who kept him under a shed, he intended to be completely honest with Dominik.

    "Look," he turned his laptop towards him. "We''re in the newspaper."

    ?liwi¨½ski read the article but did not smile. He was definitely not amused.

    "I''m sorry!"

    "For what?" asked Andrzej.

    "For the nonsense they write about you!"

    "Come on, you didn''t scribble this article!"

    "But if it wasn''t for me ..."

    "Dominik, these are just stupid rumors. None of my friends will believe them, and I am not really interested in what strangers think."

    "Yes but¡­"

    "There is no ''but''" Andrzej took his chin and kissed him gently on the lips. "You know, it''s even nice that you care so much about my reputation, but you should be more concerned about yours."

    "Yes? Why?"

    "It does not speak very well for a man if he is ruled by a shady guy like me."

    ?liwi¨½ski smiled and his charming, though a bit shy smile lit Andrzej''s whole room.

    "If someone like you is going to tarnish my reputation, that''s fine with me."

    "Are you sure?"

    "Yes" Dominik assured. "We''ve already agreed on it."

    "It is true. So what, we don''t care about rumors?"

    "We don''t care."

    As it turned out, however, the article was caught by another gossip magazine. Less than a week has passed and small rumors and understatements have started to circulate on the network.

    One day it finally made its way to television too.

    Though heavily gossipy, the show was broadcast on a major public station and was very popular. Show often hosted famous journalists working for renowned magazines. The shapely brunette leading it, although she based her materials on gossip from various magazines, never allowed herself any harsher comments or mockery. And that''s probably why her show was generally liked.

    "What do you think about the rumors that Dominik ?liwi¨½ski is a homosexual?" asked the host journalist from a reputable magazine.

    The woman, equally young, though a little less attractive, was a frequent visitor to her. She, too, was a recognizable name and face. Her articles describing the lives of stars were not only popular. It was said that they had the power to make someone or take away popularity. The fact that both influential media ladies took Dominik ?liwi¨½ski''s as a topic that had been carefully avoided so far, could not go unnoticed.

    Like the rumors about him, which are repeatedly repeated in magazines and on the Internet.

    "You know, it''s hard to say," she replied, actually looking indecisive. "?liwi¨½ski never flaunted his private life, but as far as we know, he was not involved in a relationship with any mysterious woman. It is also not proof that he is dating men."

    "Don''t you think it''s weird he lives with a guy?"

    "I did a little investigation into this. Did you know that the man he lives with was once a paparazzi?"

    "I think I heard a little."

    "There is a story about how they met and, as a consequence, they lived together."

    "Really? Will you tell us about it?"

    "Nowicki was observing ?liwi¨½ski and one day he saw the actor stumble and fall in his living room. They said it looked scary so he ran to see if everything was okay? ?liwi¨½ski broke a bit, but otherwise he didn''t hurt himself. That''s how they met."

    "Are you kidding?" The host of the program smiled.

    "I know what that sounds like. It''s a bit naive and like taken out of some soap opera, but believe me, a lot more strange things happens in the world of stars. This is confirmed by completely independent sources."

    "It''s actually an interesting story. Looking at Nowicki, I myself would like him to run to my rescue. How did they come to live together?

    "Since that incident, they became friends and met every few days. Rumor has it that ?liwi¨½ski was struggling with health problems at that time."

    "I remember those rumors. At first he was seen in the clinic and recently, as we remember, he was in the hospital for a few days."

    "I bet that ?liwi¨½ski might have been weakened by some infection, that''s why he fell. Anyway, we have known for a long time that the most talented artists are usually the most distracted and someone usually has to keep an eye on them. I wouldn''t see any erotic overtones in it, unless I was a lover of such stories."

 Chapter 127 - Innocent Rumors About Artists Hurt Real Peoples Hearts

    "Still, does it seem strange to you? After all, for such purposes as care, even assistants are employed, not to mention nurses."

    "Not if you have trouble trusting people. We love watching ?liwi¨½ski, but the only thing we know for sure about him is that he doesn''t like contacts with people. He may not be strictly a recluse, but he is rarely in crowded places."

    "So the incident at the last party ...?"

    "A colleague was taking his drunk colleague out. If you could count how many times I found myself in a similar situation!"

    "So you don''t think there''s an affair there?"

    "I do not know. If you were to think of these criteria I think they would fit together, both are just crunchy. I can even imagine them together. ?liwi¨½ski is without a doubt divine, but Nowicki is only slightly behind him. As far as I know, they have also adjusted professionally. It is not unusual for two artists to be particularly fond of working together and then both achieve great results. And even if they had something romantic in common, would there really be something wrong with it?"

    "It would be a huge loss for female fans."

    "If he were married or seriously dating a woman, the result would be the same."

    "You''re actually right."

    "Exactly. If you looked at the biographies of the greatest idols of world cinema or stage stars, it would turn out that a significant part of them had homosexual episodes. Some had a private life with women, others did not, but it never diminished their talent or diminished their artistic output. I don''t think we should look into the bedrooms of adults. It''s really none of our business. Regardless of whether ?liwi¨½ski is straight, homo or bisexual, for me the most important thing is that I really like to watch him in movies and I look forward to his next screen appearance."

    "I also. Do you think something is up? It''s been almost a year since the shooting of ''In Light of the Accusation'' ended. There was this project by Maciek Werner, but it has recently faded away."

    "It is true. There are rumors, however, that ?liwi¨½ski received a new foreign proposal. For now, however, he is reading the script."

    "Do you know any specifics?"

    "Not yet, but I''ll try to get something for our next meeting."

    "Then we are waiting ..."

    ***

    The intercom rang a third time. Andrzej, stumbling, emerged from the office at about the same time that Dominik, tying his robe belt, appeared at the top of the stairs.

    "Are you expecting visitors?" He asked the actor.

    "At this time? Come on!"

    The time was really too early for any visits, it was a dozen or so minutes past eight so some of them had not managed to start the day yet.

    "I''ll open it," Nowicki announced as he headed for the door. "I''m closer. And dressed."

    He walked over to the intercom and pressed a button.

    "Yes?"

    "Dominik?" He heard a woman''s voice on the other side.

    "No, Andrzej. Andrzej Nowicki."

    "Nowicki? Please open. It''s me, Helena ?liwi¨½ska, Dominik''s mother."

    Andrzej was so surprised that he was speechless. He looked questioningly at the completely surprised actor, who made his face express that this visit was completely unexpected.

    "Will you let me in? I want to see my son!"

    "Oh yeah, I''m sorry. Please!"

    He opened the electronic lock of the gate and the front door. Although completely surprised by the visit of his lover''s mother, he greeted her with a warm, kind smile.

    Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska stormed in and gave him a good morning slap.

    Andrzej''s face burned. He looked at the woman blankly, not understanding what had just happened. Meanwhile, it wasn''t over. Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska burst in, pummeling his chest with her fists.

    "What have you done to my son ?! You pederast! You sodomite!"

    Nowicki was too surprised to defend himself, and even if he had recovered from this situation, he would not have been able to fight the older lady.

    "How could you, you devilish ..."

    "Mom, leave him alone! What are you doing?!"

    Dominik found himself between them, covering Andrzej with himself.

    "Sonny, tell me the truth, as in confession" ?liwi¨½ska clung to Dominik''s bathrobe with tears in her eyes "is he¡­? Do you¡­? You together¡­?"

    "If you ask if we are lovers, my answer is yes."

    ?liwi¨½ska froze as if she had been hit by a bullet. Suddenly she rushed towards Andrzej again with fists and shouts.

    Dominik did not allow it. Still hanging between them, he grasped his mother''s wrists.

    "Leave him!" He ordered. "He didn''t do anything to me! It''s me! I was the one who seduced him!"

    He looked straight into her eyes, which were so similar to his.

    "No, that can''t be true," she sobbed. "Not you! Not my sweet son! It''s him! It''s all his fault!"

    "If you want to blame someone, you better look at yourself. I was only seventeen when you decided that I could cope with the big world and you put me under Marek''s protection. And you know what? He taught me everything."

    "No no no¡­"

    "Yes. I was seventeen when he taught me sex and you handed me over to him¡­!"

    Another crack of the cheek, this time on Dominik''s face.

    His face twisted into a grimace - not pain but malicious satisfaction.

    "He hit me harder," he hissed at his mother.

    "That''s enough" Andrzej decided that now he should step in among them. "In a moment you will say something that you will regret. Look at her, she''s barely standing."

    "I will not let her insult you!"

    "Dominik, it''s okay, really" Andrzej tried to calm the situation down. "Have you cooled down already? Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska, sit down, please."

    "Don''t talk to me! And you, Dominik ..."

    "What, mom? Will you tell me about hellfire? You think I don''t remember your sermons? You think I care? If it weren''t for Andrzej, you wouldn''t have had a son anymore. If it weren''t for him, I would have taken my own life! So don''t you dare speak badly about him in my own house, because if you make me choose, I''ll always choose him!"

    Nowicki was not sure if he heard it correctly. What is Dominik talking about? How is that? Was he thinking of killing himself? When? Was it when he was almost lifeless in his bed after Marczak wanted to make him a whore?

    ?liwi¨½ska sat down heavily on the couch. Andrzej was sure she would shed more tears, but she only covered her mouth with her hand.

    "What happened to my beautiful son?" She moaned miserably. "Dominik, in which world did I throw you?"

    "Mom, it''s okay. This is the past. Now I am happy because I have Andrzej. He is my happiness. My life."

    The woman moved her lips as if to say something, but held back. She took a deep breath and asked:

    "Could any of you bring me a glass of water?"

    "I''ll do it," Nowicki offered immediately. This morning has started out very interesting.

    When he returned with the water, Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska gave him a distrustful look and immediately looked away. It did not surprised him. He knew she was very religious, and he was an accomplice in her son''s sin. While she could forgive Dominik because he was blood from her blood, Andrzej did not have this concession with her. He politely placed water in front of her.

    "I''ll leave you alone," he said.

    ?No" protested ?liwi¨½ska. ?Stay. I¡­"

    "Mom, I''m sorry. I didn''t want to yell at you. Just¡­"

    "Is it true?" She asked calmly, not looking up. "That you wanted to kill yourself?"

    "Yes," he replied very softly.

    "Why?"

    He didn''t answer right away. He sat down on the couch near his mother and took the hand of Nowicki, who was standing next to him.

    Andrzej looked at him. Dominik was calm now, but he needed his presence, his support in this difficult conversation. The photographer sat down in the chair and shook his hand.

    "It''s hard to explain. I guess life was too painful. Breathing was too hard..."

    "But why?" she did not give up.

    "I told you I was in a relationship with Mark. It was a complicated relationship but I loved him. I don''t know how real this love was, but we broke up in August. It wasn''t pleasant, he ... Then he hit me. Very. And then ... I think that''s when it started, the black, painful thoughts that came to me when I was alone. And I was almost always alone. Only Andrzej, someone completely strange, made me feel better. He looked after me, kept me company, introduced me to wonderful people. But I missed Mark, so when he proposed a truce, I went back to him. I wanted to be with him, I wanted to do it badly, but he was still angry with me and did something nasty to me. It was actually stupid, but for me then the world collapsed. I''ve never felt this bad before. It was as if someone had ripped my heart out of me and put only pain in my place. I didn''t think a man could feel this way. I wanted it to end, I wanted it to stop hurting so much.

 Chapter 128 - The Crisis In The ?liwiÅ„ski Family

    Dominik''s confession, his story, came as a shock to his mother. Andrzej also felt a painful twinge in his heart, but he saw how Dominik suffered then, he tried to help him, when Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska heard about it for the first time.

    "If you called, if you came ... Sonny ..."

    "I couldn''t," he shook his head. "I couldn''t even move. I wanted to go away¡­"

    "My God!"

    "Andrzej found me. Despite the fact that we argued, he was worried about me. He found me and made me breathe. He pulled me out of this despair with his patience and kind heart. He was by my side, brought me food, distracted me from my problems, and demanded nothing in return."

    They looked at each other and smiled at each other without saying a word. They didn''t need them. They guessed their emotions from the warmth of their hands.

    "So how are you two ...?"

    "It was me," replied Dominik. "Andrzej never thought about it. He knew I was gay, but he didn''t expect me to fall in love with him. However, I fell in love. Since that happened, I began to harass him and do everything to seduce him ..."

    "Okay, that''s enough" Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska was clearly unable to listen anymore.

    "Mom, I wasn''t kidding when I said that I love Andrzej. He brought me back to life in every aspect. Even the fact that I visited you after seven years is his merit."

    Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska shook her head.

    "Forgive me," she said. There were tears in her eyes again. "I''m sorry, but I can''t, I just can''t accept it. This is too serious a sin."

    "More serious than suicide?"

    "I do not know. I really don''t know. I''m sorry, but I''ll go."

    "Are you sure? You don''t look very well," Dominik worried. "Maybe you will stay?"

    "I have to go to work anyway," said Andrzej, getting up and taking his hand from his lover''s grip. The actor looked at him without understanding, but Nowicki gave him a gentle sign not to ask about anything now. "I guess you are very difficult and I am sorry..."

    "Mr. Nowicki," she suddenly turned to him, looking him tensely in his eyes, "what do you think about that? How are you feeling?"

    "If you ask if I love your son, the answer is yes. I did not expect it, I did not look for it and to be honest it was difficult for me to accept it at first. I am not religious, yet the standards embedded in society were deeply embedded in me, and I myself thought that it was abnormal, sick and wrong. Now I only agree that it''s not entirely normal. I''ve thought about it a lot. I know that it is against nature, customs and religion, but... being with Dominik gives me a feeling of closeness, warmth and love, something that I have not experienced with anyone else and I cannot even imagine that it is wrong. Nor can I imagine why others would see it that way. We are not hurting anyone. We are there for each other when we need each other and this is probably the most important thing. I don''t know how God views it, but I don''t think anyone knows."

    "Thank you" Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska got up. "Sorry, but I''ll really be going."

    "Goodbye, Mom."

    When the door closed behind her, Andrzej turned to Dominik, still sitting on the couch:

    "How are you?"

    "Hard to say. Oddly. And you?"

    "Same as you, I guess," he sat down next to him.

    "Sorry about the mother."

    "No need. And so she reacted gently."

    "Your cheek ... hurts?"

    "Not really. And your?"

    "Not either."

    "He''s flushed."

    "Yours too."

    "Listen, what did you say about Marek ...?"

    "That he hit me harder? Only then, you know."

    "Oh. That''s good. You think your mom will calm down a little?"

    "Yes. I told her a little too much ..."

    "You weren''t lying."

    "Yes, but ... Thank you for stopping me before I said more. Why did you let go of my hand?"

    "I thought the sight might be too much for her, and she looked shocked, and you didn''t need any more support."

    "But I always like your touch" Dominik extended his hand to him and placed it on Andrzej''s fingers. "I didn''t know you were planning to go to work today."

    "I didn''t plan. I just thought this was a good excuse to get out of your mother''s eyes."

    "I''m sorry you have to go through this."

    "No need. By the way, I wonder where did she get the information about us from? Marczak did not write anything to me..."

    Nowicki felt his lover''s hand shake.

    "Something happened?" He asked.

    "No, nothing, but it''s really weird that she suspected us." Maybe Olek will know something? I''ll call him. "He jumped up and headed for the stairs. "Be right back!"

    When he left, Andrzej gasped. The visit and attack of Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska surprised him, but Dominik standing up for him was something absolutely unexpected. Nowicki saw his lover nervous and agitated, but never so much. In fact, it was also the first opportunity for him to stand up for someone he loved, as he often said himself. So Dominik could be decisive and brave, but he never did when it was just about him. Why? Did he not care what happened to him?

    No, it''s not like that, he thought. Perhaps it is human nature to put the good of those we love before our own. Mothers cover their children with their own bodies, men protect their wives and female lover...

    Andrzej smiled. Not that he considered himself Dominik''s female lover, but this was the first time anyone had stood up for him. Well, maybe a second...

    "... how will you explain it personally in a moment?" Dominik was coming down the stairs, already talking on the phone. "What? Really? Okay, we are waiting."

    Nowicki looked at him questioningly. ?liwi¨½ski stood on the third step from the bottom.

    "Olek called," the actor explained. "Even a few times. He wanted to inform me that my mother figured out the truth and is on the way."

    "On time."

    "It''s not his fault I missed his calls. He said he would be there in half an hour."

    "Do you want to greet him in this outfit?"

    "What? Oh, a bathrobe. It''s just my brother, but¡­" He stood there for a moment, then turned and ran upstairs again.

    It got a little mixed up, Andrzej thought, and went to the kitchen to see if they had any cookies for the guests.

    It was even a little more than a little mixed up.

    So Dominik''s mother knows about them. As might be expected, she did not take the fact that her eldest son sleeps with guys. Probably no normal mother would be pleased with a gay son at first. And how many of them would accept it over time?

    Andrzej remembered his. She died when he was twenty, having been ill for a long time before. At first she was angry that he did not follow in his father''s footsteps and became a banker, but she quickly accepted his decision. She believed that a freelance profession would not give him good money, so he told her about the studio that he assumed would be taking ID and occasional photos. Colored a little so as not to upset her more. After all, he loved her. She urged him to find a nice girl and settle down. She was worried that his relationships weren''t based on anything deeper than sex. He would always tell her that he did not want to marry if he did not fall in love. And Paulina? - she pointed. Paulina was the exception and it was she who opened his eyes that marriage for the sake of marriage is not an option.

    She wanted him to have a wife, children. She thought that would make him happy. What would she say if she found out that he had come to love a man?

    She wouldn''t be angry. Probably disappointed and sad at first. Would she ask him a thousand times if he was sure of it? Then she probably would like to meet Dominik. She would scrutinize him harshly and say eventually that she needed to think about it. Then she would take Dominik for a serious conversation and ask if he would be able to bring happiness to her son? It would depend on his answer whether or not to come to terms with their relationship.

    Or at least Andrzej thought she would have acted that way. He will never have a chance to find out what it really is.

    "Mom, I love a man and I''m happy with him," he said softly, as if on trial.

    There was no thunder from heaven. Nowicki felt a bit sad that he hadn''t heard any answer ...

    "What are you muttering under your breath?"

    Andrzej started in surprise. It was Dominik who entered the kitchen.

    "No, nothing" Nowicki responded warmly.

 Chapter 129 - Olek

    "You know, I think I''m nervous" Dominik said. He even showed a slight nervousness.

    "What? Why? After all, Olek knows that we are a couple."

    "Yeah, but I''ve never spoken to him about it. After all, this is my little brother."

    "Do not worry. It won''t be worse than with your mom."

    "Do not remind. Shit, I hope she will not be hit by a bus on the way. She was so nervous ..."

    Dominik was really moved to curse. Andrzej took his chin and kissed him passionately on the lips.

    The surprised actor tried to defend himself, but after a while he kissed him back. When they hung up, he gasped, flushed.

    "Thanks. I''m better now. But¡­ are you not afraid that someone will take a picture of us?"

    "Are you worried about my reputation or yours?"

    "About yours, of course!"

    "My darling," he stroked his cheek. "If it weren''t for the fact that we are waiting for the visitor, I would take you here and now."

    Dominik beamed. His wonderful aquamarine eyes shone so brightly that Andrzej felt his throat tighten.

    "You think it''s him already?" He asked.

    "What?"

    "The doorbell."

    "Ah yes!"

    ?liwi¨½ski jumped up and ran towards the front door.

    "Olek, come in, good to see you!"

    "Is Andrzej here?"

    "He is. Whay?"

    "Alive?"

    "Of course."

    "Good. Then mom won''t go to jail for murder."

    Intrigued, Nowicki left the kitchen.

    "Hello," he greeted the visitor.

    "Hi. Guys, there is a mess!"

    ***

    Andrzej put cookies and coffee on the table, but did not sit down next to the ?liwi¨½ski brothers. Although he loved Dominik and liked Olek, he did not feel comfortable and preferred his arm to support the niche in the wall than to join them on the couch.

    "I''ll get to the point - our mother is pissed off " said Olek.

    "What don''t you say," growled Dominik.

    "You should have told her about Andrzej. I know it''s not easy because our mother is, well, very religious, but she shouldn''t have learned that way."

    "You mean what way?"

    "At the beginning there were stupid smiles of the ladies in the store and the neighbors. Mother felt as if they were talking behind her back, silent when she approached. She began to suspect that one of us had done something wrong. She started questioning us. I told her to get off from her children''s lives, because she could have raised us when we were little, now it''s a bit too late. We were arguing. My mother knew something was wrong, that I knew something, but she didn''t get anything from me. She just figured it might be you. She started reading all the gossip magazines and watching programs. Not that she hadn''t done it before, but now she has even reached for the very weak ones. And then she heard rumors about you. At first she didn''t understand what they might mean. I don''t know when she figured it out. When I got up this morning, she was gone. Father said she went to see you."

    "And the father? Does he know about rumors?"

    "He knows. I had a separate short conversation with him this morning. He told me to tell you one thing - live so that you are happy."

    Dominik blushed with delight, but something else was bothering him.

    "And you? What do you think about all of this? You know¡­"

    "You are not the first gay I meet, although no, technically speaking I know you from birth ... I know one couple besides you. One is weird, but they are generally good guys. I do not have a problem with that."

    "Thank you," Dominik beamed.

    "I have a bigger problem that you ignore us again and we learn about everything from rumors. I know I''m just a shit to you ..."

    "It''s not true! I just ..."

    "Will you stay a few days?" Andrzej interrupted suddenly. "The house is big, lots of space. You will be able to talk about many things."

    "Er, actually ..." Olek looked at his brother uncertainly.

    Dominik, although the proposal had not been agreed with him in advance, smiled broadly.

    "Sure! The last time we met, there was no chance to talk. I''d like to know so much about you! About everyone!"

    "But ... I don''t even have pajamas with me."

    "No problem! We will go shopping. Don''t be asked. You are the first family member to visit me, not counting today''s hurricane in the form of mom."

    "Well, in that case, okay," he agreed.

    "Great," rejoiced Dominik. "Then we will go shopping right after lunch!"

    ***

    The table in the kitchen was small, but somehow they fit the three of them over a fairly generous dinner. Only some platters had to be reached at the nearby kitchen counter.

    Dominik laughed a lot, although a little nervously at first. Then he eagerly listened to every story from his home country about his friends from school, about neighbors, neighbors'' children, neighbors'' dogs, some distant cousins, and even about how one year aphids ate mum''s beloved bush because dad forgot to spray it.

    Andrzej also listened to the story and laughed at the right moments even though he was not amused. The presence of Olek, a tall and well-built twenty-year-old boy, did not disturb him, but he did not feel comfortable. He didn''t know him. Olek was also looking at him suspiciously. Nowicki knew he was undergoing the assessment. The boy checked whether he was taking good care of his brother and probably just waited for an opportunity to announce his conclusions.

    Olek himself did not seem very embarrassed. He talked a lot, answered all questions, but for some reason he didn''t ask any. Andrzej guessed the reason. Certain topics are not dealt with by strangers, and he and Olek were undoubtedly that way for each other.

    Dinner dragged on more because of the company than because they were still hungry. In the end, however, Andrzej decided it was time to leave the brothers alone.

    "Forgive me, but I have a job tomorrow, and I''m not finished for today. I''ll be in the office if you need me."

    "All right," commented Dominik without emotion. "And what time is it? It''s so late?! Olek, and you don''t want to go to bed?"

    "Let''s talk a little more. You don''t have to get up to work in the morning, do you?"

    "Well, not really," he laughed. "When I go to sleep, I will tell you good night" he turned to Andrzej.

    Nowicki raised his hand in a gesture of farewell. The actor smiled at the sight and watched him go.

    "Man, you cook even better than I remember. I was so fed up that I had to unbutton my pants!" Olek leaned back in his chair.

    "Thank you. I like cooking. Andrzej makes great waffles. Tomorrow he probably won''t have time to prepare them, but I''ll ask him to do them the day after tomorrow."

    "Dominik ... Are you happy with him?"

    The actor blushed and lowered his eyes.

    "Why do you ask?"

    "Because ... On the one hand you seem happy, but on the other ... I have the impression that something is troubling you. I did not want to ask in front of Andrzej ..."

    "No" the older brother shook his head "Andrzej is wonderful. Sometimes I even feel that he is too good."

    "But something''s bothering you."

    Dominik was silent. He was glad that his brother would stay with them for a few days, that they could talk in peace, but he was not able to tell Olek everything. At least not yet.

    "Is this about the stalker? Is he still haunting you?"

    The actor shuddered. It was still difficult for him to talk about it, but if he didn''t answer anything, Olek would think it was worse than it really was.

    "Nooooo... This matter is already settled. I''m a bit sorry because it was someone I trusted and had professional plans with, but it''s not a big deal. I guess it''s just... I don''t know, it''s so strange to be the object of this type of interest."

    "I can imagine. Surely it was some old bluff? Bleh¡­"

    "No, he''s actually my age. Anyway it does not matter."

    "Then what are you gonna act besides that yogurt ad? Man, but girls squeal when they see her! I thought yogurt was embarrassing, but the ad is so good. My mother told me to record it and now she is still playing it... Damn, it''s a pity that you didn''t tell her about yourself and Andrzej."

    "I regret it too, but I don''t think there was any good time for that. In fact, I am with Andrzej for less than a month."

    "Are you kidding? But when you were with us ..."

    "We haven''t been a couple yet. I tried to do it, but he still didn''t want to make up his mind. You know, he used to hang out with girls and it took a while for him to get used to me. It is a pity that it was like that with mom, but... do you think she will accept this situation one day?"

 Chapter 130 - Emergancy

    Olek sighted heavily. Mom was quite stubborn person, like Dominik.

    "Knowing that, she immediately flew to the parish priest. His words will be the sentence. He will probably say to her, ''hate sin, not a sinner'', so she will not stop loving you, but she will be nagging to you. So where are you acting now?"

    "Nowhere."

    "Whaaaat¡­? Why? Probably not because of the rumors?"

    "Not really¡­"

    "Dominik, you are my brother. Who will you tell if not your family?"

    "It''s a bit¡­ complex."

    "We have time."

    "It''s already midnight."

    "Best time to talk. Only beer is missing."

    Dominik got up and took two bottles from the refrigerator.

    "Well, that I understand" Olek smiled.

    "It didn''t fit with the dinner," the actor excused himself, "and I hardly drink at all."

    "It''s good. Open up."

    Dominik took out an opener and two bottle caps shot into the air. No one bothered to pick them up. The kitchen needed some proper cleaning anyway. It''s time for a fraternal conversation over a beer.

    ***

    "Then why don''t you want to act?

    Olek was already finishing his second beer, Dominik was still at the first one, but it seemed that his head was very weak.

    "It''s because of the people," he replied grudgingly.

    "How is it, because of the people?"

    "They¡­ always want something. They always want a piece of me."

    Olek had to admit that he did not understand this argument. He only knew one thing - his brother, although older, is a bit childish. He acts as if he doesn''t know the real world. He used to be different. Teenage Dominik was well aware of the gray reality, so he went to the gastronomy, although he did not really want to. Later, when he was offered to star in a movie, he accepted it because the family needed money. The mother was happy that her son had the talent to get out of poverty, and in fact, at the beginning, Dominik supported them very financially. During these seven years, he constantly sent them expensive gifts. Olek suddenly felt stupid. Well, even he was preying on his older brother''s work.

    "You don''t have to buy us anything! Seriously!"

    Dominik looked at him with slightly hazy eyes.

    "Not money! Me!" He explained.

    "You you?"

    "Well ..."

    The older brother leaned his elbow on the table and propped his head. Olek looked at him more closely.

    Dominik was lovely. In all his childhood photos, he looked like a little angel or an elf. Even now, as an adult guy, there was something ethereal and very erotic about him. He didn''t take any sexy pose, he just sat and watched, but Olek felt strange. Wait, he''s my brother, he thought to himself. A brother who was more by name than by actual ties, because apart from blood, they had not shared anything with each other for those almost eight years. Dominik had a lot of sex appeal that was said to be inherent in women. With his unique beauty and a certain delicacy of being, he could arouse quite a desire in people. Since even Olek, his own brother felt so strange ...

    "You mustn''t play any more!" He announced firmly to his brother.

    "Ooooooh!"

    "Only when you turn forty, no, fifty, will you be able to act in movies! Not earlier!"

    Dominik rubbed his watery eye.

    "Dear brother," he said.

    Gosh, he really is too sexy!

    "I will tell Andrzej this right away!"

    He jumped towards the office and, without even knocking, burst into it.

    Nowicki looked up from the monitor. It looked like he was really working on the computer.

    "Dominik will not play in movies anymore" Olek called from the entrance in a very decisive tone.

    "I know."

    This calm answer disturbed Olek from the rhythm.

    "You did know?"

    "Of course."

    At this point, Olek felt like an idiot.

    "Although I''m not sure why he made such a decision," added Andrzej.

    The younger brother stepped inside and slowly closed the door.

    "I know you''re good to him," he said softly. "It shows. But there were others, not so good, huh?"

    Nowicki did not answer, he just closed the laptop.

    "I thought so" said Olek. "He''s amazing to some extent. Unique. As if he wasn''t just¡­ human. That''s stupid what I''m saying, isn''t it?"

    "No. Not for me. One of my first impressions of him was similar."

    "People probably want him a bit too much, and the way he is presented in the media only intensifies it. Even the last ad and posters ..."

    "Shit. Do you think we have exaggerated?" Nowicki was concerned.

    "I have no idea. But I saw the girls screech at the sight of them."

    "I love your brother, but I failed to protect him. This stalker is my fault."

    The boy sat down heavily in the chair in front of the desk.

    "I do not know what should I think about it" he admitted. "I was a kid when Dominik started acting. It all seemed so cool to me. All those gifts, press articles, posters ... A small town kid making such a career! And that''s my own brother! But they did something to him, didn''t they? They broke him."

    "No," Andrzej replied gently. "Maybe they tried to break him, but no. Dominik is the most wonderful man I know. He has its drawbacks and he has some troubles, but everyone has them. You don''t know about it, but I only watched your brother''s movies after I met him personally. I was curious why there was so much hype around him. I really liked his acting and I liked seeing him in the movies, but I still prefer him as his. I would love him even if he were a sewer, although we would probably never meet back then."

    "So you don''t make him play in the movies?"

    "Of course not. Dominik decides about his life himself. I will support him regardless of his decisions."

    "Hmm! You know what? I don''t care what my mother thinks. You and Dominik fit together."

    "Thanks."

    "I''ll go to sleep. Good night."

    "Good night."

    ***

    Andrzej looked at his watch. He did not like to be late, but in the morning he drove Olek to the train station and accompanied him with Dominik until the boy boarded the forty-minute delayed train. The younger brother spent four days with them, which was enough for Nowicki to get used to him and like him. Olek was completely different from Dominik, not only physically but also personally. The boy was energetic and bold, and although he spent all his life in the provinces, he took his life in Warsaw as his own. Apparently Olek liked him too, because he slapped him on the back as a farewell and said: "Don''t worry. I talk to my mother." The photographer got the impression that Olek might already have had a lot of experience in "talking" to his mother. Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska may have a fiery temperament, but she loved her children and had a huge heart - just like her eldest son.

    Nowicki was in danger of being late, so Dominik waved his hand and said that he would return home himself. At Andrzej''s protests, he only smiled, saying that he was no longer the last orphan he was six months ago, and that he probably does not need to be led by the hand (not that he would have objected to holding Andrzej by the hand). At these words, the photographer just shook his head and jumped into the car.

    The road was dire.

    It was not yet winter, which surprises road workers every year, but in the air you could feel it was about to arrive. Wet snow, which was constantly falling, turned into slippery mud on the streets, and the plows, as usual, did not keep up with clearing. Andrzej thought that he would get to work faster with the fast train, but since he had already taken the car to pick up Olek and his bulky luggage, he did not want to abandon car in the city.

    He was late. Not tragically, but he didn''t like having someone wait for him. He was just running into the building where he was working when his phone rang. He took it out as he got into the elevator. He was so caught up in being late that he didn''t even glance at the display.

    "Nowicki, I''m listening" he answered.

    "Andrzej, we need to talk. This is important."

    Marczak, Andrzej recognized the voice. What could he possibly want from him?

    "I''m busy. I just got to work."

    "It''s urgent," the manager said emphatically. "I''m waiting for you in my office."

    "What are you ..." The connection was broken. Nowicki cursed and put the phone in his pocket. He adjusted the bag on his shoulder. "What an asshole," he muttered. He felt unease starting within him.

    Marek Marczak may be an asshole, but he never made much noise about anything. When Dominik informed him that after reading the script he decided not to star in the movie, he took it quite naturally. He did not interfere with the decisions of his former lover, and after teasing Andrzej a bit when ?liwi¨½ski went missing, he did not try any dirty tricks with any of them. It seemed that either he had actually come to terms with the loss of ?liwi¨½ski, or he was giving them both time to enjoy each other and get bored. Although he was despotic, he had no right to conduct them and he did not do it. Then why did this call sound so serious? Has something happened? Damn it!

 Chapter 131 - Shocking News

    The elevator door opened to reveal one of the make-up artists.

    "Something came out," he told her, pressing the button on the ground floor. "I''ll be there in an hour," he finished as the door closed again. The surprised girl became speechless.

    It must have been something really important, since Marczak called him and thus demanded a meeting. And if so, Andrzej just had to find out what was going on.

    Marczak was expecting Nowicki. It was enough for Andrzej to give his name at the reception desk and he was immediately invited to the office. A pretty, serious blonde who looked quite familiar came out to meet him.

    "The president is expecting you," she announced, opening the door for him.

    Andrzej remembered this office, although he had no good memories of it. He remembered how in the middle of the night he had come here accusing Marczak of kidnapping Dominik. He wanted to hit the manager then, but it was he who overpowered and pinned him to the ground. He released him only when his nerves calmed down in Nowicki and then he gave him a drink. It was then that emotions exploded in Andrzej''s heart - anxiety for the fate of a dear man, fear of unknown but real danger, and awareness of his own helplessness.

    Marczak was sitting at his desk now, as always realizing the ideal of elegance, but now he rested his chin on his clasped hands in concentration.

    "What is¡­?"

    "Maciej Werner committed suicide."

    ***

    Andrzej drove onto the property splashing wet snow with rain. He put the car in the garage and headed for the front door.

    "Forgot something?" Dominik ran into the hall. He was smiling. He was so pretty at that moment that the photographer felt a pain in his heart. But he had to tell him that. Since he hadn''t figured out how to do it all the way, he decided to let him know right away.

    "Maciej Werner is dead."

    Dominik blinked several times. He paled.

    "How did this happen?" He asked.

    "I don''t know the details, but apparently it was suicide."

    "He himself..."

    ?liwi¨½ski turned and walked towards the couch. His step was uncertain and Andrzej was afraid that the actor would collapse in a moment. It did not happen. Dominik sat down heavily and clasped his hands, which were trembling slightly.

    "But how¡­? I thought he was feeling better."

    "I don''t know," Nowicki admitted. "How are you?"

    "I?"

    "Yes, you. After all he did to you..."

    The actor shook his head.

    "I am surprised. He was so young¡­ How can¡­?" He suddenly fell silent and lowered his head. It literally lasted three seconds. Suddenly he got up. "Are you hungry? I''ll prepare something quickly..."

    Andrzej grabbed him in his arms and hugged him tightly. He felt Dominik tremble. He knew that ?liwi¨½ski was deeply moved, but he could not say why exactly. Did he feel sorry for Werner? Was he glad that his torturer had suffered a well-deserved punishment?

    "You think I could have done more?" He heard his muffled voice with his torso.

    "Something more?"

    "When I spoke to him. Maybe I should ..."

    "You did everything, you understand, everything you could. His mental disorder wasn''t your fault."

    "But it''s because of me ... If I had then ..."

    "If you then what?" Andrzej felt anxiety and irritation. He pushed ?liwi¨½ski back to his shoulder length and looked straight at his pale face. "If you then what?" He repeated. "If you would agree to be his toy? If you had miraculously loved the man who imprisoned you and tortured you? What the hell are you talking about?"

    "But then he might be alive!"

    "His death is not on you! You didn''t do anything bad to him. You were his victim, remember? You say you better sacrifice yourself for him? Sacrificed us? Me? Better if you stayed with him after all you''ve done to me?"

    "No!" Dominik''s eyes became gigantic.

    "He was not your responsibility," Nowicki announced firmly. "I am. And you are mine. I couldn''t stand it if someone took you away from me and it pisses me off that this shit acted the way it did. He escaped from responsibility. He left the others with his mess ..."

    Andrzej was so furious that he was no longer able to speak. Dominik placed a hand on his chest, softly and tenderly, as if he wanted to support this gesture - or lend it to him.

    "Sorry," he said very softly. "You''re right. There was nothing I could do. And I think that''s the saddest."

    "It is sad" admitted Andrzej and hugged the actor again. For him, however, the saddest part of it all was that selfish escape into the death of some psychopath brought suffering to those he loved."

    "Do you know when the funeral will be?"

    "No. What, are you planning to go?"

    "I do not know I think so."

    "Fine. I will find out."

    ***

    Finally the snow fell, so normal, white and fluffy, with no rain. As a child, Dominik liked that white fluff. As a child, he would have been outside and making a snowman, although the blades of grass were sticking out from under the snow. Now he was sitting by the kitchen window, staring at the ground beneath one of the young thujas growing by the fence. It was there that Andrzej buried a dead gray Persian kitten, which someone delivered to him by courier.

    Not someone, Maciej Werner.

    And now he was dead himself.

    Dominik saw no irony of fate or justice in this. Maciej Werner was not a bad man, he just kind of lost his way. True, he did unpleasant things with ?liwi¨½ski, but he did not deserve to die.

    "Unpleasant things," ?liwi¨½ski smiled bitterly. This is probably a small understatement. Werner abducted him, imprisoned him for three days - naked, tied to a bed, depriving him of his dignity and then ...

    Dominik was unable to finish it. He wiped the tears that fell into his eyes, glad that Andrzej had already left for work. He loved Nowicki with all his heart, he adored him, but there were times when he needed to be alone. It was one of them.

    Werner''s cruelty was not deliberate and his intentions were not evil. He loved. The feeling was so strong it turned into an obsession. Obsession is already a disease, so Werner should not be punished, but treated. This was one of the reasons why Dominik did not prosecute. Maybe he should have done it after all? Maybe then the boy would receive appropriate treatment and now he would be alive?

    "He wasn''t your responsibility," he remembered Andrzej''s words. That''s right, he wasn''t, not in the sense of a friend, lover or brother, but if you see someone drowning, isn''t it the duty of every passerby to at least try to save him? Dominik could see Werner sinking deeper into his illness and yet he did nothing to help him. He left him to himself.

    But was it really his duty to reach out to the man who tortured him less than a month ago and..."

    Dominik rubbed his eyes again.

    They were no strangers to each other, like passers-by. Something disgusting connected them, something sick, something the memory of which the actor felt excruciating pain in his heart. All this time he tried to control it, and to a large extent he succeeded. He had Andrzej, whose smile, warmth and love allowed him to forget and to live more and more normally, but deep in his heart were still thorns stuck in by Werner. As long as they were there, the wounds could not heal. They fudge and festered slowly, poisoning him. Dominik knew about it, as well as the fact that only Andrzej can heal these wounds. They will get heal over time and under the influence of the balm of love, but at that point the time was far too short.

    The house suddenly seemed too cramped for ?liwi¨½ski. He grabbed his jacket from the closet, put on warm boots, and stepped out into the fresh, frosty air.

    It was gray and cold, not so much from the frost itself as from the dampness in the air. He went out on the run, with no scarf, gloves or hat, so he immediately felt the consequences. It''s nothing, he will warm up on the march, he said. So he moved quickly to calm his emotions with fresh air and physical effort.

    After a few minutes of walking, he noticed two young men blocking the passage of a woman in a red wool coat. The men were clearly having a good time, which could not be said about her. One of the men, quite well built, seemed familiar to Dominik, but he couldn''t quite remember where from.

    It wasn''t important anyway. The woman was clearly uncomfortable with gentlemen who would not accept it. ?liwi¨½ski felt angry.

    "Maybe enough of this fun," he interrupted them. "You could let the lady pass."

 Chapter 132 - Unexpected Guest

    "Hey, it was she who stop us ..." one of them started to answer as the other nudged him in the ribs.

    "Sorry, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski," the other one, whose face seemed familiar to him, interrupted. "Please don''t tell our boss about this! These are just our jokes ..."

    Dominik felt relieved immediately. He already knew why the bulky one seemed familiar to him. These were the Bambus people!

    "All right," he replied. He was surprised that this ... Myszy, I think he had a nickname, still hangs around here, but also strangely pleased. Now that he knew who the mysterious Bambus was, he did not mind that he was watching over Dominik''s safety."

    "Thank you. Sorry again" the young men withdrew.

    Dominik turned to the woman to ask if she was okay, but she was already saying to him:

    "Thank you so much for the rescue¡­" she said in Eanglish.

    She broke off as she saw his face.

    "You''re welcome," he replied in the same language. He decided she had stopped because she realized that her interlocutor did not need to speak English.

    "You''re him, aren''t you, that actor, Dominik Slivynsky, right?" She asked still in English. "I''m Scarlett. Scarlett Yang. Nice to meet you."

    ***

    Dominik helped her take off her beautiful red coat and invited her inside. He didn''t feel very comfortable with this sudden guest, but he couldn''t quite refuse to meet someone who had come for him all the way from the United States, and a girl he had just helped.

    "I''ve never been to Poland," she announced, looking around the living room. "And this is the first private house in your country where I am. It is very pretty."

    "Thank you," he replied with a polite smile. Since he quit acting and was at his own home, he decided he could act more naturally, even if he was talking to a Hollywood star. "Would you like something to drink? Coffee? Tea?"

    "Tea, please."

    "Make yourself comfortable."

    "Thank you."

    Dominik went to the kitchen and put on the water. Since there were no doors between it and the living room, he had a perfect view of the sofa, armchair and the American actress who ostentatiously looked around the interior like a tourist at a unique architectural monument.

    "It''s a really nice house. It is different than the houses in the States, but very nice. Do you live here alone?"

    "With a friend."

    "Oh. She''s around here somewhere?"

    "He''s at work. He is a photographer."

    "Ooooh, but I don''t see any photos."

    "He works for an advertising agency. Previously, he took photos for the editorial office."

    "These huge billboards hanging all over the city are not a coincidence ...?"

    "Yes, his."

    The actress smiled broadly.

    "Really good. I even wanted to go into the store and buy this yoghurt, the photo was so delicious."

    "I''ll pass him compliments" the kettle whistled and Dominik flooded the tea bags thrown into the mugs.

    "You''re probably wondering what someone like me is doing here?"

    "More why is someone like you without bodyguards?"

    "My visit to Poland is official but not official. I came here to see you."

    ?liwi¨½ski struggled to resist the temptation to sigh. Politeness dictated that he should listen to what she had to say, but he really didn''t feel like it. Not now that he had heard of Werner''s death and his heart was filled with all sorts of emotions, all of which were unpleasant.

    "All right," he entered the living room, carrying a tray of tea, sugar and milk, "get down to business. It''s about the script, right?"

    "Yes. We want you to play alongside me in this movie."

    Dominik felt his heart pound harder. Scarlett Yang, one of the most beautiful actresses of the new generation with onyx-black eyes and copper-shimmer curls, who was nominated for an Oscar twice in her short career, sat on his couch asking him to be her screen partner. You don''t get such an offer every day and you certainly don''t reject it with a light hand.

    "Thanks but no."

    "I heard you said no twice, that''s why I''m here. I don''t know what your driving behavior is, but this is a great opportunity for you..."

    "No."

    The actress fell silent. She blushed.

    "When they told me that they wanted to give me an actor from Poland as a partner, I was angry. I am not someone who can be juxtaposed with anyone on the screen. They told me that you have tremendous talent, you just lack the publicity and finally persuaded me to give you a chance. I don''t understand, why don''t you want to use it?"

    "I''m quitting acting."

    "Can''t you do it after that one movie?"

    "I don''t want to."

    "Listen, when they asked me to come over and convince you to play in that movie, I found it below me, but I was a bit curious about you. You are very photogenic and we are going to look good as a couple. I agreed with these arguments and came here. I didn''t really care if you would play with me or not, but I wanted to see you live. But now that I''ve met you ... Now I really want you to play with me. I''ve flown half the world for you, so please don''t throw me away like that right now. Give me a chance. Please" she leaned towards him, gently touching his wrist.

    Dominik wanted to snatch it away. He was in his own house and he didn''t want to be touched by anyone other than Andrzej, but this girl from the other side of the world didn''t do anything wrong, so he restrained his reflex.

    "This is not a good time for such talks. Yesterday I found out that my friend died."

    "I''m sorry," she squeezed his hand even tighter. "I understand. In that case, can we arrange to come back to the topic when it will be more convenient?"

    "But..."

    "I would like you to show me some interesting places in Warsaw. You''re not going to say no to your friend from another country, are you?"

    It would be rude indeed to refuse.

    "Please think about it. Here''s the number where you can find me. And ... thank you again for saving me."

    The visit was short, but there was no denying that Dominik was relieved when Yang got up to leave. He really didn''t like strangers, especially when he was approached in his own house. He offered to call her a taxi, she refused to say that a driver was waiting for her nearby.

    She was already in the doorway when she turned and announced.

    "You know, Dominik, it is customary that some things are only said to women, but I have a different opinion on that. Don''t be offended, I don''t mean anything by it, but I have to tell you. You are beautiful. Divine."

    The actor blushed.

    "Thank you," he replied shyly.

    She stood in the doorway for a moment, never taking her eyes off him. He felt strange under her gaze.

    "Call me, please," she touched his hand again. "I will be in Warsaw as much as I need. I will not leave until I feel that I have used all the means of persuasion. Will you call?" She squeezed his fingers.

    "Maybe."

    "I''ll wait," she kissed his cheek. Dominik stepped back in surprise.

    "Forgive me! I did something wrong? I hear they say goodbye in Europe this way!"

    "Maybe in France," he said, trying not to be rude, but he really hoped the actress would just go away.

    "Ah yes. I apologize again then. See you soon."

    She''s gone after all, he thought with relief as he closed the door. He returned to the living room and turned on the TV.

    "The causes of death are still unknown. It is not known that the twenty-five-year-old director suffers from any chronic disease, the greater the shock of his death to the film community. According to unofficial sources, Mr. Werner recently suffered from depression, which made him withdraw from the project planned for the end of this year. So it follows that it could have been a suicide death. The date of the funeral has not yet been established ..."

    Dominik stared at the screen at the black-and-white photo of Maciej Werner and the quickly edited footage of his achievements to date. There weren''t many of them. Werner''s star was just rising.

    The actor remembered their first meeting. Then, when at a party, Marek dragged him to a secluded place and started kissing him, making him sick, Dominik was saved by Werner. Did the director already know that ?liwi¨½ski was gay? Or maybe it was this scene that made the previously unrealistic fantasies a chance to be realized in his mind? Maciej was so helpful and kind at the time. Dominik liked him. He was grateful to him for the rescue and the awakening friendship. He thought that his world was beginning to expand with another kind and kind man. He trusted him and let him into his home.

 Chapter 133 - A Mess Left By The Dead

    Then, when Dominik got that terrible package, Werner was still there. Not right next door, this place was reserved for Andrzej, but close enough for the actor to reach for him. His support really mattered and was an extra help in his recovery. Dominik was not quite able to call him his friend yet, but they were well on their way to such relationships.

    As it turned out, Werner wanted something more, something that Dominik couldn''t give him.

    Is it my fault, he wondered, if I could return his affection, would he still be alive? Or at least pretend I love him? Or pretend he has a chance with me? If I had done something different, would he be alive?

    These thoughts haunted him.

    Was there really nothing he could do to save this unfortunate existence?

    He ordered a taxi. He decided to talk to Werner''s grandfather. The old man must be devastated after losing his only living heir. When the ordered car pulled up, he had to be taken to the Werners'' address. The ride took several dozen minutes. When they stopped, however, Dominik was unable to reach the door. The house behind the fence stood empty and sad, as if he himself was in mourning.

    "You''re not getting out?" The driver asked.

    "No, I changed my mind. Please take me back."

    "As you like."

    ***

    There was a light on in the house. Probably Andrzej has already returned from work. Dominik smiled faintly. He wanted to cuddle up in his lover''s arms and lie there for a day or two. No sex, just warm company of a loved one.

    But it wasn''t that good. There was a second car in the driveway, silver, expensive and unpleasantly familiar.

    ?liwi¨½ski sighed.

    At that moment, too much was going on around him and the chaos was starting to tire him.

    He entered the house and found both men sitting at a table, chatting over coffee. They acted as natural and ordinary as if they had known and liked each other for years. Dominik felt a twinge of jealousy and a sense of betrayal. Andrzej had sworn that he would never forgive Marczak for what he had done to his lover, and now he talked to him so normally that he did not even notice ?liwi¨½ski''s return.

    "You are finally here. I was starting to worry" Nowicki got up and went to meet him. Marek was looking at him as well. "Why aren''t you answering the phone?"

    "Haven''t heard ..." the actor took out the phone. "Looks like I forgot to charge it. I''m sorry."

    "We have a visitor."

    "I see that."

    "I had a call from the States today," Marek said. "Scarlett Yang, who will play the main role, is to come to Poland ..."

    "I know" ?liwi¨½ski interrupted him.

    "You know? How?"

    "Andrzej, I have to pass you compliments on your advertising photos. She liked them very much."

    "Did you talk to Scarlett Yang?" this question was asked by Nowicki.

    "She was here before noon."

    Andrzej and Marek looked at each other, as if two men sharing a secret.

    Suddenly Nowicki smiled.

    "You see, Marczak, your plan has failed. You were too slow."

    Dominik started. He felt as if he could hear satisfaction in his lover''s voice.

    "What are you talking about?"

    "Nothing," Marek sighed, standing up and buttoning the bottom button of his jacket. "It''s a pity. That role would really come in handy now. Nothing, then nothing for me. I''ll let you know as soon as I know of the date of Werner''s funeral. This may take a while. Suicides always do an autopsy."

    "Thanks," said Andrzej.

    "Se you," Marczak put on his coat and left. Dominik noticed that it had just started to snow.

    "I didn''t ask about it yesterday, but how do you know about Werner''s death? From Marek?"

    "Yes," Nowicki admitted.

    "You''ve been talking to each other a lot lately."

    "I think so," he sighed.

    "You don''t mind? I thought you don''t like him."

    "What to do? I hate him, but I must admit he is useful. Since you don''t have an agent, all professional matters are handled by me. I''d rather than have him contact you directly."

    "Why contact at all? Can''t he just lose my number?"

    "It''s not that easy," Nowicki sighed. "Dominik, you are not an ordinary gray man, although I know that you would like it very much. You are a public figure, a face recognized not only in Poland. Many people, also abroad, would like to see you live or at least in another film. Some of them have access and resources. If there was no one standing between you and them, they would eat you alive."

    "But ..."

    "But if you say that you don''t want any contact with Marczak, I''ll tell him. We will try to deal with it ourselves" Andrzej smiled as if he wanted to assure him that everything would be fine. ?liwi¨½ski imagined his lover taking over the duties of his agent, and it was a terrifying thought. If Nowicki starts doing this, they will see each other much too rarely.

    "No, it''s okay," he announced.

    "Dominik, come here to me" Andrzej extended his hand to him. The actor approached him slowly. Suddenly strong, loving arms embraced him. "You want us to go somewhere for a few days?"

    He wanted, he really wanted to get away from it all. Forget. Try to live a little different, easier.

    "This is not a good time," he said instead. "It would be like running away from problems. Tempts, but does not solve anything. Not in the long run."

    "Will you tell me where you''ve been now?"

    "I went to see Mr. Werner, but I did not dare to enter his house."

    "What did you want to tell him?"

    "I do not know. Maybe that''s why I didn''t go inside."

    "Get you a bath?"

    Dominik chuckled. He moved away from Andrzej.

    "I should have asked you about this. I am the one who sits on my ass like a housewife all day. My man returns after a day of work, and even lunch is not waiting for him."

    "What to do? I always knew you weren''t perfect."

    "I''m gonna cook something."

    "Wait" Andrzej grabbed his elbow and pulled him towards him. "How about if we skip dinner and go to the bath immediately."

    "Both?"

    "Both."

    "I''ll say it''s the best idea of ??the day."

    ***

    The phone rang as insistently as it was announcing the end of the world. Nowicki in the dark reached towards the abandoned trousers.

    "Nowicki" he answered.

    "Trouble. Werner left a suicide note. He sent it to several newspapers. My phone has been busting for an hour."

    "What? Why?"

    "Dominik''s name is mentioned there."

    Andrzej was immediately on his feet. He tried to put on pants with one hand.

    "I''m going to see you soon. I''m on my way..."

    "There''s no need to. I''ll be with you in ten minutes."

    "Is it that bad?"

    "I''ll explain everything on the spot."

    "What happened?" Dominik rose on the bed. "Something bad?"

    Nowicki looked at his lover - beautiful and sensitive. Whatever Werner wrote in his suicide letter, the living will bear the burden of his words without the possibility of confrontation and defense. That is why the accusations made from beyond the grave are the most painful. Of course, these did not have to be accusations per se, but in whatever context Dominik''s name was used, the actor would have to bear the burden.

    Fortunately, not alone. Andrzej will not leave him, whatever happens.

    "Dress up. Marczak will appear soon."

    ?liwi¨½ski did not say a word, but even in the light of the bedside lamp it was obvious that he was pale. He got up and reached for his clothes.

    It wasn''t fair to cowardly take oneself to the grave and leave the mess for others. Nowicki expressed himself very ugly in his thoughts about the deceased. Now he has to do everything to reassure Dominik and show him support.

    "They say Werner sent a letter to the newspapers with your name on it. Marek will give us the details and we will be able to discuss the strategy" he explained, trying to make the voice sound natural.

    "Fine."

    The actor sounded surprisingly calm, as if he did not care about the seriousness of the situation. Andrzej was not sure if it was better this way, but he smiled.

    "Marczak should be here soon. I''ll go to my room for a fresh shirt."

    "When I''m finished, I''m going downstairs."

    Nowicki did not want to waste a moment, so he grabbed a shirt from the closet, but he had a problem with the sleeves. For some reason, he was unable to hit the second. In the end he dealt with it and socks (he had already pulled his pants in Dominik''s room) and ran downstairs. ?liwi¨½ski was just opening the door.

    "I can see that it started to snow" noticed the actor as soon as Marczak crossed the threshold. The visitor shook snowflakes from his hair.

    "And it got really cold. I''m sorry to come at this hour, but ..." Marek suspended his voice.

 Chapter 134 - Accusations That Cannot Be Fought

    "All right," Dominik announced without emotion. "Your coat, please."

    "Andrzej told you what''s going on?"

    "Roughly. Come in, please."

    Nowicki and Marczak nodded at each other. Andrzej could not help but feel that only Dominik out of all three did not feel agitation.

    "As you know" began to explain Marczak "I have many friends in the media. Thanks to this, I can control the flow of information to some extent. Today I have heard that Werner''s farewell letter has been delivered to several editorial offices."

    "It''s a little weird that it happened in this time of day," said Andrzej. "We''re in the middle of the night."

    "Couriers delivered the mail during the day, but you know how it is with the editorial office, it has to be delayed. In large magazines, even after reading it, the road is long before it reaches decision-makers. I think they would have been lying a little longer if not for the leak from "Famous and infamous". This worm Karpiarz was jumping with joy. I managed to persuade the heads of the more serious newspapers to ignore the subject and treat the letter as a mental disorder of someone mentally unstable, but the tabloids won''t let it go that easily. Two are firmly in their favor, negotiations are underway with the other two ..."

    "I see," Dominik said calmly, "but I still don''t know why you''re making such a fuss out of it? What''s in this letter?"

    Marczak pursed his lips and looked directly at Dominik.

    "In short," he said, "Werner blames you for his death."

    "Ah yes. You know, you don''t have to make sure they don''t publish this letter" Dominik said.

    "Are you kidding? It will be the end of your career!"

    "What career? I finished it anyway."

    "But you didn''t announce it! If you back out now, they will start hanging dogs on you. You will leave the stage defeated."

    "Let it be that way."

    "Dominik ..."

    "Thank you for your concern, I really do, but I don''t care what they write about me."

    "They will start watching you, chasing you, demanding comments ... They will sniff you and eventually discover your secret. Especially since¡­ there are ambiguous innuendo in the letter."

    "They''re already gossiping about it, have you forgotten? Somehow it did not arouse such a sensation."

    "Because they only have clues..."

    Dominik shook his head.

    "If what Maciek wrote is true, I will not hide from it. If that''s a lie - how do I fight ghosts? And you, Andrzej, what do you think about it? They will probably also write about you..."

    Nowicki smiled. Dominik''s brave attitude surprised him. He was proud of him.

    "Don''t worry about me," he said. "No matter how ugly it gets, we''ll handle it."

    "You say that because you don''t know the media."

    "No, Mark. We say this because all we care about is our love, and it won''t fall apart because of stupid rumors. But thank you for worrying about me. Really."

    ?liwi¨½ski''s smile was charming and sweet. He shouldn''t have smiled at Marczak that way, thought Andrzej. Such a smile makes the heart hope for something more than mere acquaintance. The acquaintance with Dominik was dangerous both for body and soul. It could bring the greatest happiness, but also the darkest despair.

    "You are really brave, little tiger" there was recognition in Marczak''s voice, but Nowicki had the impression that there was something else. Attachment? Longing?

    Does Marczak have warm feelings towards Dominik? Could he¡­ love him? He still loved, or only just now started to love. Yes, it looked like love.

    If so, he must suffer greatly seeing them together and hearing about their mutual affection. Perhaps he is reflecting on what he did wrong and regrets? For some reason, he doesn''t ask for another chance. Maybe he realizes that he has not misused the previous one and only deepened his guilt?

    "Are you not afraid of how your family will react when they realize that you are gay?"

    "They know."

    The surprise on Marczak''s face appeared only for a moment to give way to a sad smile of understanding. Andrzej felt sorry for the manager. For seven years he was an inseparable part of Dominik''s life, but also the actor was part of his everyday life. After they split up, they both had to adjust to the new reality. ?liwi¨½ski, who was an exploited party in this relationship, did it faster and was happy, but Marczak ... He supposedly owed himself, but Andrzej could not even imagine what you might feel after the loss of Dominik. Marczak was crazy then, Werner committed suicide.

    He felt a painful stab in his heart. His lover was wonderful, beautiful, gentle and sweet, but there was something addictive about him. His beauty and manner, his charming smile, fiery aquamarine eyes, warm, velvety skin and sensual touch were like a drug. When a person gets the happiness of being with Dominic, he can''t want anyone else anymore. After they break up, when their love cannot reach her subject, they lose their mind. What will happen to Andrzej if the actor ever decides to end their relationship?

    What am I thinking? Nowicki mocked himself. We love each other and we are happy together, and this is the most important thing. With his stupidity and cruelty, Marczak ended his relationship with ?liwi¨½ski, Werner never had him at all except his sick imagination. Andrzej is not like them.

    "You both live, so I think they took it quite well" Marek smiled and it looked sincere. "I take it that you are already a couple officially?"

    "Our friends and families know about us," Dominik said.

    "Congratulations. Well, if we''re not going to worry about Werner''s letter, what am I going to say to those who call me?"

    "That you are no longer my manager and you have no comments from me on this matter."

    "You know they''ll come straight to you?"

    "I know. Marek, my behavior may seem naive to you, even irrational, but¡­ I''m fed up with pretending, hiding from people. If they really love me, they will accept me as I am. If not, I won''t cry because of it."

    "You remind me of yourself from years ago," smiled Marczak. "When I met you, you were exactly like you are now. Being with Nowicki does you good. I think I''m jealous of you."

    "Hey," said Andrzej.

    Marczak decided that the only comment would be his typical, arrogant smile.

    "Okay, Dominik, I will not silence the matter. But don''t forbid me to comment on it. After all, I know what Werner did to you."

    "Do you know¡­? Since when?"

    "I was guessing. You just confirmed my guess. That''s why I can''t ..."

    "What do you want to tell them? I hope not the truth?!" The actor was scared.

    "Don''t be scared, not all of it. I''m not tarnishing your opinion."

    "But Werner ... his grandfather ..."

    Marczak looked at them not understanding.

    "Werner''s grandfather came to us some time ago and begged Dominik to meet his grandson" Andrzej explained with resignation. "It was after Maciej''s first suicide attempt. Dominik felt sorry for the old man. You know what he is like."

    "All right," Marczak sighed. "I will not tarnish the reputation of the dead. But if I have to choose his reputation or yours, I''ll choose the living. I''m sorry for the intrusion. Good night."

    "Good night," they replied simultaneously.

    There was silence after Marczak had left. Neither of them seemed in the mood to speak.

    Looking at the calm Dominik, Andrzej felt uneasy. He had no idea what the media would wring out of this farewell letter and what scandals they would look for, but one thing was certain - ?liwi¨½ski would not come out of it unscathed. Rumors in magazines and TV shows, more paparazzi lurking, pseudo-journalists wiping their mouths with his name, and maybe even discovering a painful secret - not about being gay, about being a victim of a madman.

    Once, Andrzej accidentally entered a website where men confessed that they had been victims of sexual violence. He reacted then with a smirk. He felt no sympathy towards them. He could not understand their situation, this helplessness in the face of the cruelty that was happening to them. He himself was always strong - tall, athletic and with definitely masculine features, he was indeed harassed by a friend, but in his case it was enough to say no. It was only when he met Dominik that he realized that there could be dozens, hundreds of circumstances that could make even a man a sexual victim, and that it did not diminish his value at all.

    He understood this because the problem affected someone around him. Others will not be so understanding. At least not all of them. If people learn the truth, they will pity ?liwi¨½ski. Others will laugh. Both of these behaviors will hurt him.

    "Dominik, let''s go to sleep" Andrzej proposed.

    The actor turned to face him. Nowicki thought he saw uncertainty in his eyes.

    "Andrzej, did I make the right decision?" He asked.

    "I don''t know," he admitted. "But whatever happens, we''ll deal with it. Together."

    "Together?"

    "Of course."

    Dominik smiled faintly. Finally he nodded.

    "Together," he confirmed. His eyes were shining with the ready to fight again.

 Chapter 135 - The Hyenas Have Gone Out To Feed

    Warsaw looked very nice, although it definitely wasn''t New York. Even so, Scarlett had a lot of fun hanging around her streets unrecognized by anyone. Although she was a Hollywood star known even in this part of the world, none of the passers-by or even the saleswoman in the store could expect to meet her, so no one paid much attention to her. It was enough to change her hairstyle and makeup.

    Of course, Scarlett wasn''t crazy enough to venturing out into a strange city in a foreign country all by herself - especially after an adventure a few days ago. Definitely not. A few steps away, she was accompanied by a private security guard dressed like a common passerby. Maybe he didn''t look too impressive, but he was said to have a black belt in karate and was an expert with handguns.

    Scarlett was already stuffed with souvenir bags she had bought in boutiques when she passed a kiosk and saw a familiar, beautiful face staring at her from the cover of one of the magazines.

    "This magazine, please," she asked the saleswoman at the kiosk. Her request was, of course, in English.

    "What?" The woman asked in her native language.

    "This magazine. That one. The "Slavni ..."

    "The Lady is asking for Famous and Infamous[1]," her bodyguard interrupted.

    "Oh, right away" the saleswoman handed them the newspaper and announced the price. "One ninety-nine."

    The bodyguard handed Scarlett the newspaper. She thanked him and tried to read the headline.

    "Oh, come on! I cannot read Polish! Can you read me what they say about Slyvinsky?"

    ""Dirty secrets of ?liwi¨½ski. Maciej Werner''s posthumous confession casts a shadow on the true nature of the popular actor "

    "''Dirty Secrets''? I need to know more. Let''s go to some cafe!"

    Scarlett was really intrigued. The headline was very flashy and promised a huge sensation. Is this pretty and charming man really hiding "dirty secrets"?

    Her heart skipped a beat.

    From the first meeting, she felt something special for ?liwi¨½ski. She liked his face and the blue eyes just charmed her, but in this man not only his appearance was beautiful. Then, when these two trapped her on the sidewalk when she asked them for directions, the actor immediately rushed to her aid. Though short and petite, he was remarkably brave and, without a doubt, they respected him. Coming to Poland, she thought Dominik was just a pretty face and perhaps a handful of talent, but after five minutes alone with him, she knew that he also had an extremely attractive and warm personality, although he was polite but cool towards her.

    He said his friend died, she remembered. He was probably in mourning and had no head for social chats or even professional conversations. It only confirmed how sensitive and sympathetic he was, when he really mourned someone''s death. Was it this friend who made this "posthumous confession"? How exciting is that!

    Immediately after seizing the table and placing the order, Scarlett leaned toward her bodyguard.

    "Read," she ordered, her eyes twinkling.

    "I don''t know if I will translate ..."

    "For sure! Read on!"

    "A few days ago, we were surprised by the news of the untimely death of the talented director and screenwriter Maciej Werner, who made preparations for a new film. The death of a twenty-five-year-old healthy man came as a surprise to everyone and gave rise to speculation that it was a suicide. We now have proof of this - Werner''s suicide letter, which the director sent to us before his death ... "

    "Yay, like in some movie!"Scarlett was clearly excited.

    "In it, Werner admits that for years he had loved none other than the mysterious star of our cinema, the young and handsome actor Dominik ?liwi¨½ski!"

    "Really?!" She exclaimed excitedly.

    "That''s what they say here. Read on?"

    "Yes yes!"

    "We wrote about the suspicions we have about ?liwi¨½ski''s sexual orientation a few issues ago. The actor is seen much more often in the company of his handsome roommate than any woman. He is not seen on dates and at the last party he was accompanied by none other than his roommate. As you can see, ?liwi¨½ski clearly prefers the company of men. In the fall, Werner announced plans to make a new film, the script of which he wrote with ?liwi¨½ski in mind, and although the actor was not involved in any project at the time, the shooting was postponed due to his "malaise". So the question immediately arises whether the relationship between the two remained purely professional? We present to you the suicide letter sent to us by a young, promising director, and we leave you to draw conclusions whether these two could actually be in romantic relationships? Did ?liwi¨½ski use his charms to achieve his professional goal...?"

    Scarlett listened with bated breath and growing blush. What a wonderfully outrageous story! Amazing! Romantic, thrilling, tragic! It will definitely draw attention to the person of ?liwi¨½ski in the media.

    It certainly caught her attention.

    ***

    Dominik closed his eyes.

    Looking at him, Andrzej felt as if his heart was breaking. He didn''t ask at all if the actor was okay - he knew he wasn''t. ?liwi¨½ski got up with a headache, and although he changed into his day clothes, he hardly left his room. He didn''t say much either. He read the article and hasn''t said a word since then. The phones had been dropping since morning, so they turned them off. Journalists chatted outside the house.

    "Get some sleep," said Andrzej gently. "The medicine should start working soon."

    "I''m sorry. I thought I could take it better."

    "Come on, anyone can get a headache."

    "Yes, but today ..."

    "Today even more. Are you sick of the nausea?"

    "Yes, but ... What''s going on again?"

    There was a commotion outside the house. They heard raised voices and saw the glow of flashes.

    "I think someone came" said Andrzej.

    "Marek?"

    "Maybe. Don''t get up, I''ll take care of it myself."

    "Call me if it''s important."

    Andrzej came downstairs when the intercom rang. A woman in a red coat stood in front of the gate, separated from the herd of journalists by a bodyguard. She looked young and pretty and familiar. It seemed as if all this crowd saw in her the same sensation as in Dominik. Someone in the crowd shouted, "Miss Yang."

    "Yang?"

    He picked up the intercom. The girl spoke in English repeating the name of the Hollywood star. It is true that Nowicki knew that she had already visited Dominik, but to see her with his own eyes was a surprising experience. The actress smiled charmingly at the photojournalists, completely ignoring their questions and politely waited for her to be let into the house, which happened as soon as Andrzej recovered from the impression.

    "Good morning" she said in English, giving him the same smile as the journalists. "I''d like to see Dominik."

    "I don''t know if it will be possible, but please come in."

    "What? Why? I really care about the meeting" she added going inside. "You live with him, don''t you? Are you that photographer?"

    "Andrzej Nowicki, at your service."

    "Scarlett Yang," she held out her hand, which he squeezed. The American woman gave the impression of a bold and energetic girl. "I like your photos."

    "Thank you. I like your acting."

    "Thank you."

    "I''ll see if Dominik can see you, Mrs. Yang"

    "Please call me Scarlett."

    He nodded politely to her. She was very direct, which didn''t surprise him much. As he went upstairs, he wondered if she had read today''s article?

    "Dominik, are you sleeping?" He asked quietly opening the door. The actor opened his eyes.

    "Is that Marek?"

    "No. Scarlett. Scarlett Yang."

    ?liwi¨½ski was genuinely surprised.

    "Scar ...? What does she want? Does not matter."

    Dominik was irritated, which was a rare sight. Usually he had no problem hiding his emotions when he was going to meet strangers, the fact that he wasn''t wearing his professional mask now showed how tired he was.

    "Miss Yang, how can I help you?" He asked as he went down the stairs.

    Andrzej saw the actress''s face glow and her eyes shine. Immediately he felt angry with her. She clearly liked Dominik. Surely she will join the group of his admirers, which will be a nuisance for both of them,

    "Sorry for the intrusion, but I read the article and came to assure you of my support. How can I help?"

    "Help? In what?"

    "Playing with the media, of course."

    "Do I look like I''m having fun?"

    "So ... That''s not your idea?"

    "And why would I want such things written about me?"

    She fell silent in surprise. It seemed she was just reevaluating the information she read in the article. Slowly she looked from Dominik to Andrzej. Finally she smiled weirdly.

    "Well, it won''t be a problem for us," she said.

    "What won''t be a problem?"

    "With you. After all, you are a couple."

    [1] Originally ?S?awni i nies?awni", therefore Scarlett had trouble pronouncing the title

 Chapter 136 - Lunch

    She figured it wasn''t just a media invention? As soon?

    "I contacted people in the USA. Such a dark legend would be great for making a movie advertisement for us, so our proposition is open, but¡­ If it wasn''t a marketing ploy, sorry to ask, but are you okay?" She came up to ?liwi¨½ski and took his hands. "This article was so cruel!"

    Dominik did not pull his hands away. Andrzej saw that they were trembling. His whole body began to tremble slightly, as if the build-up of tension in him had to find an outlet.

    "Thank you" ?liwi¨½ski smiled warmly, although his eyes were moist.

    Tears streamed from Scarlett''s eyes. She couldn''t pretend them. Nobody was that good. She lunged at Dominik and hugged him tightly.

    "Play our movie," she said softly, still hugging him. "Tell them that you are above their gossip. You will shine so much that no one will dare to hurt you. And then you will decide whether or not to leave the stage."

    Andrzej saw how the woman''s embrace made Dominik''s body relax, as if her touch had brought him relief.

    Why? Why do I want her to let him go, even though I know Dominik is feeling better?"

    "Thank you," the actor said, releasing her grip.

    "You know, people will always believe what they want to believe. But I think you just need to show them what you really are for most of them to dismiss stupid rumors."

    "What am I really ...? You don''t know that ..."

    "I do not know? I guess you''re right" she smiled. "But I''d love to know. I invite you to lunch. Today. Both of you, of course," she added.

    "I don''t think it was the best moment ..."

    "It''s perfect," she said. "Dominik Slyvinsky at lunch with Scarlett Yang. Tomorrow the newspapers will only write about this."

    "But ..." Dominik looked helplessly at Andrzej as if looking for help in him.

    What to do? Nowicki wondered. He didn''t trust the beautiful actress for some reason, but her idea was without a doubt brilliant. Journalists will not come off their backs, but rumors about ?liwi¨½ski and Yang will be at least less toxic to the actor. In that case, however, Andrzej had to stay. He did not want to let his lover out of his sight, and especially to leave him in the company of such a beautiful woman, but it would be best for the media image of the actor.

    "You should go," he said. "Let Scarlett tell you about the movie."

    "And you?"

    "I have some errands to do. Do not worry."

    "But ..."

    "You said you were tired of hiding."

    "Yes but¡­"

    "Don''t act like a big child" Andrzej switched to Polish. He was smiling to give ?liwi¨½ski self-confidence. "I know it''s hard, but I believe you will succeed."

    "But alone ...?"

    "You will not be alone. You have Scarlett, and she looks like a strong media-savvy woman."

    Dominik gritted his teeth. He looked like someone who had just made a difficult decision.

    "You''re right," he said, and went back to English. "Thank you, Scarlett, I''d love to come to lunch with you. Please wait, I''ll change into something more appropriate."

    ***

    That hurts. Very. Why? Why, despite the fact that he was in a happy relationship with Dominik, does it irritate him so much that his lover is now eating dinner with a woman? Is it because she is so beautiful? Such a celebrity? So sexy? After all, Dominik is gay, there is no need to worry that he will jump into bed with a woman. There is absolutely nothing to be jealous of ...

    Jealous?

    Andrzej suddenly stopped. Is he jealous?

    He has upset the balance of pedestrian traffic and someone bumps into him. He apologized and moved on. He wasn''t going to any particular place, just ahead, to get lost in the crowd rushing somewhere.

    It was December already and it will be Christmas soon. Christmas decorations were already visible in the streets. There wasn''t even a time to think about a gift for Dominik. So many such unpleasant things happened that the Christmas atmosphere was seeped in somewhere. Not that he himself was very festive, but he always spent Christmas Eve with Paulina and Martynka. How will it be this year? Will he spend it with Dominik? Or maybe the actor will go home for Christmas? Probably not, his mother was still mad at him.

    Christmas. Why am I thinking about Christmas? Is it because of themed shop displays? Is it because this will be the first Christmas with someone I love? Are we really going to spend them together?

    That hurts. Very. The thought that Dominik is with the woman. Once upon a time, Andrzej would have been happy about it and would push them into his arms himself. The relationship between a man and a woman was normal and made life easier. Two guys together, it was an aberration. Quirk. Perversion. If ?liwi¨½ski was with a woman, he would not be chased by malicious gossip and perhaps even avoid all those events with Werner. He would have had a quieter life and would be happier. Without him.

    After all, Andrzej strove for it once. He himself inclined him towards a relationship with a woman and even arranged a meeting for him with Marta, his friend. He knew perfectly well that ?liwi¨½ski had no sexual experiences with women, that he was seduced by a guy as a teenager, but if he could be convinced and met intimately with a representative of the opposite sex, he would become normal. Then he would have no problems with gossip or with his mother. He would be living a happy life.

    So why does this thought hurt so much now?

    Because I love him. Dominik is the only man I love that way, me who thought I would never love anyone. Before I met him, before he seduced me with his gaze, his grace and his sweet personality, I was empty. It was only with him that I started to live. So if I lose him now ...

    Why should I lose him? I have no reason not to trust him. After all, I know that he loves me, that he is faithful and does not think about parting. I am as important to him as he is to me.

    Just as important? I was there when he needed care and support. I assured him that so he fell in love with me. Out of gratitude. But eventually he won''t need me anymore. Dominik will discover how big the world is and that he will find thousands of people better than me in it. And then¡­

    "What do you not notice people?" Someone grabbed his elbow. Surprised, he turned abruptly to see a familiar face.

    "Marczak? What are you doing here?"

    "I''m going to lunch. The question is, what are you doing here? Something happened?"

    "Was it?" He smiled briskly. "No, where did this idea come from?"

    "So I invite you" Marczak did not let go of his elbow and pulled him towards him.

    "What? Where?"

    "We''ll eat together."

    "Thank you, I''m not hungry. Could you let go of my hand?"

    "I could," he said without loosening his grip. "Come on. I don''t like eating alone."

    Andrzej was not sure why he had allowed himself to be dragged into the restaurant they had met in front of. Inside, it was quiet, warm and elegant. For a moment he thought it was too elegant for his loose work clothes, but one glance at the guests was enough to see that it was not dress that mattered here. Among their faces he recognized a singer, three rock musicians from one band, a literary critic and a handball player.

    Without any further objections, he took off his jacket and handed it to the cloakroom attendant. He allowed himself to be taken to the table by Marczak and even relied on his menu selection.

    "The food is pretty good here," the manager said, "but I like this place for another reason. If you want to get something done, you should search here."

    "Oh."

    "Don''t get me wrong, it''s not about dirty business. People who come here are open to new ideas. Information is exchanged here, and new opportunities are sought. Every meeting here is a business, and the man who shows up here is a potential commodity.

    "You too?"

    "Of course. Today I am with you, so no one will probably join us, but if there is someone in the room who would like to change manager or know someone who would like to do it, they will know that my agency is open."

    "Isn''t that a bit¡­ desperate?"

    "Not at all. I wouldn''t be surprised if you got an offer of cooperation within a week."

    "From you?" Andrzej mocked.

    "This one is open all the time. Now be a good boy and tell me what''s bothering you?"

    "Do you really have to ask?"

    Marczak stuck a fork into a piece of meat on his plate.

 Chapter 137 - Is This Confession Real?

    "Will you tell me why are you not with him now?" Marczak asked Nowicki. "You guys didn''t quarrel, did you?"

    "No. He''s at lunch with Scarlett Yang."

    "That''s good. The gossipers will find a new topic. Only that idiot probably didn''t think of you, did he?"

    "Sorry?"

    "He doesn''t do it on purpose. It is so sweet about him, but also irritating. He didn''t even think people would start writing about his new romance. Although you are together, everyone will talk about him and her."

    "I do not mind."

    "For sure? So why are you so glum? Scarlett is beautiful and alluring. They will come out nicely together in the pictures. People will say they fit together. And she is not holy. She will take advantage of the situation. If you gossiped about him that he was heartless, that he was playing with someone until he led him to suicide and she would seduce him ..."

    "As if she could do that," he growled, irritation rising.

    "Who knows. I would be afraid of that."

    "I trust him!"

    "It''s nice. But just because you trust him doesn''t mean you aren''t afraid."

    "You''d be better mind your own business."

    "I am. I like you. I want to sleep with you."

    "No kidding."

    "Why not? You''re very handsome, not exactly my type, but that''s what I like about you. You are strong. You are the fighter type, but you must be extremely cute in bed."

    "Get off me, okay?"

    "Oh, are you losing your composure? Would you like to make a scene in front of all these people?"

    Suddenly it dawned on Nowicki. Marczak did with him exactly what after Dominik''s disappearance - he teased him, provoked him to distract him from the problem that was tormenting him. He did not do this to make Andrzej forget forever, but to give him the opportunity to expel unhealthy emotions and return to the problem with a clearer mind. He laughed.

    "Thanks," he said. "I''ll keep that in mind."

    Marczak replied with an ambiguous smile. While chewing the morsel put in his mouth, Andrzej wondered if the manager was actually just joking?

    It was no secret to him that Dominik''s ex-lover had a very relaxed approach to sex - which was one of the reasons the two had stopped getting along. Nowicki did not keep track of who the older man was sleeping with, but he suspected that he was with every pretty person he had.

    "Anyway," he asked casually, "do you have someone now?"

    "Just an eye on someone."

    "Impossible! After all, getting someone is a piece of cake for you."

    "And yet you keep refusing me."

    "But I''m asking you seriously."

    "I answer seriously. What would you do if I said I fell in love with you?"

    Andrzej froze. Marczak has to be joking. The joke wasn''t funny.

    "I wouldn''t believe you. I would assume you were kidding."

    "I love you."

    "I still don''t believe you," he smiled crookedly. He felt less and less confident.

    "Look in my eyes."

    Reluctantly, he did as he was told. Marczak was very serious and his eyes...

    "I don''t know why you tease me. You must be mad at me for being with Dominik. There is no way you are me ..."

    "Yes, you are right" Marczak looked at the plate.

    What just happened? Andrzej felt his heart pounding. Why is Marczak acting this way? Why did he say such words to him? Now he is ignoring the situation, but the atmosphere has changed so much ...

    No, it''s impossible that he really¡­ loves him.

    What if this wasn''t a joke?

    A bizarre situation.

    They ate in silence and without appetite. Nowicki knew why his food was no longer good for him, but for Marczak?

    It''s best to assume that it was just a joke, then the situation will somehow return to normal.

    Andrzej''s heart started to beat faster. He did not love Marczak. Until recently, he absolutely hated even his presence. Marczak was brutal, selfish and had no morals.

    Only, for sure?

    Then, when he hit Dominik and wanted to take him by force, they both admitted that it was only once and after all, Marczak had the right to be irritated, even angry. Maybe he overreacted, but Dominik was such that it was difficult to keep emotions in check with him. Since Andrzej met the manager, the manager has not done anything exclusively for himself. Although nothing connected him with ?liwi¨½ski anymore, he still cared about his image in the media, invented covers for him and tried to make the boy star in a promising film. As for morality, Nowicki had no evidence against him, only gossip and former lover''s accounts, but since he started sleeping with a man himself, he had to stop judging other people''s sexual preferences. In fact, Marczak was not evil, but lived his life in his own way.

    And now he confessed his love to him.

    Andrzej surreptitiously looked up at him. He felt himself blushing. He cursed his fair complexion silently.

    Marczak was handsome. With class. Why would someone like him tell someone like Nowicki that he loves him?

    ''You''re very handsome, not exactly my type, but that''s what I like about you. You are strong. You are the fighter type but you must be extremely cute in bed.''

    "What are you thinking about?" Marczak smiled suddenly, catching his gaze.

    Andrzej was confused.

    "Nothing," he replied grimly.

    Six months ago, he knew that no one would ever love him, that he would spend his whole life alone. Dominik''s appearance was like an atomic bomb - a sudden, extremely strong sensation that made him change his assumptions. Someone loved him, someone wanted to be part of his life. And now Marek ...

    "Thank you for the meal" he smiled at Marczak as he took out his wallet.

    "It was my invitation," the manager motioned him to stop.

    The photographer felt uncomfortable but hid his wallet.

    "In that case, thank you."

    "Andrzej ..." Marek stopped him when he was getting up. "I know you love him, but when that love starts to hurt you, give it up."

    He wanted to answer him something. Preferably something like: ''Get off our business.'' However, there was something in Marczak''s face that said that this particular case was his. He opened his mouth, but only one word came out:

    "Okay."

    Why did he say that? Damn it! Why did this confession that Marczak made start confusing his mind? It was just a joke, a stupid joke from a guy who loved to tease him. And even if not, what might he care about Marczak''s emotional life? After all, he doesn''t even like the guy!

    He didn''t know how or when he found himself on the street buttoning his jacket.

    Dominik! He wanted so badly to be with him, or just to hear his voice on the phone. He took out his cell phone and looked at the display.

    What if he gets in the way of something important?

    He quickly wrote a short text: ''I''m thinking of you.'' He did not manage to put the phone in his pocket when he received the text message. ''I love you''. Just enough. It was enough for Andrzej to regain his composure. He smiled.

    As long as he had Dominik''s love, everything would be fine.

    But how long will he have her?

    Andrzej felt strange. He had never experienced that bitter, painful sensation of fear and uncertainty before. Dominik loves him, right? Won''t he abandon him for any beautiful Western actress?

    Of course not, he answered himself. He''s not like that. He won''t even look at a woman with erotic intentions.

    But if Scarlett seduced him? What if she swept him with his beauty and sex appeal, as Dominik himself once seduced him? If Andrzej fell in love with one particular man without memory, why would ?liwi¨½ski not do the same with a woman?

    Enough, he finally told himself. What am I thinking about? It''s Dominik, the sweetest and most loving creature in the world! He is painfully loyal and will never, absolutely never, betray anyone!

    ***

    There was a light on in the house. Journalists were waiting in front of the house. Planted in front of the fence, the thujas, although young, were over two meters tall and blocked the view inside. The blinds performed a similar function, although they only lowered them when they suspected that they might be watched. Dominik did not like curtained windows, but he made a concession to make Andrzej feel calmer. During the day they were almost always raised, but in the evenings they were lowered more and more often.

    Journalists attacked Andrzej at the gate. He didn''t even listen to their questions repeating "no comment." The words "lover", "couple" and "suicide" were uttered, completely taken out of context for Nowicki. However, they showed that the vultures were still feeding. After some question, where the word "Scarlett" had fallen, Andrzej forced himself and showed a charming smile to the lenses.

    "But seriously, no comment" and disappeared out the gate.

 Chapter 138 - The Melody Of Longing And Love

    When he finally managed to reach the house and cross its threshold, he caught the pleasant smell of fried fish. He also heard a melody humming by someone. She was quite weird. Variable in its structure and harmony. Mild, a bit sad, yet full of warmth. Who was humming it? Dominik? I think so. The sound came from the kitchen.

    This melody ... He didn''t know it. But she was very beautiful. For some reason, his eyes glazed over.

    What am I, miss, to be moved by just any song?

    He rubbed his eyes, angry at himself for the unmanly reaction. He took off his jacket and boots.

    The melody continued uninterrupted. It seemed Dominik hadn''t realized Andrzej had returned. He had never sung with Nowicki and the latter had to admit that the actor had a good sense of melody and a beautiful voice. ?liwi¨½ski revealed his next talent to him. It was a bit unfair that there was someone in the world gifted with such beauty, acting, culinary, bedding and, as it turned out, musical skills. Dominik really was the Little Mister Perfect. Intelligent and with a wonderful heart. Maybe a little too beautiful to be true. Andrzej remembered the impression he had when he looked at his pictures for the first time.

    Yes, Dominik is unearthly. Maybe this is the problem? People see him as an icon, not as a human being.

    Yet he was undoubtedly a human being. He was just throwing a second batch of fish onto the hot oil. Potatoes were boiling in a pot and a simple Chinese cabbage salad was standing on the table. An ordinary, everyday dish that is served in almost every home in Poland. The usual activity of cooking performed by billions of people in the world. Dominik turned to put the dishes in the sink and jumped up, almost dropping them.

    "Andrzej!" He exclaimed. "God! you scared me!"

    He was so sweet in his awkwardness. Nowicki couldn''t help but smile.

    "Sorry," he said insincerely. "What''s that tune? I do not know her."

    "I don''t know" ?liwi¨½ski put the dishes in the sink. "I reminded it today. It''s probably from some show that I watched as a kid. Do you have such times that all of a sudden a melody pops into your head and starts following you?"

    "I think so. How was your day?"

    "Fine. I think so. Scarlett is okay but ..."

    "But?"

    "I''d rather be at lunch with you."

    "Is that why you were cooking? For me?"

    "Of course!" Dominik blushed up to his ears as he twisted the fish. Andrzej couldn''t believe how sweet he was.

    "I love you, you know?"

    ?liwi¨½ski smiled broadly. There was nothing artificial about that smile, and at the sight of it, Nowicki''s heart jumped happily.

    How could I doubt him, he thought.

    For some reason, however, the actor didn''t reply, "I love you too."

    "What? Won''t you say you love me?" Andrzej moved closer to him and saw¡­ tears?

    Dominik threw himself around his neck with a hot smile and even warmer tears. Andrzej felt the extraordinary strength of his embrace and the crazy heartbeat of the actor. It clung to him as if he were the last living thing in the universe.

    Nowicki remembered this kind of his behavior. It is a desperate search for closeness and warmth. It was like this whenever Dominik felt lonely, lost or trapped.

    "I love you" whispered ?liwi¨½ski. "You are my whole world."

    Andrzej closed his eyes. It felt wonderful to hug Dominik and feel his warmth. The actor''s tears didn''t hurt as much as they used to, because Nowicki knew how emotional his lover was and that sometimes they had to flow. He was even grateful for them, because they showed how close they were to each other, that Dominik was not ashamed of them in front of Andrzej. At least not as much as it used to be. It showed how much he trusted him and how he believed in his love.

    "And you are mine," he replied.

    He wasn''t lying. At that moment their relationship had achieved such a union of hearts that one could not beat without the other. It happened suddenly, very quickly after their first meeting, although love at first sight is not to be said. The beginnings of their relationship were strange, and yet in a few months they achieved an emotional and physical closeness that Andrzej had stopped dreaming of becoming with anyone. It was possible because so much had happened in their lives in the meantime that it would have been enough for five other lives.

    Suddenly he felt Dominik''s hand on his fly. He sighed silently. This boy was wonderfully shameless.

    "Fish," he groaned.

    "Not at all! I feel you are getting tough!"

    "No, in the pan! Burns ..."

    Dominik reluctantly turned to the stove.

    "Are you hungry?"

    "Not really," the photographer admitted.

    The actor turned the gas off.

    "And the potatoes?"

    "They''ll come by themselves. They''ll be fine, but I¡­ need your help.

    Andrzej could not believe how shameless this boy could be. Anyway, he liked it. A lot. However, if ?liwi¨½ski did not want to keep his common sense, he had to do it.

    "What about journalists?" He asked.

    "What about them?"

    "Still on stakeout."

    "I do not care. Unless it bothers you..."

    "If not for you, so do me too" Nowicki opened the zipper in the actor''s pants and extracted his masculinity from him.

    ?liwi¨½ski groaned.

    Andrzej put his other hand on his cheek. Dominik had such smooth and soft skin. His hair, even longer than usual, cascaded down his neck. He ran his thumb over his lover''s lips - not too convex, with almost perfect shape and proportions. Just beautiful.

    "Andrzej?" ?liwi¨½ski blinked his eyelids.

    "Um?"

    "Why are you looking at me like that?"

    "It means?"

    "Yes, that ... you make me nervous."

    "Really? Forgive me. I just wonder, how could there be someone so beautiful¡­?"

    "Come on," the actor lowered his eyes. "Such words at such a moment ..."

    "You do not like them?" Nowicki started to play with his penis with his other hand, stroking his face.

    "It''s not like that. I just ... It''s just a body ..."

    "I''m not just talking about the body. You are beautiful all over."

    Aquamarine suns covered the entire interior with their glow. Too good to belong to an earthly being. Andrzej brought his face closer to Dominik and kissed his perfect, soft lips.

    Their tongues began to tangled, intensely increasing the intensity of the flame of excitement.

    "Uhm ... mmm ..." ?liwi¨½ski purred sweetly.

    Andrzej''s left hand was entangled in his hair, and his right, with gliding movements, relished the tightening penis of her lover. His own, in a similar actor''s handshake, pulsed with increasing heat.

    I want him here and now, Andrzej thought excitedly. He released his lover''s penis and slipped his hand under his pants and briefs, finding his firm buttocks. He squeezed one of them making his lover groan of pleasure. He found his eye with his finger and ran it over the soft entrance.

    ?liwi¨½ski groaned again in a sweet, exciting falsetto.

    The photographer slipped his other hand into his pants. Without breaking the delightful kiss, he released his lover''s buttocks. He massaged them and opened them, giving them both pleasure. Dominik''s skin was so soft and smooth that the touch receptors in Nowicki''s fingertips raged with joy, sending the appropriate impulses to his brain and penis.

    Suddenly ?liwi¨½ski was lying on the floor between the kitchen cabinets and the table where they ate their meals every day. Andrzej hastily removed his pants, annoyed that it was taking so long. Finally, he exposed the lower part of the actor''s body, lifted his hips and dived between the just pampered buttocks, right into the appetizing, pink depression.

    His tongue already knew the drill. They had made love a lot lately, so he didn''t have to work long to prepare Dominik for the entrance. All it takes is a moment of sweet caress for both for the actor to shudder invitingly.

    However, ?liwi¨½ski made a strange, muffled sound. Andrzej did not know him. Unable to interpret the reaction and not wanting to hurt his lover, he looked up at him. The actor''s face was covered with his forearm.

    "Dominik?"

    ?liwi¨½ski shook his head. Something must have happened, for sure ...

    "What happened?" Andrzej was worried not in jest.

    "Nothing," the actor replied in a strange voice. "I''m just so happy that ..."

    He revealed his face and tearful eyes. He smiled with full of happiness, however, flushed with emotion.

    "Dominik ..." Nowicki felt that his voice was breaking. His lover was so beautiful, so wonderfully sexy, that his heart started to go crazy in him.

    "Andrzej¡­" ?liwi¨½ski stretched encouragingly. "Don''t make me wait any longer.

    This smile, these tears, this delightful, seductive body and absolutely unearthly eyes were inviting with their beauty, promising to repeat the delight that Andrzej drew each time.

    So he entered it, plunging into the hot tunnel of the body and the maddening sensations of the happiness of communing with the sexiest man he knew.

    The only one he loved...

 Chapter 139 - Love Too Much

    "Aaaaaaah ...!" Dominik let out a sensual, long groan, and he was already shaking. It wasn''t an orgasm yet, it couldn''t be, but the actor''s body was so sensitive to erotic stimuli as if Dominik were a walking, living embodiment of sex. In Andrzej''s eyes, this was exactly what he was.

    "Dominik ..." gasped Nowicki, moving in his wonderfully hot and humid tunnel. "You are divine!"

    "Do not say that!" the actor asked, blushing delightfully.

    "But you are! Every inch of your body is, and your eyes¡­ When you look at me, I''m on fire!"

    "Oh. Andrzej! " the actor reached up to his neck and then wrapped his hips around Nowicki and squealed delightfully. "Harder!" he asked "deeper!"

    He didn''t have to ask a second time. Andrzej''s penis himself wanted to penetrate him with more passion, go deeper and harder ... that''s why the photographer immediately accelerated ...

    God! Dominik was amazing! He was absolutely insane! He was ... Dominik ?lwi¨½ski, a man who belonged exclusively to Andrzej now ...

    ***

    Maybe Olek was right, Andrzej wondered with his hands behind his head. Dominik was sleeping deeply next to him, as evidenced by his calm breathing. Maybe Olek was right that Dominik is perceived only by his physicality. For a man, he was exceptionally beautiful, which drew unhealthy attention to him. Yes, it was a pity for his talent, but his lover is not only a pretty face and acting, he is also a sensitive, intelligent and sweet man who has been pigeonholed so much that he does not know who he is when he is taken out of the dresser.

    "Why are you not sleeping?" Suddenly he heard a soft, warm voice. He started in surprise. After all, his lover was in a deep sleep a moment ago.

    "I do not know. I think. And you?"

    "I forgot to tell you before, and I want you to know first."

    "About what?"

    "I''ll act in this movie."

    Something squeezed Nowicki''s heart. Something unpleasant and strong and slimy like a head-tail''s tentacle.

    "Are you sure?"

    "You think I shouldn''t? You encouraged me yourself."

    "Yes, but ... I don''t know," he admitted, turning his head to his lover. Dominik was lying on his stomach, facing him. Fully outside the window, his eyes shone like two blue moons. "I was just thinking that maybe Olek was right. Maybe you should withdraw from the movie."

    "Maybe. You just see, I ... I don''t know who I am yet. I''d like to find the answer right now, but I can''t. All I know is that I''m good at being an actor and it''s not bothersome for me. At least not really."

    "And the fans? Media?"

    "They can''t all be bad. I have to believe it otherwise I will never stop being afraid."

    Andrzej frowned. What is Dominik talking about?

    "Afraid?" He asked.

    ?liwi¨½ski looked away. The two blue moons extinguished covered with their lids.

    "You know, I know Werner''s farewell letter by heart. ''I loved at first sight,''" he began to quote. "''I admired from afar. He was beyond my reach. I wanted to hold him in my arms and make him happy. I chose a movie for him. I created it with him in mind. I wanted to get closer to him and, if not with the love of his life, at least become his friend. I would do anything for him. This film was supposed to be for him. I apologize to everyone who had plans with it. It will never be made, because when I confessed my feelings to him, He trampled them to pieces so hard that only pain was left too hard for me to breathe. I can''t forgive him for that, for his hopeful smiles, for his wonderful, seductive looks. I can''t forgive him for trampling my heart out as if it were nothing. He was God, an oracle, and an inspiration to me. He was everything. Without him, I became nothing. Dominik, I curse you, I hate you but I can''t stop loving you. I can''t take this pain anymore. Goodbye.'' I can''t help but feel his death is upon me. I know, I know, you said it all, but ... But if I''m afraid of hurting someone by just being, shouldn''t I cease to exist?"

    "Dominik ..."

    "I don''t want to die. Not now that I have someone to live for. Live, not vegetate, hiding from people and the world. Life is not just about pleasure. Sometimes it also requires pain."

    "I would do anything to spare you this pain," Nowicki touched his cheek. The two moons were burning again under their long lashes.

    "I know. But you can''t keep protecting me, otherwise you''d put me in a cage and I won''t ever let you do that. What I experienced so far it''s enough for the rest of my life."

    He said the words bitterly. Nowicki wondered if they were related to what Marczak or Werner did with him? Or maybe both? Marczak ...

    "Andrzej? Something happened?"

    "No, why?"

    "I don''t know, it''s just like ..."

    Had he sensed a change in his mood? Second time today? Has the bond between them achieved this type of closeness? It was amazing. Very nice, but also a bit scary.

    "If you don''t want me to play Password Without a Response, just say it."

    "After all, I said that I will support your every decision."

    "So that''s an article? I didn''t think about it before, but it probably bothers you too ..."

    He''s worried about me, the photographer thought with emotion. For the first time in my life, someone loves me so much. Is this love so strong for him that it hurts?

    How did it even come about that two men, against nature and against social laws, fell in love with each other so much?

    "I don''t mind," he said reassuringly.

    "Are you sure?"

    "You''re cute when you worry so much about me."

    "There''s nothing wrong with that, doesn''t it?" Dominik blushed, even in the silver light.

    "Nothing, nothing" Andrzej kissed him softly. "On the contrary, I am honored. Nobody else, and Dominik ?liwi¨½ski himself, is worried about my humble person."

    "It''s because¡­ because¡­ I love you so much. You are the best thing that could happen to me in my life."

    "Dominik ..."

    Nowicki felt his heart skipping in his chest. From happiness? Yes, with great happiness, but there was something else about him. A shadow of fear. Can you really love so much and not go crazy? Can the human mind and heart contain such powerful emotions? Or maybe there will come a day when one of them will go mad with love?

    Why do such thoughts come to him? He should be happy, happy that he has finally come to love and be loved. Why can''t he just indulge in these wonderful emotions? Why is the power of their love terrifying him?

    Did Marczak and Werner feel the same?

    No, he cannot compare himself with them. Werner never had any love for Dominik. It was just his delusions. Marczak brought this state to himself by loving selfishly and greedily, not recognizing his lover as an autonomous individual, capable of making his own decisions. ?liwi¨½ski was a mascot for him, not a partner, so their relationship was not really a relationship but some horrible parody of it. Andrzej will never treat Dominik like that, and the actor was incapable of similar behavior, so together they make a well-matched pair.

    So there is nothing to worry about. Nothing at all.

    Andrzej''s heart felt relieved immediately. He rolled over to have a better access to a lover. He embraced him and smiled tenderly looking into his glowing silver eyes.

    "I''ve never loved anyone like you in my whole life," he confessed. "What have you done to me to make me feel this way?"

    A warmth of joy flowed from Dominik towards him. How could he fear for this love for a moment?

    ***

    It was drizzling like in an old American movie, but neither the rain nor the cold wind prevented the masses of people from gathering in the cemetery. The funerals of famous people usually attracted the masses, especially if they died tragically and definitely prematurely. Dominik doubted that all gathered were friends or at least acquaintances of Maciej Werner. The date of the funeral had not been made public, yet there must have been two hundred people gathered there.

    ?liwi¨½ski received a notification about the ceremony. It came to him along with a letter from old Werner. The old man wrote that he would understand if the actor did not want to come, but he wanted him to know that there he would be absolutely no persona non grata. Dominik thought for a long time, alone, before making a decision.

    He didn''t go to the service itself. He was not a religious man, and he did not want anyone from the media to see him. Journalists could not decide whether to pursue his story as a homosexual or relish the new - his frequent contacts with Scarlett Yang. Either way, the fuss around Dominik continued, making him the target of the paparazzi again.

 Chapter 140 - A Scene Like From An American Movie

    Even now, at a distance from the congregation, wearing a black cloak and under a black umbrella, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski could fall victim to one of them. However, he had to come to the funeral.

    There was no rational explanation for this. I guess despite everything Werner had done to him, he felt somewhat responsible for his death. He knew how ridiculous it was to think that way, but he couldn''t help it. Every life is precious and maybe Maciej could also be saved.

    Dominik sighed silently. Werner left him with quite a mess as he left. The actor did not understand why he did so? Did he want revenge for rejection and broken heart ...?

    Broken heart, how sad it is. But that''s not how you should fight for love. Not with deception and compulsion, but with warmth and closeness.

    The priest was already finishing the service. The coffin was lowered into the grave. Suddenly there was a commotion. ?liwi¨½ski looked more closely, concerned. He heard the words "old gentleman" and "this is his grandfather." Has something happened to Mr. Werner?

    "Before you all go, I''d like to say a few words," Dominik recognized the voice. It belonged to the late director''s grandfather. "My grandson was not a happy man. Like everyone else, he had his problems and made many mistakes and bad deeds. Now God will hold him accountable for them, and I hope he will judge him on his intentions, not his actions. Unfortunately, my grandson, even leaving this world, made a shameful act. I''m not talking about his death, but about the inheritance he left behind. About his farewell letter. Maciej ... he was in fact in love with Mr. Dominik, but the two never had anything in common except my grandson''s delusions."

    The old man paused for breath. Talking about his own grandson of such words was difficult for him, but it seemed the old man must have done it for himself and perhaps for his grandson.

    "Therefore, from this point," he continued "I would like to apologize publicly to Mr. ?liwi¨½ski for the slander my grandson directed against him. I apologize for all the unpleasantness associated with these slanders and thank you, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski for not wanting to speak ill of the deceased, despite the obvious lies, although you had the full right of an innocent to do so. All of you who came to say goodbye to my grandson, thank you for remembering him. You who came here for a sensation, write the truth for once. Although Maciej barely admits to his crimes, he gave a false testimony against Mr. ?liwi¨½ski. What was true in his eyes existed only in his imagination."

    People whispered. The movement was clear. Dominik, however, stood still.

    It''s so sad. How terribly sad that the elderly gentleman had to confess his grandson''s guilt at the funeral of his last descendant. Publicly admit this shame. It should not be like that. The old man didn''t deserve it. However, he showed great bravery in making such a confession. The actor felt grateful to him.

    "I thought you would be here," Dominik twitched, surprised to hear the English language behind his back.

    "And I wasn''t expecting you," he replied quickly, rubbing his wet eyes.

    "I came because I thought you shouldn''t be alone right now."

    "Yes?" He smiled faintly. "Why?"

    "Because if the media caught you, they would eat you alive."

    "I guess it wouldn''t be that bad. Thank you for worrying about me."

    "I had to. Now that you''ve agreed to star in a movie with me, you''re too precious to lose you. Who is this old gentleman who just spoke?"

    "This is Maciej Werner''s grandfather."

    "Did he say something interesting?"

    "Only that his grandson included in the letter only slander about me."

    "Oh! Really?"

    Scarlett looked at the desolate burial site. Only the gravediggers, old Werner, and four other people, perhaps the deceased''s extended family, remained there. Dominik looked that way too, and met his gaze. The old man seemed to recognize him as he bowed down toward him. The actor returned the courtesy.

    Then he felt a hand on his shoulder.

    "It''s cold," the actress said, "although I have gloves."

    Her touch was strange. Not that pleasant or not. Dominik was simply not used to being touched by anyone other than Andrzej or Marek. It was different on the set, then the physical contacts were not between him and the other person, but between the characters they played. He did not want to be touched by Scarlett, even with layers of clothing separating them, but he could not deny the warmth to a cold woman, accustomed to warmer climates.

    "How long will you stay here?" She asked.

    He did not answer. It is true that he planned to stay until the gravediggers began to put flowers on the grave, but he would do so being alone. Now, knowing Scarlett had come here for him, he didn''t want to unnecessarily bother her any more.

    "We can actually go" Dominik replied.

    "Okay," she said, still cuddled against his shoulder. They started towards the gate.

    Dominik did not tell anyone that he was going to the funeral. When Andrzej brought up this topic, he honestly replied that he did not know if he would go for him. All the time he was undecided as to whether he should be. During his lifetime, Maciej Werner did very unpleasant things to him. Their memory hurt less after Andrzej had helped him with his love and tenderness, but they still tormented him. He had nightmares. They were not as frequent as they used to be, no less unpleasant. Only now Dominik was not afraid to use his lover''s help and cuddled up to him until a good sleep overwhelmed him. It was unfair towards Andrzej to use him in such a way, but without him ?liwi¨½ski felt that he could fall apart. It was still too early for him to walk on the upheavals of recent months on his own.

    "Was he important to you?" The actress asked him softly. "You look very touched by his death."

    "He ... He was pretending to be my friend," Dominik confessed. "He helped me once and I was grateful to him, but then it turned out that he expected something from me that I couldn''t give him and suddenly he lost his mind."

    "You rejected him?"

    "Yes. I don''t know what was in his head. He built a world out of his delusions around me without asking me for my opinion, and then he was surprised and touched that I didn''t want to agree to his fantasies."

    "I''m sorry."

    "Me too."

    They walked slowly, in the rain, splashing puddles under their feet.

    "Don''t come home yet," she said. "Let''s take a walk."

    "Aren''t you cold?"

    "I''ll warm up as I go. I''d like to talk to you. About myself."

    It surprised him.

    "Okay."

    They had already gone out into the street. Both of them, dressed in black coats and under a dark umbrella, did not attract attention on this gray, wet, late autumn day. Dominik wondered what the actress wants to talk to him about? Probably not the movie, he thought. He had already agreed to play it, it was true, but he had no head to think about it now.

    "You are a strange man, Dominik," she said.

    ?liwi¨½ski laughed a little nervously.

    "I thought we were going to talk about you."

    "We will," she confirmed. "When I''m with you, I feel so safe that I want to entrust all my secrets to you. I know you won''t betray them. You don''t even have to provide about it. I just know. So¡­"

    Dominik felt her grip tighter. How strange it was, he thought that someone was seeking support from him. That he, so weak, can help someone.

    "I don''t have the best reputation," she said. "I don''t even deserve better. I entered show business through the bed and since then... You can guess... Newspapers and tabloids write about my great loves and romances, but I... I wasn''t looking for love. Never. I don''t have time for it, actually I never believed in it. I just need sex. Lots of sex. It''s easier that way. That''s why¡­ I envy you, Dominik."

    "You envy me?"

    "Since I met you, you and Andrzej, I envy you. And him. You are both ... You are such that I would like to sneak in between you and feel at least a little bit of what you have in together."

    The actor did not understand. Could these be some shortcomings in his knowledge of the English language? Scarlett was talking so strangely that he didn''t know how to react to it.

    "That''s why you''re weird," she laughed nervously now. "When a person gets to know you in person, he has the impression that all his fanciful ideas about you are a great understatement. When you look at a human, it''s like ... totally..."

    He still didn''t understand, but he felt very embarrassed. The actress stopped and stopped him. The rain pounded on the umbrella. Dominik turned his head towards her. They were of equal height, so when she looked up from her lowered gaze, their eyes were on the same level. They were huge, shiny, and cavernous black.

    "I shouldn''t be doing this," Scarlett said. "We''re supposed to play together and I really hope to work together successfully, but if I don''t do it here and now, I won''t be able to think of anything else."

    Do what?, he thought confused.

    "Because¡­"

    The kiss was sudden. So sudden that in surprise he released the umbrella he was holding. He could feel the softness of her lips against him, her hot breath seeping into his mouth and her tongue looking for his own...

 Chapter 141 - Eyes That Saw Too Much

    All Dominik felt was a surprise so great that he had no way of reacting.

    What''s happening? What¡­?

    Scarlett moved away from him a few centimeters. Resigned. Disappointed. Sadly smiling. Only her hand rested against his chest, exactly where his heart pounded furiously.

    "Too bad," she smiled wider and kissed him lightly on the lips. She took his arm again. "Are we going?"

    He was too surprised to even speak. He picked up the umbrella and dusted it off. It wasn''t filled with water, the rain had almost stopped, but for some reason holding it made him feel a little more confident. He did not understand what had just happened. Scarlett kissed him, it was true, but why did she do it? For what?

    He glanced at her surreptitiously. She stared ahead silently. She was smiling, but it was the smile of the actress playing the role.

    "Scarlett ..."

    "I''ve wanted to do this since I met you," she confessed in a low, light tone. "It bothered me. I wondered what it would be like and couldn''t wait any longer. I was hoping for something otherworldly, but you¡­ don''t get me wrong, you just¡­ I don''t attract you, do I?"

    "Sorry."

    "No, no," she laughed a little nervously, though she tried to seem natural.  "I should have expected, you and Andrzej ... But now I know for sure. You''re not angry with me, are you?"

    Now he smiled, pale and hesitant.

    "Of course not. You just surprised me."

    "At least I know now that I have nothing to hope for an affair. And we can treat this kiss as a dress rehearsal before filming. If I remember correctly, we have two pretty romantic scenes there."

    "Yes, two," he admitted automatically.

    The actress spoke, pretending that nothing had happened and holding his arm, Dominik felt stranger and stranger.

    He knew women didn''t act on him. It is true that he was not afraid of them as he used to (he used to be afraid of almost everyone, not only women), but he still could not feel anything more than sympathy for them. They just didn''t get any stronger reactions from him. He couldn''t quite explain why this was happening. They didn''t turn him on and that''s it. They, however, seemed to be very interested in him. Just like Scarlett. The actress had certain expectations, certain hopes for him, and he turned out to be a disappointment. She pretended everything was fine, but it wasn''t. He could feel it. He hurt her, just like he did to Maciej Werner.

    "I''m sorry, really," he said sadly.

    "No, Dominik, you didn''t do anything wrong. After all, I knew who you were dating. Do not worry about it. It will pass in a moment, and actually ... Actually, I want to tease you" she laughed, sincerely now. "My God, you are so cute! You blushed!" She squeaked delightedly.

    "Not at all," Dominik said, feeling his cheeks burn.

    "Of course!"

    "If anything, it is from the cold."

    "Dominik Slyvinsky blushes on a walk with a woman!"

    "It''s from the rain!" he said. He was blushing even more, he knew it, but his companion''s slight laughter made him relax. She teased him, it was obvious, but he too felt like teasing her. "You''re making me wander around town in such a slush," he said gently reproachfully. "I''ll catch a cold and there will be nothing from the movie."

    "Oooooh¡­" She put her mouth into a chunk. "Such a big boy, and he will have a runny nose. Poor thing."

    "You will be the poor thing if I infect you with this cold. You will run out of salary for tissues."

    "How are you going to infect me, huh?"

    "Believe me, we Poles are an inventive nation. For sure something will come up..."

    It''s strange, but it was enjoyable to talk to. It was the first time Dominik had talked to a woman in this way. Slightly. Merrily. Without fear that he would reveal his secret to her, or that she would want something from him. Scarlett Yang knew he was gay and that he had a partner. She also knew that for that very reason she would not get him, and it looked as though she had accepted her fate. The fact that she kissed him now and nothing sparked between them turned out to be good because she didn''t have to wonder if she could seduce him and he would start trying as his other screen partners did. He will no longer have to watch over her so as not to give her false hopes. Everything was cleared up at the beginning, so there were no more understatements and they could really become friends.

    Dominik smiled at the mere thought. Eventually his world began to expand. He was no longer limited to just one man holding him in a golden cage.

    It''s all thanks to Andrzej. It was he who made Dominik open to others. It''s amazing how one person can change the whole world.

    ***

    Andrzej sneezed.

    "Bless you," his assistant called to him. The girl worked in the company longer than him, but only this week she was assigned to him. She graduated with honors from the Academy of Fine Arts and had a real artistic sense. Nowicki, who saw her works, decided that she could exhibit them in galleries. He wondered why someone so talented ended up assistant to someone like him.

    "Thank you," he said, and sneezed again.

    "Cold?" She asked. "This is the third time today."

    "I hope not," he replied. He didn''t usually catch colds, but the bland weather seemed to reveal all the nests of bacteria. On top of that, he was dressed a little too lightly, and he felt it blowing through him. Well, but he did not expect that today the boss will send him to look for locations for the next photo campaign.

    It was gray, rainy and ugly, but the client asked for a model in the pre-Christmas scenery of Warsaw. The fever and joy of pre-holiday shopping. The contract came suddenly and its execution was urgent, so the agency had no time to waste. Andrzej just shook his head, grabbed his jacket and his new assistant, and ran with her to a nearby tram stop.

    They had been driving this way for an hour, changing only the trams. Nowicki looked out the window and when he noticed an interesting place, he ordered Sylwia to write it down, or he would jump out with her at the next stop to take a closer look at it. Since the whole action was created very spontaneously, they did not have an umbrella with them or time to buy it. And jumping out of a warm tram into the cold rain did not help their organisms.

    "Aren''t you cold?" He asked his assistant.

    "No. I have a good hooded jacket."

    "And the legs? Don''t you hurt in these shoes?"

    "No. Thanks for asking. They may not look, but they are very comfortable."

    "Good, because we still have to see a few places."

    Andrzej did not want to photograph in very recognizable places. He was looking for something less known, but endowed with a specific atmosphere. Something that will tell you what the Warsaw of the people living here really is. Ordinary, everyday, and yet very special in this pre-Christmas period.

    "Wow, is that Scarlett Yang?"

    "What?" Andrzej turned in the direction in which Sylvia was looking.

    "There, on the sidewalk ..."

    The tram was slowing down at the traffic lights. Andrzej couldn''t see the woman''s face, but her silhouette was very familiar. So did the silhouette of a man with whom she had just been bonded by a long kiss.

    Nowicki felt ice in his heart.

    He couldn''t see their faces, but he knew. That hazelnut hair, that slim figure, he would recognize anywhere. Dominik was kissing Scarlett Yang on the sidewalk.

    The kiss was over. The tram sped up. Andrzej saw the actress put her arm around Dominik and move on. Like a bad old melodrama from across the Atlantic.

    Sylwia was silent looking at her notebook. Nowicki noticed how embarrassed she was. Why? Did she know about him and Dominik? Or was it just gossip?

    "Just two more places," Andrzej said in a calm voice. "I think we already have some good ones, but I wouldn''t forgive myself if I didn''t check the others. They''re next to each other so it won''t be long."

    "All right," she confirmed quietly.

    No, it''s not all right. She couldn''t look at him and he ... He wanted to get off the tram and scream. Just scream like that. And howl.

    "Tomorrow we will try to make some session plan. Find out which models we will be able to use this week. And check the weather forecasts. Maybe it will start to snow eventually."

    "I heard the frosts are coming tomorrow," she looked up at him.

    "Shit. This is what I still miss, the girls to start breaking their legs on the sidewalks. Have you heard about snow?

    "Until the end of the week - nothing. Then it is very fleeting and it is supposed to warm up again."

    "Tomorrow we will determine whether it should be festive or realistic."

    "It''s nicer with snow."

    "But if the weather is like this until Christmas, photos with artificial snow will look fake."

    "You''re right," she smiled.

    "Of course I am," he muttered. He turned his face towards the window.

    He realized that he was hot. He unbuttoned his jacket.

    The tram jerked along the tracks. It was that old, rickety, noisy model. Warsaw was eluding him, more intersections, more streets. Andrzej did not see the buildings, cars and street lamps he passed. There was only one thing in his mind: Dominik kissing Scarlett.

    End of Volume 4

    Volume 5 starts at the same time tomorrow.

 Chapter 142 - A Night In Bed Of The Wrong Man

    Andrzej woke up feeling dry in his throat and splitting in his head. The symptoms clearly indicated that he had recently had some intense fun. Funny, he thought, because he couldn''t remember any fun. He purred as he shifted position. Is it his imagination, or was the light shining on him from a different side? Was he partying for so long? He opened his eyes with displeasure.

    He blinked confused.

    He jumped up, sitting up and cursing his headache.

    Where the hell is he?

    He was lying in the king''s bed, in light brown, soft sheets. To his right was a wide window with a patternless floor-length curtain, behind which he could see a balcony door and blue sky. The walls were the shade of the sand of a tropical beach and in front of the bed was a huge TV and a set of powerful speakers. The interior was simply but tastefully decorated and devoid of any features of a woman''s hand. Could it be a hotel suite?

    Andrzej took a deep breath. He pushed the sheets back to stand up and immediately blushed.

    Where''s his clothes? Where are his briefs?

    "Oh, I can see that you wake up" the last man that Andrzej expected to see entered the room - Marek Marczak. Upon seeing him, Nowicki immediately caught himself again. A handsome middle-aged man smiled at him with that arrogant smirk of his. He looked elegant as always, even wearing a dark chocolate-colored bathrobe. "Did you sleep well in my bed?"

    "M ... Ma ..." stammered Andrzej, feeling the fear growing inside him. "In your bed?"

    "Well, yeah."

    Not good, very bad, the photographer thought as he fought the mounting panic. The night spent in Marek Marczak''s bed could not bring anything good. No, if you knew the manager''s reputation and his appetites, and at the same time heard an unexpected confession a few days earlier.

    The worst thing was that Andrzej couldn''t remember anything from last night. If he got so drunk that his movie was cut off, he might have done some ridiculous thing and ended up right here.

    "Can you tell me what I''m doing here? Besides sleeping, of course," he asked suspiciously. He prayed to hear an answer that would not require him to collapse into the ground.

    "You don''t remember anything?" Marczak showed anxiety. "Really?"

    Nowicki blinked his eyes. Memories began to come back to him. Especially one thing. The one that made him refuse to go home. He wandered aimlessly around the city until he finally stopped at some bar and ordered a drink. He drank to forget. To get rid of this pain. But the memories came back.

    "I''m sorry, really," he heard. There was sincere sympathy in Marczak''s voice. "Today their photos are in all journals. Even the more serious ones."

    Andrzej lowered his head.

    Pictures huh? When he saw the two together, he did not think that someone might photograph them, that it would penetrate the press, creating a new sensation. He only thought about one thing, and it hurt so much that he couldn''t even think rationally, let alone look Dominik in the eye. He couldn''t do it, not then, so he started wandering around and finally ended up in some restaurant or bar. He ordered a drink. Then another. Then there was probably another ...

    He had no idea how he ended up in the bed of a famous and influential manager, but he was sure of one thing - that was the last person he wanted to share the pain of being betrayed with.

    Not that he hated or despised Marczak. Once, yes, it was. Right at the beginning of their relationship. But then things started to change, and although they were hard to call friends, they weren''t enemies anymore. The relationship between them was more complicated. Andrzej''s current partner, the handsome actor Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, was Marek Marczak''s partner for seven years. Marek blamed Nowicki for the break-up of his relationship with Dominik and for a long time he could not accept the decision of his former lover, so showing him how Andrzej was touched by ?liwi¨½ski''s betrayal deepened his pain even more.

    "Sorry to bother you," he said to him. "I don''t remember much, which means I must have been really drunk."

    "No problem, although to tell you the truth the situation surprised me. Are you okay?"

    "I have a nice hangover."

    "That''s not what I''m asking."

    Andrzej unscrewed his head. Did Marczak really have to be the first person to ask him about it?

    "Don''t be offended, but I''d rather not talk about it. What time is it? I have to go to work."

    "A quarter to nine."

    "What?!" Andrzej suddenly perked up. "Shit, I''ll be late! Could you turn around? I want to get dressed."

    "You think I might see something I haven''t seen?"

    Nowicki felt that he was boiling inside.

    "Marczak¡­" he growled.

    "All right," the man turned to the other side. "You should call him. Or at least write. He''s an idiot, but he''s worried about you. Your phone was ringing every few minutes. He probably thinks something happened to you. Who knows if he has started calling hospitals."

    Marczak was right. Yesterday, Andrzej was too moved by what he saw from the window of a passing tram to think what reaction in ?liwi¨½ski would be caused by the fact that he had not returned home for the night without warning.

    Just what kind of reaction could he cause? Anxiety? Fear? How about relieved to spend more time with Scarlett?

    Nowicki heard the sound of a melody coming from nearby - not his own phone. On the bedside table, Marczak''s phone was visible.

    "Will you let me pick it up?" The manager asked him, barely twisting his head in his direction.

    "Please" Andrzej put on a T-shirt.

    The manager walked the distance with an elegant step. He picked up the mobile.

    "It''s Dominik. What should I tell him if he asks for you?"

    "Whatever do you want."

    "Even the truth?"

    Nowicki felt something unpleasant and slimy inside.

    What was the truth? What happened that night? He did not remember.

    "Yes."

    Marczak answered immediately. He hadn''t bothered to leave, or even walk a decent distance. Instead, he stared at Andrzej as if he wanted to follow his every reaction, every slightest change in the expression on his face.

    "Good morning, Dominik, how are you?" He listened to the voice on the other side for a moment. "Andrzej? Andrzej is safe and sound. You don''t have to worry about that ... You really don''t know? Dominik, you can''t even be so naive. Photo, Dominik, photo¡­ How is it each photo? The one where, in the rain, on the street, you kiss a charming American woman ... I think you shouldn''t explain yourself to me ... Okay, I''ll tell him in a moment."

    He ended the connection and stared at Andrzej, sitting motionless. Nowicki''s light brown eyes looked at him calmly, but Marek could see the pain in them. The little devil in Marczak''s heart was happy about it, but it was really a tiny part of him. Since he got to know the photographer better some time ago, he liked him more than he expected, and although the chance to break his relationship with Dominik was encouraging, Andrzej''s suffering became his own pain.

    "I am to tell you it was a misunderstanding. Dominik asks you to come back. He''ll explain everything to you."

    "Thanks."

    Marek pursed his lips. He didn''t want to say it because for the first time in Dominik''s affair with Andrzej there were clouds that he could use to his advantage, but for some reason his mouth opened by itself.

    "I think this is a misunderstanding. Dominik ... he would never kiss a woman in the middle of the street."

    "Why are you telling me this? What if it makes us come to terms with it? You will lose the chance to get him back."

    "It doesn''t really matter. I''m right?"

    "I really have to go," Andrzej said grimly.

    "Do you have time for a coffee? Breakfast?"

    "No. But thank you. For everything."

    "We didn''t sleep together, me and you. I admit I took your clothes off, but nothing else. I swear it."

    Nowicki opened his mouth to say something. He closed them. He took a deep breath and only then was he able to speak.

    "Thank you. I don''t know why, but I believe you."

    Now Marek opened and closed his mouth. He just smiled sadly.

    "I won''t bother you anymore," he said. "If you want to use the bathroom, it''s on the left."

    Andrzej nodded.

    Marek left. The photographer watched him go and smiled very sadly.

    It was strange, unusual, but he really believed Marczak that nothing had happened between them. He already knew the manager and his lies well enough to know when he was telling the truth, and now he knew it was one of those few moments.

    The only question was whether Andrzej was not his type or whether Marczak''s confession from a few days ago was in line with his feelings, so he did not want to do anything that would hurt the photographer?

 Chapter 143 - Because She...

    No, it was definitely too much for Nowicki''s hangover brain. He had no choice but to postpone his deliberations to another date and for now assume that, regardless of his motives, Marczak did not take advantage of the situation.

    Andrzej Nowicki was angry, but not at his lover. On myself. What Marczak told him that Dominik kissing Scarlett Yang, an extremely beautiful and sexy American actress, is a misunderstanding, should be Andrzej''s first thought. After all, he knew how important he was to Dominik, and that the actor had never shown an interest in the opposite sex, and he had not even looked at other men that way. ?liwi¨½ski was faithful, it was simply in his nature. And yet Andrzej doubted him.

    Nowicki knew what he saw. Then, while riding the tram with his assistant in search of beautiful locations for photo sessions, he saw clearly the lips of his lover and beautiful Scarlett, joined in a kiss. They were standing in a cold drizzle, in the middle of the sidewalk like in a bad American melodrama. This view was clear-cut and left no room for different interpretations.

    Andrzej''s heart ached. It hurt badly. He never suspected that he might feel this way, but he never thought that he might love someone so much that he would sometimes lose his breath. He did not expect love, he did not look for her, but when she found him in the form of Dominik and demanded him for herself, he had to succumb to her. He couldn''t do it halfway, so he immersed himself completely in her - heart, mind, and soul. And with the body, of course. Against nature and conventions, he joined the man because he loved him as much as if his life depended on it.

    Dominik couldn''t betray him. Not like this. There had to be an explanation for this seemingly unambiguous scene. Some ulterior motive, if only as absurd as a rehearsal for a scene they were to play together. After all, they will be kissing on the set. Yes, it was probably a rehearsal, or¡­ or whatever. Dominik just couldn''t come up with the initiative to kiss a woman in the middle of the street.

    Only Andrzej''s eyes saw their kiss.

    "If you feel unwell, why not get me some pills?" His assistant snapped him out of his thoughts. "We are in such weather that it''s easy to get the flu."

    "No need, thank you," he smiled at her. "Here, under this center, I would like to see Angelica and Victoria. Two girl friends on pre-holiday shopping. You said they were free?"

    "Yes."

    "Well. Here we will give Agnieszka and Monika and here¡­ Victoria here again. I know the client likes her."

    "What about the snow?"

    "I''ll push the option without him. If it is not going to rain until after Christmas, there is no point in deceiving people. Write down all these comments if your boss would like to have them in writing. Sure I want."

    I need to call him, he thought as she jotted down. I have to apologize and say I trust him. That I believe.

    Only it would be a lie, he found out with pain. Though he knew how unreal it was that Dominik could ever cheat on him, the image of Scarlett kissing him still ached as hell.

    "Should I make an appointment for make-up artists and clothing suppliers?"

    "Yes. We care about time."

    "I''m on it," she said, and gathered up her papers.

    As soon as she left, Andrzej reached for his phone.

    ''We''ll talk. Just give me a second. I have a hangover and a headache at work and I want to talk to you calmly'' Andrzej wrote a message to Dominik.

    When he reached for his cell phone this morning, he was terrified of how many missed calls he had displayed and how many texts he had had - all from Dominik. The texts were full of anxiety, and the tension grew with each of them. They finally became desperate. Even Paulina''s contact crept in between. Had the concerned actor also called her? If so, she must be anxious now.

    Poor Paulina. Nowicki hoped she wasn''t worried too much. Either way, he owed her contact as well. He wanted to call her when he received an answer from Dominik.

    ''Thank you. I''ll be waiting.''

    For some reason, this text hurt. Andrzej saw vividly in his imagination the face of this young man, delicate, beautiful, and at the same time undoubtedly masculine. He saw his shy smile and eyes that pulled him in like two blue giants. Dominik was so beautiful that he sometimes resembled a being out of this world. Beautiful and sensitive. And although he was the reason that Andrzej got drunk that evening, the thought that ?liwi¨½ski was worried about him all night filled him with remorse.

    ***

    Dominik was standing in the parking lot in front of the entrance to the company building. Andrzej noticed him immediately, dressed in a dark coat, standing still with his hands in his pockets, staring at the door. When he saw the photographer exiting, he flinched, but did not approach him. He just stared at him with his gleaming aquamarine eyes. This time, however, they looked at Andrzej without their typical love for him, but rather with uncertainty and fear.

    Nowicki sighed and went to meet him. He wasn''t ready to have this conversation yet, but he couldn''t just ignore him. Not when he saw more clearly with every step that his lover was cold and that he looked as if he was about to be consumed by remorse.

    "Have you been waiting for me long?" Amdrzej asked in greeting.

    "No. Not really" answered ?liwi¨½ski. He was lying. It wasn''t very cold, so his neigh could only get him to stand in the frosty, fresh air for a long time. "I just wanted to see you," he bowed his head shyly. "I was worried about you not coming back for the night and just wanted to check if you were all right."

    "I''m sorry. I didn''t want to bother you. Somehow it turned out like that. Sorry."

    Poor Dominik, Nowicki thought, feeling his conscience building up.

    "I just ... I''m glad you''re okay. As for this photo in today''s newspaper..."

    "I did not see it" Nowicki muttered under his breath.

    "Excuse me?"

    "Does not matter."

    ?liwi¨½ski looked at him without understanding. He blinked.

    "Will you ... come home today?" The actor asked hopefully. Nowicki felt something tighten in his dimple.

    "Yes," he replied.

    Dominik''s eyes flashed with joy. He looks like a child or a small furry animal, the photographer thought. I know he didn''t cheat on me, and yet ...

    "Let''s go to the car."

    The actor obediently followed him.

    "If you haven''t seen the photo ... But Marek said ..." Dominik began timidly, his eyes downcast.

    "The photo didn''t appear until today. I couldn''t see him yesterday. I''ve seen you."

    Behind him the footsteps stopped.

    "Andrzej, I don''t ..."

    "I know. Listen¡­" Nowicki turned to face Dominik. It was cold. Not terribly so, but Dominik looked chilled. "What I saw yesterday shocked me a bit, that''s why I ... That''s why only today ... Let''s go home. It is cold."

    The actor nodded. With eyes downcast, curled up under the influence of temperature and guilt, he resembled a beaten puppy with a tucked tail. At the sight of this, Andrzej felt terrible.

    "I''m really sorry I didn''t come back for the night," he said as he walked to his car. "I shouldn''t have broken my promise to you."

    "Promise ... Is it just why ...?"

    Nowicki bit his lip.

    "Shit, this is not the place for such a conversation," he growled.

    "Yes. You''re right."

    The way home was silent. Neither spoke a word until they stepped inside. Andrzej used this time to think about a few things.

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was an exceptional man, very sensitive, naive, a bit infantile, but also extremely lonely. For many years he was lied to by his partner, cheated on and used in various ways, which is why he had huge problems trusting anyone. But when he did so, he opened up with all his heart and made him even more vulnerable. A few months ago, when Nowicki met him, he decided to take care of him, protect him from the wolves of this world, but not from his truth. What had developed between them in the meantime complicated matters a little, but that desire for care remained.

    "Listen," he said from the door, "I reacted emotionally yesterday, I didn''t think. Forgive me. But when I saw you kissing ..."

    "There were no fireworks."

    "What?"

    "Scarlett wanted to see if anything was going to spark, so she kissed me. Yes, by surprise. I haven''t even realized what was happening. But there were no fireworks. There weren''t even sparks. In fact, it was unpleasant."

    "Are you kidding? With Scarlett Yang, the sexiest Hollywood star?"

    "Because she ... is not you," he replied, so softly the photographer barely heard him.

 Chapter 144 - Fireworks

    Only the almost-whispered answer was so beautiful that his heart skipped a beat and his throat tightened painfully. This beautiful face, these wonderful eyes and delightful lips expressed absolute honesty - at that moment in Dominik''s life there was no one other than him, Andrzej.

    "I''m sorry to doubt you."

    ?liwi¨½ski shook his head.

    "It''s all because we got involved in media intrigues. All these articles, these rumors, confuse our heads. Only will you forgive me? That my lips were touching others?"

    Andrzej saw yesterday''s scene in the rain and felt unpleasant.

    It was she who kissed him, he told himself.

    There were no fireworks.

    There weren''t even sparks.

    Because she''s not him.

    He touched the actor''s mouth with his thumb.

    Those lips were touching other strangers yesterday. Not his. But there were no fireworks then.

    He put his lips to them. Gently, hesitantly.

    Dominik returned the kiss just as timidly, though willingly.

    And then it happened. What some might call fireworks. For Andrzej, however, it was a flame that engulfed his whole body, mind and heart in fractions of a second. The kiss was too sweet to interrupt and reply with words, so he conveyed the answer through him, putting all his hot emotions and growing excitement into him.

    Although Andrzej kissed many lips, none have ever given him such intense sensations, such vivid impressions.

    Finally they paused to catch a breath. Andrzej looked at his lover''s face and smiled warmly, seeing bliss in her.

    "Were there fireworks now?" He asked with a slight sneer.

    Dominik shook his head.

    "Man, you blew up the arsenal ..."

    ***

    Dominik slept peacefully and quietly in his arms. The warmth of his breath and body made Andrzej feel a certain sadness. He couldn''t understand him. Because is it possible to feel sad and anxious because of mutual love, right?

    Nowicki realized, however, that there was something fatal in his sweet Dominik. The actor did not do it on purpose, but those who gave him love sooner or later suffered. It''s as if loving ?liwi¨½ski is a gamble that cannot be won even if the bank breaks. Or like winning the main prize in lottery. Happiness, excitement, and then anxiety, because the more precious a treasure you have, the greater the fear of losing it.

    Dominik was the most valuable thing you could have.

    Andrzej''s chest hurt. When he saw ?liwi¨½ski in a woman''s embrace, when he saw their joined lips, he felt that his world was falling into pieces. He had never experienced anything so horrible before. Now he knew it was a misunderstanding that Dominik had not betrayed him and had no intention of doing so, but Nowicki remembered the pain.

    And he was afraid that it would come back.

    It was irrational, stupid, he knew it, and yet he had to admit to himself that he wasn''t the tough guy he wanted to be. It was enough for someone like Dominik ?liwi¨½ski to appear in his life for everything to suddenly turn inside out.

    Love is a really scary feeling.

    "You look tense," muttered Dominik. "Problems at work?"

    "What? No. I''m just thinking about something."

    "About what?"

    "Looks like about us."

    "Yes?" this question sounded fear. "But you don''t want to leave me?"

    "I don''t want to."

    "You speak without conviction. It''s about yesterday, isn''t it? About Scarlett and me ... Andrzej, I never ..."

    "I know. It''s not about that."

    "If you want, I will quit this movie. There weren''t even test shots, so maybe I won''t play in it at all ..."

    "Don''t be silly. This role is made for you."

    "But you know there will be love scenes between her and me."

    "I also know that you are a professional actor. Don''t worry about it anymore. It was me who reacted a bit childishly."

    "But you are worried about something."

    "Yes," he admitted. "I have no idea what to give you for Christmas."

    "For ... Christmas? Don''t be kidding!"

    "I know the weather doesn''t suggest it, but Christmas is approaching. It''ll be here before you know it, and I have no idea what you''d be happy about."

    "I don''t need anything. I want only you."

    "You all always say that, and when you get nothing, you make a fuss."

    "I''m sorry" Dominik rose on his elbow, he looked really offended. "Who are you liking me to? Who are you talking about?"

    "Kittens."

    "Ki ..." ?liwi¨½ski literally ran out of words. Angered, he threw a pillow at Andrzej. Nowicki laughed as he caught it in flight. Dominik could deny as much as he wanted, but he was the sweetest kitten Andrzej saw in his life and Dominik proved it just now.

    "We''ll spend this Christmas together, right?" Dominik asked, suddenly serious. Andrzej looked at him and saw sadness and anxiety in him.

    "Of course, if that''s what you want."

    "How do you always spend Christmas?"

    "With the family of Paulina and Martynka. Will you join us?"

    "What? I couldn''t" Dominik smiled sadly. "These are family holidays ..."

    "Exactly" Andrzej smiled softly.

    Dominik blushed creating a beautiful sight, he smiled charmingly and shyly lowered his eyes.

    Nowicki felt a twinge in his heart. Christmas is by definition the most beautiful, most family holiday of the year, while Dominik has spent seven years (or maybe already eight?) Away from his relatives. This year he was joined with the family, but then his mother discovered Dominik''s homosexual relationship and made a row. As a good Catholic, she could not come to terms with the thought that her son was committing such a grave sin. It was really unpleasant, and as these events took place recently, Andrzej did not expect Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska to get used to the thought that her firstborn was this and not another.

    Dominik was extremely lonely and it was on such festive days that he had to suffer the most.

    Nowicki moved closer to him and put his arm around him.

    "Paulina''s father died some time ago. Mother is a very nice woman. Paulina herself treats you like a brother now. You know that she cheered us on from the beginning, even before you noticed me. And Martyka - I don''t need to tell you how much she adores you. If you showed up on Christmas, she would be the happiest girl in the world."

    "What you say is very nice, but you cannot invite someone into someone else''s house."

    "How can I not?"

    "You can''t! It''s rude. You can bring someone an unwanted guest."

    With a lazy grunt Nowicki reached for the disheveled trousers lying on the floor and took the phone out of them.

    "What are you doing?" Dominik inquired.

    The photographer put a finger to his lips, ordering him to be silent. After a few seconds, a familiar voice spoke on the other side. The actor did not hear him clearly, but recognized his partner''s friend.

    "Forgive me for time, that I call, but I have a question. What are we doing with Christmas?"

    The voice on the other side was irritated and loud, yet Dominik still couldn''t understand the words.

    "Can you tell him yourself?"

    Literally a second later, ?liwi¨½ski held Andrzej''s phone to his ear.

    "Hello, Paulina," he said shyly.

    "Hi Dominik. Listen, I don''t know what your plans are for Christmas, so I will understand if you refuse, but I would very much like you to have a Christmas Eve dinner by visiting us with Andrzej. I wanted to invite you personally, but that idiot has to speed things up."

    "Thank you. Really. I don''t want to disturb the calm, family atmosphere ..."

    "Dominik, ask Andrzej to leave the room" Paulina instructed.

    "What?"

    "Just ask him. I want to talk to you alone."

    Dominik looked awkwardly at Nowicki. Asking him out of the bedroom seemed strange, even inappropriate, but for some reason he couldn''t stand up to Paulina. This dear friend of Andrzej from the school bench, she had a very strong personality and he knew that she treated Nowicki like a brother. ?liwi¨½ski also liked her, because it was she who helped him in those difficult moments, when Marek Marczak''s actions, when they were still a couple, hurt him so much. For some reason he knew he could trust her and she quickly became his ally in creating a special relationship between him and Andrzej.

    "Paulina asks you to leave" he turned to his lover.

    Nowicki began to whimper under his breath and dragged himself out of bed without any objection. He scooped his clothes off the floor and continued mumbling out of the room.

    "He''s gone," ?liwi¨½ski announced into the receiver.

    "Good, because I''m gonna keep talking about him. Did you know that Andrzej is the only child and when he was in college within a year, he lost both his parents?"

    "More or less."

    "He always had a lot of friends, but he was never really close to anyone. Only with Martynka and me. So you could say that we became his family."

    "Yes, I know that," Dominik smiled.

    "Now, for the first time in his life, someone else has turned up. I know you have been together for a relatively short time, but I guess you both realize how close you two have become."

 Chapter 145 - Dominik Put On An Apron

    Dominik wasn''t sure if he really realized how important he was to Andrzej. He knew that Andrzej sacrificed a lot for him, he knew that Andrzej loved him, otherwise he could not be with him, but ...

    "I bring him nothing buy worries," Dominik complained from the bottom of his heart.

    "You mean the case with that American woman?"

    "Yes."

    "We are concerned about those we care about. We are jealous of those we love. And I''m sure Andrzej really loves you just as you are."

    "Thanks, Paulina."

    "That is why for me and for Martynka, like him, you are part of our family. We will both be happy if you want to eat Christmas Eve Dinner with us."

    "I would be honored. Thank you!"

    Dominik was really happy. He could not imagine a nicer environment to spend this special day at the house of Paulina and her daughter. For the first time in a long time, he will spend Christmas as it should be spent, that is in family. It didn''t even hurt that it wouldn''t be his own family. After all, when couples get married, someone spends the holidays with their in-laws. It is true that they were not married, but they had shared their lives for some time, so acceptance from Andrzej''s foster family was really important to him.

    All the more important as his own family turned their backs on him and his relationship.

    Not all of it, of course, but it was the mother who revolved around home and family life, and in such a situation she made the decisions. Unfortunately, the discovery that her beloved firstborn was homosexual clashed with her deeply Catholic values. It was difficult for her to come to terms with this painful fact, even when her son confessed to her that had it not been for Andrzej, he would have ended his life.

    Dominik didn''t blame her for this reaction. He had expected this or worse. She made a fuss about him, left the house in anger, but did not announce that he was no longer her son. He was counting on accepting his choice over time. She doesn''t have to like it, but at least she won''t give it up forever. This Christmas might be a good occasion to reconcile, but Dominik had the impression that it was too early. His mother would probably try very hard, but she couldn''t help but make everyone uncomfortable. And most importantly, Andrzej, if his mother would decide to invite him. At this point in his life, however, Nowicki was much more important to him than contacts with his family. After all, Andrzej, it was Andrzej, and this logic could not be rejected.

    After the phone call ended, Dominik got out of bed and looked barefoot out into the corridor. Nowicki was not visible, but the sound of a shower came from his room. Now that he was up, he was probably getting ready to go to work. ?liwi¨½ski was ashamed to admit that he was not up to date with his projects. Too busy with what was happening around him, he forgot about Andrzej''s problems. Nowicki was always there for him, while he was showing a distant ignorance in his matters, as he had found out in the last days. When his lover did not come back for the night, ?liwi¨½ski did not even know where and how to look for him.

    It was still very early, but both of them had already woken up. Dominik decided that then he would prepare breakfast for them. He didn''t even think long about what to cook. When he thought about breakfast with Andrzej, not ordinary, but special, pancakes with cheese and cocoa always appeared in his mind.

    This is how their first breakfast, prepared by Dominik, looked like. It was a hot August morning and the actor could not help but think about the man who was watching him from the neighboring house to take compromising pictures of him. Working as a paparazzi may not have been glorious, but if Andrzej had not been watching him through the lens a few days earlier, he would not have been able to help him. So at that moment ?liwi¨½ski perceived him more as a guardian angel than an obtrusive paparazzi and he was really thinking about him. It wasn''t love yet, but deep gratitude and a kind of fascination.

    This stranger ran to his rescue and saved him from a cruel fate, and then completely selflessly looked after him in difficult times. No wonder a lonely young man craved his company. These desires were not yet erotic, it came later, for now he just wanted to be close to someone kind.

    Dominik put on an apron and started cooking. After a few minutes, the smell of the first pancakes began to spread through the house.

    "Take pity on me, man, do you want me to have a stroke?"

    "What do you mean?" He asked Andrzej, who was wearing a bathrobe and standing in the kitchen door.

    "Because of such views, a line will soon burst in my head."

    "Views?"

    Dominik looked around and realized that he had put an apron over his naked body. He was so busy with memories and breakfast that he hadn''t noticed it before.

    "Oh!" He blurted out.

    "No oh. Maybe a bit of decency, please."

    "You do not find me attractive?"

    "On the contrary."

    "So what is the problem?"

    Andrzej did not answer. He did not have to. Even Dominik got a blush when he saw the expression on his face.

    He was used to people looking at him with adoration with which one looks at an idol, or with a desire hot as fire, but the look that Andrzej gave him still made his heart tremble. He looked at him ... lovingly.

    What Paulina said on the phone began to seem real to him.

    Andrzej really loves him!

    Each time Dominik realized this wonderful truth, his heart trembled as it did the first time. There was something unusual, exciting in knowing that you are loved by a person for whom you have exactly the same feeling. There is nothing more wonderful than mutual love.

    Only that you also have to take care of this feeling. It cannot be said that since someone''s heart has been won, this condition will remain forever. Dominik still remembered thinking Marek was his life. It had been his world for a long time, but as it became harder and harder to breathe in it, and more and more you received undeserved times, love was dying, whether it was real or just seemed to be.

    Dominik fought for Andrzej and his affection long and bravely. Nowicki did not even think for a moment that he could establish an erotic bond with a man, now he loved him so much that the young actor could not imagine a greater happiness than he was.

    "Sorry," he said. He walked over to his lover and placed his hand tenderly on his chest. "I did not think. You still have a hangover?"

    "No," Nowicki replied, putting his arm around Dominik.

    Andrzej was so warm and his skin smelled wonderful after showering. If he could, Dominik would immerse himself in his lover all and eternally. Maybe they didn''t know each other for a long time, less than six months, but they went through as many tests as if fate were blaming them for all the adversities that came to mind.

    For Dominik, there was no life without Andrzej. This truth terrified him and was wonderful at the same time. He wanted to be with him until his death, until the end of the world.

    "Haven''t I had a chance to ask you before, how was the funeral?"

    Dominik started.

    "I''m so sad. Mr. Werner behaved very beautifully and explained the misunderstanding that his grandson had caused. He said that at the end of his life, Maciek''s head changed a little."

    "That''s what he said?"

    "Well, maybe he used different words, but the meaning was the same."

    "You went to the cemetery with Scarlett?"

    ?liwi¨½ski felt pain in his heart, not because Andrzej was asking, but because his behavior made him ask these questions.

    "No. I went alone. Until the last moment, I didn''t think I''d do it. I just got up, got dressed and went. Scarlett showed up after the ceremony. We were talking about me and her and she kissed me all of a sudden. She explained that she had wanted to do it from the beginning and had to do it otherwise she wouldn''t be able to work with me calmly. It''s good that she did it now, because it might be weird between us, but it''s a pity that she chose that exact moment and that someone took a picture of us then ... I really didn''t want to hurt you ..."

    "I know."

    He knew.

    Dominik took a deep breath. That night, when Andrzej did not come home, he felt terrible. He was afraid for his lover, he was angry that he did not give a sign of life. When he rejected calls, ?liwi¨½ski alternately felt irritation and anxiety. He did not understand what was happening. Now he knew that although he hadn''t done it on purpose, he had provoked Nowicki''s behavior. He did not blame him, but rather felt remorse himself.

 Chapter 146 - Love Until It Hurts

    After what Paulina had told him, he also felt joy.

    Andrzej was jealous of him!

    Dominik did not want his lover to suffer torment or arrange scenes. Actually, he would prefer them both to lead a quiet life, where they will be sure of their mutual love and happiness, but at this point in their relationship, knowing that you are loved to the point of jealousy gave him a little pleasure.

    "Tell me, what''s about your job?" asked the photographer.

    "Shouldn''t you better take care of the pan?"

    "Right," he laughed and went back to the stove.

    "And for God''s sake, put something on!"

    "Wait," Dominik laughed nervously. He put the pancake on a plate and poured the dough into the pan.

    "I''ll prepare cottage cheese" Andrzej offered.

    Dominik nodded. Nowicki reached over him for the bowl and, taking it out, accidentally touched his shoulder.

    ?liwi¨½ski looked up at Andrzej and blushed again, enchanted by his masculine beauty.

    Tall and springy-bodied, he physically dominated the petite Dominic, but he never used his strength against him. On the contrary, the actor vividly remembered the moment when the photographer used it to protect him from Marek''s attack. Andrzej was very well proportioned and looked just as stunning in a T-shirt, elegant shirt, and completely without clothes. His body did not have the slightest flaw and could successfully serve as a model for presenting the underwear of the most famous designers. His face was also perfect - long, with sharply defined mouth and nose, clearly masculine. She was beautiful, attractive and a bit hostile at the same time. Perhaps that''s why it was so easy for him to get a girlfriend, but hard to keep her. His hazel eyes were determined but warm, and as soon as Dominik caught them, he could feel his heart throbbing madly.

    If he didn''t know Andrzej, he might have thought he was bloody handsome but inaccessible. A bit as if he belonged to another world made of higher values. Knowing him, ?liwi¨½ski still believed that his partner had very high moral standards, but that did not deter him, on the contrary, it gave him a sense of security. Nowicki was perfect. If not objectively, at least he was perfect for ?liwi¨½ski.

    "Why are you looking at me like that?" Andrzej asked suddenly.

    Dominik blushed as if caught sinning.

    "Because," he muttered intimidated. "I really love you," he confessed.

    He knew that Andrzej was looking at him, although he looked down ashamed himself. He could feel his heart beating more and more nervously as he waited for an answer that did not come. Slowly he began to fear that no answer would come ...

    He felt a touch on his chin and after a while his eyes looked directly at Andrzej''s beer irises. He did not see resentment, hostility or anger in them, but pure love, like a balm, enveloping the heart.

    "Me too," he heard through the buzzing in his head caused by strong emotions. "I love you so much it hurts."

    It hurts ... So Andrzej has such intense feelings for him? He loves him ... until it hurts?

    "Hey" Nowicki smiled kindly "why are you so scared? Did I say something wrong?"

    "No," he shook his head and clung to him forcefully again.

    The reason was what Andrzej said. Dominik realized that even reciprocated love can be painful and decided to do everything so that the man he loves would not have to feel it. Therefore, from now until the end of their days, he will not give him a reason to be jealous, he will reassure him of his devotion, but will allow him to be free.

    ***

    "Scarlett, for God''s sake, what are you doing in this Warsaw?"

    Scarlett Yang smiled as she put on the table a colorful weekly magazine, on the cover of which was a close-up of her kissing Dominik ?liwi¨½ski. She did not have to know Polish to know that the headline in yellow, large font promised a sensation.

    "I have no idea what you''re talking about, Timothy," she replied into the phone with an innocent smile.

    "About the fact that you cannot be left alone anywhere. Few of the scandals in the States? Do you still have to produce them in Europe?"

    "But you insisted that I come here."

    "Yes, but you should know the limits. You were to persuade Dominik to star in my film, not to cause moral scandals. Poland is a prudish country. Country of bigots, religious fanatics ..."

    "You''d be surprised," she murmured.

    "What?"

    "You have a slightly outdated concept of this country. Believe me, this innocent kiss won''t hurt us. On the contrary, it will shoot us an advertisement. Slyvinsky is star material, and it is impossible not to take advantage of it."

    "Scarlett." The voice on the earpiece sounded extremely serious. "Don''t get emotionally into this. Playing with the media is one thing, but the romance on the set ..."

    "There will be no romance," she assured him more seriously. "It''s just playing with the media."

    "Are you sure?"

    "I am."

    "And he?"

    "He''s up to his ears and happily in love. Not in me," she added quickly.

    "You like him. It''s amazing."

    "Really?"

    "Yes."

    Scarlett smiled to herself and her reflection in the mirror. She knew she was beautiful with her tiny face, coppery long hair, and a smile worth several million dollars. Beautiful, sexy and capable. However, she was not lucky with her film partners. The bigger stars they were, the more they insisted that their contacts go beyond business. She succumbed because that was how this world was constructed. This Pole, who was to be her partner in the next production, will be different. Not only is he not famous, but he poses no sexual threat. She will be able to focus on her work without constantly defending herself against the intrusive guy.

    Thanks to this, this film will be something special, a production that will really show her talent.

    "Yes, I like him," she admitted. "Timothy ..."

    "Yes?"

    "Dominik is a bull''s eye. Will bring you millions."

    She really thought so. At first glance, it was completely inconspicuous, and it made heart throb. The combination of innocence and overwhelming sex appeal made him a male god of love. The hazelnut hair, which on an ordinary guy was slightly long, gave him an absolute charm that no man could match. Every woman and - as her diagnosis so far indicated - many men will go mad about him.

    "Ho, ho, are you jealous?"

    "Come on, for the money?"

    "But you know there have been no test shots yet. Still, he might not be suitable for the role."

    "He''ll do. You will stand on the eyelashes to make it so. I won''t play without him."

    "But Scarlett¡­!"

    She giggled.

    "Don''t worry, Timothy. Dominik will be great. I guarantee."

    "Hey, Scarlett, are you sure you''re not in love with him?"

    Am I sure? She wondered. He was beautiful, alluring, absolutely gorgeous, and yet when she kissed him there was only lukewarm water between them. Despite this¡­

    "Hmm, who knows?" Dreamy did not take her eyes off her reflection. She imagined ?liwi¨½ski''s face next to hers. "When do we start the test shooting?"

    "As soon as I bring you both to the States."

    Working with Dominik will be an adventure. The actress wanted to start her as soon as possible.

    "Prepare a private jet. You''ll have him in LA later this week."

    ***

    Dominik did not expect this guest and, after the noise their photo caused, he did not particularly enjoy the visit, but he opened the door with a polite smile.

    "Dominik," Scarlett greeted him before she stepped over, "I''m sorry! Hope I didn''t cause too much fuss!"

    ?liwi¨½ski did not know if she was honest, she was an excellent actress after all, but because even at that moment she, he or both of them might have the paparazzi''s watchful eye over them, he preferred to recognize that she was honest.

    "It''s okay," he said. "Will you come in?"

    "Yes thank you."

    As she passed him, he felt an unpleasant twinge in his heart. In a few minutes, photos may appear on the websites of him inviting an American beauty to his home. There will be rumors and misunderstandings again ... How will Andrzej feel with them?

    However, he could not avoid the actress. Not when she was a guest in this country and they were about to play side by side on the silver screen. If he did not let her in or treated her rudely, the media would still be using it. Anyway, Dominik couldn''t be rude to anyone. Scarlett was really nice. Then, in the cemetery, when the man who had messed up his life had just been buried, she made him feel better. She did not deserve to be mistreated.

    "You look beautiful," he announced with a sincere smile. "May I have your coat?"

    She looked at him with wide eyes, then blushed almost to the color of her red coat. She nodded, and in a moment she was free from the outer garment¡­

 Chapter 147 - Alibi

    "Dominik, I''m really sorry," Scarlett Yang said. "I didn''t think about the consequences then. I wasn''t really thinking at all. I followed my thirst ... Was Andrzej very angry?"

    "We cleared it all up," ?liwi¨½ski gestured to her into the living room.

    "So he was," she sighed. "What smells so good in here?"

    ?liwi¨½ski looked at her curiously. All he could smell was the smell of the pancakes and cocoa they had for breakfast coming from the kitchen. But the American woman could not talk about it.

    Scarlett, with the ease of her own, made for the kitchen. There were also cups and a plate with a few pancakes on the table.

    "Can I try it?" She asked looking at the dish with a gleam in her eyes.

    "They''re already cold," he said. "I''ll fry them for you, they''ll be tastier."

    "Are you really gonna do this for me?"

    "Of course," he smiled and reached for his apron.

    The actress, without taking her eyes off him, slowly slumped down into one of the chairs.

    "Did something happen?" He asked worriedly.

    "No, it''s just ... I don''t remember when anyone other than a professional cook made breakfast for me."

    "I''m the cook," he announced. "As if. I went to cooking school."

    "Really?"

    "I didn''t finish it because I started acting in movies."

    The pancakes sizzled over the hot fat. If the media find out that he was making breakfast for Scarlett Yang ...

    Dominik still had mixed feelings about this situation. They were doing absolutely nothing wrong, and yet someone could make current events erotic. After all, a woman eating breakfast at the man''s house and prepared by him, while two days earlier they kissed in the middle of the street ... Andrzej will have to show great fortitude to believe in his faithfulness despite the evidence.

    Completely unconsciously, he sighed.

    "I spoke to the director today," she said.

    "Yes?"

    "He would like to take test shots as soon as possible. In Los Angeles."

    "As soon as possible?"

    "Yes. This year."

    ?liwi¨½ski laid out flushed pancakes on a plate and set it in front of Scarlett. He handed her cutlery and put the dirty mugs in the sink.

    It was already early December and time was passing very fast. Christmas will come soon, which he is to spend with Andrzej and Paulina''s family. Accordingly, he should think about appropriate gifts. He didn''t want it to be anything, so he had to make a choice, think carefully about everything, and that took time.

    "God, how delicious it is!" She exclaimed with her mouth full. "What is this?"

    "Pancakes with white cheese," he replied indifferently, because his thoughts were in another place.

    "Insane!"

    He could not help smiling, although he was not at all happy. It was not a nice prospect to go to the other end of the world at that time.

    But since he undertook to play in this film, since so many people, including Scarlett and Andrzej, are counting on him, he must do it.

    "Okay, so when are we leaving?"

    ***

    Andrzej Nowicki put the camera to his eye. He focused the focal length on one point on the wall and then began to bring it closer. He changed the lens and repeated the action. He was pleased with the result, which made him sigh with pleasure once again. This equipment, worth more than a mid-range car, was a real wonder. The most precious thing about him, however, was that he was a gift from the heart of a man who loves him. When buying this camera, Dominik did not pay attention to the price, he just wanted to repay his friend for everything that he had done for him. He put a lot of effort into finding something that Andrzej would really like.

    Nowicki, for whom photography was not only a profession, but a passion, could not help but be delighted at the sight of this miracle of technology. He refused to accept it because of the price, but Dominik really wanted to give him something and put so much heart into it that it was impossible to refuse without hurting him. The camera was really excellent and Andrzej took a number of great photos with it, including those with ?liwi¨½ski''s face on advertising billboards, but he wanted to check it again before the upcoming important session.

    "Excuse me, Mr. Nowicki?"

    Andrzej put down the camera and saw two people approaching him. They were wearing outer garments, suggesting that they are neither employees of this company nor its customers, otherwise they would have used the changing rooms. The woman who asked this question had ashen, short hair, only her slightly longer fringe covered one eye. The man accompanying her assumed a rather aggressive attitude.

    "Yes," he admitted. "How can I help you?"

    These two looked like troubles, but since they were allowed into the company premises, they had some sort of license. Private detectives? Police?

    "My name is Liliana Andryszek, I am the Assistant Commissioner in the Criminal Division, this is my partner, Commissioner Daniel ?wi?cki. Can we talk for a while?"

    Police! Andrzej''s heart beat faster.

    "Is ... Is something wrong?" He asked, not hiding his concern. Dozens of black scenarios appeared before his eyes. "Anyone had an accident?"

    "No, no, take it easy," the woman replied. "We just want you to confirm someone else''s alibi."

    Surprised, he blinked. Has this Bambus gone completely crazy? What has he gotten himself into again, and why is he pulling him into it? In addition, he did not inform him about it.

    He sighed as he put the camera back in its case. He was glad that the plan that had been in between the change of decorations was empty at the moment. Nobody at work will see his nervousness when he tries to sew something for his fuzzy colleague.

    "Alibi?" He muttered. "So there is a crime."

    "Did you know an aspiring actor named Iwo M??y¨½ski?" The policeman spoke for the first time.

    "No," he admitted.

    "And the name Marek Marczak tells you something?"

    "Even a lot" Andrzej felt confused. Why are they asking about Marczak, not D?ugosz?

    "Mr. M??y¨½ski was one of Mr. Marczak''s actors. Unfortunately, he is dead."

    "Ah yes. It''s sad." It really was, but since Andrzej did not know the actor, his grief was not as great as it would have been if someone he knew had died.

    "Where were you the night before between ten and one?" continued Commissioner ?wi?cki. His tone was sharp, aggressive, but Nowicki did not blame him. He understood that this was his job.

    So they didn''t ask for Bamboo. His name was not mentioned in the conversation. Was it then Marek who was suspected of something?

    Andrzej sighed, not hiding his dislike.

    "At Marek Marczak''s, unfortunately."

    The policemen looked at each other.

    "Unfortunately?" The woman asked.

    "I have known Marczak since August and I do not have warm feelings for him. Personalities made me drink a little too much that night. And I spent the night at Marczak''s place."

    "You said you drank too much. How can you be sure that Mr. Marczak was in the apartment all the time?"

    "I am not so sure and I did not say so. You asked where I was, not him."

    The commissioner smiled with satisfaction. Was his testimony incriminating? For sure. After all, they did not provide an irrefutable alibi. Forgive me, Marczak, I will not lie for you.

    However, something disturbed Andrzej.

    "Does it mean that Marczak is a murder suspect? Because if so, then ..."

    "Yes?" ?wi?cki intercepted.

    "We talked that morning. If Marczak had committed a murder at night, he would probably not be able to talk this way. Otherwise¡­"

    "Otherwise what?"

    "I really don''t think he left his apartment that night. Knowing him, it is more likely that he wanted to catch me in some outrageous behavior and take pictures that compromised me."

    The policewoman grunted, suppressing a laugh.

    "Thank you, you helped us a lot," she said. Nowicki noticed that her partner did not like his last statement. Did he think Marczak was guilty for some reason?

    Andrzej dismissed the thought in disgust.

    "Oh, and one more thing," the Assistant Commissioner said to him. "If you were to judge the character of Mr. Marczak. Do you think he would be capable of committing murder?"

    "I used to think so," he admitted. "Marczak is a type who likes to get his way. However, I met him, and while I still can''t say I like him, I can''t imagine him killing someone in cold blood."

    He didn''t add that he could have done it out of affect. After all, it has not been six months since Andrzej himself stopped him from raping Dominik and the actor walked roughly for many days.

    Then, however, a great passion came to the fore. Somehow Nowicki could not imagine that similar emotions played in Marczak in relation to someone else. Anyway, Marczak understood how badly he behaved then, and since then he has started to change for the better.

 Chapter 148 - Facing The Great Divide

    "Thank you again," the Assistant Commissioner said, and they both said goodbye to Mowicki.

    Andrzej stood for a moment looking after the disappearing pair of policemen. Then he took out his phone and regarded it hesitantly. He took a deep breath and dialed the number.

    He waited almost a minute for the connection.

    "Nowicki?" he heard Marczak''s voice in the receiver.

    "I just spoke to the police."

    "I''m sorry to get you mixed up in this." Marczak sounded strange. It was as if he was holding back his anger, as if he was forcing himself to remain calm and indifferent. Well, since one of his actors has died it must have been natural that he should not be quite calm.

    "In what?"

    "One of my actors was killed. The police launched an investigation."

    Nowicki did not know anything about this actor. He had no idea if it was someone with whom Marczak had distant plans or someone without much profit, but by signing the contract with Marczak, this boy was putting himself under his protection, and now he was dead. Was it a traffic accident?

    His death was sudden and rather tragic, judging from the police''s attention. And certainly premature.

    "I''m sorry" Andrzej said honestly. "Are you okay?"

    "You''re worried about me? That''s cute."

    Nowicki felt like a curse. He comes to Marczak as to people, and this ...

    "Forget I even called," he growled and hung up. Bloody moron!

    "Mr. Andrzej, has something happened?"

    "Nothing at all," he replied to his assistant, who shyly approached him. He reassured her with a smile and returned to his activities, but he did not feel at ease.

    Nowicki has been working as paparazzi for many years. He had always hated this job, although he had never dealt with heavy, scandalous cases. Since fate brought him in contact with Dominik ?liwi¨½ski and Marek Marczak, everything has changed. Like it or not, Andrzej entered the world on the other side of the lens and saw what was really going on in it. Toxic relationships, violence, rejection, obsessions and loneliness so great it was hard to imagine.

    He felt a great urge to hug Dominik. As soon as he remembered the beginnings of their relationship, the actor''s back was blue with the force of the blow with which he smashed the coffee table when he fell, his sad, embarrassed eyes that he had become a victim of violence ... Dominik was so lonely in his relationship with Marczak. So much used by his toxic feeling. Then Werner appeared with his obsession to make him suffer even more. Werner himself was also tragic, which Andrzej was beginning to understand. He hadn''t forgiven him yet, but in the world where he existed now, there was some evil that set itself the goal of destroying people. Now this actor has died ...

    He didn''t know him. He was a complete stranger to him, yet his death took its toll on him. Since he had never heard the name, he concluded that it was someone new, someone who hadn''t made a debut yet, or that it was very quiet. So he had to be young. Certainly younger than him. Who knows, maybe he was as old as Dominik when he entered the world of show business? Unnecessary, tragic and premature death.

    I want to see Dominik, thought Andrzej. I want him to never feel lonely again. I want to cuddle and protect him.

    But it wasn''t until noon. Too early to quit work, especially since he still had to work out the details of the upcoming photo shoot.

    Then he''ll just ring, he thought. He shouldn''t be making private calls while he is working, but if he doesn''t hear Dominik''s voice, he won''t be able to focus. Mrs. Janka will certainly not hold it against him.

    He reached for the phone again. He flinched in surprise when it rang at that moment. He was glad it was Dominik with whom he so wanted to talk.

    "Hey, I was just thinking about you," he confessed, answering.

    "Really? Do not bother? You can talk?"

    "Of course."

    "You see, Scarlett just left ours home."

    Andrzej gritted his teeth and took a deep breath. Take it easy, just take it easy. You trust Dominik ...

    "Yes? Was the visit successful?"

    "At breakfast, we talked about the date of trial shooting."

    "At breakfast?"

    "I warmed up for her pancakes that were left from ours," he replied innocently. Nowicki could not help smiling.

    "Did she like them?"

    "Very."

    "So what did you find out?"

    "We have a flight to Los Angeles tomorrow. Director wants us to go now."

    "And you?"

    "I want this too. It''s only a few days, ten at most. The sooner we start, the sooner we''ll finish. There is no need to delay."

    "Yes, that''s a good argument."

    "Only ..."

    "Yes?"

    "Ten days without you is such an awful long time."

    "We''ll write to each other."

    "But I won''t be able to touch you. Andrzej, make tonight enough for me for these ten."

    Nowicki felt a great, heavy lump in his throat.

    "What a requirement," he muttered, confused.

    "I''ll make dinner, and then ... Then I''ll be all yours. Until dawn."

    "You don''t have to pack?"

    "I will do it now. I don''t need a lot of things. It''s hot in Los Angeles."

    "Yes, damn ..."

    "What?"

    "You had to tell me what''s going to happen tonight? I won''t be able to focus."

    On the other hand, there was a pleasant, one hundred percent natural laugh from Dominik - the most beautiful sound Andrzej''s ears could hear.

    "You know that you can always do anything with me!"

    Did he know? In a way, yes, but on the other hand, being with a man was still something new to him, which he was just discovering. He lacked the courage to try some things, or even the imagination to think about some. Being in a relationship with a woman and a man were completely separate things. Andrzej, who had never really been in a lasting relationship with a woman and was just starting out with Dominik, did not know how far he could go so as not to exceed certain limits. He did not even know what and what the limits were. Could he talk about the limits of decency while having sex with a guy?

    Of course, what a stupid question. Sex is a pleasure, it can be fancy fantasy and fun, but regardless of gender, there was such a thing as human dignity. Andrzej, who sometimes wanted to be a bit more violent, would never do it for fear of hurting his lover. He never wanted to see bruises on his body again and never see shame in his eyes.

    "I know," he admitted. He realized that Dominik would have survived any bruise if he only knew that they were making Andrzej happy with them. "And you know what? I love you," he finished quietly.

    "Me too! Remember, you promised to take good care of me."

    "Believe me, I will not forget."

    Of course he won''t. He felt his face flush. Really? He, a guy under 30, blushes because his lover asked him to make this night special? Andrzej felt like a teenager before the first time - excited, and at the same time terrified that he would not be able to cope, that he would make a fool of himself in front of the girl he cares about. It is true that he was already in his age, he had been in bed with Dominik more than once and they had no reason to complain, but this time it was a bit different. Now it will not be spontaneous going to bed resulting from the climate of the moment. Now everything needs to be planned and prepared.

    Just what to prepare for Dominik to be really satisfied and does it mean that he has not been so far?

    "Mr. Andrzej, Tomek asks you not to forget about ..."

    Oh yes, this too. He has to focus on his work instead of being in the clouds fantasizing about his lover. He will think about Dominik later.

    No, it was completely impossible. A simple phone call turned into an appetizer, and waiting for dinner was an unspeakable agony for him when instead of dealing with the main course, or at least the starters, he still had to think about work. Torment, a real torment that dragged on for a few more hours and finally, with resignation, Andrzej had to admit that he had not invented anything that could be exceptional in bed today.

    Maybe he just didn''t have enough imagination?

    He entered the living room at exactly the same time as usual and was surprised. The interior was immersed in the light of dozens, maybe hundreds of candles, giving it a completely different character. The delicate scent of paraffin mixed with the appetizing aroma of oriental cuisine and fresh flowers. Sarah McLahlan''s voice echoed in the background.

    They discovered this singer for themselves a few weeks ago, at a time when Dominik, wounded by Werner, was slowly recovering.

 Chapter 149 - The Arms Of An Angel

    They watched an old crime series about the adventures of a Canadian mounted policeman in Chicago and her songs accompanied the most romantic scenes of the series. They liked her warm voice, which at that moment, along with the whole setting, introduced a very pleasant and exciting atmosphere.

    Today Dominik did his best.

    "While waiting for you, I allowed myself to open the wine," the young actor announced, emerging from the kitchen, glass in hand. He did not come up to Andrzej. He stood in the threshold and leaned against the doorframe, throwing him a long glance at his aquamarine glittering eyes.

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was a captivatingly beautiful man with an attractive body. Short, slim, but resilient, exuded sex appeal with every movement. He didn''t do it on purpose. Eroticism oozed out of him naturally, making whoever saw him in such a situation could not remain indifferent. Andrzej also felt an immediate rush of blood to his head and penis.

    Dominik was beautiful in everything, but he looked the most wonderful in white, as if this pure and symbolizing innocence color emphasized all his charms - fair skin, hair falling on the neck in a shade of hazelnut blonde, long, dark eyelashes and eyes in the purest blue color, which could pierce every heart inside out.

    "I thought that I should try my best, while you..." Nowicki said with admiration.

    "You like me?" An uncertain question was asked.

    Andrzej''s briefcase fell from his hands. How could he even ask about it?

    "Always," he answered "but today... Today just ..."

    ?liwi¨½ski laughed a little shyly. Absolutely lovely.

    "Sit down, today we''ll eat in the living room. The table is a bit small but that''s okay. We will eat from one dish anyway."

    Nowicki glanced at the coffee table where there was wine and one glass. He took off his shoes, took off his jacket and as soon as he came closer, a huge ceramic platter appeared on the counter, which they had not used before. It was from him that this wonderful, exotic scent was rising.

    The table was low, uncomfortable to eat at, but Dominik thought about everything and placed two pillows between it and the couch. So they will sit on the ground side by side so close that they can feel each other''s warmth all the time.

    "It smells delicious. As always" Nowicki noticed settling down on one of the pillows. It was not comfortable, but at the very thought of having Dominik next to him, he couldn''t help but smile.

    ?liwi¨½ski actually sat down on the adjacent pillow as soon as he put the dish on the table.

    "You forgot your cutlery," Nowicki admonished him.

    "Not at all," he replied teasingly. "We have it."

    "Chopsticks? Andrzej felt insecure.

    "If you can''t eat with chopsticks, let me feed you."

    Andrzej''s heart skipped a beat at this declaration. Candles, wonderful scents, and the proximity of a dazzling man who himself declared that he would feed him could not leave him indifferent. Andrzej did not think that he would ever be able to succumb to this far-reaching romanticism in his life, but he couldn''t help but be completely defenseless when it came to Dominik.

    It wasn''t always like that. At the beginning of their relationship, although Nowicki knew that the actor was homosexual, he would never have said that they would be united by something more than just friendship. Now he felt a pain at the thought that something might tear them apart.

    But it won''t happen, he consoled himself silently. Dominik''s love was faithful despite what might happen to him in life. You had to really try to lose her, and Andrzej was not going to do that.

    "I''ve never eaten with chopsticks," he admitted, slightly embarrassed. In the eyes of his beloved, he always wanted to look his best, so admitting that you lacked a skill was quite a challenge.

    ?liwi¨½ski, who was just skillfully taking a piece of meat dripping with aromatic golden sauce between two bamboo sticks, did it with great skill.

    "I learned it for my last role. There was a scene in the movie where they ate sushi."

    "I remember," he admitted. "But they didn''t show much of how you use them."

    "It was known from the beginning that it would be so. Patrycja couldn''t master this skill so we didn''t want me to do better than her."

    "But you, as always, wanted to learn everything that was helpful for the role, my Little Mister Perfect."

    "Do not embarrass me" Dominik asked and the first bite was directed straight at Andrzej''s mouth. He welcomed him willingly and immediately a colorful mixture of sweetness and spice spread over his tongue.

    "Mmmm," he purred. "Epic!"

    "You really think so?"

    "I love your cooking."

    "Through stomach to heart it always works," Dominik smiled shyly, but his eyes sparkled with satisfaction.

    It wasn''t through the stomach. Yes, Andrzej, he liked good cuisine, but not enough to fall in love with someone, otherwise he would have been a couple with Paulina for a long time. In Dominik''s case, this love consisted of thousands of little things - his small gestures, shy words, a charming smile, natural charm, a huge, sensitive heart, a stunning sex appeal, an insanely attractive look ... The confession was embarrassing, however, and Andrzej did not dare to tell these words aloud, even though he had already opened his mouth.

    "Definitely," he replied instead.

    Dominik must have guessed it was a joke. He chewed a piece of his own with his eyes downcast and a huge blush on his face.

    I love him for that too, thought Andrzej and gently touched his soft hair.

    "I love the smell of your shampoo," he confessed, moving a little closer. He could feel his heart pounding.

    They looked into each other''s eyes and was engulfed again by two aquamarine suns - beautiful, huge and hot.

    Sarah sang about the angel''s arms and Andrzej felt like he was in his embrace the moment his lips touched Dominik''s sweet mouth with sauce.

    The actor shuddered at his touch, but it was a shuddering excitement. He wanted him, clearly and strongly. Andrzej increased the intensity of the kiss and after a while they both lost their breath while burning.

    "Dinner," whispered Dominik.

    "We''ll eat her reheated."

    "Okay," he agreed quickly.

    It''s a pity, thought Andrzej, because she''s really great, but when you have someone much more appetizing ...

    His lips flowed down to Dominik''s ear and neck, plunging him into his hot, lustful breath. The tip of his tongue ran over his skin, making him shiver. Dominik always reacted so lively to his caresses, as if he were just waiting for them. It was wonderful. Andrzej had never had enough of this delight.

    "Oh ..." the actor groaned, venting his emotions.

    Yes, there was no better term than miraculous!

    Nowicki''s lips slid lower, where a shiny white collar appeared. The subtle scent of detergent, shampoo and soap mixed in this place into one natural scent - the scent of Dominik. There was no more sensual at that moment and Nowicki''s heart beat even faster and his breath became even hotter.

    "I want you so much," he whispered, barely audible. If his mouth were further away from Dominik''s ear, he probably wouldn''t have heard him.

    "And I want you," was an equally soft reply, and Andrzej felt the small but strong arms of the man he loved surround him. Truly the arms of an angel.

    "Oh, Jesus," Nowicki groaned, unable to stop his tongue caressing his lover''s soft skin on his neck and in the hollow where it joined his torso.

    Slowly but sensually, as if he wanted to fill himself with every touch for the rest of his life.

    He''s leaving tomorrow, Andrzej reminded himself. They won''t see each other for a week. Maybe longer. This is the first such a long break since they became a couple. Before, they had similar periods of sexual abstinence, but at least they could be next to each other and enjoy being there, but now they won''t even have that.

    Andrzej unbuttoned the button on Dominik''s shirt. But he felt such a fever within himself that he had to shed his own blouse before he continued petting. He pulled it off in a hurry and suddenly felt his lover''s hand on his torso.

    "I love your body," he heard.

    "Oh, shut up," Andrzej ordered, confused. Hearing such words from such mouths was too embarrassing.

    To hide his confusion, he dived into ?liwi¨½ski''s breast and took control of one of his nipples. The actor strained with a loud groan, making him clearly understand how pleasant he was. Encouraged by this, Andrzej intensified his efforts. He gently licked it with the entire surface of the tongue to turn it into a sting after a while and irritate its erogenous zones with the very tip. With a changeable pace, he licked him, sucked him, he did not flinch even before a slight bite, which caused a soft cry of surprise and another tension of the lover''s entire body. Dominik braided his fingers into his hair and he deliberately concentrated his efforts on his nipple...

 Chapter 150 - You... Are My Life

    Andrzej felt tremors under his fingers. The current of pleasure flowed like electricity through ?liwi¨½ski. The small but springy body reacted with such liveliness and grace that Andrzej felt a great desire to tease Dominik.

    He has had many lovers in his life. They were all for a while. Delightful, beautiful, dominant or sweet, but each was only a poor substitute for what destiny had offered him in the person of Dominik.

    "I can''t stand ten days without you," Andrzej muttered, reaching between his lover''s legs. "I can''t take five ..."

    "It''s decided, I''m not going ..."

    "Do not be stupid. You don''t give up such opportunities for sex" Andrzej announced with his fingers caressing Dominik''s testicles.

    "Then go with me," he asked, his voice a little squeaky, feeling Andrzej''s hand on his jewels.

    "I can''t, I have an important session."

    "So we will go on a different date ..."

    "Do you want to drag it on forever? What if I dragged out forever this?" He asked gently touching the entrance to his anus.

    "The analogy is ... not very accurate ..."

    "Really? Explain."

    "What? Now?"

    "We have time" said Nowicki and pressed a little harder, but not enough to open the passage for himself. His other hand was tracing Dominik''s nipple.

    The actor took a deep breath.

    "You¡­" he hissed.

    "Well?"

    Andrzej''s hand moved away from the lover''s body as if it actually wanted to drag it out forever, or even withdraw completely.

    "A movie is just a movie," Dominik explained quickly, panicked. "And you ... are my life."

    Andrzej froze. The confession gripped his heart with such force that he was unable to catch his breath for a moment. He caught Dominik''s fiery gaze and, unable to bear its heat, closed his eyes.

    I love him, he thought as he descended. I love him so much it hurts.

    He touched the pink entrance with his tongue and stuck into it preparing the way for something bigger. Dominik groaned and shuddered again. Wonderfully beautiful, absolutely delightful, just perfect.

    And all his.

    Their bodies were on fire. Their hearts beat as if they were possessed. Their sex was not an empty physical rapprochement to satisfy their lust. It was a fusion of two individuals into one, filled with love.

    Entering him, Andrzej poured feeling into every movement of his hips. Each thrust, each withdrawal was filled with the desire that Dominik would feel how important he was to him.

    He knew. His every moan of pleasure was like a confession of his own feelings. Hot, full of light, screaming about how his heart is full of only one and only man - Andrzej.

    ***

    Despite December, the temperature was still positive and light rain was falling instead of snow. It was cool, but dressed in warm coats, gloves, scarves and hats, the models did not feel the painfully cold temperature. In contrast to them, Andrzej had cold fingers and a great desire to put them in something warm.

    They decided to shoot without artificial snow to reflect not the imaginary spirit of Christmas but the gray reality. Rain and mud, bland tenement houses and against them beautiful, laughing girls in elegant coats and shiny packages in their hands - a real Christmas joy regardless of the weather, because all their beauty, their spirit, lies not in snow and frost, but in the atmosphere create the people themselves.

    Nowicki exhaled warm air from his mouth, trying to warm his hands, frozen in the rain, at least a little. He was tired from saying goodbye to Dominic overnight, but not so much that he couldn''t cope with his job. On the contrary, he felt filled with positive energy. After all, such a dose of love would charge everyone''s battery.

    Mrs. Janina Pasek, the owner of the agency where he worked, wrapped in a beautiful, ash-colored ash-coat, came up to him without a word and stood right next to him. As usual, she had a lot of makeup on her face, not quite matching her age, but for some reason Andrzej couldn''t imagine her without it.

    "The girls are having fun," she said after a few moments. "You know why?"

    "No," he replied without even considering her question.

    "Because they like working with you."

    "Nice to hear that" he did not stop taking pictures. They had good light, the rain did not bother too much, so Nowicki wanted to make the best of the opportunity and take as many good photos as possible with this wonder, which he had received from Dominik a few months ago.

    Mrs. Janina smiled and looked at the photographer. She knew that his preoccupation with his work had not realized what she was talking about.

    "How long are you going to shoot here? Your fingers are all red," she noted with motherly tenderness.

    "Just a moment more."

    Mrs. Pasek gave him two minutes. Since Nowicki was not slowing down, she put her hand on his shoulder.

    "Enough," she announced. "Respect your hands. They and your eyes are your working tools."

    He looked at her and smiled apologetically.

    "As the boss says. Attention, we are finishing for today! Good job everyone! Thank you!"

    "It''s only fourteenth, and I have a feeling that it will soon be night," said Pasek. "I do not like winter. She is so depressing."

    "She''s not that bad," he said.

    "You say that because you are young and full of life."

    "Mrs. Janina," he smiled, packing the camera into its case, "I don''t think you''re asking for compliments. We all know that no words can describe your beauty."

    "Flatterer," she laughed. "But for God''s sake, put your gloves on. I can''t look at your fingers!"

    "But my camera ..."

    "I''ll take it" Sylwia, his assistant, appeared literally out of nowhere. "I''ll take care of it."

    He had no doubts about it, because she was a great worker, he was only surprised by her enthusiasm. He had barely freed himself from the camera when Angelika, one of the models, handed him a mug of hot coffee. He thanked her politely and she gave him a very seductive smile.

    Mrs. Janina laughed.

    "Poor boy," she shook her head. "Ah, of course not. After all, you only have eyes fixed on one person. But just look at them."

    Andrzej wasn''t sure if he should, but his curiosity turned out to be too great. He looked at the models, make-up artists, assistants and was surprised to find that as soon as his gaze fell on one of them, she was sending him a smile telling him how willingly she would spend the night with him.

    Nowicki realized that he was not among the last. He never had a problem finding a girlfriend for a night or two. However, he was never so successful. What the hell was that? Or was it normal for models to be interested in photographers? Yes, it was definitely about the job he was doing.

    "Usually the photographer looks after the girls" said Ms Pasek, strangely pleased with herself. "But you don''t pay attention to them. In your photos you bring out innocence, grace and sex, but you didn''t invite any of them to bed. This intrigues them. If you could hear what is gossiping about you!"

    "You know what I think about rumors."

    "Of course. The truth is, the less attention you pay to girls, the more they want you."

    "I''m not interested in an romance."

    "You wanted to say ''new romance''."

    No, he didn''t want to say that, but the truth was, what he had in common with Dominic by all definitions was romance. He sighed.

    "Yes, I''m not interested in the ''new romance''. It suits me what I have now," he announced, not even realizing how bright he was saying it.

    If it weren''t for Dominik and he would be where he is now, he would probably have taken the opportunity to spend a few nights with one of the girls. Or with a few. But now that his heart knew what love was, he was interested in no one but the one who seduced his body and soul.

    Even if they were thousands of kilometers away at that moment.

    "Yea, you young people," she shook her head. "Won''t you feel lonely now?"

    "It won''t be that bad," he said confidently. "Dominik only left for a week. Ten days at the most."

    "And yet, when you come back to an empty house ..."

    Andrzej looked at the old lady. Janina Pasek in the old days was one of the greatest models in the country. When the system changed, she founded her own agency, first for models, then advertising, and took the market by storm. She did not follow the global trend, but she accepted it, which is why her company employed both girls with the "top" type of beauty and those with less popular ones. She paid honestly and did not tolerate the drugs, which she herself spoke, spoiled the beauty and health of the girls. As a woman and ex-model, she knew how fleeting fame was and made sure that her employees also had something beyond their current job. Some time ago Nowicki discovered that Mrs. Pasek, although she looked a bit strange in her too strong make-up and was a real shark on the market, really cared for her employees like a real mother.

 Chapter 151 - Separated By Big Water

    Janina Pasek had no family herself. Her youth was turbulent. Then it was time to become a business woman. Somehow it didn''t work out in her personal life. Nowicki, however, suspected that there was something else behind it. Mrs. Pasek was once deeply in love with her photographer.

    They were having an affair. Why they didn''t work out and what happened to this man, Andrzej was unable to say. Perhaps he broke her heart, left, or chose another. Maybe he was married from the beginning? Nowicki knew that he reminded her a bit of him, but that was not the only reason why she liked him. Ms Janina simply loved all her employees.

    "You should go out and have fun. You are young, single ..."

    "Mrs. Janka..." he asked with a smile.

    "I know you love him, and I''m not going to make you go to bed with someone else, but you should go get a drink with the rest. Being in a relationship does not mean being exclusive. The other person also needs other people. You need them too. You can''t limit your private life only to yourself, because who knows what nightmares will come out of it. You should hang out, socialize with the people of the company."

    Andrzej sighed quite loudly, causing the old lady to giggle. Hesitantly, he glanced at the gathering models.

    Tonight the whole group was going to the club. They usually did when they finished shooting. It was an additional cool thing in Ms Pasek''s company - whether you were a model or a make-up artist, a star or a shadow person, the event was for everyone. Nobody even organized it. Someone in the crowd was asking, "So what, are we going for one?" and suddenly the whole place was full of people from the set. More than once, one of the girls approached Andrzej, wanting to persuade him to go with them, but he always dodged. He wouldn''t be able to enjoy himself while Dominik waited at home alone. Anyway, what can be hidden, when Dominik was waiting at home, there was no force that would stop him from returning. Love was a terrifying animal.

    Today, however, no one waited at home. Dominik was probably still on the plane to Los Angeles. Andrzej did not want to return to the empty building.

    "Maybe you''re right," he admitted. "Only these photos ..."

    "Girls!" suddenly heard Mrs. Pasek''s raised voice. "Today our beloved Andrzej is coming with you! You are to take good care of him."

    "But ..." Nowicki hesitated still.

    Angelika, the beauty who had brought him coffee a moment earlier, took his arm. In high-heeled boots, she was tall, like him.

    "No problem," she announced in her high-pitched voice.

    He could still defend himself, but Mrs. Janka was right. If he ignores everyone around him and focuses his life solely on Dominik, their relationship will begin to turn into something unhealthy. He loved him with all of himself and knew how much his affection was reciprocated, but if his thoughts were solely around him, it would turn into an obsession. Neither of them could let that happen. Not so long ago, Andrzej urged his lover to go out among people, so now that he himself stopped following his own advice, it was a bit frivolous. Besides, somehow he wasn''t in a hurry to get home, where no one was waiting for him.

    He looked at Angelica with a smile. The girl held him tightly and her eyes looked at him with a seductive glow. He hoped she didn''t promise herself too much. He didn''t want to disappoint her with a refusal.

    Well, there was no way to excuse himself anymore and he really didn''t want to come back to an empty house anyway.

    ***

    Dominik thanked the boy with a tip and sat down heavily on the bed. The flight from Warsaw with a stopover in New York was terribly tiring, although he was lucky anyway that they did not fly on a scheduled connection. The company had rented a private jet for them, which Scarlett and him had delivered in fifteen hours. He couldn''t sleep on the plane. The excited actress kept chirping, and when she finally got tired and fell asleep, he rested with his eyes closed, dreaming about Andrzej. The armchairs were comfortable, but he couldn''t find a suitable position for himself, and he wondered if it was a good idea to say a warm goodbye between lovers.

    It was, he sighed, lying down now and covering his eyes with his hand. It was because although his body didn''t feel perfect, his heart was still throbbing with joy. The love that Andrzej gave him so generously gave him the strength to make this journey.

    Dominik''s breathing was slowing down, and he felt himself drifting away to his dreamland. It was very pleasant for him.

    Ever since Nowicki appeared in his life, even the greatest challenge and difficulty became light and pleasant. Because Andrzej was for him ... Andrzej was for him ...

    Dominik fell asleep in clothes and shoes and his last thought was Andrzej.

    The ringing of the hotel phone woke him. Dominik got up heavily and reached for the receiver. He had a visitor. Someone from the label who was supposed to be his assistant and guide.

    Ah yes, Scarlett mentioned that someone would show up. Yes, he can come upstairs.

    Sleepy, he rubbed his face. The clothes he was wearing clung to his body unpleasantly. He felt a great need to take a shower. He kicked off his shoes and when he heard the doorbell he headed for them yawning. He opened without looking who was entering and with another yawn as he walked away towards the bathroom, he announced:

    "Sorry, give me five minutes."

    A cold shower restored his energy. Wrapped in a towel, he tilted his head out of the bathroom to see where the person was sent to him.

    A young man with short, dark hair stood just outside the closed door. He had a briefcase for documents in his hands. He stood quietly, calmly, without any movement, and Dominik suddenly felt remorse that he had not asked the young man to make himself at home.

    Dominik shyly slipped out of the bathroom and approached the man with a smile that showed all the enormity of his guilt.

    "Sorry, I turned out to be rude. It was a tiring flight for me and I took a little nap ..."

    "No, no, I''m sorry, I didn''t think and ..."

    The man looked as confused as he was.

    "Then maybe let''s start as it should be" said the actor and held out his hand to the guest. "Dominik ?liwi¨½ski."

    "Arthur Benz, assistant at D&W. It''s an honor for me to be able to work for you. I''m a big fan of yours."

    "Really?" Dominik couldn''t hide his surprise.

    "Oh yes. I heard about you, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, three years ago and I am very happy to be able to work with you."

    "You said my name flawlessly" the actor was pleasantly surprised.

    "It''s because I know Polish" Benz switched to Dominik''s mother tongue. "My great-grandfather was an actor from Lviv in the interwar period. My maternal grandfather worked in the ?¨®d? film industry. It was thanks to the knowledge of Polish that I was able to get the job of your assistant."

    His Polish was very good when it comes to grammar, but his accent made ?liwi¨½ski amused. He was heavy and crude, typical of Westerners. He didn''t laugh, though, because he knew full well that his own Eastern singing could evoke similar feelings here.

    "It''s very kind of the label to think about my comfort," he replied politely. "So what are our plans for today? Could you tell me about this as I get dressed?"

    Arthur Benz swallowed but nodded bravely.

    "Of course," he nodded, and when ?liwi¨½ski reached into his suitcase for clothes, he cleared his throat and continued. "Today at 7 p.m. a small banquet begins at the producer''s residence. Cocktail attire required. Tomorrow, after lunch, a meeting with the director to discuss the role. Costumes fitting immediately after. The next day, from ten o''clock, the first test shots ..."

    Dominik put on a T-shirt. As soon as he put it over his head, he shook out his long, hazel hair. They dry in the blink of an eye, just like in Poland in summer.

    "So I''m off until tonight? He asked, going to the window. The view from it stretched out over the city skyline and the ocean beyond. It was bewitchingly beautiful, even in the daylight, it must have been dazzling in the evening. Andrzej would be delighted to have his beloved camera in his hand.

    "Yes. You can spend this time exploring. I can accompany you ..."

    "Thank you, I will be very pleased."

    "Is there any specific place you''d like to see?"

    "No, not really."

    "Then if I can propose ..."

    Dominik''s adventure on the other side of the ''big water'' was about to begin.

 Chapter 152 - It Is The Same Everywhere In The World

    It was the first time Dominik had ridden the huge limousine seen in American movies and decided it was no fun. He definitely preferred the front seat of Andrzej''s small, red, twenty-year-old car, where he could sit snugly, lean his head against the headrest or his shoulder and feel close to his beloved.

    Dominik realized, however, that the car he was picked up was a nod to him, so he couldn''t complain. Hollywood had its own rules and seldom recognized anyone outside its circle. Sending a limousine for an actor from a third world country, which Poland was for them, was a nice gesture to make him feel like a real star. How could they know that Dominik would not be impressed?

    The car pulled up to the indicated building, which was drowning in the light of the setting sun. The party was clearly getting going. As soon as the driver opened his door, the actor heard music coming from inside. He got out of the car and saw in front of him exactly the house he had expected - a huge white villa, a kind of Beverly Hills. Well, they were in this neighborhood after all.

    The door was open so he stepped inside. He saw some bodyguards who looked like typical Men in Black, but none stopped him. The driver at the entrance gate said he was driving a guest, so there were no problems. Only Dominik, who did not like crowds and such events so much, had to put in a lot of self-denial to go to this party at all.

    As soon as he stepped inside, sounds and smells enveloped him. It was this mishmash he did not like in such gatherings. Dozens of different colognes and perfumes, empty chats over glasses of expensive champagne. People pretending to like each other when in reality they would stab knives in the back because of jealousy.

    In order not to seem so completely alien and out of place, he grabbed a full glass from the tray. It''s always better to maneuver with a drink than without it. He was just about to look around at the guests when a white-clad storm with gleaming coppery hair lunged at his neck.

    "Dominik!" She squealed happily. He allowed himself to be squeezed, realizing that Scarlett''s part was a game, or rather a professional duty. "I''m so glad you came! I was afraid you would be too tired from the trip!"

    "I couldn''t miss this event. Not every day I get an invitation to Hollywood salons."

    "A joker," she laughed, taking his arm. "You look gorgeous!"

    "I was supposed to say the same about you."

    Scarlett moved closer and whispered so that only he could hear.

    "Sorry, I know you don''t like parties like this, but in this world they are necessary."

    "I know," he replied. "I''ll try not to embarrass anyone."

    "You? Never. Come on, let me introduce you to a few people."

    He politely followed her into the crowd of beautiful dresses and expensive jackets. First, he was introduced to the host, who expressed his gratitude and satisfaction that he agreed to take part in their project, then the director repeated almost the same. ?liwi¨½ski smiled charmingly at everyone and did not skimp on politeness. After a few more people to whom he was introduced, he lost track of who''s who, with whom and for what, he noticed for the fact that he began to enjoy great interest. The women looked at him as if they wanted to devour him, the men judged whether he was a competition for them. Well, not all of them. Some also threw him hungry, encouraging glances, which made him lose himself completely. He longed for the peace of his house in Wola Grzybowska and the only person he cared about, and the one and only person would tell him now that he was proud of him, and then kiss him passionately and sweetly in the privacy of their lovely nest.

    Dominik sighed silently and, armed with his dazzling smile, blended into the crowd for the next hour.

    He was definitely a sensation, even he realized it. He was used to his beauty being of general interest. He knew that this was an asset that prompted them to hire him. The people gathered here, and some of them he recognized from series and movies, couldn''t help but notice him. What they didn''t know was that apart from the attractive face, he also had talent.

    Eventually the party was starting to tire him. A long flight, a change of time zone and the mere fact of participating in such an event did not make him feel good. However, it was too early for him to leave permanently, but for a few minutes - there should be no problem here. He saw a quieter corridor plunged into it. Suddenly, however, he heard something disturbing.

    "Stop it, please!"

    "Be good, sweetheart. Someone like me is not denied."

    "I know who you are, but still ..."

    "Come on, touch him ..."

    Dominik felt heavy blocks of ice on his back. He could feel the blood draining from his face. It was the same everywhere in the world. Everywhere. Those who had some power thought they were untouchable, that they could do anything, even trample human dignity.

    At that moment he did not think. He took one step forward. Then another. The scene of a similar party appeared before his eyes, in which he found himself in need, cornered by an intrusive man for whom he no longer felt anything but disgust.

    One more step. And another one. He opened the door without knocking to find a young man in a waiter''s uniform kneeling in front of an elegantly dressed middle-aged man. The young man''s head was in front of the elegant man''s slit, from which his little one protruded. The waiter had tears in his eyes.

    "Oh, sorry," growled Dominik. "I don''t think I''m disturbing you."

    Both men looked startled. The waiter seized the opportunity and quickly ran out of the room. The older man began to tidy himself up, cursing. Suddenly he stopped staring at ?liwi¨½ski.

    "Hey, aren''t you that actor from Poland?"

    "I am," he admitted in an icy tone.

    "You''re cute too. You know, knowing me can bring you a lot of benefits. Just be nice to me" the guy approached Dominik.

    "Thank you, I will not use this opportunity" Dominik did not change his tone, although the other was getting closer. His heart was beating faster, but the actor did not feel threatened. Adrenaline was circulating too much in his blood right now.

    "Are you sure, sweetie?" The man extended his hand towards him, as if he wanted to touch his face. "I can really give you a lot of pleasure. And good engagements."

    "Please don''t touch me. I said I''m not interested."

    "Do not be like this¡­"

    The man drank too much, it was clear as the sun. The arguments stopped reaching him and his hand was getting closer. The moment she touched Dominik''s skin, he acted instinctively and twisted man''s arm, knocking him to the ground.

    "Luke, what are you doing?" Someone from the door laughed. ?liwi¨½ski released the groaning man and looked at the man standing in the doorway. He hadn''t seen him at the party before, but he recognized the face. It was Brand Kitt, the actor who won three Oscar statuettes for the best leading male role. "You better get yourself together or I''ll tell Loureen you''re making a mess again."

    The man stood upright and straightened his clothes. He immediately headed for the door.

    "Sorry for my friend," Kitt turned to Dominik. "Usually he is a very nice guy, but sometimes, when he drinks too much, he stops thinking."

    "So he shouldn''t be drinking."

    "Right," he admitted. "My name is Brand Kitt," he held out his hand to Dominik.

    ?Dominik ?liwi¨½ski. Nice to meet you."

    "Uh, a difficult name. It will be hard to make a career with him in the States."

    "I don''t plan it at all."

    "You should. You''re prettier than my ex-wife."

    Dominik grunted as he felt the blush on his face. His wife, Jolina Ange, was one of the sexiest women in the world. At least in her youth.

    "No, no, take it easy, I''m not of these! I''m not hitting on you or anything! I''m just stating a fact."

    "Thank you."

    "But I must admit, you speak like a native New Yorker. In my life, I would not say that you are from Russia."

    "From Poland" Dominik corrected. "They are separate countries."

    "Ah¡­ oh yes. I''m sorry. But are you really from there? This is no trick?"

    Dominik decided that he did not like this conversation very much. The adrenaline started to drop and he was just tired.

    "What if so?" he asked bravely.

    "Er ... Nothing, really," admitted Kitt, smiling friendly. "Well, and your moves, you could successfully act in an action movie without a stuntman."

    "I''m acting," was the simple, honest answer.

 Chapter 153 - Faces Known And Unknown

    "Seriously? You are very interesting, my friend from Poland. I''m tempted to drop by your test shots. If you''re as gifted as you''re pretty, I''d love to act with you."

    "I am. But I have already said that I am not going to have a career here."

    "No? Then why are you here?"

    "A few months ago, I turned down an offer to star in a Baptiste movie. If I did it now, the media wouldn''t let me live in peace."

    Brand Kitt laughed and patted Dominik friendly on the shoulder blades.

    "Not bad, not bad. I guess I''m really starting to like you. Tell me if I can do anything for you."

    "Actually ..."

    ***

    Dominik took off his jacket and unbuttoned his shirt. Los Angeles was a hot city with no alcohol or unforeseen party attractions. Although the actor had to admit that he did better than he expected.

    He threw himself on the bed and took out the phone. He started writing an email in which he shared his experiences of the day, and most of all the longing that had devoured his heart so much. He wrote that he had met Brand Kitt and that he wasn''t as upset by the crowd as he used to be. His words were hot and full of love. He hadn''t even realized that if this letter had fallen into the wrong hands, it would have completely compromised him. But the lovers do not think about such things when they write to their loves. Dominik also just wanted to share his feelings with the person most dear to him.

    He sent the e-mail and threw his arms above his head.

    He missed. He missed Andrzej very much, and there was nothing in the world or a person that would take this painful feeling from his heart.

    There was nothing but Andrzej.

    ***

    This morning, Andrzej Nowicki was shocked.

    A photo of Dominik appeared on the first page of the weekly. Or at least he thought it was Dominik. This moment, however, was enough for his heart to stop with terror and despair. The headline reported on the tragic death of a young actor.

    It was one of the worst moments in his life for Andrzej.

    However, a second glance at the photo was enough for his heart to calm down. The boy was younger, not as glamorous as Dominik, more common and with lighter hair. He could have successfully been ?liwi¨½ski''s understudy, but never him.

    Was it the matter of this man''s death that the police were with him?

    Then, when he heard that the young actor had been killed, he was agitated, but not shocked. He didn''t know him. He was just an abstraction. Now he had a face beside his name, a face that looked so much like the one he loved.

    Why was this boy killed?

    Murdered at such a young age, so promising, so laughing in the cover picture.

    Was it an accidental death, did someone track him down on purpose, and if so, could he become a target because of his resemblance to ?liwi¨½ski? Did the murderer see him as a substitute for a famous actor and, unable to reach the ideal target, contented himself with the easier copy?

    Andrzej shuddered. His thoughts were moving in a dangerous direction, but he couldn''t help but fear that this death might not have been an accident. That he might have something to do with Dominik.

    He was glad the actor was now on the other side of the Atlantic. Regardless of whether the death of Iwo M??y¨½ski had anything to do with him, he would certainly have experienced newspaper reports very much. He would not have thought that he could become a victim himself, but that such a young life had been senselessly lost. Dominik was like that, sensitive and gentle, with a soul even more beautiful than his body.

    Andrzej was still troubled by anxiety. Having no evidence that this was not the case, he could not completely dismiss the theory that M??y¨½ski was the target because of his face. He wanted to ask the police if they considered this possibility, but decided that for the sake of the investigation, he would be sent back with a receipt.

    Maybe he should report it after all? After all, the police can completely ignore this lead and be in the dark? But what if he accidentally leads them to false tracks and only complicates matters?

    Damn it!

    Suddenly another unpleasant thought occurred to him.

    Did M??y¨½ski, due to his appearance, become a substitute for Dominik in Marczak''s bed? Marczak proved that he is capable of violence in a relationship. Dominik was attacked and who knows how it would have ended if Nowicki had not stepped in. In that case, could Marczak not let himself get carried away by transferring his fantasies to M??y¨½ski and react to rejection on him?

    No, that night when the murder happened, Andrzej was at Marczak''s house. That''s right. But he had so much alcohol in him that he couldn''t remember anything in the morning. The whole evening had been somewhat hazy so far. Nowicki could lie unconscious in bed while Marczak was committing a crime - planned or emotional. And Andrzej gave him an alibi.

    It wasn''t like ten years ago when a friend from school got into trouble. Back then it was a burglary, some damaged property, but no one was hurt. Now a young, promising life has been trampled underfoot.

    Could Marczak have done it?

    No, Andrzej was convincing himself. No, it was impossible. Marczak could not ...

    He pursed his lips. Isn''t his judgment clouded by emotions at this point? Once upon a time, he hated Marczak with all his heart, hated him and was convinced that the manager was capable of anything. Then his image began to whiten. Well, maybe not so much whiten as brighten, and finally he remained in the mosaic of gray until the day came when Marczak confessed his love to him, half-jokingly or quite seriously, and Andrzej lost his own objectivity towards this man. Because is it possible to hate someone who loves you and doesn''t do anything improper?

    Did Marczak sleep with M??y¨½ski when he confessed his love?

    That just wouldn''t be new. This man did not know the concepts of monogamy or fidelity. If he was constantly cheating on Dominik, why not sleep with whom he would confess his love to Andrzej? It was just that type. What else can you expect from it?

    Andrzej gritted his teeth. Was he not reaching certain conclusions too quickly? After all, he had no insight into the matter. He did not know the circumstances of the actor''s death, which can tell a lot about the perpetrator. He didn''t even have proof that the victim and Marczak had anything in common except for professional matters. And even if not, it doesn''t really mean that Marczak killed anyone.

    Nowicki sighed. He was definitely not a detective.

    The signal of the incoming message made him jump on the couch. He reached for the phone and smiled fondly seeing that he had just received an e-mail from Dominik. As he read it, he felt his heart fill with tenderness. This sweet idiot wrote a long letter about the events of the evening. Andrzej had the impression that he would melt in this tenderness.

    Maybe it wasn''t very masculine on one hand or the other, but love can make a fool of anyone.

    Nowicki sighed and began to write back. He mentioned that he went for a drink after a successful session but was not having a good time. He thought only about how much he missed Dominik''s company.

    Exchanging messages with his lover, he didn''t even notice that it was long past his time to go to work. He was late, but as he had no appointment, he did not have to hurry. In the studio and in the darkroom, he was his own master. And Dominik will always be more important than any job.

    Recently, Janina Pasek did not call Nowicki to her office. Andrzej was so at home in her company that there was no such need. All matters were usually dealt with on the set, any trifles - by assistants. Relations between them were good, so although slightly surprised, Andrzej did not feel anxiety when Mrs. Pasek called him to her office. It was certainly not the reason for his minor lateness. Rather, he expected it to be about the topic of the new session or, as it happened, to ask for his opinion on the final selection of photos.

    He was surprised to see that the boss was not alone. A young, beautiful woman, whom Nowicki recognized in the blink of an eye, was sitting in the place for the guests. It is true that she had a different hairstyle than the one with which he remembered her, even a different hair color, but this coquettish smile was not possessed by anyone other than Patrycja Maj, who partnered Dominik in the movie In the Light of the Accusation.

 Chapter 154 - A Surprising Request From An Interesting Person

    "Ah, Andrzej, I''m glad that you are" Janina Pasek said to Nowicki. "We have a sincere request to you. You don''t know each other, do you?"

    Patrycja Maj got up showing her beautiful shapes under a tight-fitting cream lace blouse.

    "Personally, no, but I''m a huge fan of your talent," she said, reaching out to him. "Patrycja Maj, nice to meet you."

    "Andrzej Nowicki, I am very pleased. Since your debut, I admire your roles."

    She fluttered her eyelids coquettishly. She was an absolutely beautiful, platinum blonde and Andrzej could not decide whether she was better in this color or in the delicate brown, in which she appeared alongside Dominik. Either way, she was stunning in both cases.

    "Sit down, young people, sit down. Nowicki, I have a new job for you."

    Andrzej glanced briefly at Miss Maj, but she caught his gaze.

    "I know that you made a new portfolio for my colleague, Dominik. I had the opportunity to see some of the photos, although the rumor has it that the most interesting have never been shown to anyone. But I don''t mean Dominik, but you. I need your talent.

    "If you want to hire me, I''m available," he said, excitement growing inside him. Could he really do a photo session for THIS Patrycja Maj?

    "Thank you. I felt that I would be able to count on you, because you can see¡­ My friend has recently taken very interesting photos. Very¡­ private. For such photos you need a trusted photographer ..."

    Oh, he thought in surprise. Would Miss Maj want a more erotic session?

    "Another friend mentioned your name. Apparently, before you started working here, you occasionally took photos of novice models. She showed me her ..." the actress blushed a bit. "Does the word bambus say something to you? It means¡­"

    "A lot. That''s the nickname of my friend from school. In fact, I did take pictures of the girls who worked for him sometimes. I didn''t think any of them would be your acquaintance."

    "So there will be no problem with this type of photos?"

    Andrzej saw the naked body of Patrycja Maj, which he saw in the film In the Light of the Accusation. It was perfect. Someday, like any guy, he would have given a hand to be able to see them live. Now¡­

    His heart beat faster. It wasn''t made of stone, after all. The fact that he was dating Dominik did not mean that he was no longer sensitive to the charms of women, but he was in a relationship, moreover, he was a professional.

    "Of course not" he said.

    "I''m so glad" Patrycja Maj said with relief. "I would like to have such pictures, but it is not easy to show yourself in front of the lens. Even if you''ve performed naked before."

    "Don''t worry, Mss. Patrycja" Mrs. Janka interrupted the conversation. "Andrzej is not only a gentleman, but a real artist. Nobody will take such beautiful photos as him. If I were younger myself ... Anyway, whatever. Would you like to use our studio for this? We provide one hundred percent discretion."

    "But¡­" she looked confused.

    "Maybe otherwise," said Andrzej. "Do you have a vision of how you want to capture yourself?"

    "No," she admitted. "I mean¡­ not really."

    Ah yes, that is, some fantasy was already in her head, but she lacked the courage to express it out loud. It was surprising. Andrzej expected more courage from someone he knew from the covers as a hit. By now, however, he should learn that media portraits are often very different from the real person. He was ashamed that, after Dominik''s nightmarish experiences, he still judged others by the cover.

    "Before we decide on the appropriate place for the session, we should discuss the topic in advance. I wish you could feel comfortable. If you like, we can talk privately ..."

    "Can we call each other by name?"

    By name with the beautiful and sexy Patrycja Maj?

    "Of course."

    "Well, I can see that the young get along without the old. Mr. Nowicki, Mss. Patrycja is in your good hands."

    Even though it was her office, Mrs. Janina left, leaving them alone. Half a year ago, Andrzej would have felt quite awkward in such a situation, but now, apart from a stronger heartbeat, he did not feel nervous. Yes, he was not blind to Patrycja''s charms, her almond eyes looking at him a little shyly, and partly coquettishly, at her full breasts outlined under the pale lace, but he knew with all his mind that nothing was going to happen between them. It couldn''t as long as Dominik lived in his heart.

    Patrycja got up suddenly and went to the wall on which there were pictures of young Mrs. Janka. She looked at them attentively, but Andrzej had the impression that she was doing it only because she felt so insecure.

    "It''s Mrs. Pasek, right?" she asked.

    "Yes," he confirmed, looking at her. "Patricia, are you sure that you want to have such photos? You know, they can turn out to be dangerous."

    "I guess it depends on who and how will do it, right? There is such a thing as art and there is pornography. My friend said that with you she felt like a model posing for Raphael''s canvases. I can imagine it, especially since even Dominik chose you as his private photographer and I know that he doesn''t like to stand in front of the lens more than I do. I''d like to see more of your work. Such works."

    "Sorry, these types of photos do not belong to me. I can''t show them to anyone."

    "It''s a pity, but it''s reassuring. At least no unauthorized person will see mine, right?" She shot him a look over her shoulder.

    "Yes, you can be sure about that."

    "You know, I find it weird to talk here," she said with a sudden burst of enthusiasm. "Let''s go to some restaurant. I got hungry."

    "Aren''t you afraid someone might overhear us?"

    "Not at all. There is one place where you can always talk freely about business. Are we going?"

    Andrzej only thought for a moment. It is true that he still had a few photos to review and prepare, but it was not a private meeting - Mrs. Pasek herself introduced him to a client - so why not go out to lunch with her, if he was also hungry?

    "All right," he agreed, standing up. "If you want, we''ll take my car."

    The address Patrycja had given him was known to him. He was already in this elegant restaurant, where, however, formal attire was not obligatory and the guests consisted of the elite of the artistic and sports world. He remembered this place well, because it was here so recently that Marek Marczak confessed to him that he loved him. Whether he was just joking then, or was he serious, Andrzej had no idea and did not expect to ever find out, but since then they never mentioned the topic. Not that they meet often.

    "You come here often?" He asked the actress as they took the table. Two tables away was a rock singer who was popular ten years ago, now desperately trying to get back to the market with a new single and a man younger than her was clearly infatuated with her. In high school, Andrzej bought all her albums, but he did not like the new song he heard several times on the radio.

    "Sometimes," Maj admitted, picking up the menu. "I like the food here. And the atmosphere."

    "It''s hard to disagree."

    "And you come here often?"

    "No. A friend showed me this place, but usually if I eat out, it is in my friend''s family restaurant."

    "So you usually eat with Dominik? Who is cooking?"

    "Various," he replied evasively. Even the most innocent conversation can bring the light of day to facts that shouldn''t be.

    "You know, I''m so sorry about what happened to him lately. It must have been very hard for him."

    You don''t even know how, he thought.

    "I wanted to call and say that I am with him ..."

    "Then why didn''t you do it?" He asked as calmly as he could.

    "You know, Dominik is ... kind of from another world. I had the impression that there was no place for me in it."

    "And now?"

    "Now I think we should have shown him solidarity. The media devoured him so much. And yet the same thing could happen to any of us. I feel guilty."

    Andrzej had no doubts that her remorse were real, but they appeared in a strange time convolution. Were they not born by chance at a time when ?liwi¨½ski''s actions grew due to his acquaintance with Scarlett Yang and his role in the Hollywood movie? Now it seemed to pay off to be close to him.

    "I will pass it to him at the earliest opportunity."

    "He''s out of the country now, isn''t he?"

    "Yes. In the test photos. And since we''re taking the pictures" he changed the subject neatly "shouldn''t we talk about yours?"

 Chapter 155 - Business Is Business

    "Yes, just ..." Patrycja Maj blushed shyly. "You know, I''m very embarrassed after all."

    "I understand" Andrzej replied in a calm, gentle tone. "As clich¨¦ as this sounds, your feelings are quite natural. After all, you have to break some natural resistance."

    "Exactly," she admitted.

    "Then are you sure you don''t want someone you know better? Who have you worked with before?

    "Yes, I am sure of that. Somehow, I can''t imagine that I could build this kind of intimacy between me and them. You are widely recommended."

    Under her long gaze, Andrzej felt his heart beat faster. Wait a minute, what is it? She was asking him about Dominik a moment ago, and now she acts as if she wants to pick Andrzej up.

    No, he thinks, he said. Patrycja Maj picking up on him? Never in his life.

    "Glad to hear it," he said. "Well, what were you thinking about?"

    "And you will not laugh?"

    "I promise."

    "No, I can''t," she blushed very coquettishly and appealingly.

    "Well, now I''m really curious. Do you want me to guess?"

    "I don''t think you will."

    "But if you don''t tell me yourself, I''ll have to. So?"

    "My friend recently attended a concert in Asia and brought various curiosities from there. On the cover of some movie, I don''t know the title because it was in Japanese, there was a girl ... with cat ears. She looked really cute and¡­ But it''s so embarrassing."

    Nowicki blinked. He has not watched Japanese anime since he ceased to be a child, but he probably saw heroes with animal ears - foxes, tigers, cats and wolves. With these ears, he imagined his own kitten, now hundreds of miles away, and felt it begin to harden.

    "I think that''s a pretty cool idea," he said, hiding his face behind a glass of water and taking a sip. Maybe he will organize a second session in such a disguise, only that someone other than Patrycja will wear them.

    "Really?"

    "Unusual for us, but I can imagine you with such ears."

    They both had blushes on their faces and Andrzej decided that they were switching to dangerously erotic topics. After all, he wasn''t made of stone. And yet he gave his heart and body to Dominik and he was definitely not one of those who jump to the side.

    "So you would take pictures of me like that?"

    "Of course. Do you want them to go through the agency?"

    "Oh no, definitely not! Mrs. Pasek understood the nature of the assignment and stated that you could do it privately. Do not mind."

    "How quickly would you like to implement them?"

    "And when are you free?"

    Andrzej considered. The winter session is over, if it goes well the last photos will be back tonight. They had no other urgent orders for Christmas. It is true that one record company asked for a session of a young singer to choose something for the cover of her debut album, but this project was only in its infancy. So professionally, he did not have too many jobs. As for his private life, he would even prefer to spend time away from home, which without his lover was so empty and sad that it took his breath away.

    "It would be best for me this week. Weekend at the latest."

    "As soon?" She looked surprised.

    "I don''t think there''s any point in delaying this. Don''t you think it''d be better to get things done before Christmas Eve?"

    "Yes. You''re right. So you say you have the weekend off?"

    "Yes, this one is available. I want to work on a private project, but I can do both. If you want, we can make an appointment for Saturday or Sunday. Have you chosen a place yet?"

    "I think I''ll decide on my house."

    "As you wish. I would only like to see this interior earlier to choose the lamps."

    "You know" she smiled "with you I begin to get the impression that it can actually be a nice collaboration."

    "Of course it will. Today I have business to finish, but I''d like to see the plan tomorrow. You can do it?"

    "Yes I think so."

    "Great. Do you have my number so you can call me with details?"

    "Yes."

    They finished their drinks and Andrzej asked for the bill. Patrycja wanted to pay for herself, but declined to say it would all go to representation costs. They got up from the table. Nowicki was just putting on his jacket when someone bumped into him.

    "Mi scusi!" he heard.

    Nowicki made a gesture that nothing had happened and he and Patricia went out into the air wet with rain. The actress did not want him to drive her away. She caught a taxi and said goodbye to the photographer. Andrzej stood breathing deeply for a moment. Well, well, he thought that his professional fame would reach a star of this size!

    It was all thanks to Dominik. If the actor had not asked him to make a new portfolio and had not professionally linked his name to his, Andrzej would never have got a job in this agency, he would not have made these seductive advertising photos hung all over Warsaw, Patrycja Maj would not have heard about his existence.

    Dominik often repeated that Andrzej saved him. This was true in some respects. The first time they met face to face, he saved him from being raped. Later, when another blow fell on the young actor, he saved him from plunging into nothingness, and even later, with his presence and support, he helped him deal with the disease and get out of the darkness into which Werner had thrown him.

    The truth was, however, that Dominik had saved him as well. Maybe not so spectacularly, not in such drastic circumstances, but the young actor with his love, tenderness and warmth made Andrzej free himself from his loneliness and lack of faith in love. A feeling that for almost thirty years had been so foreign to him that he ceased to believe in its existence suddenly sprouted in his heart to finally grow into a lush, blooming plant and its first sweet fruits were already appearing.

    And to think that no woman has given him as much affection and happiness as this one, shy and sensitive man.

    On his way to the company, Andrzej did not turn off the wipers even for a moment. The rain seemed to be getting stronger. I wonder what the weather is like in Los Angeles, he wondered as he listened to some radio station. I wonder how my Dominik is doing? They haven''t seen each other for three days. Only three days, because the year has more than three hundred and sixty. Up to three days, because even an hour without Dominik was like a never-ending longing.

    Andrzej still could not believe how quickly and how intensely this beautiful man grew into his life, thoughts and heart. It is as if they have become one.

    Because when that one person is finally found, they become one in body and soul.

    ***

    "Please, this is the script you will be working on today."

    Dominik took the script from his assistant and looked inside.

    "Are there changes?" He asked surprised. He knew these were just test shots, but he had learned his lines.

    "Little."

    "All right, I''ll go over it soon."

    He started reading the script, and in fact the changes were actually cosmetic. Although he had the impression that his character had become a bit more energetic.

    He didn''t mind. Work was work. Since the director''s vision has changed, so be it. It was nothing he couldn''t handle. But with his eye he saw that Arthur looked strangely agitated.

    "Did something happen?" Dominik asked.

    "No, actually ..."

    Dominik looked at him waiting for an answer. The yang man seemed to be really excited about something and the actor''s eyes fixed on him did not help him regain his composure.

    "All right," Arthur resigned. "Sorry, I''m just an assistant, but I have to say you''re amazing. I just¡­ after this party I admire you even more."

    ?liwi¨½ski frowned, not understanding. What was that about?

    "You see, there are people here who aren''t denied if you want to make a career in film, and half of the young people in Los Angeles dream of having one, so sometimes some people have to do certain things. For some it is easier, for others it is more difficult. Some people can''t break, but sometimes they are¡­ forced."

    Dominik blushed and looked away. he thought this little incident with the waiter got out. He was wondering who started the rumor? Certainly not Luke, and Kitt probably not. Probably the waiter himself told someone and this person told someone else ...

    "Oh, that''s what it was about" he muttered.

    "You acted like a hero and I am proud to work with you."

    "It wasn''t anything like that."

    "Maybe for you. We don''t have that much courage."

    ?liwi¨½ski felt something unpleasant in his stomach. He shouldn''t have asked that, it was these people''s private affairs, after all, but his mouth had opened by itself.

    "Is someone forcing you to do something?"

 Chapter 156 - On The Set

    There was a several seconds of silence.

    "No," came a barely audible reply at last. "Not at the moment."

    "Is working in this business really that important?" Dominik asked.

    "For many, yes, it is very important. People come here from all over the country hoping to catch the eye of the producer or director. They put the entire future on this one chance. So this price does not seem high compared to the benefits flowing from it. Only one in ten thousand makes it. Some people have been selling their bodies for years and getting none of it."

    The bad taste in Dominik''s mouth grew. He was the last person willing to judge the way of life of others, but there was something cruel about such a system. Of course, it was the same all over the world. In fact, many could say that in his case as well, that his career also took place through the bed. He would be wrong, of course. It was Marczak who came to him and seduced a 17-year-old boy whom he discovered in a small town. He paid him compliments, bought gifts, took him to beautiful places. Dominik fell in love with Marek, so the actor did not sleep with him for profit, but for pure, inexperienced love. The roles came one after the other and their romance flourished. It was not Dominik who asked for further engagements, Marek himself endured his offers and managed his career. ?liwi¨½ski believed then that he was loved. He had evidence of it, after all. He could see them so clearly. The only things he did not notice were that he was also being used.

    All these young people are also abused.

    "I understand," he said. "But I don''t think so. I mean, I know it''s a matter of individual approach, but I don''t think I can understand how many people make such compromises, knowing how few actually do."

    "The hardest thing for a man is to take away his hope."

    "Okay, guys, come to the set!" The conversation was interrupted by the director''s voice.

    "I''m sorry" said ?liwi¨½ski rising from his seat. Although not tall, in the elegant uniform of a British officer, shiny officers and a hair oil in his hair, he presented himself perfectly. With a brisk, sweeping step peculiar to the military profession, he marched onto the set. At the same time, he was influenced by Scarlett wearing a beautiful ivory party dress.

    "You look wonderful," he announced in a whisper as soon as she shook his hand.

    "Thank you," she replied just as softly. "And you ... If I hadn''t kissed you then, in Warsaw, I would have hit on you now."

    She might be joking, but she seemed to be honest. Her eyes were full of light, enchanted, as if he had seduced her with his mere presence.

    Although, she might as well just be well-prepared for the romantic scene they were about to play.

    "Attention, attention, silence on the set! Let''s start!"

    ***

    Immediately after the applause of thanks for a good job had died down, Scarlett Yang couldn''t stand it and brought her mouth to Dominik''s ear again.

    "Well, I don''t believe it, look who came to our test shots!"

    ?liwi¨½ski discreetly looked in the indicated direction and saw Brand Kitt talking freely with the director and glancing at the set. As soon as his and Dominik''s eyes met, Brand raised his hand in a friendly greeting.

    "Dominik, do you have anything in common with Brand Kitt?

    "I don''t know what you mean," he replied innocently.

    "Dominik!"

    The actor laughed.

    "Of course not. You know who my heart belongs to. We are only colleagues. Neither he leaning towards me nor I towards him."

    While they were talking, Kitt approached them with his hands in his pockets. Despite his fifty years, he still looked very handsome.

    "Scarlett, Dominik, congratulations, you are looking beautiful together. I couldn''t take my eyes off you."

    "Thank you," Dominik nodded politely. The grace of the British gentleman and officer was still evident in his movements.

    "I''m looking forward to the premiere. Hope to get an invitation. Listen, Dominik" suddenly he put his hand intimately on ?liwi¨½ski''s collarbone "as for what we talked about at the party, the matter is almost settled. Are you free tonight?"

    "Yes."

    "Cool! Come to me and we''ll talk. Or no, you don''t know the city, so maybe I''ll come pick you up and have a drink. It won''t be too early at eight?"

    Dominik looked at his watch.

    "It will be just right," he replied.

    "It''s until eight." Kitt gave him another friendly pat on the shoulder.

    Scarlett did not take her surprised look from Dominik. Even her lips parted in the same expression.

    "You''re kidding," she murmured.

    ?liwi¨½ski looked at her surprised.

    "I do not understand what you mean."

    "Since when are you a BFF with one of the biggest stars of modern cinema?"

    "I wouldn''t put it that way. Anyway, I really don''t understand what you mean. You act with him as if he was God knows what, and yet he''s an actor, just like you and me."

    "Not the same. Don''t you understand he''s a first-class star? A guy who gets three times what you pay for an entire movie for one shooting day?"

    "For me, money is not a measure of a person''s worth."

    "The three Oscars aren''t either?"

    "I remind you that you also have a statuette. And yes, three Oscars are also not. Even ten. Each award is based on individual tastes, so no, I don''t think that someone should be worshiped and kissed on the feet just because they have more money or rewards."

    "You say that because you don''t know what''s at stake yet."

    "Oh, I know very well. I just refuse to participate."

    They did not even notice that their argument had attracted general attention. Even the director had to react to prevent something more serious from happening.

    "Take it easy, take it easy," he said confidently. "Don''t make a scene. Scarlett, I know how much you care to get one step higher, Dominik, I know your attitude towards acting and your own career is ambivalent at this point, but try not to smash my movie before I announce my first slap."

    ?liwi¨½ski felt like a schoolboy with his head washed off. He politely apologized and headed to the wardrobe to change into his normal clothes. He was literally at her door when Scarlett caught up with him.

    "I''m glad," she said with a smile.

    "Yes? Of which?"

    "You''re very lively. Full of energy and enthusiasm. I know you didn''t take the role entirely voluntarily, so I expected you to be depressed. Especially after the last one ... But you are doing great."

    "Thank you. I''m a bit surprised by this myself, but I guess it''s because I don''t care anymore."

    "How''s that?"

    "If you care about something very much, you put your heart and enormous effort into it. You are stressed that it will fail and you are afraid of failure. When you don''t care, you can be relaxed about everything. Don''t you think?"

    "I suppose so," she admitted. "But I''m glad anyway, even if you don''t care about the movie."

    He wanted to deny it, say he cared after all, but it struck him as he knew he was lying. He took this role because he was persuaded to do so by two important people of his life - Marek Marczak, who was his manager and lover for seven years and, like no one else, was able to take care of his career, and Andrzej Nowicki, the current partner who liked this script and in this film wanted to see Dominik. The actor himself was not enthusiastic about the project from the very beginning. He will play it in full swing, but it was just a job without any flash of excitement.

    "I think it will be a good experience for me."

    He really did. Knowing himself, he didn''t think he would ever go to the other side of the world on his own initiative, just for fun. He was a determined homebody who loved to spend his time cooking for the man he loves. He even left his Wola Grzybowska only in situations related to work or in someone else''s company. Now he was thousands of miles from home and he had to deal with it. In fact, he was even doing quite well. He knew that it was all thanks to Andrzej, whose self-confidence in him also raised his, strongly underestimated self-esteem.

    After all, everything seems simpler when there is someone who believes in you. It''s actually little, and it helps to move mountains, or at least to appear on the set of a Hollywood blockbuster without any complexes.

    "Thank you, Scarlett," he added. "You are a real friend."

    "Thanks," she kissed his cheek. There was absolutely no erotic subtext in this kiss and Dominik, who would not allow any physical contact to anyone other than Andrzej, did not feel unpleasant at all. It was actually a kiss from a friend or even a sister.

 Chapter 157 - Do You Know Why I Like You?

    Well, Scarlett Yang was a huge support for Dominik too. He had to admit it. When she found out he was homosexual, she didn''t make a problem out of it.

    During the media campaign, she took his side. At the cemetery, when he decided to go to the funeral of Maciek Werner without telling anyone about it, she went to him and listened to what was on his heart.

    Then, admittedly, she messed up with the kiss, but it was also good for them, because it allowed them to clear the atmosphere and now there was no awkwardness between them.

    Maybe they did not know each other for long, but it did not take Dominik months and years to bestow someone with sympathy and kindness. It was enough for someone to show him warmth and kindness. He knew that such behavior was naive and frivolous, and that it could have unpleasant consequences (he found it out the hard way), but he still craved the company of people and gladly accepted the hand extended to him.

    Unfortunately, despite his money, beauty and fame, still too few people were looking for friendship with him. Dominik finally came to the conclusion that in his situation it was not "despite". It seemed more ''because of''. If only that is why he wanted to end the film and live the normal life of a normal person. He wanted to stop being a pop culture icon and become a painfully normal person.

    But that''s after the movie, he promised himself. This one will be the last. Andrzej wanted to see him in this role, so he will do his best to play it as well as possible. And then ... Then he will live peacefully, away from the flashes of light. Well, unless Andrzej wants to take pictures of him with a flash.

    He said goodbye to Scarlett and changed clothes. He wasn''t very tired, but he didn''t feel like exploring either. Even the most beautiful place in the world loses its charm when viewed alone. It would be different if he had his beloved with him.

    On the way to the hotel, looking out of the car''s windows, he decided it would be good to go somewhere with Andrzej. He closed his eyes and remembered their trip to the Bug River. These few days together in a cabin in the forest were an unforgettable experience for him. It''s definitely worth repeating.

    But when?

    The test shots turned out well. He knew about it. The director hasn''t said anything outright yet, but it was obvious that he was pleased. Dominik and Scarlett fit together physically and playfully. Of course, he couldn''t be completely sure of the contract yet, but he couldn''t see any reasons why he wouldn''t get it. In that case, he will be on the set for a few weeks, even months. ?liwi¨½ski did not know the details of the production date yet, but as soon as it is finished, he will persuade Andrzej to go on a longer trip. No matter where, it is important that together.

    ***

    "You know why I like you?" Brand Kitt asked Dominik ?liwi¨½ski playing with his drink.

    "I didn''t know you liked me at all."

    "If I didn''t like you, I wouldn''t ask you for a drink. So you know? Anyway, I''ll tell you anyway. I like you because you don''t lick my ass."

    Dominik held back a sigh. He had been drinking the same drink from the moment they entered the bar, and Brand had finished on the third. He wasn''t drunk yet, but his mind was shrouded in vapors of alcohol.

    "You see," the Hollywood actor continued, "when you''re someone like me, you can''t walk a step without arousing a sensation. Normal people go crazy when they see a star. And even colleagues ..."

    ?liwi¨½ski understood it perfectly. He himself was a star, albeit of a local format. He hated it. For many years he was unable to lead an ordinary life, still exposed to attacks from the media or hysterical female fans. Although he was flattered to be so adored, he felt very lonely and overwhelmed by the fame. Recently he had come to the conclusion more and more that he would be better off without her. He would be calmer, happier.

    Brand Kitt shook his head.

    "Even your friends treat you like a freak. They smile in your face, praise you, and point a bazooka at you behind your back. And you, you don''t care who I am."

    "It''s not quite like that" Dominik blushed. "I really respect your work. I''m not just going to treat you like god."

    "Exactly. I feel nice in your company somehow. Freely. You''re a damn good man."

    "I don''t know where you draw such conclusions. You don''t know me at all."

    "But I have been working in show business for a long time. You''re the first person I''ve ever met her neck neckline for some waiter."

    The young actor darkened.

    "Maybe it is not that I am good only the business is bad."

    "The business itself is not bad, it just brings with it a lot of pressure. It''s different in Poland?"

    "Not really. We also have ambitious, dishonest, ready for anything. Our cinema, however, is associated with less money, so the pressure is not that great."

    "That sounds nice. Maybe I will go to your country. Will you show me around it?"

    "Sure, why not."

    "Here." Brand pushed the DVD case toward him. "I recorded what you wanted. I also asked a few friends to add something from themselves. I hope it will be ok."

    "Thank you," Dominik smiled radiantly. "It will be perfect."

    Picking up the box, ?liwi¨½ski noticed that Brand was staring at him as if he had seen him for the first time in his life. The intense look made him feel insecure. He blushed and looked away.

    He''s used to people seeing him as if they wanted to make sure he was really a man. It was as if they suddenly had doubts about it during the conversation. Immediately after such a look, they started to act strange and sooner or later (usually sooner) erotic undertones appeared.

    "I have to admit this was the first time I did something like this," Brand announced, returning to the previous topic. "This girl is your daughter?"

    "No. She is the goddaughter of someone very dear to me. Mother is raising her alone and my friend supports them as much as he can. All three are my dear friends."

    "It shows. Children have a hard time when their parents separate," he added melancholy. "It''s good that the girl has support."

    "She doesn''t know her father. He abandoned them when he found out about the pregnancy. But I don''t think she misses him. Her godfather is really trying to make sure that there is no emptiness in her life."

    "Have you been together for a long time?"

    "How¡­?

    "You talk about him with such passion it''s obvious."

    Dominik had not had the opportunity to talk to someone about Andrzej before and he did not even suspect that it was so easy to miss something that would indicate the nature of their relationship. Ashamed, he blushed again, completely losing his confidence.

    If something like this had escaped him in Poland, he would have been afraid that the media would attack him and Andrzej like vultures. It is true that he was thinking about full disclosure more and more often, and long ago they decided that they would not deny any rumors, but one thing is not to comment and another is to admit. After all, ?liwi¨½ski was not ready for this.

    However, he was not in Poland, but at the other end of the world, where absolutely nobody cared who he was. He talked so freely with Brand that the truth eluded him. Strange, but he felt relieved that he could actually talk to someone about Andrzej. So he took a deep breath.

    "No," he said. "We''ve only known each other for four months. It''s even hard to say since we''ve been a couple. But¡­ He is everything to me."

    "Shit," Kitt swore. "I envy you. I don''t remember the last time I felt like this. Is he that great?"

    "Yes. We met under very unpleasant circumstances. He was a paparazzi who was supposed to take compromising photos of me. He made them but didn''t sell them to the newspaper. Instead, he sold them to me."

    "Uuuu ... Blackmail?"

    "Maybe a little, but in the end he returned my photos and money. The amount was also not large. For each tabloid, he would get at least twice as much. I was in a relationship then with someone else. I wanted to break our intimate contacts for a while, but he went berserk. If Andrzej did not see this and come to my aid, it would be very bad."

    "Of course you didn''t notify the police."

    "Of course. How could I? A scandal like this would eat me alive, and I still loved him. I even forgave him and we got back together."

    "What are you, masochist?"

 Chapter 158 - Life Like A Movie Script

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski smiled sadly.

    "He was the world to me then" he explained to Brand. "I thought that was the same for him. Unfortunately, it wasn''t better after that. It was Andrzej who gave me the strength to break up. He was with me, he supported me, he helped me. He saved me then. I fell in love, but he didn''t share my orientation."

    "Ouch!"

    "I respected it, but I suffered. I told myself that if I slept with him once, that would be enough for me. I seduced him. Unfortunately, I plunged even deeper."

    "I think!"

    "I couldn''t make him love me, but I couldn''t give him up either. I began to seduce him. I wasn''t always successful, but we were sleeping together more and more. He knew I loved him, but he wasn''t ready for a relationship with a man himself. Until I disappeared."

    "How is it, you disappeared?"

    "I''ve been kidnapped."

    "Are you kidding ?!"

    Dominik shook his head sadly.

    "It''s a fresh and very sad story. When I disappeared, Andrzej realized how much he cared about me, and when we found each other, we knew we were meant to be."

    The story came to an end and, despite his embarrassment, ?liwi¨½ski felt lightly that he could tell someone the story of his love. But he didn''t quite understand Brand''s gaze, which clearly showed disbelief.

    "You''re joking right?" The older actor asked.

    Dominik felt offended by this question.

    "Of course not!"

    "Have you really been kidnapped? What did the police do? They set you free? They shot the perpetrator? How much ransom did they ask for? Or maybe you paid?"

    "The perpetrator did not want a ransom. It was an unhappy young man who mistook reality for fantasy. I freed myself. The police looked for me very quietly and the patrol found me in the forest and took me to the hospital. The perpetrator" ?liwi¨½ski suspended his voice. He was at his funeral a few days ago. It was not easy to talk about these events. "The perpetrator is already dead. He committed suicide. Scarlett attended his funeral, but she doesn''t know what trouble he caused me in my life."

    "I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have asked. These are probably painful memories."

    "Yes, they are, but I have to move on."

    "I asked because you hear about kidnappings. Most rich and famous people are afraid of them. But I don''t really know anyone who has had such experiences. You only know them from movies. But if what you say is true, your life would make the perfect screenplay for more than one thriller movie."

    "I would prefer boring drama movies."

    Brand laughed quite loudly.

    "Well, after something like that, I think. Do you have a picture of him? This guy of yours?"

    "Of course!" Dominik immediately took out his phone and found Andrzej''s photo "the same he had taken while playing with Nowicki''s camera.

    Brand Kitt stared at them for a long moment.

    "So someone like him could have stolen the heart of someone like you. Handsome. Also an actor? No wait, you said the paparazzi ..."

    "Former paparazzi. He did not like this job very much. He is an extremely talented photographer. These are a few of his works" Dominik boasted about photos taken by Andrzej.

    He didn''t even noticed that he acted like a teenager in love showing everyone around pictures of her boyfriend. Only he was not that bold and limited his audience to one person.

    Brand watched them curiously. Then he took out pictures of his ex-wife and adopted children. Dominik nodded his head appreciatively, and then showed him photographs of Paulina and a charming eight-year-old girl - Martynka.

    "You have a beautiful family," said Kitt. "Even if you are not related by blood, you can see that there is love between you. You should always take care of her so that what is there is never going to go wrong between you."

    "I''m sorry about your divorce. You''ve been together for a long time for show business ¡­"

    "Yeah. But we''re both public figures. Constantly in turnouts. There were times when we didn''t see each other for a month just to meet on the run while repacking. The children suffered from it too. They had money, they had everything but real family."

    "But was it different at first?"

    "Yes. We made love. We fit together. We were beautiful and sexy. Like you and Scarlett. Be careful, she''ll fall in love with you."

    "I doubt it. She knows I already have someone. She actually knows Andrzej. In fact, I''m surprised neither of you made a big deal of me being gay. You haven''t made any comments."

    "You''re not the first, and you''re not the last. Anyway, being gay is a trend lately."

    "Yes, with us too. You can make a career on it, you can flash, but beyond the vision it''s still easy to get stone. My mother, when she found out, she was in despair. She doesn''t want to know me."

    "It is impossible! Maybe she''s just shocked. You will definitely rebuild relationships."

    "Yes, maybe" Diminik sighed. "I know that she will forgive me everything because I am her son, but Andrzej will not be accepted so easily. He is the guilty one, although I seduced him, not the other way around."

    "She''ll definitely accept him. When her shock is over and she sees how happy you are with him ..."

    Dominik shook his head resignedly.

    "Homosexuality is a sin. My mother is very religious. To accept our relationship would be for her to undermine all the values ??in which she believed. I don''t want to do this to her. I prefer to accept the idea that she will be happier without me. I have already decided that I will not give up Andrzej. If I did, I might as well stop breathing."

    "You''re insanely romantic."

    "Of course. After all, I''m gay."

    ***

    Andrzej did not always drive to work by car. It was one of those days. They forecast snowfall and difficult road conditions, so instead of making his life difficult by standing in traffic jams or sliding onto the roads, he decided to use public transport. He did not regret his decision for a moment. Even though the tram was hot and crowded like a sardine can, when he saw cursing drivers trailing cars through the window, he could only smile.

    It was the same, or worse, on the way back. Only the city looked more cheerful, decorated with Christmas decorations, lit by Christmas tree lights hanging on trees, with shop windows sparkling with glitter and Christmas lights. The Christmas were coming, which was clearly noticeable, and on the road, splashed slush made it difficult to drive as much as possible.

    Andrzej was returning home unhurriedly. The house without Dominik was unpleasantly empty. Nowicki felt it on the first evening, when the silence rang in his ears so much as if it wanted to burst his eardrums. It was impossible to get away from her, either after turning on the radio or the TV set. Dominik had never been particularly loud, but even when they were both silent, the soft sounds of water running from the tap or the daily bustle of the kitchen kept the house alive. Without them, the world would melt in solitude.

    For years Nowicki lived alone and he did not mind the silence. He got used to it. However, the relationship with Dominik changed everything. Now that he thought there would be no one in the house except him and his memories, he felt reluctant to come back to it. So he walked slowly from the station, splashing the masses of melting snow.

    Someone was standing in front of their house. Andrzej could not see the face of this person, but the silhouette showed a man - rather older. Was he waiting for any of the household members, or was he standing here by chance? Nowicki had no idea. He was expecting no one, and the man looked neither a policeman nor a representative of the media. Maybe he was actually just a passerby?

    The photographer approached the gate, trying not to pay too much attention to him, when he heard:

    "Mr. Nowicki!"

    He turned to the man and saw his face in the lantern light. She seemed familiar to him, but it took him a moment to recognize her as his lover''s father.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski!" He exclaimed in surprise. "What are you doing here? Dominika doesn''t have ..."

    "Yes, I know, Olek told me. I wanted to speak to you."

    Surprise turned Andrzej to stone for a moment. It was his first meeting with Zygmunt ?liwi¨½ski since the romance of young men was revealed. What did the father of the man with whom he shares his bed and his life want to talk to him?

    "Please, come in" Andrzej opened the gate for him.

    "Thank you."

    They entered without a word and Nowicki took Mr. ?liwi¨½ski''s coat. The man was completely unlike Dominik - tall, broad-shouldered, dark-haired. Andrzej knew that Dominik in appearance completely fell into his mother, who even now was a beauty, although over the years she had gained several kilos.

 Chapter 159 - If Man Comes Bringing Giftsâ€¦

    "This is the first time I am at my son''s house" said Mr. Zygmunt looking around the interior. "It''s quite nice and¡­ warm here. I guess I was expecting something different in the apartment of two men, but probably one of you is the housekeeper here." He looked at Nowicki. "Probably Dominik."

    "We share responsibilities," Andrzej said quickly, although the truth was that the actor actually did most of the housework. Not because he had to. He just liked it. "Please, sit down. Would You like to drink something?"

    "Yes," he said, and took a bottle from his coat pocket. "You don''t come empty-handed."

    Andrzej blinked seeing half a liter of clean vodka. If ?liwi¨½ski came bringing gifts, he could not have any bad intentions. In that case, it was impossible to refuse, although the photographer did not like vodka.

    "I''ll make some appetizers," he said, and headed for the kitchen.

    Yesterday he bought rollmops, he also had pickled mushrooms and cold cuts. He put everything on plates, pulled out yesterday''s bread and carried it to the coffee table.

    "Oh, royal feast" Mr. Zygmunt laughed, unscrewing the bottle. A characteristic smell wafted through the interior.

    "Glasses" Andrzej remembered.

    He was hungry and should not drink on an empty stomach, but Dominik''s father was already pouring vodka. Nowicki decided that he would bite after the first one.

    They poured out their glasses.

    There was an awkward silence.

    Should I say something? Yes, I should say something, Andrzej thought feverishly, but nothing came to mind.

    "When you have children" warned ?liwi¨½ski "you think about who they will be, when they grow up. It is a dream for them to form a life for themselves. So that they would find someone nice, start a family, give a bunch of children, have a bunch of grandchildren. It is dreamed that they will live up to our expectations and that they will enjoy it. Children, however, grow up and choose their own path, which is completely different. And what can a parent do then?"

    Andrzej did not answer, considering this question as rhetorical. Instead, he watched his glass fill.

    "I don''t know if what you are doing with my son is good or bad, but I will not judge it. Dominik is an adult and has the right to seek happiness himself. If he prefers men ... Well, I will respect that. That''s why I invite you, dear boy, to us for Christmas Eve."

    For the second time that evening, Andrzej was astonished. Not knowing what he was doing, he reached for the glass and poured its contents into himself.

    "Are you sure you know what I have in common with your son?" He asked finally.

    "You are lovers, but I don''t want to know the details."

    "And you invite me anyway? For Christmas Eve dinner? But your wife ..."

    "Helena decides many things, but this is still my home and at the table I will have those I want."

    "But why? Why are you accepting me? I do not understand¡­"

    "Do you remember when you brought Dominik to us in the fall? For seven years, we only watched our son on TV and in newspapers. I did not understand why this was happening. I thought fame hit his head and he doesn''t want to know us. It hurt, but I was too proud to contact him. And I should have. When he first appeared after those years, he was no longer the energetic boy who left home. I could see the pain in his eyes. Pain only disappeared when he had you in sight. It''s as if you were an anchor or a safe haven for him. I was afraid to ask what had happened to my boy over the years because I knew the answer would fill me with despair. It was my fault for letting him go at such a young age and for losing sight of him. Everything that happened to my son then was my fault ..."

    "Don''t say that, Mr. Zygmunt, please ..."

    ?liwi¨½ski poured again.

    "I''m the father. It is my duty to keep my children safe and happy. I have failed. But when Dominik was with us, I saw that he was leaving all those bad experiences behind him. That he found someone who would comfort and support him in his life. A friend who genuinely supports him even when it is inconvenient. I''m right?"

    "Dominik is very important to me. I will always support him. In everything."

    "I did not realize then that you are lovers. I''m an old man and I didn''t even think about it. Helena too. The kids figured it out. The world has changed a lot since I was young. When it all came out, I was surprised. My wife was crazy, but Olek took your side. It surprised me. I started to think, wonder why. After all, Olek is a decent boy. Helena thinks he is young and stupid, that he is rebelling against religion and parents, but I think he just understands that you make Dominik happy. And I understand it too. That is why I accept you as a son and I want you to sit down with us to Christmas Eve dinner."

    "I do not know what to say. Really. I am very happy and can assure you that I will never hurt Dominik, but as for dinner ..."

    "Are you afraid of my wife?"

    "In fact, yes. I don''t want her to feel awkward. I know that Dominik also cares about her well-being and they broke up in really bad relations. Besides, we''ve already accepted an invitation from my foster family, so I guess we''d have to discuss it with Dominik."

    "A foster family? So you don''t have parents?"

    "They died a few years ago. I was in college then. Speaking of my foster family, I mean my goddaughter and her mother. I have been spending Christmas with them for several years. My friend likes Dominik very much and has been a supporter of us from the very beginning. Her daughter doesn''t understand our relationship, but she loves your son."

    ?liwi¨½ski smiled faintly.

    "I am glad that Dominik has good friends. People who love him. I just don''t want him to forget about us again for so long. So if not Christmas Eve, then maybe the first day of Christmas? Or The Second Christmas Day[1]. I''ll make sure Helena behaves decently."

    "I''ll talk to Dominik about it."

    "How is he? Recently, there have been such ugly rumors about him again in the newspapers."

    Andrzej did not know what to answer. After all, he spoke to his lover''s father, and it was a rather strange situation in itself without any additional revelation. ?liwi¨½ski was, however, a father who was worried about his son, to which he had a right, and he accepted his difference. How much can he tell him then?

    "Now Dominik is fine, but he has experienced Werner''s death and his slander hard. Werner had unhealthy fantasies about Dominic. Maybe you can guess what. He was rejected, but refused to accept it. Dominik was his obsession. He killed himself and blamed Dominik for his death only because in his fantasy he created an imaginary, sick image around him. But Dominik, though innocent, felt responsible."

    "Do similar situations happen often? There are so many things I don''t know about my own son."

    "No, it was an isolated incident. Only Werner had been giving him trouble lately."

    "And this agent of his, Marczak? Why was my son so unhappy in his care?"

    "Didn''t your wife tell you?"

    "No."

    "They were lovers. From the beginning, actually. Dominik was blindly in love with him and often did not notice some¡­ not entirely good behavior of Marczak. They finally broke up. It was a tumultuous end. Dominik felt it very much."

    "There was so much wrong in my boy''s life and I was blind and deaf."

    "It''s not your fault. Dominik cut himself off from you himself."

    "Is it because he was with a man from the beginning?"

    "I do not think so. He was young and inexperienced. In love. He let himself be controlled by Marczak, and he was rather afraid of your reaction and the fact that you would take Marczak from him. Marczak cared very much for Dominik for private and professional reasons. He overdid it a bit, but had already learned his mistake. Currently, Dominik is not associated with him either professionally or privately, but we can always count on his help. Sam says that they broke up like an old, close marriage with too many things connected for them to forget about each other."

    "What about his health? So much has been written and we don''t really know anything."

    "He was exhausted, stressed, anemic. He caught infections easily. But that is also behind him. I think you have nothing to worry about at this point" Andrzej smiled at ?liwi¨½ski.

    The old gentleman sighed.

    [1] In Poland we have Christmas Eve, which is very family day, especially important is diner, and two Christmas days.

 Chapter 160 - Long Distant Call

    "Thank you," Zygmunt ?liwi¨½ski said. "I know that Dominik is already an adult, but for me he will still be my child and I will not stop worrying about him. But it looks like he''s in good hands. It may sound strange because I''m talking about a son, but please take care of him."

    "You don''t have to ask. Because you see, Dominik is really special. No one else has given me as much affection in life as he has. I¡­ I really love him."

    The confession did not pass through his mouth easily, but his mouth was dissolved in this honest conversation sprinkled with vodka.

    "Good" ?liwi¨½ski got up. "I''ll be getting ready for the train."

    "No way," Nowicki sprang to his feet. "It''s late in the evening, you were drinking, and you are far away from home."

    "Take it easy, boy, the trains leave every hour."

    "Still, I insist that you stay. Please. I wouldn''t be able to meet Dominik''s eyes if anything happened to his father. We have a spare bedroom upstairs, and you will have a closer look at the house. When I sober up a little, I''ll make dinner and make breakfast in the morning. You can call home and tell me that you will be staying here ..."

    "All right, all right" ?liwi¨½ski laughed. "But then we''ll finish the bottle and you tell me about yourself."

    Nowicki swallowed loudly.

    "Since that is the condition, I guess I have no choice" he agreed.

    After all, he didn''t make dinner so they had to settle for herring, mushrooms and cold cuts on stale bread. And although he knew that he would have a good hangover tomorrow, Andrzej did not yield to ?liwi¨½ski or for a glass in emptying the bottle.

    ***

    Zygmunt ?liwi¨½ski left his son''s house when it was still dark outside. As he said goodbye, he shook Nowicki''s hand in a manly manner, letting him understand again that he was accepted. Despite his friendly attitude, Andrzej breathed a sigh of relief when Dominik''s father left the apartment. Having him hosted while his son was away was a bit awkward. Nevertheless, the visit was not the worst and brought good news. Not only Dominik''s sexual orientation but also his partner were accepted by almost the entire family. The exception was still Mrs. Helena, but not only was she in a decided minority, she was also under constant pressure from her family to give up and accept the facts.

    Nowicki had no idea what Dominik was doing now. It was just before ten o''clock p.m. in Los Angeles at this point. Dominik could be literally anywhere doing anything. Andrzej wanted to share information with him from home, so he quickly wrote him an e-mail and his father''s visit and the invitation he gave. Within a minute the home telephone rang.

    Andrzej barely picked up the phone when he heard:

    "My father? Really?"

    Andrzej would recognize this sweet, excited voice anywhere. At the sound of it, his heart was filled with joy that he had not expected.

    "He really come. He just got on the train."

    There was silence on the other side. Was there a connection problem?

    "Hello, Dominik! Can you hear me?"

    "Yes, just ... I missed your voice so much. I forgot how sexy it is. It was enough for me to ... You know."

    "No, I don''t know" Andrzej''s heart jumped. Another body part too. "I can''t see you."

    "You do not guess?" Dominik groaned.

    "Has something grown in your pants?"

    "I''m not wearing pants. I just got out of the shower. I''m just wrapped in a hotel towel."

    A very indecent and stunning image stood before the eyes of Nowicki''s imagination. More than once he saw his lover with a naked torso and legs and only with hips covered - more out of habit and for warmth than out of shame.

    "Are you standing or sitting?" Andrzej asked, his mouth dry. He himself walked over to the couch and, realizing his knees were buckling, fell heavily on it.

    "I''m on the bed. It''s bigger than the one in my bedroom, but so cold and empty. It was only your voice that made my body start to heat up."

    Andrzej closed his eyes.

    "Can¡­ can you touch? You know¡­"

    "No, I don''t know" Dominik was teasing now. "Tell me where. Tell me exactly where to touch."

    Oh shit! Andrzej swallowed hard. Did he really dare to make this conversation? There was something damn indecent about it, but because he was talking to Dominik, he felt not only sexual excitement but a pleasant warmth in his heart. Only with him, Andrzej could allow himself such an indecent telephone conversation to reach across the ocean and two continents.

    "Unwind the towel and touch your penis" Nowicki ordered, knowing that his lover would certainly do it.

    "Oh! It actually gets hard without even touching it. But if you want ... I touched him. Now what do I do?"

    "Pamper yourself" Andrzej''s voice grew heavy and harsh with excitement.

    "How?" Dominik asked helplessly. "Tell me. I want to hear it from you."

    Hell, now ?liwi¨½ski definitely played. There was no way he didn''t know how to caress, but since they couldn''t see each other, they should at least hear each other to arouse their sexual tension even more. So Nowicki will talk.

    "Put your fingers around it and ... move it."

    "Your voice ... loses fluency. Is ... something ... happening to you? Oh!"

    "Yes. You turn me on, goddamn it!"

    "So why don''t you take yours out? Put your fingers around it and¡­ move it. It''s pretty¡­ easy and¡­ exciting¡­ Oh, Andrzej!"

    Oh, yes, it was exciting and Nowicki reached for his zipper, where excitement was clearly felt. Dominik''s sexy voice and his bold, even obscene behavior made their bodies react unambiguously despite thousands of kilometers.

    "Dominik, you little pervert," Nowicki said, his voice muffled by excitement. "Don''t give me phone sex here."

    "But ... it was you ... you started ... Oh¡­! Andrzej, I want you! I want you to put it inside me ... Firmly ... I want to feel it ... I want to feel you ... Ah ... I can''t ...! Ooooooooh¡­!"

    "Already?"

    "I''ve fasted since our goodbye."

    "Me too, but ..."

    But no "buts" applied when the first droplets appeared on his own penis.

    "Ha!" He moaned into the receiver. "You are amazing. Even by phone ..."

    "Are ... are you too?"

    "Yes. Dominik, when are you coming back?"

    "On Monday. I''ll see you Monday night."

    "Prepare for the worst. That night you won''t go to sleep ..."

    "You promise?"

    "Oh, yeah ... Definitely ... Shit, I have to change my pants."

    Dominik laughed mischievously.

    "And I''ll take a shower again. I love you, Andrzej."

    "I love you, Dominik."

    "As for Christmas, we''ll talk when I get back."

    "We''ll talk when I''m finished with you."

    "And who is the pervert here? I love you. Bye!"

    "I love you. Bye!"

    They hung up and Andrzej fell back on the couch. Tired, longing.

    So Dominik is back on Monday. How well. Never in his life has Nowicki felt such a longing as in those days when his lover was away. Before that, he hadn''t missed because he had no one. Only after entering his life, ?liwi¨½ski gave it fullness and splendor. It was only when you got to know something that you could miss it. And Andrzej felt this emotion with his whole being.

    To love so much it hurts. Miss so much that you suffer.

    Yet it was a sweet pain. The sweetest there can be.

    ***

    Andrzej reported to the boss that he was taking Tuesday off.

    "Pre-Christmas shopping?" Mrs. Janka asked.

    "No," he replied plainly. "Dominik comes home Monday night."

    "You youth," she giggled. "How does he like the United States?"

    "They''re okay, but he wants to go back."

    "Well, I think, since such a cake is waiting for him!"

    Nowicki did not mind the comments of Mrs. Pasek. He was used to them by now. He also knew that there was nothing wrong behind them. Mrs. Janka certainly did not have an eye on him as the object of her fantasies. Rather, it was a symptom of sentiment towards the old days when she madly loved a gifted photographer. He reminded her of him with his talent, and probably also with his personality, but she knew she was no longer the age when she could be the center of attention for young men.

    "How''s the matter with Patricia Maj?"

    "Well. At least so far. Yesterday I watched the place where she want to pose. We have a session on Sunday."

    "That''s great. I don''t know if she told you¡­" Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of the phone. "Wait a second."

    Andrzej was waiting when Mrs. Pasek was answering the phone. She listened carefully. She was nodding her head. Finally she said.

    "All right. But not before lunch. Did they say what exactly they mean? Oh. It''s two o''clock."

    She hung up the phone and shook her head.

    "Italians," she muttered. "They''re looking for a new face. They run around all agencies looking for the one."

    "We have a lot of choice. They will surely find something. But you were talking about Patrycja ..."

 Chapter 161 - An Unexpected Possibility

    "Oh yeah" Mrs. Pasek remembered. "Her request is very private, so the assignment does not pass through the agency. It''s your private."

    "Are you sure? I can pay the right percentage."

    "I am. There is no point in playing with little things. I treat it as an investment. Just try hard!"

    "Of course."

    Andrzej did not have an arranged session for today, so he thought he would take the opportunity to make new catalogs. Recently, a few new people have joined their models. Some of them were photographed by himself, others by photographers. Each of their facilities prepared a portfolio, but there was no one willing to create a collective album. For Nowicki, whose passion in photography were portraits, he found it to be an interesting challenge. Plus, he didn''t like taking money for free, so if he had time and there was work to do, he would.

    The day dragged on him enormously, and all he could think about was Dominik. Pure madness, he thought, but wasn''t that what love was? Madness without method?

    He prepared some test prints and decided to ask his colleagues what they thought about this project. After all, these were their models too. He took them under his arm and headed for the nearest photographer''s studio.

    It seemed to have fled with guests from Italy. Four elegant men and one woman walked along the corridor accompanied by Tomaszek, Mrs. Pasek''s assistant. It was a strong team, so the meeting will be in the conference room. Andrzej glanced at them, but gave them little attention. That''s why he didn''t know that one of the Italians, about his age, looked after him curiously.

    When Janina Pasek entered the conference room, the Italians were vigorously negotiating something between themselves. They looked very excited and totally unprofessional. They acted like a bunch of kids on a school trip, not representatives of one of the world''s most expensive cosmetics companies.

    Mrs. Pasek found out almost immediately where the commotion was coming from. Immediately after the presentation by the translator and Tomaszek, the translator explained.

    "As we explained over the phone, J. Acutti[1] brand is looking for a new face for its completely new range of men''s cosmetics. So far, the company''s representatives have visited the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Ukraine. If they had not found this face in Poland, they would have gone to Belarus, then Lithuania, and so on. But it looks like they''ve found the perfect model. Right at your agency."

    "How''s that?" Mrs. Pasek asked surprised. "They haven''t seen any photos yet. Did you show them something or someone?" she asked her assistant.

    Tomaszek shook his head.

    "We didn''t even pass any by," he replied softly.

    "Yes, yes," replied the interpreter with emphasis. Apparently she heard him perfectly. "In the corridor we passed a tall blonde ..."

    "Nowicki," said the assistant with surprise.

    Mrs. Pasek took a deep breath.

    "There seems to be a misunderstanding," she said slowly. "The man you saw is not a model. He is a photographer."

    After these words were translated into Italian, there was a commotion in J. Acuttii''s team.

    "It doesn''t change anything. We can work with an inexperienced model."

    "Suppose I manage to convince him to work as a model. What money are we talking about?"

    Having heard the amount, Mrs. Pasek did not show how impressed she was. She only rested her elbows on the table and her chin on her intertwined fingers. Such a contract was a golden duck.

    "Go get Nowicki," she growled.

    "Is it wise at this stage of the talks ...?"

    "I want him here."

    There were no further questions or doubts. Tomaszek left the conference room. He returned after less than two minutes, leading Andrzej behind him.

    Mrs. Pasek looked at the photographer with a penetrating eye. Although he was dressed a bit loosely, casual, you could say he looked very nice. Tall, but without exaggeration, with taut muscles underneath his clothes, no fat, even before thirty, and with a face that is attractive, masculine, but at the same time has something cold about him that made you stay at a safe distance. But the eyes, hazel, with deep, warm eyes, were like two magnets. The whole thing looked great, which Janina Pasek noticed in the first moment when he came to the interview. Even then, she wanted to persuade him to work as a model.

    Mrs. Pasek made a presentation and asked Andrzej to sit down. He was calm, only slightly curious. Apparently, Tomaszek did not explain to him why he was invited.

    So she did.

    Andrzej sucked in a breath. He paled.

    "But I''m not a model. I''m not interested in that," he announced.

    The boss told him the amounts in which they would move.

    Nowicki paled even more. He didn''t answer anything.

    Talks about the details of the contract began. Andrzej did not speak up in the conversations, he sat silent like a boulder. Janina Pasek was aware of what might be raging in his head at that moment, because she already knew him very well. Nowicki did not want to do it, be a model and sell his face. Even the enormous fee in question would not convince him of this. He made good money, and even before, when he got pennies, he was happy. He was not a materialist. But he also couldn''t ignore the fact how much money was at stake for the entire company.

    It was not too fair for him to let him know all these details, but Mrs. Pasek knew one thing - this contract would be a huge success, and Andrzej''s head would not fall off if his face appeared in several magazines around the world.

    The meeting is over. When Nowicki got up, an interpreter approached him.

    "Excuse me, do you know English?"

    "Yes," he replied.

    The young Italian standing behind her, at her signal, came closer and began a conversation in that language.

    "I know that it is not an easy decision for you. I would like to invite you to dinner to present the benefits for you from this cooperation. Answer all your questions. Here is my business card. On the back is the name of the hotel we are staying in and my room number in case you would like to call."

    Nowicki glanced at the boss, then at the card.

    "Thank you. And this is my business card, he handed him his own."

    The Italian smiled radiantly.

    "Would it be possible to meet today? I do not hide that we care about time."

    "Yes. We can meet today."

    "Maybe in this nice bar ..."

    Andrzej blinked at the name. Probably soon he will become its regular guest.

    They made an appointment and the Italian delegation left.

    "Nowicki" Pasek stopped the photographer.

    Andrzej stopped in the doorway and turned back. Tomaszek was dismissed with a gesture, so they were left alone in the conference room for twenty people.

    "I don''t need to tell you what this contract means to our company," she began. "You heard the amounts we talked about. Fame to the world market. But if you would agree to a contract just for the company, then don''t."

    "I''m sorry?"

    "You are a decent, modest guy and you do not have a sneak peak at stardom. If you don''t want to stand on the other side of the lens, it will come out in the pictures. They will be bad. And this will duplicate both the contract and the company. Therefore, you cannot do this for us. You have to make the decision for yourself."

    "It''s not that easy."

    "Why? Are you attracted to money?"

    "No. The problem is that if the company loses such a contract because of me, I will not be able to look in the mirror."

    "Stupid. But that''s why I like you. You know that I have no children and everyone in this company is like a child to me. You too. No mother wants her child to sacrifice himself. What did this Italian want?"

    "Talk about the proposal. Dispel my doubts. We made an appointment for the evening."

    "Well. Hear him out, talk to him. Don''t force yourself to do anything, but keep your head open."

    "Okay, Mom," he joked with a faint smile.

    "And cheer up for God''s sake. If you don''t agree, it''s hard. I''m not going to pull my hair out of my head for that. Just take into account that your face can be an asset to your career and money. Treat it as one of your capital."

    The rumors at this company seemed to be traveling at lightning speed as he had barely left the conference room when the first smiles and inquisitive glances appeared. They were kind of friendly, but jealousy broke through them. Was this the world like? A smile in the face and a dagger in the back? It definitely didn''t look promising.

    [1] I have no idea if this word has any meaning in Italian. I invented it to sound in Italian. I did this to avoid affiliation with any real brand of cosmetics or apparel.

 Chapter 162 - Why We Pair Up

    Andrzej was eager to call Dominik, but it was early morning in Los Angeles and his lover was getting a good night''s sleep. He sat down at the computer and began writing an email. He described almost everything and concluded that he had no idea what to do.

    Being a model did not appeal to him. He reluctantly thought that his face would become public, but from the experience of the people at the agency, he knew that from modeling to being recognized on the streets to becoming a celebrity, there was a long way to go and he didn''t have to choose it. The crown will not fall off his head if he appears in several magazines or even on billboards. In addition, such an experience could significantly enrich him as a photographer. It would be easier for him to understand the models and therefore better manage them. And the money was really good.

    Andrzej sighed and left the company.

    Maybe the experience won''t be bad at all. Maybe we can get something positive out of him. Maybe.

    Only, then, how will Dominik do with his modeling career?

    ***

    Dominik read the email and pursed his lips.

    "Something happened?" Brand Kitt asked.

    For a moment, ?liwi¨½ski wondered whether to tell his older colleague about the content of the message or not to bother him? After all, even though they had met for a meal once before, they were still strangers.

    Only this strangeness was what made him open his heart and mouth. He didn''t even have to worry about what Kitt thought of him, since their contacts would be practically nil at any moment.

    "Andrzej got a lucrative offer that brings significant benefits to the company he works for, but not necessarily in line with what he wants to do."

    "Oh! Something illegal?"

    "No, nothing like that," he laughed and picked up the cup of tea he was nursing like someone else would be making with a drink. "An Italian clothing and cosmetics company offered him to be her face."

    Brand stirred his coffee.

    "Looks like a million dollar contract," he said.

    "Yes," Dominik admitted with a sigh.

    "So what is the problem?"

    "Andrzej is very hardworking and honest. He cannot earn money except by working hard for which he is prepared. And besides¡­"

    "Besides¡­?"

    "This contract is not one photo session, right?"

    "It depends." Kitt took a sip of his coffee. He looked at ?liwi¨½ski so keenly that the young actor shuddered. "You''re afraid of a long break, huh?"

    Dominik blushed to his ears.

    "Yes," he admitted, surprised to be able to do it. "My private life before I met Andrzej was ... not the best, one could say. It was Andrzej who made it change, but I am not yet strong enough to handle it alone. He knows it. He realizes how much I am dependent on him. How much¡­ fragile."

    Brand Kitt looked at him seriously.

    "I think you are wrong," he said.

    ?liwi¨½ski looked up at him without understanding.

    "I''m twice as old as you are. I spent more years on the set than you have. I have seen a lot during this time, met a lot of different people and experienced both good and bad. I think you are wrong in thinking that you are weak and fragile. If that were the case, you wouldn''t have been able to come to Los Angeles without any support. You wouldn''t be performing with such naturalness and bravado on the set with only strangers around you. And damn it, you wouldn''t be standing between a horny guy and his victim. You underestimate yourself, Dominik."

    There was no immediate answer to such a statement. Brand''s information had to be rethought. His words were very nice, but what did the man really know about him?

    "I think because of the past," Kitt continued, "you''re afraid to go on." You are chained by bad memories."

    "These aren''t just memories," he shook his head. Literally on the eve of his arrival in the United States, media ...

    "You''re beautiful and bloody talented, I know what I''m saying because I saw you on the set. Of course you''ll be the target of unhealthy media attention. And what? Why are you so afraid of them? Due to your orientation and scandal? Ignore it! Stay in the States. Get Andrzej here. I can guarantee with my name that you will both make a career here."

    It''s not about a career, thought Dominik, feeling he was misunderstood. It''s about life. About everyday life. About the fact that every unfavorable mention in the media hurt. If ?liwi¨½ski had been stronger, he would not have been so susceptible to these blows. He could then ignore them.

    But it wasn''t like that. Dominik knew that had it not been for Andrzej''s constant presence, he would not have been able to cope with media attacks. He would be so hounded that he would not be able to breathe.

    This dependence on Andrzej was unhealthy and unfair to Nowicki, but at this point in his life - necessary.

    "I''m not strong enough yet," he said softly. "I can afford a short-term action, but it costs me a lot of energy. I can fight one battle, but with the second I don''t have the strength anymore" he smiled sadly. "That''s a lot. Four months ago, I couldn''t even stand up to a fight."

    "I think I understand" Kitt also smiled. "That is why we pair up, to support each other."

    "Yes," he admitted enthusiastically.

    "So you are also a support for him."

    "Actually ..."

    Dominik felt strangely lost. Is he a support for Andrzej? No, rather not. Andrzej doesn''t need something like that. He is brave, strong, caring and warm. There is no need for anyone to support him in anything.

    Only, is it for sure?

    "Dominik, do you think. That you are the only obstacle for Andrzej to try something new?"

    "Not the only one ..."

    "From what you told me, Andrzej is a really special guy with a huge talent. Why do you think he is with you, who you do not best describe as weak and fragile?"

    Instinctively, the answer came to him, "Because he promised he would protect me," but for some reason she refused to pass through his mouth. He saw all the situations in which Andrzej showed him something more than just protectiveness. Only one message flowed from Nowicki''s mouth, arms and heart: "I love you."

    Kitt chuckled.

    "It''s incredible that on a movie set you can do anything without blinking an eye, and in real life you blush so easily. You must have thought something indecent."

    "Maybe a little. I do not know if I am a support for him, but I am also not a crutch. I think so. I don''t know if I support him enough, but if he decides he wants to try his hand at modeling, I will definitely support him. After all, that''s what the relationship is all about."

    As soon as he finished saying these words, he knew they were completely sincere and he would do everything in his power to ensure that Andrzej would receive the support he deserves.

    ***

    The e-mail that Nowicki picked up was short. Unfortunately, it did not help him resolve his doubts. Dominik only stated in it that Andrzej should do what he thinks is best for himself. If he wants or feels such a temptation, he should try his hand at modeling. After all, he does not have to remain a professional model. If any element of the contract proposed to him is not entirely clear to him, or for some reason he cannot agree to it, let him clearly indicate it and not sign the contract until it is settled. Let him remember that at this point he is emerging from the position of strength.

    If he doesn''t want to act as a model, that''s fine too. He shouldn''t force himself to do anything. The best money in the world should not make you do something against yourself. That is why every decision that Andrzej makes will be good for Dominik. Anything that will bring Andrzej happiness.

    Although the e-mail did not indicate a clear solution, Nowicki felt pleasantly light after reading it. Dominik seemed more confident and more confident about both of them as a couple. He clearly wasn''t afraid anymore that a break for a few days might be bad for their relationship.

    Nowicki changed for the evening meeting. It was almost time to leave the house, so he reached for his jacket. His face flashed across the hall mirror. He stopped and looked at her for the first time in a long time.

    He couldn''t tell if his face was handsome. He knew that people thought she was so, but he was helpless in this matter himself. He was aware that he was not ugly, but he was not a beauty either. Something about her attracted people, it was a fact, but Andrzej was not able to tell for any treasures of the world, what it was.

 Chapter 163 - That Alluring Face

    Nothing, he thought, and wrapped the scarf around himself. He turned off the light and left for the station. He hadn''t made a decision yet, and he felt an unpleasant cramp in his stomach. He usually responded well to stress, but now he felt helpless. Unable to decide whether to take up a challenge that seemed unpleasant to him or to enjoy his new life calmly, he was also unable to define his actions.

    That was what dinner was for today. Giorgio Fiorelli, despite his young age, was not just anyone in J. Acutti. For three years, he has been the mastermind behind all of his company''s global advertising campaigns. He was either a genius or he started very young because he looked like a guy just turning thirty. Someone who had such achievements at that age was not an average person and had to be reckoned with. Andrzej, who had goggled all the information about him, was impressed by his achievements and was flattered by the fact that someone like him chose him as his new discovery.

    The problem, however, remained the same - Nowicki was not attracted to the work of the model.

    Fiorelli was already waiting for him at the table. He got up as soon as he saw Andrzej approaching and extended his hand to him.

    "I''m glad you came," he said, holding his hand. "You hesitated for a long time?"

    "Not at all. I have no reason to decline a free dinner."

    The joke worked. Fiorelli laughed revealing a set of white teeth and the men sat down. A waiter came over and handed them the menu.

    "I understand that you are not a professional model" due to the specificity of the English language in which they interviewed, they naturally switched to a less formal form of communication.

    "That''s right. To tell you the truth, I don''t like being photographed."

    "Was it shyness? Or maybe a lack of trust in the photographer?"

    "Partly both."

    "I understand, really. Whenever I posed for photos, I felt uncomfortable. Did you know I was a model for J. Acutti for a while?"

    "No, I haven''t heard of that."

    "Ten years ago my photos were in the lingerie catalog. I never had a cover, but I proudly represented a world famous company throughout the season, and even though I showed my cheeks I can''t say I was her face. Have you already chosen?"

    So Fiorelli meant those cheeks below the waist, Andrzej thought.

    "Yes."

    Fiorelli nodded to the waiter and they placed the order.

    "Don''t worry, although I can bet you look great all over, we want to put you in the cosmetics campaign for men. We''re not gonna undress you below the waist."

    It was also supposed to be a joke, so Andrzej smiled politely, although he was not laughing at all. Recently, when a man started talking to him about nudity or feelings, he felt that he meant homosexual overtones.

    It was, of course, statistically impossible for every guy he met to think of him that way, but after Dominik''s adventures and Marczak''s confession, Andrzej knew that there were more people interested in the same sex than he once thought. Even if they weren''t self-declared gays, they might feel like some unplanned adventure.

    Erotic photos or simply showing a certain nudity, even the completely natural one, could arouse desire and while it would be nice if women admired him, Nowicki was not ready for his photos to be looked at by men other than Dominik with lascivious eyes.

    "You are a professional photographer," continued the Italian. "You know what this trade is. You surely also know that women are more likely to buy men''s cosmetics."

    "Yes, I know the statistics."

    "We are behind the stages of a gentleman, a wild man, a naughty boy and even a very polite boy. You could say that everything has already been done and everything has sold out. But since everything has already been done, what is left for us? A repetition of the entertainment?"

    "Modifications."

    "Exactly. This is where you come in."

    "All right. How?" Andrzej showed sincere interest. He really was curious to see what Fiorelli had seen about him that he wanted to risk and hire a total amateur.

    "Because you are all of the above."

    The waiter who had just brought the starters interrupted their conversation for a moment, and Andrzej had time to think about the Italian''s answer.

    "We have a saying in Poland. ''If something is for everything, it actually sucks I neverything.''"

    "Exactly not," Fiorelli reacted very vigorously. "''Italy is the mother of the Renaissance, and I don''t need to remind you that the Renaissance man was just an omnibus. Specialization is not bad, but you cannot limit an individual with a potential well over one domain."

    "I agree, but it applies to science and art. Maybe in ordinary life. But what does this have to do with human physiognomy?"

    "So let''s take the Mona Lisa into consideration" Fiorelli proposed as an example. "This one face, one portrait evokes dozens of different emotions, from adoration and delight to extreme aversion. One portrait, as one photo, can carry several, even several dozen messages, depending on the recipient. You know that as a photographer. As an artist. You just need to find the right face."

    Nowicki had to agree with him. Regardless of his own artistic preferences, he knew that there are works that are unique not because of the artistic approach, but because of the object they represent. Especially when they are portraits. As a passionate portraitist himself, he realized how ambiguous human gazes can be and how ambiguous. One sees innocence in one smile will other notice mockery in it.

    "Sorry, but I can''t put myself in the same row as woman, who was model for the Mona Lisa."

    "Or a man," Fiorelli observed.

    "Or a man," Nowicki agreed.

    "That''s because you can''t see yourself that way. When you look in the mirror, you only see yourself. The face you see every day from childhood will not be something new and fascinating for you. It is as natural as the air you breathe. Others, however, see it differently. You amazed me the first time I saw you."

    The corner of Andrzej''s mouth twitched. This confession sounded a bit ambiguous, almost like a declaration of love at first sight. Nowicki was angry with himself that such a thing had even occurred to him. He spoke to the talent hunter, it was obvious that the Italian had to be sensitive to certain aesthetic values ??and there was nothing to it but a healthy, professional attitude.

    "And you think others will feel the same?"

    "Yes of course! To someone intelligent and gifted like you, the thought of making money just by your look, like you have nothing more to offer, may seem derogatory, but you have more to offer."

    "I wouldn''t use such a harsh word. I work with models and do not see anything derogatory in their work."

    "You''re right, sorry. But isn''t it so that the work of a model, although hard, does not require such a wide range of skills?"

    "I don''t think that''s where my reluctance to do this job lies" Nowicki answered.

    "So where?"

    "I don''t like being shown. I prefer to be in the shade" he explained.

    "Have you been on the poster often?"

    "Not really," Andrzej admitted.

    "So why do you say you don''t like it? Even if you''ve had bad experiences, they can be turned into good ones. You know, thousands of men in the world could get cut themself alive to get the chance to show themselves at our company. We''re knocking on you. You should appreciate it."

    "I appreciate it," Nowicki sighed although he didn''t enjoy the vision of being thankful for something that didn''t really interest him. "However, I cannot shake off the impression of the surrealism of this situation. I walk down the corridor, a group passes me and suddenly it is decided that I will be the face of the new campaign. These things don''t even happen in soap operas."

    "It wasn''t the first time I saw you" Fiorelli announced.

    "What?"

    "A few days ago you were in that bar with a blonde girl. Even then, I couldn''t take my eyes off your fascinating face. I was so infatuated that when you got up to leave, I panicked. I missed a moment to come over to you and offer cooperation, and when we ran into each other, I couldn''t find any English word. I came back later to ask about you, but the bartender didn''t want to be helpful. All the time he said he saw you for the first time in his life."

    "I''m not a regular customer here," Andrzej explained, silently adding "yet."

    "I managed to establish that you can work in one of the agencies, but we did not know in which. I immediately assumed, as you can see wrongly, that you are a model. I never thought that you would not use your natural strengths."

 Chapter 164 - Somethings Not Right

    "I have a few more than the face itself" Nowicki noticed.

    "Oh yes, definitely. You see, our company still has a reputation. A brand as old as ours does not collapse quickly, but it is more and more difficult for us to reach a new group of customers, and the old ones ... Well, no one lives forever. To reach this new group, we need something modern but not extravagant, we must finally maintain our classic image. Someone like you is essential at this point."

    Andrzej decided that it was not fair to lay the fate of this company on his shoulders. Fiorelli was playing dirty. At that moment, the Italian leaning slightly forward reminded him of Marek Marczak, a man who always got his way, regardless of the price and number of victims left behind.

    Although not always. Since Andrzej appeared in Dominik ?liwi¨½ski''s life, Marczak could no longer touch the young actor.

    "Andrzej, please consider this offer!"

    Fiorelli gently placed his hand on Andrzej''s. Nowicki suppressed the instant instinct to tear his hand away. What the hell is going on? He withdrew it gently, taking the cutlery in it and dealing with the dish on the plate.

    The Italian did not seem offended, but he did not withdraw his hand, leaving her on the side of Andrew''s table. Nowicki had heard of the directness of men from the South, but they were in Poland, and such familiarity was not the norm.

    Rather, it was seen as an infringement of personal space. However, Fiorelli might not be aware of it, and Nowicki did not feel competent enough to point out to him. For the sake of the talks, he decided to ignore the Italian''s slightly too much familiarity.

    He didn''t have to do this for too long. Facing the plate and seeing that Andrzej was dealing with his portion, the man picked up the cutlery.

    "You could say that I already know why you want me," announced Nowicki. "I respect your opinion, although I am not convinced of it. Let us assume that I agree to your proposal. How do you imagine the details of our cooperation?"

    Fiorelli smiled charmingly. Looking at him, Andrzej did not doubt that he could be a model in J. Acutti, but he wondered why he did not become the face of the company. He was handsome and his olive complexion gave him an exotic charm. Only in Italy such an appearance was probably nothing unusual and it is rather Nowicki''s fair complexion that may be more eye-catching.

    "I''m glad you asked. We would take photos in Poland, in your agency. We are planning two two-day sessions. In addition, two advertising clips, we have not yet determined where exactly. As you can see, it won''t take long. For Fashion Week, you would go to Milan, New York and Tokyo. Nothing big."

    Yes, nothing at all, Andrzej thought to himself, and suddenly he felt that, putting everything aside, the very plan established by Giorgio Fiorelli would be too much of a challenge for him. Fashion Week in Milan, New York and Tokyo? Is someone kidding him?

    "Are these trips to other continents necessary?" He asked. The waiter served the first course.

    Faretti looked thoughtful.

    "I think so," he replied slowly. "You see, fashion is not only about clothes, it is also about smell, makeup, general lifestyle. When selling a brand, you also need to present it live. In fact," he smiled apologetically, you won''t have much to do. Your task is to appear in several places, look nice, smile and smell. It might be a bit of a hassle for you, but I know you can handle it. All you have to do is act naturally. We will take care of the rest. Just like now. You are perfect."

    Andrzej''s heart beat faster. He was not used to compliments of himself, not even those of his relatives. Fiorelli was a stranger and clearly professionally fascinated by him. It was a strange feeling to know that someone was looking at him as he was looking at models, where he figured out how to arrange them so that the photos would come out according to the client''s expectations and the natural predispositions of the girls. He looks at him as if he saw a great opportunity, a potential that he couldn''t wait to wake him up and observe the effects of working together.

    "I know!" Giorgio Fiorelli exclaimed suddenly. "At the hotel, I have campaign designs and cosmetics samples that I would like for you to promote. You''re primarily a photographer, so I''d love to hear your views on this."

    "I don''t know, it''s getting late ..."

    "Come on! Tomorrow is Saturday! It won''t take long, anyway. When you see the projects, feel our new Cologne, you will surely be convinced!"

    Andrzej was not so sure about it and was not very eager to go into the details of the proposal, but it would be rude to refuse when Fiorelli was so enthusiastic.

    "Okay," he agreed, though without enthusiasm.

    "Great" said the Italian. His smile, however, expressed a little too much satisfaction for Andrzej''s taste.

    Er, it''s just his imaginary, he thought, and decided that he really needs to stop looking for something that is not there.

    ***

    The smell came first. Pleasant, alluring, lively, with a slightly citrus note. The bottle design caught his eye too.

    "What do you think?"

    "I like it," Andrzej Nowicki admitted with a smile. "I''m not sure if I would choose it for myself, but I would wear it as if I had received it as a gift from a loved one."

    "Right? It was composed in such a way that it attracted mainly women. Not only because they make a purchase, but when a man smells good, it''s easier for him to attract the fair sex. Of course, it also works for men" he added.

    "Is it enriched with pheromones?" Andrzej asked curiously.

    "Yes. How do you know?"

    "I guessed. I have the impression that the smell changes differently than normally."

    "Yes, it adapts to the biochemistry of a specific organism. The recipe is very modern, so we want a new approach to the campaign and a face that is as original as the fragrance."

    Giorgio Fiorelli stepped closer to Andrzej and sucked in the surrounding air.

    "I knew it would smell great on you."

    The Italian definitely violated his personal space, so Andrzej politely moved away half a step. Fiorelli took the hint and reached for the papers.

    "We want to shoot one commercial clip in Rome" he announced, unfolding the storyboard in front of Nowicki. "You are walking in the middle of the street, nonchalantly, with your hands in your pocket, and all the women you pass are watching behind you ..."

    "Not very original ..."

    "You will be originality, but the effect we want to achieve with the scent is always the same, so there is nothing to change here. Passion, desire, lust. We won''t discover anything here. I want something to drink. What can I get you?"

    "Just water, please."

    "So water," Giorgio Fiorelli announced and stood up. Andrzej was looking at the project. Nothing original, but Fiorelli may have been right to appeal to the most basic of desires. After all, it wasn''t exactly what was shown in the ad, but how.

    "Please."

    "Thank you" Andrzej drank half a glass. "You said that you want to take photos for magazines in Warsaw. They won''t be open-air?"

    "Some of them are, but we also want to have studio ones."

    The Italian sat down next to him again, close enough that their knees touched each other as he handed him the documents related to the second project. Nothing but a coincidence, but Andrzej felt discomfort.

    He also felt something else.

    The image in front of Nowicki''s eyes began to lose focus. He felt suddenly hot, there was a desert in his mouth, and between his legs his penis began to show disturbing symptoms of arousal.

    What the hell is going on? Was there a drug in the water? Impossible! He felt nothing while drinking and why should he...

    "Andrzej, are you okay?"

    Fiorelli looked genuinely concerned. He extended his hand towards Andrzej.

    Nowicki immediately stepped back, avoiding the touch.

    Of course he wasn''t feeling well. It was getting harder and harder for him to catch his breath and his body began to resemble the inside of a metallurgical furnace. If it was a drug ...

    No it is not possible! Fiorelli couldn''t do something like that. He cared too much about the contract.

    Or was the contract just a farce? An excuse to bring him here?

    No, it was all kind of weird.

    "Andrzej, you don''t look your best. Maybe you should lie down for a while?"

    Lie down? In a hotel bed? In a stranger''s room?

    Nowicki''s head was spinning. He saw worse and worse. He stood up suddenly, wanting to increase the distance between them. It was difficult because the knees were breaking down under him. Was it realy a drug?

 Chapter 165 - Going Into Hyperspace

    No, it''s just impossible that Giorgio Fiorelli, the head of J. Acutti, could do that to Andrzej. But then where did he get all these unpleasant symptoms?

    Andrzej Nowicki began to assess his situation.

    The drug (if he was actually given something) worked well. The burning organ was beginning to beg for satisfaction, but Andrzej could not let any stranger touch him. He should have left the room, but his legs were too weak to take more than ten steps. Fiorelli will just come out after him and pull him back. Even if someone notices them, he will pretend that his friend has drunk too much. If it went on like this, Nowicki would become defenseless, at the grace and disfavor of the Italian, and he had a vague feeling that he did not want to get to know this grace at all. He wanted to shake him up, ask him directly what he had done to him, but he felt too physically insecure to risk a confrontation. He was ashamed to admit that he had to flee. Yes, but where?

    "I''m feeling al little sick," he muttered.

    The bathroom should have a lock. Even at the hotel. He headed for her door.

    "You really should lie down." He felt Fiorelli''s hand on his shoulder.

    Andrzej feigned nausea. The grip immediately loosened. He used it to slip into the bathroom. He felt worse and worse. He tried to touch the lock with his hand. He went pale, unable to find him. What if it''s not there?

    It was!

    He twisted it, feeling tremendously relieved, and fell to the floor. He touched his forehead, surprised at how hot and sweaty it was.

    And what now? Should he sit here all night until the drug wears off?

    Cholera!

    Come on, goddamn it!

    Outside the Italian asked about his well-being. What a farce! As if he did not realize what he had done and what else he wanted to do to him. Andrzej felt like one endless nightmare. He had to get away from this place, but between him and freedom was the whole room that Fiorelli was in, then the corridor, and most of all his weakness.

    Call someone from the hotel?

    No. They might misunderstand the situation, and he wasn''t going to leave town.

    But he couldn''t stay here. Not in a state where his heart pounds so hard that he hears his every beat and sees his chest move. He needs to call someone and ask for help.

    With trembling hands, he found the phone.

    Who to call? To Bambus?

    No, better not. He would have come to his aid, for sure, but had he found out what Fiorelli had done to him would have resulted in a spill of Italian blood. That was unnecessary. Dominik was not in the country, and even if he was, Andrzej could not have asked him for help in such a situation. After all, he will not call any of his colleagues, because they too could jump to conclusions.

    In such a situation, he had one option. Only one contact. He would definitely prefer not to do this, not to call the man, but he felt so terrible that he didn''t care anymore.

    "What a nice surprise!" almost immediately he heard a slightly mocking voice in the receiver.

    "He has ... Marczak ..."

    Hell! Why is it so difficult for him to get his voice out? Why does his breathing have to be so heavy?

    Marczak''s voice changed immediately when he asked a short, matter-of-fact question:

    "Where are you?"

    Andrzej gave him the hotel name and room number.

    "I''m around. I''ll be there in fifteen minutes. No, in ten. Wait for me."

    The hand with the phone dropped to his lap. She was trembling as if in a fever. Andrzej was trembling all over. It was as if his body was going to shatter to pieces.

    It grew silent outside the door. He turned his face hard to that side. He still couldn''t catch any sound. Fiorelli must have left, but he might as well have waited until Nowicki decided that he was safe and left. Andrzej laughed bitterly to himself. How did this absurd situation even come about?

    Throughout the evening, the Italian behaved friendly and erotic undertones penetrated the photographer''s consciousness. It was quite natural, however, that he was oversensitive. He was just misreading cultural differences. Yet there was something else behind Fiorelli''s exuberance. But to use some drug against him? To risk it?

    Sudden pain in the crotch made Andrzej groan. His penis cried out desperately for relief from his suffering.

    "Why did you do this to me?" He asked through the door.

    "I didn''t do anything to you," came the reply after a moment''s silence.

    "Do not lie! It''s some kind of drug. Aphrodisiac!"

    This time a long break.

    "I did not want that. You were just going to get excited. It was supposed to be a weak middle. Come on out, I swear I won''t do anything you don''t want to do."

    He won''t want to, right? A bit too late. After this drug, his whole body wanted to be caressed. He felt as if he had turned to lust.

    "I''m sorry," Nowicki heard, and it sounded sincere. "I''ll get a doctor. Maybe he will be able to help you ..."

    "No."

    Andrzej doubled over. It was on fire. He was trembling.

    Marczak will be here in ten minutes. No, earlier. What time was it? Does not matter. He doesn''t remember what time he called him anyway. He was unable to monitor the passage of time.

    "I swear I didn''t want that to happen," he heard again outside the door. "You are wonderful and I wanted to get you, but you were very distant all evening. I figured this powder would help you loosen up and want to make love to me yourself."

    Has Fiorelli gone mad?

    Or maybe I am crazy because his words reach me. My imagination sees his face like the girly heart of his dream guy¡­

    No, no, no, he shook his head. Dominik. Only Dominik.

    But Dominik is not here.

    He''s not here.

    There is ...

    Andrzej felt dizzy. It was madness, madness. His body has never been in such a pitiful condition. Devoured by the flame, he could barely breathe.

    For God''s sake, somebody help him!

    There was a commotion outside the door. Nowicki did not know what was happening. He was too focused on having to breathe. Heard through a haze that someone was calling his name.

    He blinked his eyelids.

    "Marczak?" He asked surprised. "It''s you?"

    "Yes! Andrzej, are you in the bathroom? Open it up."

    Yes, it was Marczak''s voice. Firm, sharp, resisting opposition, but also strangely concerned.

    "Wait a second" Nowicki struggled to get up from the floor. He turned the lock. The door gave way and he flew forward. Someone caught him.

    "Look at me. Hi!"

    Andrzej wanted to raise his head and look at the man who was speaking, but could not find him. Someone was lying on the floor. Someone else gripped his chin brutally and suddenly he saw his face.

    "Marczak? What are you doing here?"

    "You called me. You do not remember?" what a harsh yet pleasant voice. What a sensual fragrance!

    He thinks¡­ He thinks he called someone.

    "You can go?" someone asked. Someone? Marczak?

    "I can."

    The legs, however, did not obey him. They trailed after him as if they had something better to do than go. Yet somehow he was moving forward.

    "You smell good," Andrzej said, and brought his face closer to the smell.

    "Shut the hell up," someone growled. Not someone, Marczak. Why is Marczak talking to him like that?"

    "You do not like me anymore?"

    "Andrzej, for God''s sake, shut up!"

    So he shut up.

    There were lights, then a chill that relieved his body and allowed him to see the world more clearly. He could see the 100-year-old hotel building and the car. Someone pushed him in and hugged him. No, he was only wearing his seat belts.

    Sharp pain pierced Andrzej''s body. He doubled over.

    "If you have to, then puke."

    "No," he shook his head, which was a mistake because he couldn''t make the images in his eyes stop spinning. Behind the glass, the lights blurred into streaks.

    "How pretty," he smiled. The lights sped up. "We''re going into hyperspace¡­"

    The smudges sped up even more, and he felt himself being pressed into the seat as the WARP engines were activated.

    No, it wasn''t a spaceship. It was ... It was ...

    They stopped. Someone helped him out. He felt that wonderful, sensual scent again and his body reacted by itself. Painfully.

    Elevator and new interior. Familiar and yet strange. I think he''s been here before. In this room as well. And here.

    Suddenly a cascade of icy water poured over his head. Since when is it raining indoors ?! He snorted gasping for air. The cold, however, began to bring him back to consciousness.

    Shower! Marczak threw him into a cold shower! Now he was standing next to him and watched Nowicki trying to stay upright under the stream of water.

 Chapter 166 - I Will Not Betray Dominik

    "Thank you," the photographer said, his teeth chattering.

    "It won''t get through that easily, you know? Ache. You''ll have to relieve yourself."

    Andrzej, who had almost completely regained consciousness thanks to the cold shower, blushed. Why does Marczak have to stand in front of him now and talk to him on such topics?

    "You can''t do it on your own," the manager continued. "This is not your usual measure. It''s best if you let me help you."

    "No," Andrzej replied firmly, though he didn''t feel the confidence at all.

    "I''ll raise the water temperature a little, or you''ll be hypothermic in a few minutes. Stay in the shower, it''ll be easier for you to endure the drug. It will be faster and less painful if you let me help you."

    "No" Nowicki put his arms around himself. He was starting to tremble, this time from the cold. "I will be faithful to Dominik."

    "I''m sure he''ll understand the circumstances."

    "No" Andrzej replied for the third time.

    The stream of water has become less intense and a little warmer. Still cool, but his teeth stopped chattering.

    "Every now and then I will check if you are conscious," said Marczak, and covered the curtain, "but don''t worry about me. If you change your mind and need help, I''ll be in the next room."

    "Is there ... a measure to ... stop this action?"

    "I don''t know," Marek Marczak admitted sadly. "You were unlucky. You''ve come to the White Lady. Someone released several dozen tablets mixed with Exaity. It''s at least five times more powerful and I don''t know of any antidotes. You must get over it by yourself."

    So he really didn''t want to get me to this state. It was just a coincidence. Mistake. He had no bad intentions ...

    Who?

    Who did this to him?

    Andrzej shuddered. The warmer water made his mind start to get lost again, but he knew that Marczak was right and that he could not stay in too cold water for too long.

    It hurt. His penis hurt, as if someone had stuffed it with dynamite and set a fuse on fire. It hurt as if it were about to explode.

    I''m pathetic, he thought. Completely pathetic. Dominik, you have a completely pathetic guy.

    ***

    Marek Marczak spoke on the phone.

    "Are you sure nothing came up? You know the price doesn''t matter."

    "I know, Mareczek, dear, but unfortunately. A week ago one of my boys got it by accident."

    "How did he take it?"

    "He''s a slut, so he was fucking all night. Then he had a hangover for three days, although he didn''t drink a drop, but the customers appreciate that night very much."

    "Thanks, Madam."

    Madam was born a man, but not finding herself in this body, she decided to become a woman. Surgery wasn''t that easy in her youth, so she was content with drugs, and it stayed that way. Currently, she ran a funhouse where she employed only transvestites. Whether they felt women or just had fantasies with each other in feminine clothes, it didn''t matter. If the boy wanted to wear women''s trimmings and take them off in front of clients, he has always found a place for himself at Madam''s.

    Madam was fair and cared for her girls. She provided them with everything they wanted, but she imposed only one rule - they had to take care of their health. If there was a new drug on the market, she knew it. She always tried to have an antidote for him. There was no problem with soft measures, but something like the White Lady was unpredictable.

    Marczak cursed as he hung up. Nowicki was really unlucky.

    The White Lady was supposed to be a super aphrodisiac. It quickly turned out that her action exceeded all expectations to such an extent that the man after her was not able to find satisfaction even after intercourse. It wasn''t a problem if his victim was someone for whom sex is everyday fun and he doesn''t quite care who and where he practices it, but for someone like Andrzej, a die-hard and irreversible monogamist, the difficulties went by themselves. Especially since his partner was half the world away.

    Marek gritted his teeth. He knew Nowicki enough to know that he had not taken anything himself. But how on earth had he come to be in a position that would allow him to administer such a measure? Did he not realize that with his appearance and haughty behavior, he provokes any guy who prefers intimate company of the same sex?

    He probably didn''t realize it, Marczak shook his head. Andrzej was too honest to sniff out a trick, too law-abiding to look for a crime, and too naive to understand that most people in this world are garbage and only think about their own pleasures. Only that was what attracted him in Nowicki so much. When the photographer, under the influence of the drug, moved close to him, close enough to smell each other''s scent, Marek had to use all his willpower to push him away. He wanted Andrzej, he wanted him very much, but not so much. If he had taken advantage of the situation, Nowicki would have hated him later.

    Marek hated himself for not being able to help him.

    He walked over to the bathroom door. He heard the sound of the shower. Without a word, he pressed the handle and entered.

    "Hey, Nowicki, are you alive?"

    He waited five heartbeats. Silence suited him. Before six, he reached for the curtain and swung it open.

    Andrzej was sitting in the shower, curled up as if he wanted to disappear. He was trembling and breathing heavily. Marczak touched his shoulder. The water was colder than he had set it.

    "Are you crazy?" Marek immediately turned on the warm tap. "Do you want to chill your body?"

    "Leave it. It''s better this way."

    "Like hell!"

    He didn''t feel like doing this, but he looked at the bulge in the photographer''s pants.

    "Did you relieved yourself?"

    There was no answer. Andrzej looked away.

    "Well?"

    "Did not help."

    "Then do it again. Don''t be such a holy miss. Get a grip and shake off as many times as necessary. But looking at you, you probably don''t have the strength to raise your hand. Look, I can really help you. If you don''t want me, I can bring you a woman or a man ..."

    "No! I will not betray Dominik."

    "Well, there will be no betrayal. Think of it as a medical treatment ..."

    Andrzej laughed, but it sounded somehow bitter and pathetic. It made associations with sobs. Marczak felt angry at his stubbornness and, at the same time, admiration and jealousy. He never loved to suffer torment for someone. Maybe he was loved so much by Dominik once, but that was a long time ago and it will never come back.

    "I hope Dominik appreciates how much you dedicate yourself to him," he growled. "Don''t you dare to lower the water temperature. When I find you are getting cold again, I''ll get you out of here and put you in my bed. Naked."

    Not a single word was said, but Nowicki stopped shaking. Marek knew he was angry. And good. Maybe now the photographer will behave more sensibly.

    It hurt to look at him. Is there anything worse than seeing someone you love in pain and not being able to help them?

    Marczak closed the curtain again to give Andrzej a bit of privacy. He left the bathroom and stood helplessly staring at the floor. It was going to be a long, unpleasant night.

    Andrzej fell asleep in the morning, completely exhausted by the night. Marek undressed him, wiped him dry, and pulled him out of the bathroom. He tossed him into the soft sheets and sat down next to it. He looked at his handsome face and pushed his wet hair back.

    Nowicki will probably fall ill. Too much cold water, although Marczak checked regularly to make sure it wasn''t too cold. But these are the consequences when a man packs into a stranger''s hotel room and accepts drinks from him.

    These are the results of pointless stubbornness, pride, and loyalty, no matter what the situation. And Dominik, if he saw Andrzej in such a condition, would do anything to help him. He would have allowed him to have sex with anyone, and he would have slept with anyone himself if it were to bring relief to Nowicki. Marek would have slept with both of them, but it wasn''t a sacrifice for him.

    The photographer groaned in his sleep. Only now, when his consciousness was completely asleep, did he make sounds of his suffering. He had been firm before, and though his body seemed like a joke, he couldn''t complain about the pain even with a sigh.

    Nowicki was stupid just like that, wanting to be a great hero. He should have been moaning, screaming and, most of all, letting someone take good care of his penis and relieve the tension caused by the drug. His pride and righteousness stood in his way causing physical and mental torture. But he persevered, he was an imbecile, and Marczak felt admiration for him.

 Chapter 167 - Yet Again In Another Mans Bed

    Marek touched Andrzej''s forehead. It was warm. Not hot, but warmer than usual. He measured his temperature with a non-contact thermometer. Thirty-seven and five - not a tragedy yet, but it will have to be followed. Is it already an infection or is it still a drug? How long can the White Lady work? Marek did not know anyone who would not succumb to it, so with sexual activity the drug could work differently than without it. He looked at his watch. It was almost six. It''s still a little early to call a doctor you know for a consultation. He''ll check the temperature in half an hour and make a call if it rises.

    He was tired of the sleepless night and the day before. The police left his neck, but the shadow of Iwo M??y¨½ski, that unfortunate, murdered boy, was lying behind him all the time. This death was definitely premature and unnecessary. Marek, although he did not cause it, had remorse. The boy died on a night when Andrzej was lying unconscious in his bed.

    Marek went to wash his face. On the way he picked up Nowicki''s belongings. Only the jacket was not wet. He caught her leading him out of the hotel room and slung him over his shoulders. If he had a washing machine at home, he would put his clothes in it, and before Andrzej got out of bed, they would be clean and dry. Marek was not, however, one of the people who do their own laundry. He didn''t even have a clothesline, so he threw his clothes on the bathtub, unfolding them haphazardly. Then he went into the kitchen and turned on the coffee machine.

    At six-thirty he took Andrzej''s temperature again. She went up one stroke. There was nothing to wait for. He called a trusted doctor and described the problem.

    "Is he asleep or unconscious?" The doctor asked after hearing the report.

    "Sleeps."

    Marek had no medical training, but he had seen a lot. His parties weren''t the only ones fun and let consciousness dissolve into nothingness. Alcohol, drugs, aphrodisiacs or all at once, all sorts of explosive mixtures and something new every few months. Not that someone had fallen unconscious. But that''s what they were for, to allow more than normal, to forget, or to fulfill a forbidden fantasy.

    "Check the temperature in half an hour and call me."

    So another half hour ...

    It passed slowly. Andrzej did not wake up, but he groaned a few times and moved restlessly. He was having bad dreams or feeling pain. Maybe both.

    His temperature jumped one line. Not good. Marczak made the phone call.

    "I''m on my way," said a friend.

    If he was home, it would be another half an hour before he knocks on his door. Marek made a cold compress and put it on Andrzej''s forehead.

    He saw Nowicki looking at him.

    "How are you?" Marek asked.

    "Weird," came the weak reply. "What happened? Got drunk again?"

    "You do not remember?"

    "No¡­"

    "You had a rough night. You''re a little feverish. A doctor will come and check you out. Does anything hurt you?"

    "A little ... What happened?"

    "Someone gave you a drug. You''re too trusting."

    "I? Trusting?" Andrzej tried to laugh.

    "Lie still. I''ll bring you some water."

    "Marczak ..."

    "What?"

    "I''m sorry. I''ve been mean to you, and you''re saving my ass for the second time."

    "How do you know it''s not me who gave you the drug?"

    "I just know."

    Marczak turned his face away from him. He couldn''t bear the warm look of the hazel eyes. Expressing gratitude in them. That look, that face, was too beautiful to be ignored.

    I really love him, Marek thought as he left the room. Because of him, I know how it hurts to love without reciprocity.

    The doctor examined Andrzej with the door closed. As soon as he left the bedroom, he turned to Marczak.

    "He is exhausted and there is a fever. I gave him an injection and he''ll sleep for several hours. It will be fine. He should be in bed for a few days."

    "Thank you."

    "I must admit, I''m surprised. The White Lady is an extremely powerful drug. The pain must have been overwhelming. To resist him so much!"

    "Love, doc, love."

    "Love," he shook his head with a pitying smile. "The only disease that no doctor can cure. These are cases for a psychiatrist."

    "I agree one hundred percent."

    "If the fever returns in twelve hours, call me. I''ll give him a second dose."

    "So I will. Thank you."

    Marczak breathed a sigh of relief. It would be bad, very bad, if something really happened to this idiot.

    Anyway, it wasn''t quite right with him, since he was falling in love with idiots themselves.

    ***

    Andrzej woke up in a room whose darkness was illuminated by city lights streaming through the window, and through the door by light from the next room. He knew that he was in Marek Marczak''s bedroom, but how he got there was a mystery to him. He remembered what Marczak had told him earlier that he was under the influence of some drug, but who gave him it, when and where, remained a mystery.

    It was probably because of the very agent that influenced his perception and short-term memory. Like alcohol, only stronger. Whatever it was, it gave him such a kick to the head that there was still a throbbing in it.

    He was thirsty, but he was unable to call out to Marczak, who was wandering around the next room. He couldn''t see him, but he could hear his footsteps and things being rearranged. He couldn''t abuse Marczak''s sympathy, not after the bizarre relationship between them was. At the first meeting, Andrzej hit him on the head and then clearly let him know how much he hated him. After all, Marczak confessed his love to him. Less than a month has passed since then, and he has already rushed to help him twice.

    And twice he put him in his bed undressing completely.

    Nowicki blushed when he discovered this truth.

    "Attention, I''m turning on the light," he heard, and he shuddered as he saw Marczak enter the room. The light flashed and he closed his eyes. "How are you feeling?"

    "Better," he admitted. "I really appreciate you taking care of me. Can you tell me what happened?"

    "I don''t know everything," Marczak put a hand to his forehead unceremoniously. "The fever''s gone, but I''ll check the temperature to be sure." He pointed an electronic thermometer at his head like a gun. "Thirty-seven and two. Virtually none. Are you going to eat something now or do you just want water for now?"

    "Water is enough. Thank you."

    Marczak disappeared and returned with a bottle of mineral water.

    "I''ll help you sit up," he offered and touched his shoulder and back.

    For some reason, his touch made Andrzej blush. That was weird.

    "Did you feel dizzy?"

    "No. Maybe a little."

    "Take it slow. We have time."

    "What time is it? What day is it?"

    "Saturday. Four p.m."

    Andrzej realized that he had lost the whole day of his life. The discovery of this truth was, in short, bitter.

    "I guess it''s a good thing I don''t remember much," he smiled sheepishly. "I must have been doing very stupid things."

    "Very much. Didn''t your mom teach you not to go to hotel rooms of unknown men and accept drinks of unknown origin?"

    "Fiorelli?" Suddenly he remembered dinner. All his ambiguous behavior, which he explained with cultural differences. "Impossible! After all, he works for J. Acutti! We talked about business and he said the preliminary draft was left at the hotel ..."

    "Nowicki, let me tell you one thing. No, two things. First of all - you are an idiot. Secondly - the higher someone stands, the more impunity they feel. You should know that knowing me."

    "You''re not as bad as I thought."

    "No? How did I know what they gave you?"

    Andrzej felt strange. Well, after all, Marczak was not a saint, definitely not. His parties were famous in some circles, and a few years ago a few high-ranking people lost their stools in connection with the sex scandal with which Marczak was unofficially associated. This guy was associated with the world of high-class prostitution, he had compromising papers for more than one leader, Nowicki caught him trying to rape and then the manager wanted to let his former lover, whom he attacked, with the bags. And recently, the police have been sniffing around for a suspected homicide.

    Marczak was definitely not white, but he never did any harm to Andrzej, and from the moment Dominik disappeared, the photographer only got friendship and support from him.

    Is it because he loves him?

    Was that love confession real?

    "You are not white" said Nowicki emphatically "but you are not black either. I can see it now and ... sorry."

    "Give it up. I''ll bring you the phone. Write to Dominik or call him. You don''t want to bother him with silence."

    "You''re right. Thank you."

 Chapter 168 - Goodbye Fantasies

    Marczak brought him a mobile and left. He did not close the door completely, but closed it enough, giving him a sense of privacy. Andrzej felt awkward watching him disappear from his own bedroom to give him more freedom.

    This Marczak was completely different from the one he knew at the beginning. If it was his love for him, there was nothing for Andrzej to do but feel compassion for him, because he did not intend to give up his relationship with Dominik.

    The actor surrounded him with sincere and tender love. He was sensitive and naive, alluring and sweet. He relied on Andrzej completely and trusted him in everything. He charmed, seduced, tempted, but also gave all the beauty of his body and soul. He was natural and simple, wonderfully shy, fragile, yet strong. He was the complete opposite of the arrogant, insolent and confident Marczak. So Marczak''s relationship with Nowicki would have a completely different, more explosive character ...

    Andrzej paled.

    Did he really think what his relationship with Marczak would look like?

    He immediately looked at the phone''s display. There was one unread mail waiting for him. Only one, he breathed a sigh of relief, that is, his silence did not make Dominik panic. He read the message and felt the warmth of the actor''s love in his heart. He wanted to write back when he suddenly realized that he couldn''t tell him the truth about where he was and why. For the first time since they met, Andrzej couldn''t tell him the truth. He had promised him honesty once, no lies, and now he was unable to bring himself to it.

    He hid his face in his hands. After a few moments, he felt the warmth of his breath on it.

    What was he supposed to do?

    "I can''t wait for you to come back. You can''t even imagine how I miss you. I needed you so badly that night, and I had to be content only with the memories of the moments together. Today I lie in bed all day. I am gathering strength for your return. When you come back, I will whisper all my longings in your ear. I love you. I love you. I love ... "

    The words themselves formed sentences following not the reason but the heart. He didn''t have to write about all the events since the last email. It was enough for Dominik to pass on what was most important - his longing and love.

    Andrzej sent an email and felt sad. He wanted to be with the one he loves. He really needed him. His heart and even his body felt uncomfortable wanting something not fully defined, which was, however, inextricably linked with Dominic.

    This anxiety, and a longing that was different than always, may have been related to what happened at night. If Andrzej was in fact under the influence of drugs, strange things could happen to his body. He was still too darkened physically and mentally to know for sure, but Marczak suggested that the drug given to him was supposed to make him feel excited or submissive. Or both.

    The anxiety suddenly took on a different, deeper character. What happened to his body then? Has Andrzej had sex with someone and does not remember it? With Fiorelli? With Marczak? With someone else?

    Panic seized him.

    "Marczak!" He called softly. He was afraid of the answer, but he had to ask the question.

    The man reappeared after a few seconds.

    "Yes?"

    "Marczak, was I tonight ...?" but how to ask about it? "Did we ... Did I have sex that night?"

    Waiting for an answer was a torture that Dominik''s former manager seemed to be deliberately prolonging.

    "What if so?" Andrzej heard finally, and his heart skipped a beat. "Someone gave you a very strong drug. Aphrodisiac if you prefer. Your body was on fire with lust and pain. Would it really be so terrible if, without Dominik at hand, you slept with someone else?"

    So though!

    Nowicki''s head fell helplessly on his chest.

    "You''re absurd, you know?" Marczak growled. "Why? Why do you fucking care so much about Dominik? Why can''t you look at anyone else, even in the moments of greatest need? Why, even when your body screams in tension, do you only want him?"

    Anger and frustration poured out of Marek Marczak as if a gigantic hole had formed in the barrel that had accumulated them.

    "Only him," he continued. "Always only him. It pisses me off. Why? Why Dominik?"

    "He is my first love" Andrzej confessed quietly.

    "What?"

    "I''m twenty-eight years old and I''ve never been in love. Only Dominik ..."

    "Are you telling me you''ve never been with a man or a woman before?"

    "I''ve had lovers, girls before, but I''ve never loved. It was Dominik who taught me what love is. So I''m sorry. I''m sorry to hurt you. But he is for me ..."

    Marczak touched his chin and suddenly their lips were pressed together in a tense kiss. Surprised and weakened, Andrzej did not even have time to object.

    "It was goodbye," said Marczak sadly and moved away from him. "I just said goodbye to my fantasies about you. And about Dominik. You are a beautiful couple and I have never seen love like this, so I was jealous of it. Maybe I''ll be there for a long time. You were so excited that night that anyone else in your position would settle for anyone. Even a rubber doll. But you, in this Italian''s room, locked yourself in the bathroom. When I took you out of there and put you in the shower, I offered to ease you. You didn''t want me or anyone else. Only Dominika. He wasn''t there, so you had to struggle. And you''ve exhausted yourself, without complaint, for Dominik. How can I fight this feeling?"

    "Marczak, I ..."

    The manager shook his head.

    "I like you, Nowicki, but you will not be my white whale. I''ll find someone with whom I have a chance."

    "I think that''s a good solution," he agreed. "Thank you for everything and if you could tell where my clothes are ..."

    "You''re not going anywhere," said Marczak firmly. "You have no one at home to look after you, and at this point you should be careful."

    "But ... I don''t want to abuse ..."

    "Take it easy. We can''t be lovers, but maybe we can become buddies?"

    "Are you sure?"

    "I don''t like repeating myself," his voice became firm.

    It was a strange situation. Quirky, one could say, but Marczak was already behaving as befits him. He returned to normal and Andrzej felt a bit of relief.

    Maybe this guy wasn''t really in love with him after all? Maybe he just confused his feelings and emotions and gave them a meaning they didn''t have.

    Marczak brought him fresh underwear and Andrzej, guided by his male pride, decided to go to the kitchen for dinner. He failed. His legs failed him before he could reach for his pants. How long fell beside the bed and was left to Marczak''s help. There was no way he could leave this place like this. At least not on his own. So he was doomed to remain under the care of Marczak.

    That same evening, he called Patrycja Maj and apologized that he would not be able to conduct the session. Of course, he did not reveal any details, he only stated that he felt bad, which was completely truthful. He hoped he would have enough rest by Monday to welcome Dominik with dignity and as promised.

    Meanwhile, he was condemned to the company of Marczak.

    It was difficult to talk to him at first. However, they quickly went in about Dominik''s test shots and were able to exchange their thoughts somehow. Slowly but surely, they broke the ice and were finally able to talk normally, despite the earlier confession of love and the fact that Andrzej''s mouth still felt the taste of his.

    ***

    Nowicki got out of the taxi feeling every movement in his body. Marczak suggested that he should not go to work today and let his body recover, but Andrzej decided that it would be suspicious. He didn''t want to arouse any rumors and suspicions, because although he was innocent in the whole incident, the case was ugly. It was better to be there and have your finger on the pulse if you had to repair any damage.

    His poor condition did not escape the watchful eyes of Sylwia, the assistant, however. The girl smiled understandingly and asked:

    "Crazy weekend?"

    "You don''t even know how much," he muttered.

    And you won''t know, he thought, because he wasn''t going to share his experiences with anyone these days.

    He was sore despite the painkillers. It was a pain, but it was bearable. It wouldn''t be a big problem if all his limbs weren''t so stiff and his skin wasn''t so sensitive to touch. Andrzej was disappointed and furious because he wanted to be in the best shape for Dominik''s arrival.

 Chapter 169 - Little Devil In Him

    He was expecting a call from Mrs. Janka and a report on his business dinner. What was he to say to a woman who valued him as her own son? The whole situation and this unfortunate incident were bloody annoying.

    "Fiorelli on the line," he heard suddenly, and looked up from the laptop he had launched a while ago, but nothing else."

    "What does he want?"

    "Meet and chat."

    He called the company, so he reports through the business channel. If Andrzej said that he wanted nothing to do with him, it would raise more questions than it answers.

    "Tell him, please, that I have time until eleven. He may appear early enough."

    Actually Nowicki had a lot more time, but in this whole situation he was the victim, not the Italian. If Fiorelli thought that he was allowed to do anything because of his position in a well-known company, he was wrong, and very much so.

    Mrs. Janka did not ask him for an interview. Only Tomaszek came up with a quick question if Andrzej had already made a decision.

    "I''ll be talking to Fiorelli again," he replied. It seemed that this state of affairs suited Mrs. Pasek, because there were no more questions or comments.

    Giorgio Fiorelli appeared forty minutes later. The tall, slender Italian with wavy black hair was quite handsome, which Nowicki objectively stated. Subjectively, however, he was disgusted with him. A slight smile left his lips immediately when Sylwia closed the door as she left.

    "I''ve been waiting for the police all weekend," Giorgio Fiorelli said apologetically.

    "And I thought you left for Milan that night."

    "Believe me, I really didn''t want to ..."

    "What? Fuck me?"

    "It''s not a sin to covet someone beautiful."

    "And make him do something against his will?"

    "I did not know that this aphrodisiac..."

    "I know" Andrzej interrupted him. "This justifies the strength of the drug, not the mere administration. Do you have something for your defense here?"

    "Only that I am really fascinated by your beauty. You''re insanely alluring and ..."

    "This is supposed to be an excuse? If so, you are a degenerate."

    "So be it. But I''m not alone in this. Do you know how many times I have been in a similar situation? Models, regardless of age and gender, are attracted to this world and are able to give up everything for the smallest contract ..."

    "What are you here for?" Nowicki broke in on his word, because he didn''t like the Italian''s tirade. The longer he listened to it, the more he hated it.

    "I''d like you to rethink your contract with us after all."

    "Are you kidding me? Agree and then be careful with everything I eat and drink so I don''t end up in some pervert''s bed?"

    "You''re too strict ..."

    "You are in danger of a criminal charges. Better be careful what you say to me."

    Giorgio Fiorelli gritted his teeth.

    "I will give up this project," he announced. "I''ll pass it on to someone who has no interest in men."

    "I have difficulty believing that someone like that exists in your world."

    "Please. I chose you from thousands of faces, but my coworkers didn''t need to be convinced. If this satisfies you, I can resign from the company. Just agree to be the face of our campaign."

    He was begging, he was really begging. How desperate. He was pathetic, but agreed to abandon everything so as not to spoil the project. Or not to go to a prison cell. The bastard was pathetic and Andrzej decided that he wouldn''t let him sneak out so easily.

    ***

    "And what?" Mrs. Pasek asked curiously. Andrzej was just returning from the toilet and did not expect this "accidental" meeting.

    "We''re negotiating."

    "Really? I thought you made decisions faster."

    "Usually yes, but there are several different factors involved."

    "But you don''t force yourself to do it, do you?"

    "On the contrary, I feel more and more tempted to do so." Andrzej was not lying. Fiorelli''s desperation set a little devil in Nowicki. He will now be fork stabbing an Italian for his crime. "However, before I sign a contract, all white spots must be filled in and each sentence in small print precisely explained."

    "Our lawyers ..."

    "Thank you. I hope there will be no such need."

    "You look tired," Mrs. Pasek looked at him sympathetically. She probably thought he had spent too much time pondering the proposal. "Dominik is back today?"

    "Tonight."

    "Go home, get some sleep or prepare something delicious for him. If Dominik sees you like this, he won''t want to leave again. How about the trial shots?"

    "Looks like he was liked."

    "It is obvious. Rather, I am asking if he liked the plan?"

    Andrzej''s eyes widened. That he had not thought about it himself! ?liwi¨½ski was against acting in this film. He wanted to quit acting at all. He agreed only under pressure from others. From his side. How was it different from the pressures Marczak had previously applied on him?

    "I''ll talk to him about it after his return. Face to face."

    Mrs. Pasek pointed out an important thing to him. Only now, when Nowicki faced a similar choice, could he better understand ?liwi¨½ski''s reluctance to take on new roles. Andrzej refused to acknowledge that the entire world of show business was demoralized, but he had to admit that some in it felt with impunity. Probably if he got close to the world of politics, sports or anything else, he would find more dirt than he expects, secret deals, gray eminences, people who feel impunity because of their position and wealth. Nowicki was fed up with all of this before he set foot there, but Dominik had been in this dirty world for seven years. It wasn''t fair to him that his purgatory was extended by one more movie.

    Purgatory or maybe Hell?

    Andrzej promised to support and protect him, while he was the first to persuade him to play in a Hollywood production. Why? Because he believed that the role was perfect for Dominik and that something beautiful would come out of it. But was this "beauty" not to come at the expense of the man he was to take care of? Mrs. Janka told Andrzej not to force himself to anything, so why did he force Dominik?

    After all, he wanted to believe that was not the case. He wanted to think that he had convinced the actor rationally and that ?liwi¨½ski hated his decision. What if it is different? If, because of him, Dominik pretends that everything is fine, in the meantime he has to deal with various unpleasantness just to make him, Andrzej, enjoyable? If so, Nowicki was a really low creature.

    Would Dominik tell him if it was bad? Andrzej wanted to believe that, because they were friends, but they were something more, and just as he himself could not tell him about the adventure with Fiorelli, ?liwi¨½ski could hide other facts from him. Not because he wanted to hide something from him, it was just too hard to reveal the truth and the other person might have to worry unnecessarily.

    But, then, will they not fall into some spiral of lies and suddenly find out that they are not really telling themselves anything? They move away from each other, they become complete strangers because it becomes harder and harder to talk when lies pile up. And yet Andrzej promised that he would always be honest with Dominik.

    So he will have to tell his adventure and do it in such a way that it turns into a joke.

    A joke, good to yourself. Nowicki could not imagine anything funny in this situation. On the contrary, if something like this happened to Dominik, he would be afraid to let him go anywhere alone and the Italian would say goodbye to his pretty face permanently.

    By using the high-speed train, Andrzej would have a simple connection to his home. He used it when he was in a hurry, that is almost always when Dominik was waiting for him. But the house was empty and sad.

    Home without Dominik, meals without him, spent nights alone ... All life lost its taste and meaning when he was not around.

    If he were a woman, I would propose to him, Andrzej smiled to himself and suddenly blushed. The only time he''d ever thought about getting married was when Paulina got pregnant and her man turned out to be the last shit. Nowicki did not want her to raise the child herself and the child to be brought up without a father. It would be a marriage of love, but purely platonic, friendly, devoid of romance and passion. He would survive, and they would probably both be happy in it, although neither would feel fulfilled. Paulina found it out to him and refused. He didn''t feel hurt or rejected, but neither was there any relief. He was ready for this marriage because he did not want someone he respected and liked to suffer the stigma of a single mother. However, she had enough strength not to worry about anything and raise a wonderful daughter.

    Andrzej did not think about marrying someone else because he did not know love.

 Chapter 170 - Nut And Bolt

    Andrzej has not met anyone he would like to be with all his life. No one who would fill every free space of his existence. No one every inch of his heart and soul would miss. Body too, he had to admit and sighed. He was always alone. There in there, where his feelings and thoughts are.

    That August morning, when he got this annoying commission to take compromising photos of Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, began to change everything. At first slowly, imperceptibly, and then it started an avalanche so powerful that it crushed all his resistance.

    Because Dominik was exactly what Andrzej needed to believe in love and free himself from his loneliness. They fit together like two halves of an apple, or like a nut and bolt.

    Despite his flaws, Marczak was a pretty cool guy - handsome, influential and really reliable. Could be a great lover and partner. But he wasn''t Dominic.

    Fiorelli could be overwhelming with his southern beauty and way of being. He didn''t even have to use forbidden tricks to get the man towards him. His position was as attractive as honey and his body was certainly a delight. However, he was also not Dominic.

    There was only one Dominik. Only his. While Sun was shining, every other star was invisible in its shadow. ?liwi¨½ski was the Sun of Andrzej''s Earth.

    Nowicki walked the streets lost in thought. He stared at the shop windows, decorated with Christmas decorations. Colorful beads, dancing Santa Clauses, gift packages tied with shiny ribbons attracted the eye and reminded us that the time of giving to others was approaching. They encouraged people to go into the store and choose something special for a friend, girlfriend or boyfriend, lover ... The bottles of expensive perfume looked like little masterpieces. The sexy lingerie was red in the eyes. Gold and silver sparkled from the jewelers'' windows.

    Andrzej''s eyes were caught by a wedding ring with a tiny, blue stone, the glow of which resembled Dominik''s eyes ...

    "¡­ Will arrive ten minutes late. I repeat. Flight number ...

    Andrzej had been waiting for half an hour, so ten minutes shouldn''t have made any difference to him, and yet he felt a rise in tension. He knew it would be a long time before the passengers disembarked, before passport clearance of passengers was complete, but he couldn''t wait to see that tiny, beautiful face with eyes like two aquamarine suns and hazel hair fringing it.

    Waiting was painful, not least because he couldn''t wait. His body was still suffering from drug poisoning. This, in turn, irritated him. He promised Dominik a warm welcome and he wanted him so much that it was a shame to admit to himself, and yet he had to confess to the man he loves and craves that today nothing will come of it, because he was very stupid and drugged. He felt like a complete idiot with this.

    Today he would not live up to his own and his lover''s expectations, but that did not change the fact that he wanted to see Dominik as early as possible. He was waiting for him like a child for the first star in the sky on this special evening of the year. ?liwi¨½ski was his star, Santa and a gift. He was all that was expected and appeared with a heart full of joyful hope.

    He was just everything.

    The minutes dragged on endlessly in the chatter of passing crowds and messages from the loudspeakers. Time is bound to flow as slowly as possible, prolonging the agony of waiting.

    Eventually the plane landed, but that was not the end of the wait. Andrzej, captivated, stared at the gate that the passengers of the flight from Paris were supposed to leave. When they first showed up, his heart seemed to burst with excitement.

    He was not tall, yet Andrzej caught him immediately. It was his blazing-eyed Dominik, looking around the arrivals hall, searching the faces of the crowd. Nowicki did not wait. He pushed his way over to him, and as they faced each other, his first words were:

    "You cut your hair."

    "They were a little too long."

    Their voices only trembled a little. Their eyes could not part. They didn''t touch, hug, or kiss each other - there were too many people here, and although no one would have recognized or even noticed them, they had not yet been able to publicly express their affection. Andrzej knew, however, that Dominik''s heart was beating as fast as his own. He could see that the eyes bore the same stamp of yearning and longing. He could see the slightly parted lips that demanded a kiss.

    "The car is waiting," he announced in a strangely hoarse voice. "Give me your bags."

    There were more of them than that way. He took two large ones, leaving ?liwi¨½ski''s hand luggage, and they headed towards the exit. They didn''t have to talk much to each other. Their true greeting will come when they disappear from the sight of people. It will be their own, private and very intimate.

    The luggage disappeared in the trunk and the actor took the seat next to the driver. Andrzej got behind the wheel and started the engine.

    "Why are you smiling so?" he asked.

    "And you?"

    Well, there was no point in asking. The proximity of his beloved ignited every cell of the body and suddenly the flashing lights of passing cars, street lamps and houses seemed to him a thousand times brighter and the whole world joyfully, almost singing in spring, although outside the window there was the gray of autumn and winter.

    Asking for a flight was an empty courtesy that didn''t even have purpose at this point. They will exchange millions of words with each other, but later, when their hearts have calmed down enough for them to calmly take their voices.

    So they rode in silence. Words were not needed. Shifting gears, Andrzej felt a soft touch on his hand. He shuddered, fearing he would cause an accident. He wanted so much to reciprocate the caress that something inside him began to scream with impatience and pain. He bit his lip. His body began to burn dangerously.

    Dominik''s touch lasted only a moment, but it managed to make him shudder with excitement. Nowicki pressed the gas pedal harder. He wanted to be home as soon as possible. Every moment of delay was torture for him. Literally. The drug-exhausted body, under the influence of exertion, stress and closeness of Dominik, turned into something strange, over which he was slowly losing control. It almost felt as if the remedy began to work. But that''s not possible. Until now, he had to completely expel it from the body.

    "Are you okay?" Andrzej suddenly heard a concerned question. "You''re not looking your best."

    He didn''t want to lie or upset Dominik.

    "I''ll tell you everything at home. We''ll be there soon."

    The answer satisfied ?liwi¨½ski at least enough to make him refrain from pursuing the topic. Out of the corner of his eye, Andrzej noticed that his face had changed. She pulled anxiously.

    "I''m glad that I could finally see you again" Nowicki smiled, wanting to cheer him up.

    I think he succeeded, because the actor blushed as always lovely. He looked at him shyly.

    "There hasn''t been a night when I didn''t think about you before I fell asleep," he said. "There was no morning that I did not miss your body warmth."

    "Don''t tell me such things," Nowicki asked with a groan. "Not while I''m driving."

    "Sorry," he chuckled guiltily. "We''re just over there, right?"

    "Yes. Just five more minutes."

    For some, however, they had the impression that these three hundred seconds is eternity multiplied by infinity.

    When finally Andrzej drove into the yard and turned off the engine, Dominik touched his hand again.

    "Let''s leave my luggage," he said. "It''s a waste of time."

    "Yes," Nowicki admitted confidently.

    They got out of the car and as soon as they crossed the threshold, Dominik threw himself on Andrzej''s neck, pressing his mouth into his. In this embrace, into this kiss, he poured so much feeling as if they were actually waiting for this moment eternity.

    "Your skin is so hot! You have a fever?" ?liwi¨½ski suddenly moved away. He spoke with obvious concern.

    "It''s a little ... more complicated. You see, on Friday, I was given a strong aphrodisiac by accident."

    "How strong?" Dominik''s eyes widened creating a beautiful and disturbing image.

    "So strong that it is illegal," Nowicki explained, blushing. "This measure was a total accident. It was terrible ..."

    "Terrible?"

    "My body was on fire and I couldn''t touch you. I thought I was going crazy."

    "Oh¡­ Andrzej, I understand. Fine. If that happened, I can''t blame you. You were practically not yourself ..."

    "I really didn''t want it to turn out that way. I swear I''ll never act this way again. I will not be so naive anymore."

    "I''m glad you''re over it."

    "Well just no entirely. I thought so, but no. Because you can see, when you''re close, when I smell your scent, I start to lose my mind again. Only I don''t know if my body can handle it..."

 Chapter 171 - The Sweet Hardships Of Love

    "Are you saying you''re so horny with me?" ?liwi¨½ski asked sweetly.

    "Dominik, you do not look as if you feel sorry for me ..." under the passionate gaze of his lover, Andrzej felt a growing anxiety.

    "But I sympathize" the actor moved closer, so close that Nowicki could feel his breath on his chest. "Do I know him?"

    "Who?"

    "The man who replaced me?"

    "Replaced? No guy has ever replaced you!"

    "So it was a woman."

    "What woman?"

    "That''s what I''m asking. Is this someone I know?" Dominik placed a hand on his heart. "Or maybe someone quite accidental?"

    Andrzej had the impression that he was losing his mind. The closeness of Dominik made his head spin and his body began to tremble.

    "What woman?" he repeated, not understanding what ?liwi¨½ski was talking about.

    "The one that brought you relief. I''m not jealous" his tone said something completely different "I understand it was an emergency, I just want to know if it''s someone I know."

    "Who''s bringing me relief again? When?"

    "When you were drugged ..."

    Dominik thinks that he, that Andrzej slept with someone then ?!

    "There was no woman," he explained wearily, touching his hair. "There was no man. There was a cold shower. Lots of cold shower."

    "Really? But how?"

    "Dominik, you idiot, who do you think I am? When I''m with someone, it''s completely. I don''t make side jumps."

    "But¡­" his surprise and confusion were lovely. He blushed so charmingly that Nowicki''s rapidly beating heart pounded even harder.

    It was impossible not to love this man. Not thirsty. Dominik was a Little Mr. Perfect.

    "So ... despite the drug that would put the elephant at attention, have you remained faithful to me? You did not give in despite the fact that your body was torn apart by unmanageable desires?

    Andrzej felt uncomfortable.

    "Don''t say it that way," he said. "It sounds like I''m some kind of hero. Or a total idiot."

    "You are a prince on a white horse. One in a million. The only one. That''s why¡­ that''s why¡­" Dominik climbed on his toes. Nowicki felt his hot breath on his face. He swallowed hard. "... now I''ll take care of you."

    "But ..."

    "You do not want? Really? He asked in a caressing voice. "And down there you say something completely different ..."

    Dominik''s fingers gently caressed him through the material of his pants. It didn''t take much for Andrzej to be painfully ready. His penis was plump and ready, but the rest of his body had no energy in it, as if it had all drained away right there.

    "I want to," he admitted. "I just don''t have the strength ..."

    "Oh dear ... And I said I''d take care of you. You do not have to do anything. Just enjoy a nice time. Because he''ll be nice, I promise."

    "Dominik, you ..."

    He didn''t finish, because his mouth was covered with a hot, passionate kiss that made his head dizzy and his knees buckled.

    "You''re shaking," Dominik observed with concern. "Can you make it to the bedroom?"

    "Yes," he said boldly. He must.

    The actor pulled his arm and carried him straight to bed in a hurricane. Here he pushed him towards bed. Nowicki hit his back hard, limp, but the mattress was soft, so he felt no pain, only surprise. Was he so weak or was Dominik so strong? Maybe both. Anyway, it was a rare situation for them for an actor to take the initiative so clearly.

    Dominik chose Nowicki''s pants and freed his manhood almost immediately.

    "I thought so," he said in an expert tone. "Severe case of sexual failure."

    In his mouth, even the filth sounded like poetry.

    "Can you do something about it?"

    "It will be hard, but I will do everything I can to save the patient."

    Andrzej was fully erect. He was convinced that as soon as Dominik''s lips touched his skin, he would not stand it and it would erupt like a volcano. His member, however, remained painfully swollen despite the fact that it was drowning in the hot interior and Dominik''s wet tongue played with it in all possible ways.

    "Shit!" Nowicki swore irritably.

    "Relax," Dominik muttered gently as he walked over to his testicles.

    Nowicki was breathing heavily. He was hot and starting to sweat.

    The lover continued to caress him, but it did not work, and Andrzej felt his irritation grow. He tried to relax but couldn''t. Not when, despite the caresses of supreme refinement, he still couldn''t come.

    However, he was in really skillful mouth and hands. Since the efforts so far had not been successful, Dominik changed tactics. He squeezed its shaft with his hand so tightly that Nowicki groaned. However, this worked and the first drops of liquid appeared on the tip of the penis head. Satisfied with the success, Dominik repeated the procedure.

    "Ha ... ha ..."

    Andrzej''s breathing was painfully heavy. In his head, someone turned the carousel at high speed.

    Suddenly he felt someone taking his clothes off him. It was Dominik who decided to free his red-hot body. Nowicki smiled faintly at him and heard whispered in his ear:

    "I love you, Andrzej. I love you so much that I would do anything for you. I would forgive you anything. So for the future, if something like this should happen to you again, I will understand. And I will forgive you if you ..."

    "Don''t screw it."

    "When Werner kidnapped me," Dominik whispered further, his hand adept at Andrzej''s penis, "and he did various things with me, you forgave me."

    "It wasn''t your fault."

    "Neither was it yours. That''s why ... I don''t want you to suffer. I can be very understanding."

    "I''m not like Marczak. At home, I have the only excitement I need. I do not want anyone else. Never."

    "Never?"

    "Never," he confirmed.

    Who else would give himself to me so completely, so joyfully, so passionately and beautifully, he thought. Who else would love me so unconditionally, so much that the mere thought of the power of this feeling would make my head spin like a galaxy? Who would allow myself to be betrayed just so that I would not suffer unpleasantness?

    "You are everything ..." he said softly "what a man can dream about ... everything I can dream about ..."

    "Oh, Andrzej!"

    I guess his confession was well received, because Dominik redoubled his efforts and after a few moments, Nowicki''s abdomen was shaken by spasms, and the first batch of thick, sticky semen emerged from his penis.

    The first one, because it was clearly visible that it was not the end.

    He sighed with a mixture of relief and regret.

    "In the state you are in now, I could do anything with you," Dominik muttered at him.

    "Do you have any dirty intentions?"

    "Maybe. You are wonderful when you cannot defend yourself."

    And yet when Andrzej allowed him to bind himself so recently, Dominik did not feel well in this situation. But then it might have been too early after the deal with Werner. Or they weren''t that close yet. Each day, each experience meant that they were united by a stronger bond and greater freedom.

    In fact, if he wanted to, Nowicki would be able to overpower his fragile attacker at this point. Even weakened by the drug, the remains of which were still circulating through his body, he could cope with petty Dominic. Probably. The whole situation was, however, too pleasant to be disturbed and ?liwi¨½ski too charming to give up such a turn of events. A strong and tender touch, hot and full of caress, crawled over Andrzej''s breast and stomach. On the hips, thighs and calves, taking it all for pleasure.

    "You are insatiable" Dominik groaned with his mouth, causing him to ejaculate again.

    "And who says?" Nowicki was barely catching his breath after another orgasm.

    One by one caress flowed over the body of the photographer. Minutes passed, maybe even hours, and his body didn''t get enough. He couldn''t, when he felt Dominik''s skin on his, his breath and warmth.

    But he was missing something when he looked at the beautiful lover completely preoccupied with him.

    "I don''t want to complain," he said softly, "but you could do better."

    The intrigued, glistening aquamarine suns stared at him.

    "You know, I''d be more fun if you too found pleasure. You know¡­"

    The man who had driven him to orgasms without embarrassment for a long time with his mouth and hands now blushed to his ears and looked shyly away.

    "Are you sure," he asked very softly, "that you can do it?"

    Nowicki swallowed. His lover was just too beautiful, too cute, not to soften hearts and harden penises. Andrzej loved to look at this wonderful face, especially when Dominik was coming.

    "If you ride me, I can do it," he assured Dominik.

    The actor moved his hips restlessly. He looked hesitated. Or maybe he didn''t really feel like penetration?

    He must actually be tired of the long flight and the fact that he had to deal with Andrzej''s manhood for so long...

 Chapter 172 - Between The Past And The Future

    The photographer was about to say that if he didn''t want to, he didn''t have to, but then the situation between them would start to look weird. Although tired, he sat down and hugged his lover.

    "I''m a terrible idiot," Andrzej said.

    ?liwi¨½ski did not deny it, just cuddled up to his chest and neck. This moment of intimate closeness spread over their hearts.

    "If you could ... relax me a little," whispered Dominik, embarrassed. "I''m not such a hardcore to go alive after a week."

    Andrzej licked his finger and, without releasing the actor from his arms, touched the place between his buttocks. His body visibly twitched and his eye twitched instinctively. The second reaction was much friendlier and the photographer overcame the first obstacle with only a slight resistance.

    Dominik snuggled against him with obvious pleasure. The closeness between them was what turned them on the most and made them cling to each other - not the physical one, although it was also important, the emotional one, full of trust and mutual concern. It was thanks to her that they created a bond with each other that they could not create with others.

    Penetrating Dominik''s anus with his finger, Andrzej felt his hardening masculinity on his lower abdomen. Hot breath on his neck. He heard soft moans of growing pleasure in his ears. Immersed in this sensual wonder, he put in a second finger.

    The actor''s interior was cramped, but it was willing to open up to his lover. It invited him, waited, and encouraged him to do something bolder. Hot, wet, more and more impatient.

    "Now," Dominik said softly. "I''m ready now," he freed from Andrzej''s arms and pushed him gently onto the sheets.

    Nowicki fell back on the bed. At the moment of the impact, he felt Dominik poking fun at his penis - slowly, at his own pace, but definitely. The actor was facing him so he could clearly see his beautiful, sensual face. Andrzej''s member, covered with his own seed, plunged into the hot, tight interior, centimeter by centimeter, and finally, after crossing the last obstacle, plunged into it completely. Dominik started to move on it, and his penis swayed in front of Nowicki''s eyes.

    The photographer swallowed. If he had a camera handy at this point, he would have taken a really lovely photo.

    He reached for Dominik''s manhood to take care of his pleasure. He knew well its size and shape, and the kind of caresses that pleased him the most. So he used the actor''s favorite technique.

    Dominik tossed his head back. His hair, shortened by a good two centimeters, waved to reveal a pleasurable face that was beginning to take on an ecstatic expression. This is what he looked like when Andrzej first saw him having sex. Beautiful, soulful, giving the impression of belonging to a different, better world. Ideal. As always, awe-inspiring that words could not express.

    The shortened hair took away a bit of elven etherealness, making him more like a human, a young man from romances and ballads, but still remained in a thoroughly romantic aesthetics.

    His moans, louder and louder, filled with excitement, spread through Andrzej''s bedroom and heart. They filled the room with delight. Nowicki could not get enough of the thought that he had such a lover and kept his eyes on his face when the wave of orgasm pierced it. ?liwi¨½ski''s seed spurted onto his abdomen, and he himself, still loaded on his penis, fell onto the photographer''s chest.

    Nowicki immediately stuck his mouth into his hair and neck.

    "You are wonderful" he whispered to Dominik.

    He felt tiredness and satisfaction flowing from him. After a while, however, there was anxiety. The actor rose heavily, but with a smile.

    "You haven''t reached yet ..."

    "It''s okay, Dominik. It is wonderful."

    "But ..."

    Andrzej took out a small reserve of strength and gently slipped Dominik off of himself. The actor''s resistance was minimal and it subsided completely as the photographer leaned over his face and kissed him tenderly.

    "You''ve worked hard today" boasted Nowicki. "Thank you."

    He saw the joy and relief in his lover''s oaths. Andrzej felt a surge of tenderness. He was incredibly lucky to have met this man in his life, and it really didn''t matter that they were both men. How can something as trivial as the same sex get in the way of shared happiness?

    They lay down next to each other, tired but happy. Clasped arms together, they slowly fell asleep. Together at last, after long days of separation.

    ***

    They slept until noon, which was unusual for them, early risers. But they both felt the less pleasant consequences of the welcome they gave each other last night. They were so lazy that they didn''t even want to get out of bed to get something to eat. In the end, however, hunger prevailed and while eating sandwiches (no one had the strength to prepare something else) they talked about the time spent separately.

    "How did you like it in America?" Andrzej asked. He was disturbed by what Mrs. Janka said that Dominik might not like the test shots.

    "It was ok," he explained without much enthusiasm. "Better than I expected."

    "You signed the contract?"

    "Preliminary."

    "Dominik, listen, if you don''t want to play in this movie and you do it because I persuaded you ..."

    The actor shook his head.

    "To tell you the truth, I don''t know what I want. The people in the team are friendly and professional. There are unpleasantness as everywhere, but my overall impression is positive. So it''s not about that movie, because the story is quite interesting and fun, it''s about cinema in general. Acting does not turn me on anymore, but you are right, I should not give up on it hastily, so I will play it anyway to dispel my doubts. This movie will be ... my farewell to my profession, I think. I will give my best, not for you, but for myself and those viewers who like me. It will also be a farewell to them."

    Though he spoke with some shyness, Andrzej knew he was convinced of his decision. Dominik grew up very much during the few months, when he freed himself from the reign of Marek Marczak.

    Paradoxically, parting was also a good experience for Marczak. Nowicki believed that thanks to this he began to appreciate more what he has in his life and to become a better person.

    "You have become extremely sane," he commended.

    "Really?" The actor smiled. "I thought I was always like this."

    Was it really so? Andrzej did not know. It is a shame to admit, but he still knew little about Dominik from the time of his relationship with Marczak and even earlier, when he was a teenager and a child. He remembered, however, how ?liwi¨½ski became an actor and how he had chosen a school for himself earlier. He was then definitely guided not by emotions, but by reason.

    "Yes. You''re right," he admitted. "Have you met some Hollywood stars? Except for Scarlett Yang, of course. And Brand Kitt."

    "A few."

    "I don''t like the way you blush" Andrzej felt an unpleasant feeling in his chest. Dominik, however, smiled wickedly.

    "Jealous?"

    Nowicki bit his lip. What a trick question! If he says no, Dominik may say it''s because he doesn''t care about him. If he answers yes, he will say that he doesn''t trust him. He sighed inwardly.

    "Maybe. A little," he admitted. "After all, you know ..."

    Fortunately, ?liwi¨½ski did not ask him to explain anything more precisely. He just smiled embarrassedly and lowered his eyes. As if he knew.

    "I do not have to look for excitement outside the house, when there is someone waiting for me in it, who is the answer to all my desires" Dominik announced quietly paraphrasing Nowicki''s statement yesterday.

    Andrzej''s heart beat faster. To hide his confusion, he, too, looked away.

    Too bad, he thought, Dominik had total dominance over his thoughts, and his innocent confessions were so full of sincerity and feeling that it was impossible to remain indifferent to them. Although this confession made Nowicki unable to collect his thoughts, he also could not leave him without a comment. He was afraid that he would offend ?liwi¨½ski in this way.

    "What do we do with Christmas?" He asked softly. He silently cursed himself for not being able to maintain the romantic atmosphere.

    "How was my father with you?" Dominik asked anxiously.

    Andrzej took a deep breath.

    "We drank a pint," he confessed, feeling sick at the mere mention.

    "Together? I did not know that you drink so much" Dominik was completely surprised.

    "Me too," he admitted. It wasn''t his first real hangover this month.

    The actor was clearly not entirely satisfied with the answer. For some reason, however, he didn''t ask any further. He also could not say how he would like to spend Christmas. He was so indecisive that Andrzej felt a twinge of pain. After all, at this point, he was the reason Dominik didn''t get along with his mother.

 Chapter 173 - The Envelope

    "Your father," Nowicki said calmly, "accepted me. I was surprised myself, but he explained that he doesn''t want to lose you for years to come, and if getting you back means we are going hand in hand, he agrees to it. Remember, he wished us luck before."

    "Yes but¡­"

    "I think your father understands. The most important thing for him is your happiness. He really regrets that he was not there when you needed him and would like to fix it somehow."

    Dominik smiled, although Nowicki saw tears in the corners of his eyes. After all, his lover also wanted to return to his family and feel oneness with them for the first time in years. By isolating him from her, Marek Marczak caused enormous damage, which, fortunately, was not irreparable.

    "You know" continued Andrzej "I would like to drink with your father one more time. And with Olek. On Christmas Eve it is not appropriate, moreover Martynka is still a child and it will be difficult for her to understand why I am not at the dinner together, so maybe on the second day ...

    The actor nodded vigorously. He rubbed his eyes just as quickly.

    "The second day will be perfect," he replied with a smile. "Usually then families go to visit and Christmas Eve is the most beautiful where there are children."

    "Are you sure?" Nowicki asked with concern. "You don''t look happy."

    "To tell you the truth ... I''m a little scared of both these days. I do not know how Paulina''s mother will react, after all, she does not know me, and my own mother ..."

    Andrzej put his arm around him. Strong, masculine.

    "You have nothing to fear," he announced to cheer him up. "Mother is mother, everyone is the same. She might be mad, she might be angry, but she loves her kids and even when they are grown up, she wants Christmas to be perfect. So no worries."

    But he wasn''t too sure himself either. He knew Paulina''s mother. A quiet and gentle woman, who in her youth was not always treated well by her husband, now she devoted herself wholeheartedly to watching soap operas and her beloved granddaughter. She did not get involved in business, and although she was not yet old, she lived a quiet life on her pension. It is true that he has not talked to her for a long time, since Easter, but she always gave him a little motherly attitude and asked when he would get married. She did not insist that it was with Paulina, although she did not hide that this was her hope. She knew young people had their own accord.

    Mrs. ?liwi¨½ska was a separate case and Andrzej was actually afraid of this one. Andrzej was afraid not that she would reproach him with anger or that she would try to beat him again, but that she would do it in front of Dominik.. It was obvious that she would not become a close friend of Nowicki, so a certain hostility was natural and he was prepared for it, but he did not want his beloved to suffer because of these relations. He hoped, however, that the Christmas would slightly soften the explosiveness of her temperament and that, for the sake of her son, she would not cause any trouble. Zygmunt ?liwi¨½ski promised that he would take care of it.

    "It will be an interesting Christmas" Andrzej summed up his reflections aloud, still wrapping his arm around Dominik. "But the coolest thing is that we will have the first day all to ourselves."

    And that was just too good for them to not smile.

    ***

    Dominik rewound the recording of the world ballroom dance championship once again. One of the scenes in which he was to act required him to dance the Charleston, and although he knew that a choreographer would prepare him for it, he wanted to know about movement and rhythm by now. He had never danced it before, so he watched closely as the couples on the dance floor bounced vigorously as if difficult footsteps were second nature to them. He smiled. It will be a challenge for him, but he will definitely meet it. It might not turn out as perfect as they did, but it wouldn''t be embarrassing either.

    He hoped so, because he really didn''t want a double.

    He was rewinding the movie once more when he heard the doorbell. He paused the recording and went to open it. He was surprised to see Marczak on the threshold.

    "Marek?"

    "Hey Dominik. I came to see Andrzej."

    "He''s gone," he explained, confused. "''He''s on a private commission. But ... Why to Andrzej?"

    "Disappointed that it wasn''t for you?"

    "Don''t be nonsense!"

    "It''s okay, don''t get angry. I brought him something. Can you pass it on to him?" Marczak handed him a quite thick, brown A4 envelope.

    "What is this?"

    "Certain materials. They might be useful to him if he wants to fuck that bastard."

    "''Fuck the bastard''? What are you talking about?"

    The manager looked embarrassed, as if he had shot a blunder.

    "It''s nothing. A little joke on my part..."

    "Marek" growled ?liwi¨½ski. He was concerned and angry. What is he playing at? "What is happening between you and Andrzej?"

    "Nothing," came the simple, indifferent answer. "Absolutely nothing."

    "Don''t lie, please ..."

    "Nothing. Look ... I''m going away for a while and we won''t see each other before New Years Eve, so I wish you both the best. Merry Christmas!" He left the step and headed for the driveway where his car was standing.

    "Marek!" Dominik called after him, but he didn''t go any further. He was barefoot and there was a thin layer of snow outside.

    Marczak waved to him and in a moment he was opening the door of his car. ?liwi¨½ski was surprised to lose his speech when he saw a familiar male figure on the passenger seat.

    Really? No¡­ He put the thought out of his head immediately. He had to see it wrong.

    He went inside, carefully closing the door so as not to let any more cold air in. He looked at the envelope in his hand, which, apart from its dimensions, also had its weight. Paper weight. Could there be a fragment of Marek''s secret documentation inside, where he collected compromising materials on the world''s fame? But if so, why did he pass them on to Andrzej? And what did "fuck the bastard" mean?

    What bastard?

    Dominik did not like the fact that there was a shady relationship between Andrzej and Marek. The fact that Marczak had dealings with the criminal underworld was no secret to him. He knew about his naughty parties and the compromising photos taken there, and that they were sometimes used to advantage Mark''s interests. Andrzej, however, was someone completely different, chivalrous and pure, not communing with the criminal world ...

    ?liwi¨½ski sat down heavily on the couch. The envelope in his hands was a ton. His head was heavy, too, and hung helplessly over his chest.

    Andrzej also had his shady contacts.

    Then, when Werner kidnapped Dominik, not only the police but also the criminal underworld were looking for him. Nowicki''s friend from school was leading an organized criminal group which, although not one of the bloody criminals, did not have a clear conscience. It is true that Andrzej''s contacts with these people were not constant, but they could make it easier to "punch" someone who was an obstacle.

    An obstacle in what?

    Dominik felt an unease come over him. Was Andrzej involved in something dangerous during the few days he was in the States? Or maybe it was someone who wanted to make trouble for Dominik and Nowicki, in cooperation with Marczak, decided to do something with him before the actor found out about it? But then Andrzej was lying to him, or at least he wasn''t telling the whole truth.

    A heavy boulder lay in the heart of ?liwi¨½ski. He loved Andrzej with his whole being and trusted him, which is why it hurt so much that Nowicki did not trust him. They promised each other honesty, and meanwhile there were some secrets. When did this happen? Why?

    What is he going to do with it now?

    He didn''t want to be lied to. He went through it all with Marczak. He was happy to pretend not to see anything and not to want to know anything, but it was superficial and so shallow that it broke on the first try, revealing the enormity of the suffering. Dominik didn''t want to go through this again, but what else could he do? He will not force Andrzej to confess the truth, he will not threaten that if he does not, he will leave, because his whole heart screamed that without Andrzej there is no existence.

    So what? Accept the lies?

    It hurt, it hurt a lot, but what was the other alternative when you wanted to stay with your loved one? Afraid of losing him, Dominik would accept anything, even the greatest pain.

    Anything to be with Andrzej.

 Chapter 174 - No Lies, Just The Hard Truth

    Dominik looked at the heavy envelope. His hands were trembling. Inside was an explanation, if not complete, at least partial, but it was not an option to look inside. If Andrzej wants to keep secrets from him - fine, but he himself will not be disloyal to the one he loves.

    He tossed the envelope on the table. He looked away from her.

    Perhaps, however, knowing that Dominik had her before his eyes, Andrzej would tell him the truth himself.

    Maybe.

    And if not, he will have to swallow the pain and these tears and close his eyes to the lies.

    After all, sometimes you have to make ugly compromises to keep your relationship.

    ***

    Patrycja was wearing three things: white stockings, a cream petticoat trimmed with pale fur and¡­ cat ears. When she entered, she was shyly covering her breasts and vulva. Andrzej, with the camera in his hand, immediately captured it with a lens and captured it in a photo.

    "Do not start!" She squeaked. "I''m not ready yet!"

    "You are perfect!" He announced taking another photo. "Wonderfully innocent, yet perfectly sexy!"

    "Andrzej, stop it! I''m blushing!"

    "I know. This is how you look the most beautiful!"

    She did blush, but she also smiled. His compliments and not seeing the photographer''s face hidden behind the camera gave her some confidence.

    But only a bit.

    "Don''t you think this disguise is stupid?" She looked at the lens.

    "Absolutely," he admitted, surprising her. "But that''s why it''s so cute."

    She giggled.

    "You know, that''s not how I imagined working with you," she announced in a rather serious tone.

    "No? How?"

    "I thought you were more ... stiff..."

    "No dirty jokes on the set!"

    "Dir... that''s not what I meant! I thought you''d be more serious and cool, a bit like an automaton, and you... are fun and easy going."

    "That `s bad?"

    "Not at all. I was afraid of these photos, but now..."

    Patrycja revealed her breasts and revealed her womb, which was clearly visible through the transparent material of the short garment. She was beautiful, undeniably, and Andrzej had to focus all his will on work so as not to react to her charms.

    And she was more and more relaxed and bolder. She changed positions, pulled up the petticoat, dropped the straps... She played with her body, revealing his nakedness. Seductive, very seductive and beautiful. To his utmost amazement, however, Andrzej noticed that, apart from the first flicker of his manhood, he felt no surge of excitement. He had before him an image of pure sex appeal, a woman who had been the object of a fantasy of tens of thousands, including his a few months ago, but now, looking at all her charms, he felt nothing but aesthetic beauty.

    Did that mean he turned gay? He became concerned.

    When he was Patricia, he imagined Dominik and immediately felt a twitch in his pants. He shook the erotic image out of his subconscious and devoted himself to work. The girl doubled and tripled seductively, as if her gestures and expressions were meant for him, but he felt nothing. And yet it was much less enough for Dominik to pose for him in a white shirt in a hut on the Bug River ...

    He shook his head, shaking off intrusive thoughts. When anything erotic was involved that might arouse him, it always took on Dominik''s face.

    Andrzej had no idea if it was normal, but he knew one thing - it was definitely enjoyable.

    He smiled to himself and the model.

    "I think that''s enough," he said, and put the camera down. "How was it?"

    "Freely, though ... something bothers me."

    "Yes?"

    "I don''t know what it''s like, it''s my first time, but did you ... or I ... didn''t you like me?"

    She still exuded nudity in her sexy cat disguise. If, despite such a suggestive appearance, she was unable to awaken someone''s masculinity, she could lose faith in her femininity.

    "I''m a professional," he replied. "I don''t mix work with pleasure."

    "What if I invite you to bed now? The shooting is over..."

    He swallowed loudly.

    "Patrycja, I ..."

    "You turned me on. I like you from the beginning, but now¡­ It doesn''t have to be anything compelling. Two adult people who will have a good time ... Just ... sex ..." She touched her pubic mound and gently moved her hand lower, deeper.

    This time his member twitched visibly.

    Not every day, an almost completely naked beauty named Patrycja Maj invites a man to bed.

    It would be sheer madness to refuse such an invitation.

    ***

    Dominik waited for Andrzej anxiously. He was late. It is true that he did not say when he would be back, but he wanted to finish the shooting around two p.m., meanwhile, it was almost four p.m. and there was no trace of his car. Moreover, he did not even call that he would be late.

    It was the first Saturday since ?liwi¨½ski''s return from the States and he was looking forward to it. He really missed his man and the hot Monday to Tuesday night was not enough to meet all his needs. When Andrzej told him that he had to do a private job, he sighed and accepted his fate. He said he would use this time to review records from dance competitions. It was even funny until Marczak brought the envelope.

    Since Dominik took it in his hands, time conspired against him and Andrzej was late.

    Waiting was torture.

    ?liwi¨½ski knew that there could be a thousand reasons for the delay and it was probably trivial, too unimportant to mention it or even think about it, but the envelope lying on the table suggested that Nowicki might have got involved in something and had trouble.

    He heard a car in the driveway and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, he thought, and wanted to run to meet Andrzej, but he stopped himself. He would have acted like a panicked young lady or a furious wife and he didn''t want to. So he went into the kitchen to put on a kettle with water.

    "I''m back," he heard from the hall. "Sorry it''s so late, but there was an accident, so even the detour was jammed."

    "The session was successful?" Dominik asked without looking away.

    "Yes I think so. I''ll make sure when I look at the photos on my computer."

    "But you gotta eat something first?"

    "Later. How was your day?"

    "Normally. Marek came by. He left an envelope for you."

    There was no answer for a long moment. The silence disturbed Dominik.

    "For me?" Andrzej seemed surprised.

    "It''s on the table. Supposedly it''s supposed to help you "Fuck some bastard."

    ?liwi¨½ski did not look towards the living room. He was deliberately looking away from him, but he heard Nowicki coming to the table, opening an envelope and taking papers out of it.

    He also heard his short, snorting laugh.

    "Something happened?" Dominik asked, seemingly indifferent, but he felt his heart pounding with anxiety.

    "Actually, no" Andrzej replied and Dominik felt something painfully crack in him. "Remember when I told you someone accidentally gave me a strong aphrodisiac? Marczak dug up a whole pile of dirt on him."

    "This Marek ... knows about this incident?"

    "Unfortunately," Nowicki sighed. "I''m not proud of it, but then I called him for help."

    "To Marek?" ?liwi¨½ski was completely surprised. Andrzej called Marczak ... for help? "I did not think that you became so close to each other ..."

    Dominik glanced at Andrzej. He was surprised to find him sitting on the couch with his head down. He had a feeling there was more to his ex-partner and current partner than he thought. He wasn''t sure he wanted to know what.

    "A few weeks ago, Marczak confessed his love to me..."

    "WHAT!!!"

    If a bearded, stripped-naked, fat man in a Santa''s hat had run before his eyes, Dominik would not have been more surprised.

    "I don''t think he''s serious. I guess he just wanted to check me out, maybe to make us break up and then you would come back to him. I do not know. I think when you left him he understood what he had lost and it was hard for him to bear that awareness. You know how much I hated him, but when you went missing he helped me a lot. Actually, he got it all figured out that we had the help of the police even though there was no official investigation. It''s annoying that anytime something is happening, he''s somewhere on the side to help. Remember that morning when I didn''t come home?"

    "Yes¡­"

    "He found me drunk in a bar and put me up for the night."

    "Did you ... stay with Marek?"

    "Didn''t you guess? After all, you spoke to him on the phone back then."

    "Yes, but ... Did you guys sleep with each other?!"

    "Of course not!" Andrzej assured him, feeling in his mouth disgust at the very thought of such a possibility. "You have an idea After all, I said I never cheated on you."

    Dominik blushed ashamed. Yes, it is true, Andrzej assured him of his faithfulness and ?liwi¨½ski trusted him, but ...

    "What about the aphrodisiac?" he asked shyly.

    "I went to a business dinner for J. Acutti about this campaign" Nowicki explained." The materials were in his room, so we went to see them. I didn''t expect him to throw something into my water. When the remedy started working, I panicked. I didn''t know what to do or who to ask for help. I was to embarrassed to call 112 and I was afraid that Bambus will make a mess¡­ Marczak was always at hand, so I called him. He took me to his place, put me in the shower, and I spent the weekend with him. I was really sick so I just lay in bed taking medication¡­"

    Dominik did not know what to say, how to react. Andrzej''s confessions were shocking. How was he to understand the fact that his current lover admits to having spent several nights with his ex-lover who had also confessed his love to him? Andrzej claimed that nothing had happened, but knowing Marek, one could expect everything.

 Chapter 175 - Like In A Fairy Tale

    The only thing Dominik had in mind at that moment was a confusion.

    He believed Andrzej, he trusted him, but if Nowicki was drunk to the point of unconsciousness, if he was under the influence of a strong drug, Marek could take advantage of his weakness and then ...

    And then what?

    Never mind, Dominik decided, taking a deep breath. After all, he told Andrzej that it would not be a problem. It cannot be a problem, just as it was not a problem for Nowicki that Werner...

    So he should completely ignore the possibility that Andrzej had betrayed him. But some facts still needed to be clarified.

    "I hear what you say to me, but ... I don''t understand," ?liwi¨½ski confessed. "What do you have in common with Marek? What are you gonna tell me?"

    "I think ... How are you getting on with Scarlett?"

    "Scarlett? Well. We are friends. But what does this have to do with ..."

    "It is similar between me and Marczak. For a while it was weird, even very, but now we''re buddies."

    Andrzej looked at the window behind which was a gray, dark evening.

    "I was wondering whether to tell you about it," he confessed, looking into the darkness. "It''s so strange and¡­ embarrassing, after all. I hung dogs on this man and then took advantage of his kindness. After all, it''s your ex, whom you''ve loved for so long. I was ashamed and afraid of what you would think of it all. I am still afraid that you will lose your trust in me and stop loving me, but" he laughed bitterly "at the beginning of our relationship I promised you the truth. If I was to be ashamed to admit that I was doing something, I shouldn''t have done it. You can kick me out if you don''t trust me or think you won''t accept the truth, but I won''t stop loving you anyway."

    "Andrzej ..."

    "Today I was having a session with a beautiful woman. She was wonderful, believe me, you saw her naked too. She wanted to get me to bed. Half a year ago, I would have given my hand cut for such an offer, but today¡­" Nowicki sighed so forcefully that the sound echoed all over the house.

    Dominik felt burning on his cheeks. He walked over to his lover and stroked his face. Andrzej looked up at him and the actor felt his heart melt under that warm, loving gaze of light brown, beautiful eyes.

    He didn''t know what to say to all of today''s revelations. There were too many of them and he had to organize them in his head, but he knew one thing for sure, and leaving behind all logic and all reason, he acted according to his instincts.

    His kiss was strong, full of that one feeling that lingered in him unwaveringly - sincere and unconditional love.

    ***

    EPILOGUE

    The car rolled slowly, although the streets of the capital were almost empty. It was approaching two in the morning and those who were at Midnight Mass had already returned from them. Only those who stayed somewhere longer stayed on the road.

    Dominik was sitting comfortably in the passenger seat. He was playing with his new handmade ice-blue scarf, which he had received from Martynka for Christmas. He knew the nine-year-old couldn''t knit it herself, so when he found out that her grandmother had helped her, he had tears in his eyes. He was very grateful to the older lady who smiled at him with motherly love and when no one heard, she whispered to him that they matched perfectly with Andrzej. Nowicki''s scarf was darker, dark blue, but of the same type of yarn and you could see that they were made to fit well next to each other. Soft and warm, they brought pleasure, and even during the service, Dominik fiddled with his edge. Now he also did it, not quite consciously humming "Silent Night" under his breath as they passed the festively lit streets.

    Dinner was a success, there was no doubt about it. Martynka was crazy about a gift from Dominik, where seven characters from the most popular recently fairy tales led by Brand Kitt gave her personal wishes. The adults laughed and the guilty ?liwi¨½ski even began to feel remorse for his extravagance, but Paulina laughed the loudest and thanked him for his ingenuity with a hot kiss on the cheek.

    With delicious cuisine, the light of Christmas tree lights, the sound of Christmas carols and an atmosphere of cordiality, Dominik spent the most beautiful Christmas Eve in years and was sure that he would never forget it. He was filled with gratitude to all those people who gave him cordiality and warmth, and he approached with enthusiasm the elderly Mrs. Kowalczyk''s offer to go with them to Midnight Mass. The church was full of people, singing and praying, happy with the Christmas atmosphere, and Dominik, together with them in a loud voice, announced to the world that "God is born, power is troubled ...". Although he had not sung Christmas carols in years, he remembered them all, because he had brought them all from his childhood, where his own Christmas was cheerful and joyful, full of anticipation for gifts and Christmas Eve dishes.

    He felt like a child and saw that he was not the only one. He was happy and grateful to fate for this happiness.

    "Remember that the right gift is waiting for you at home?" Andrzej asked suddenly.

    "Of course," he smiled dreamily. He guessed what the gift was. He did not need Christmas to receive it, because each day with Andrzej and each night with him were the greatest gift for him. "Yours too."

    Dominik''s gift was an erotic game he spotted in the States. In fact, Brand Kitt had recommended a discreet place where he believed much of Hollywood was stocked. The gadgets there were exclusive, in very limited series and not available on the wider market. The producer didn''t have to sell to everyone to earn a lot of money. The game was seemingly innocent and would have passed any customs inspection without any problems, but after delving into it, it turned out to be extremely exciting and spicy - especially when it was played only by men, and the related gadgets made with the greatest precision could make you dizzy.

    They both smiled implicitly. After all, they knew that what they most wanted was each other. Things were just things, maybe beautiful symbols, but the real meaning was not what they were, but the intention behind them. In their case, the mere intention was enough.

    The Christmas tree in their living room was tiny and artificial. Reed more than a real tree. Symbol with a small box underneath it. Dominik knew it was a gift for him, but nevertheless looked questioningly at his lover. Andrzej, who was just taking off his jacket, said:

    "Open it."

    The actor walked over to the package tied with a rust ribbon and unwrapped it in an interesting way. There was a box inside. In box¡­

    "If you want ..." Andrzej spoke timidly standing behind his back. "In Poland, the law does not allow for this type of relationship, which is why they are partner wedding rings, but ..."

    "Yes!" Suddenly, streams of tears spilled from Dominik''s eyes. "Yes!"

    He held out a box containing two matching wedding rings to Andrzej. The larger one had tiny, shiny aquamarine in it, the smaller one ¨C dark amber. He also offered him the other hand, which was trembling with emotion.

    He did not expect such a gift, he could not even dream of it. It was too much. Like a fairy tale that suddenly becomes reality.

    He felt Andrzej''s warm, strong fingers on his hand. He saw in the other hand the man who was his whole world holding a beautiful platinum gold disc.

    "Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, although fate has brought us together recently and in quite unusual circumstances, we have gone through many tests since then, and I have found one thing - you are my whole life. Accept this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. I swear that I will be with you in sickness and health, in joy and sorrow, and that I will not leave you until I die."

    Dominik cried, he cried honestly and couldn''t even wipe his tears when Andrzej put an amber wedding ring on his finger - a stone with a color resembling his eyes. They were tears of happiness so he made no effort to hold them back. Though he was crying and his nose was runny, he was smiling as broadly as ever.

    "Andrzej Nowicki" he could not speak, because sobs were interrupting his voice "Since I met you, you make me the happiest man in the world. I love you so much it goes beyond my comprehension, and I swear to do everything I can to make you as happy as I am thanks to you for the rest of your life. Accept this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness, and to assure you that I will not leave you until I die."

    Shivering with emotion, he slipped the second disc onto Andrzej''s finger. Amber and aquamarine stones glowed side by side as their fingers intertwined.

    Andrzej pulled the sobbing Dominik to him and hugged him as if he wanted to merge with him.

    "Now we''ll be together forever," he said, feeling his eyes blurring under a heavy layer of tears as well.

    "Forever," Dominik nodded softly, melting in his warmth.

    ***

    They swore an oath - without a church, priest and witnesses, but sincerely, knowing one thing from the bottom of their hearts - no laws, no customs will stand in their way, because their love was true and sincere, full of joy and pain, but always faithful despite adversities.

    THE END

    ¡­but not completely.

    See you tomorrow!

 Chapter 176 - Second Day Of Christmas

    Both Dominik ?liwi¨½ski and Andrzej Nowicki could not expect Dominik''s parents to offer them a stay at their home, so the photographer called his friend and asked if his hut on the Bug would be available to them this Christmas. Bambus had no plans for this place. However, he warned them that the house was not in the best condition and that they would have to work hard to warm it up to working conditions. At this information, ?liwi¨½ski smiled as if he had an idea connected with it already in his head, and Nowicki felt a lump growing in his throat. Something else was growing in his lover body as well.

    "When we were leaving, the road was much better," Nowicki complained, as he made his way through the expressway in his old car, which slowed them down to fifty kilometers per hour during heavy, wet snowfall, even though they were outside the built-up area. "But it''s beautiful," he added smiling to Dominik sitting next to him, staring at the area.

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, a beautiful, short and slightly built actor, looked at the falling snow with his eyes wide open like those of a child delighted in winter. His lips hadn''t stopped smiling for the last thirty hours, when Nowicki showed him a Christmas present prepared for him. Dominik was now turning the partner''s ring, which his lover, Andrzej Nowicki, had put on his finger. ?liwi¨½ski kept touching the ring since they got into the car, as if he still couldn''t enough enjoy the fact that he had it on his finger.

    The beautiful actor looked at Andrzej with his absolutely captivating eyes with the shade and glitter of shimmering aquamarines and, without ceasing to smile, announced:

    "It was always a bit colder with us than in Warsaw. A different microclimate, I think. The further east you go, the cooler it gets. Or maybe we should just buy a better car?"

    The proposal in the plural made butterflies dance in Andrzej''s heart. "We" was a surprisingly wonderful word that began to fill his mind and heart. Not "me and Dominik." Not "Dominik and me." "We" as one word, just like the unity of beings.

    The law in Poland does not allow gay marriage. At this point, it was not a problem of discrimination against a sexual minority, but a Constitution, which was written in more traditional times and said marriage was a union between a man and a woman. In order to legalize gay marriage, the entire constitution had to be changed, and this caused a series of discussions and eternal discord in the Sejm and Senate. Something like changing the constitution was not a matter of one government meeting, and people have been puzzling over the problem for years.

    For Dominik and Andrzej, it did not matter whether they could be a legal marriage or not. At this point in their lives, the only thing that mattered was that they could be together, in joy and sorrow, in health and in sickness, and sincerely believing that they would be together until they died. They exchanged their wedding rings privately, even without the presence of any witnesses, but it was their happiest, most intimate moment, which resulted in their minds, hearts and bodies real madness.

    "New car", Andrzej was surprised, when he had mastered his joy that Dominik said ''we''. "What''s wrong with the old one?"

    "It''s a little¡­ shaking too much," Dominik confessed.

    When the depth of the meaning of these words reached Nowicki, he blushed with shame.

    "Sorry," he muttered. "It''s my fault. I did not think that we have a long journey ahead..."

    ?liwi¨½ski laughed like a little rascal who managed a trick someone and Nowicki''s heart jumped up with joy. He was so happy to finally be able to hear such a laugh from Dominik''s lips. There was a time when he was afraid that his beloved man would never smile again.

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was seventeen, maybe eighteen, when he was seduced and in love with a man who was several years older, a man who was supposed to look after him as a good manager. The inexperienced, sweet and kind teenager let the older man completely take over and spent seven years with him, during which Marek Marczak had total control over his life. Dominik did not even realize when and how it happened that he lost contact with his family and carried out all the orders of his lover.

    Fortunately, Marczak, although famous for his various preferences, never went too far with Dominik and did not do anything that could destroy his lover and genius actor. At least not until August this year, when ?liwi¨½ski asked them to stop meeting for a while. Then Marek Marczak became mad and he did something that could not be forgiven, although you really wanted to forget.

    Then Dominik''s life was only worse. Andrzej was full of admiration to this day that ?liwi¨½ski survived the hell that lasted several months and even became stronger and... happier.

    Nowicki heard from Dominik that it was all thanks to him, but still believed that the actor in love with him exaggerated a bit in his conclusions. True, Andrzej forced Dominik to see a doctor and make sure that the actor ate at the right times, took his medications and did not have time to think about unpleasant matters, he also tried to always be next to him to defend him if necessary, but in fact, Dominik found the strength to fight himself and impressed the photographer with it.

    Now Dominik no longer had nightmares and could laugh as joyfully as if the whole world was for him an experience of the most beautiful miracles.

    "Are you kidding or not," Nowicki seriously replied, "I should have had our trip in mind. After all, it was planned, not spontaneous. Because of me you have to spend it uncomfortably."

    "Not at all," Dominik shook his head. He was twenty-four, almost twenty-five, and seemed to be a happy little boy of several years. "If I remember correctly, I was the one who was insatiable last night."

    Nowicki felt a thrill of excitement passing through him. Dominik was simply impossible! How could there be a man in whom shyness and pure innocence were so intertwined with lust? Andrzej could find only one explanation for this - ?liwi¨½ski felt so much at ease in his company that he allowed himself to reveal all his emotions, both positive and negative, to him, which is why Andrzej was unimaginably lucky to see the whole, very complicated Dominik.

    "But if you want," Nowicki said, slowing down, as a small snowdrift appeared in front of them, "we will buy a new car. This baby is good for city driving, but if we''re going to visit your parents more often..."

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski took a deep breath. Even though he was an accomplished film actor, he couldn''t pretend in real life. Andrzej knew that Dominik was very concerned about the meeting with the ?liwi¨½ski family that awaited them. This will be their first official meeting, where everyone will know that he and Andrzej are in a couple. And not everyone in the family accepted this fact as something they could accept.

    "Andrzej, if my mother tells you something unpleasant..." the young actor began to say. He really cared about the meeting that awaited them.

    "She will have every right to do so," Nowicki said freely, "and you don''t have to worry about it. I understand her, I really do. You know, mother-in-law has it that they don''t always love their sons'' partners..."

    Dominik beamed again, this time to the sound of the word ''mother-in-law''.

    "You''re right," he nodded enthusiastically. "''Mother-in-law'' was always a terrible word. But I wish my mother would be as good a mother-in-law to you as your foster mother is to me."

    The actor looked back, where his new light blue-gray scarf knitted together by nine-year-old Martynka Kowalczyk and her grandmother lay in the back seat.

    "I am sure that in time she will be like that for me," said Andrzej calmly. "So far, I''m glad to have the support of my father-in-law and brother-in-law. I''m not sure my sister-in-law yet, but I think it will be okay too. Your mother is in the vast minority. Although, to tell you the truth, I don''t know how your father will react to our wedding rings."

    Andrzej glanced at the wedding ring on his finger, in the heart of which shone a beautiful, though small, aquamarine resembling Dominik''s eyes. The truth was, however, that Dominik''s eyes were more beautiful and shinier.

    "It will be fine" ?liwi¨½ski reassured them both, encouraging them.

    "Of course it will," Nowicki agreed. "And once we get over your mom''s pout, we''ll spend a very heady evening by the fireplace. Bambus said that he provided us with a good supply of firewood for a few days and even put a geyser to heat up where the heat would not come from the fire, so..."

 Chapter 177 - Mother

    "Please, don''t say anything," Dominik really asked. "Otherwise, I won''t be able to get these thoughts out of my head and I''d rather not be too rude when facing my mother."

    This argument definitely had something to it, especially since they were just approaching the place where Dominik grew up.

    The gate was open and Andrzej knew that he could enter the ?liwi¨½ski property.

    Nowicki glanced at Dominik, who, despite his earlier assurances that everything would be fine, was now trembling with uncertainty like aspen leaves. You can boldly stand on a movie set and pretend to be a tough guy, but when a man has to face a natural mother who does not accept the fact that her son is gay and even tried to beat her son''s beloved man...

    "If you feel uncomfortable," Nowicki gently took Dominik''s trembling hand, "we can leave at any time."

    "Yes, I know, I know¡­"

    "It''s your family," added Andrzej. "You can argue, you can shout at each other, but you are family. And we have Christmas."

    Dominik just nodded and summoned all his courage to open the car door. Andrzej was really proud of him.

    ***

    They came exactly at the indicated time, so Mrs. Helena ?liwi¨½ska served dinner right away. It was nothing fancy, the usual typical dinner of chicken soup and roast chicken with boiled potatoes. It was such a typical and so ordinary dinner that probably all average families in Poland were hosted on the tables. It was this lack of refinement that proved that the ?liwi¨½ski family did not host a guest, but meet in a family circle.

    Dominik saw that his mother was trying and saw that it was not easy for her. Whether her husband admonished her to behave well, or whether she wanted to repair the relationship between her and the prodigal son, Dominik did not know, but he clearly saw that his mother was trying. So, after dinner, he offered to help her with the washing up dishes.

    "Thank you," said ?liwi¨½ski quietly, taking a washing-up sponge in his hand. "I know it''s hard for you, so thank you for trying."

    Helena ?liwi¨½ska sighed.

    "What else can I do? I lost you for seven years. If I stand between him and you, I''ll lose you for the next few years."

    "Mom, it''s not his fault. I know that I have not grown up to be the man you would like to see me..."

    His mother sniffed, indicating that she was crying.

    "Mom..."

    "I don''t know what kind of man you grew up to be because I neglected your upbringing and was away when you needed me. You had both parents and you were like an orphan. It''s not your fault, it''s ours. I should have either not sent you at all or I should have gone with you..."

    "You had two other children," said Dominik. "You couldn''t give them up. Olek was still quite a child."

    "But you were not yet an adult. So whatever has happened to you since then, it was your parents'' fault."

    "Mom ..."

    Dominik wanted to console her, say that it was not so, but he would be lying. Dominik did not run away from home, his mother entrusted him to the care of Marek Marczak, whom she trusted, and this trust brought such and not other results.

    It''s not that Dominik blamed his parents, but he was aware of their responsibility.

    At that moment, something occurred to Dominik.

    "Mom," he said in a strong, determined voice looking at the woman. "Look into my eyes, please. Please, do it."

    As he insisted, his mother wiped her tears and granted his request.

    "Mom" Dominik brought back in his heart all the most beautiful memories and emotions related to Andrzej. "I am absolutely happy at this point in my life. I had some very difficult moments, but since Andrzej appeared in my life, I regained peace, balance and¡­ happiness. The only tears that appear in my eyes now are tears of emotion and joy. Andrzej drove all the bad and sad thoughts away from me. I am really happy now. Do you believe me?"

    The woman looked into his eyes. From the room where everyone else was gathered, came to them Dominik''s father loud laughter. Before dinner, Zygmunt opened a bottle of good vodka and started offering his "son-in-law". Andrzej did not like to drink much, but he was prepared for it. Dominik''s father really accepted him and that was enough for him.

    Of course, it would be ideal if Dominik''s mother would also accept him.

    "I believe you" sighed Helena ?liwi¨½ska. "I don''t understand how it''s possible for a man to give you happiness, but I believe you."

    "I don''t know that either, Mom," admitted Dominik. "To tell you the truth, I don''t really care. All I know is that he makes me want to work, develop, act, laugh and be among people, and I haven''t had it for many years. He makes me want to be more than I am, not for other people, for myself. So mom, Andrzej is really the best thing that could happen to me at this point in my life."

    His mother stroked his cheek.

    "Hate sin, not a sinner, said our parish priest," said Helena ?liwi¨½ska, not surprising Dominik. "But he also said something else. He said that God loves every human being, and if He made some people love differently, He clearly had a purpose in it."

    His mother surprised him completely. She did not say that his sexual orientation was the work of Satan, who wants to destroy the perfect order created by God. Has the world started to change so much that even religion made some concessions? Or maybe not religion itself, but only some interpretations of ancient scriptures? Dominik remembered the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and what influence it had on the later development of certain prejudices.

    Dominik absolutely did not want to go into it, but he was very grateful that the parish priest told his mother words that would certainly make it easier for her to accept her son''s difference.

    The young actor was so happy with this fact that his eyes lit up. Helena noticed this, and she smiled in delight.

    "My little boy, you really love this man!" she exclaimed in surprise, as if only now beginning to discover this truth.

    "Yes mom. I love him. He is... my breath."

    ?liwi¨½ska shook her head. She had tears in her eyes.

    "I''ll try to get used to it," she announced. "I promise. I will try to accept your choice. It will not be easy for me, but Nowicki is at least a decent person. At least that''s what Zygmunt and Olek say."

    "Dad seems to like him," Dominik remarked.

    "Zygmunt usually doesn''t say much, but when he returned from Warsaw, he announced that Nowicki is a decent man and that I should not make any difficulties for you. Apparently he helped you more than we imagined."

    "It''s true," admitted her son. "Andrzej really appeared when I needed him the most. He and his adoptive family accepted me knowing that I was gay and they helped me find the courage to come back to you."

    "His foster family?" Dominik''s mother asked.

    "Ah, I don''t think I told you yet. His parents died a year apart while Andrzej was in college. Since then, he has to take care of himself. He also helps his high school friend, who is a single mother, and as her daughter''s godfather, helps raise her daughter. Martynka is very sweet. She is nine years old and she is a wonderful little princess ... "

    Dominik''s tongue loosened and a lot of words about Andrzej and the Kowalczyk family flowed out of his mouth. They forgot about the dishes they were supposed to wash with his mother and they sat down at the kitchen table, and Dominik was just talking. He spoke about the courage of Paulina, who preferred to raise her child alone rather than be associated with brutality of her partner and he spoke about the good heart of her mother, who wished them both happiness together during the Christmas Eve dinner. He also mentioned that Andrzej proposed to Paulina that she would not have to bear the burden of a single mother.

    "Really?" Helena wondered and looked towards the room where her husband was drinking vodka with her son''s lover.

    Dominik laughed.

    "Really," he admitted. "Andrzej is very decent, very righteous. Sometimes so much it irritates, but at least I know I can always count on him. He is very solid and determined. He knows when to let me do what I want and when to make me do something..."

    "Make you do something?"

    The indignation in his mother''s voice pleased Dominik, who immediately calmed her down.

    "I''m still very stubborn and I don''t like doctors, and he made me do a full medical examination. Remember when I was at home the last time I was taking medication."

    "Yes. You also looked very haggard. You look so much better now" Dominik''s mother noticed. Her eyes expressed love and concern.

 Chapter 178 - With Family

    "It was Andrzej who forced me to take better care of myself and listen to the doctor. I know the word ''forced'' sounds a bit scary, but remember when I was a kid and I didn''t want to take medication, did you threaten me not to let me watch TV? He has used a similar form of compulsion on me."

    Of course, Dominik could not tell his mother that Nowicki was threatening to take away something more than the ability to watch TV.

    "He made me read that Hollywood script, too," added Dominik, and again concealed that the blackmail was about sex. "I don''t regret it. I was against this movie at first, but now I think it will be a very interesting experience. Do you want to see which famous people I took pictures with?"

    His mother immediately perked up. She grew up in American cinema, so most of the screen stars she admired were from there. Dominik knew this very well, so although he did not like to pose for random photos, while in Hollywood he overcame his resistance and took some souvenir photos with several people. Of course, ?liwi¨½ski did not approach stars he met by chance, but two teams were shooting next door, where Dominik was invited to ''sightseeing''. As his guide was none other than Brand Kitt himself, the young Polish actor was very well received, practically like a friend and member of the crew.

    So Helena ?liwi¨½ska looked at photos of her son in the company of older and younger Hollywood celebrities and looked happy and proud.

    Dominik had almost no contact with his family since his role in his first film, so he wasn''t sure how they relate to his work. The expression of pride in his mother''s face made him very happy and made the young actor feel pleased that he went to the States. It seemed he had to consider more factors than he had realized when deciding his own career.

    It''s not like Dominik would obey his parents'' orders. But if there is their joy and pride on one scale and acceptance only on the other, it is worth considering which is more important.

    "Mom, what do you think about me playing in this movie?"

    "What? You ask me?" his mother wondered.

    "Yes. I''m sorry I never asked you before, but now I''d like to hear from you."

    "You know, you can do it as you like..." Helena ?liwi¨½ska tried to avoid the answer and Dominik decided that his mother was really sweet.

    "Of course I''ll do what I want," he admitted. "But I''d like to know your opinion and dad''s opinion, but he''ll probably be too drunk soon," he added, hearing laughter coming from the room. Poor Andrzej will have a painful hangover.

    "Oh my, I don''t know," Dominik''s mother blushed. "I am proud to have such a capable and resourceful son that he got an offer from Hollywood itself. Plus you will have the opportunity to play alongside Scarlett Yang."

    "I didn''t know you liked her."

    "Ay, not so much. The movies she plays are not for me. But I know that young people like it. And you are young. Together you will reach young people all over the world!"

    Dominik never cared about such worldwide fame, but his mother probably dreamed such dreams about him. He didn''t blame her for that. Before Dominik started acting in movies, his family was not doing very well. His father worked hard, but keeping three children was not easy.

    It was in order to help the family that Dominik agreed to star in his first film. Who would have thought then that it would be the first step to break off contacts with his family for many years.

    For a moment, the young actor wanted to ask his mother what she would think about her son quitting acting, but thought that he would not spoil her holiday mood. After all, he himself did not know what tomorrow would bring. Even if today he was determined that this would be his last role, it may turn out that in a year he will change his mind. Mrs. Pasek had told him once that he might face all sorts of circumstances in his life. Dominik, on the other hand, remembered the old saying that only a cow does not change its mind. He will still have time to talk to his mother about it when he will actually end his career.

    They talked and talked, and Dominik had the impression that both he and his mother felt more and more at ease, as if they had managed to close the gap that had formed between them over the years. It seemed that Andrzej was right and family ties are not that hard to rebuild. Goodwill is enough on both sides, and there was no shortage of this among the ?liwi¨½ski family.

    When they had satisfied the first hunger for conversation, Dominik went back to washing the dishes, and his mother started cutting Christmas cakes. Dominik looked longingly at the yeast poppy seed cake, gingerbread, apple pie with crumble and raisin cheesecake, which had been made according to his grandmother''s recipe. The air smelled of spices, apples, and rum. These were the smells and flavors of Christmas that Dominik remembered from his childhood and at that moment he felt like a little child himself.

    Still, it was wonderful to spend Christmas with the family, even if it was just the Second Day of Christmas.

    When he and his mother returned to the room where the family was gathered, he saw Andrzej give him a quick glance. Dominik smiled brightly at him, wanting to convey to him that everything was fine, that he really had nothing to worry about. Nowicki understood his answer. To be sure, he also glanced at Dominik''s mother and, clearly calmed down, returned to drinking vodka with the three ?liwi¨½ski family.

    It quickly turned out that only Dominik''s father and Nowicki, forced by him, were actually drinking vodka. Andrzej knew there was no other choice. He had to fulfill his son-in-law''s duty to his father-in-law. Dominik, however, felt a rising unease within him. If Andrzej is completely drunk, not only will he not be able to take them to the cottage on the Bug, but also he will not be able to fulfill their Christmas fantasies about romantic and hot sex by the fireplace, on a bear (although completely artificial) skin.

    Dominik''s anxiety was noticed by his sister, who slapped him on the shoulder and said:

    "Don''t worry, they don''t drink that much, it''s just the way it looks."

    "But Andrzej will not be able to drive after alcohol anyway."

    "You can not drive?"

    "Not really. I have never had time to get a driving license and in such weather..."

    "Why drive a car?" Dominik''s father was suddenly surprised. "Your room is still free. The bed is small..."

    Cold sweat poured over the young actor''s back. If it were a movie, to emphasize the horror of the situation, a sound effect would be used in which an icy wind would blow. Everyone in the room looked as if they had been chilled and Dominik did not even dare to look at his mother, from whom it was blowing the coldest. The woman might start to accept her son''s choice, but far from accepting his male lover sleeping under her roof and - as Zygmunt suggested - in the same room and bed as Dominik.

    Everyone was surprised by Nowicki, who huffed with laughter.

    "You know, Zygmunt, you have an interesting sense of humor."

    "Right?" both of them laughed, but that didn''t lighten the atmosphere as everyone else realized that the problem remained.

    "I''ll drive you," Olek suddenly suggested.

    "We''ll go two cars," their sister added. "Olek will drive Andrzej''s car and I will bring him home."

    The solution was clean and simple. Dominik was surprised that he had not come up with it himself. I guess he really lacked a lot of life experience, which he noticed more and more now. He also decided to get a driving license as soon as possible.

    ***

    The young ?liwi¨½ski siblings left from a small summer house on the Bug River, where Dominik and Andrzej were staying. Seeing the deplorable condition of the building, Dominik''s sister offered to take them somewhere more decent, but he declined to say that the place was perfectly fine, that they were already here and didn''t need to worry about anything. Olek nudged his sister aside mumbling something about giving Dominik and his man privacy, which definitely worked. Now the headlights of the car in which the young ?liwi¨½ski family drove have disappeared from view. Dominik and Andrzej were left alone.

    Nowicki was not completely drunk, but clearly smudged with alcohol. He finished drinking vodka almost three hours ago, then he consumed a large amount of coffee and even later the frost helped him to sober up.

    Dominik had never seen Andrzej drunk, so he had no idea what to expect. Some got drunk merrily, others sadly, while still others¡­ aggressively. However, the young actor was not afraid of the latter for a moment.

 Chapter 179 - Tears Of Love

    It was very cold in the cottage. Dominik felt it was even colder than outside, where it was freezing at dusk. The cabin hadn''t been heated in a long time, so the walls were frozen over. ?liwi¨½ski even wondered for a moment whether they should go to the city to the hotel, but if they stayed at the hotel, they would not be able to hug each other, not to mention these other things.

    All right, they''ll try to stay here. If they feel too bad, they will be able to move to a hotel even in the middle of the night.

    Dominik started preparing the fire in the fireplace.

    "Let me, I''ll light the fireplace..." Andrzej came up to him and wanted to take the matches from him.

    "Leave it, you''re drunk", remembered ?liwi¨½ski. "Inadvertently, you will set fire to the whole house."

    "Um ..." Nowicki muttered under his breath and fortunately did not try to take the matches away from him. He just stood motionless, staring blankly at Dominik. The young actor felt strange under the photographer''s gaze.

    "What is going on?" ?liwi¨½ski asked blushing.

    "I love you" Andrzej grinned broadly. "My God, Dominik, how I love you!"

    ?liwi¨½ski''s heart jumped happily and could not calm down. Andrzej''s confession, even now, in a cold house in the middle of nowhere, when Andrzej himself was drunk, sounded so wonderful that now Dominik had the impression that his heart would run out of his chest.

    "I love you too," he replied with an equally broad smile. "And I wish you would take me in front of that fireplace, but let me make a fire in it first."

    "I don''t want to wait," groaned Andrzej and he suddenly wrapped his arms around Dominik who was crouching in front of the fireplace.

    ?liwi¨½ski''s heart beat even more. His whole body began to react to the proximity of Andrzej with a flame. Despite the cold temperature, he immediately felt hot. He wanted his man right now, but when he imagined the police discovering their frozen, naked bodies clasped in a loving embrace after a few days...

    "You don''t want me to freeze, do you?" he asked Andrzej, knowing full well that Dominik''s health was the most important argument for his lover.

    "Hurry up then, for God''s sake!" Nowicki asked.

    "So stop bothering me!"

    "All right, all right ..." the photographer resigned and moved away from ?liwi¨½ski, giving him freedom of movement. Dominik felt emptiness and regret about it, but also relief.

    A weak flame began to lick timidly the logs laid in the fireplace. It will be a long time before it gets warm enough to take off the jackets, but ?liwi¨½ski again felt the arms of his beloved on his body.

    Andrzej''s impatience was extremely exciting, especially when Dominik remembered that he was the first man in his life and so far the only one.

    Nowicki had many temptations, Dominik knew that Marek Marczak confessed his love to him, that the handsome Italian Giorgio Fiorelli wanted to seduce him, that even his former school friend would give a lot for the body, and even more for Andrzej''s heart, but Nowicki always said no. He wasn''t interested in men. At least not those who were not Dominik and ?liwi¨½ski knew about it.

    "The fire is already burning ..." Nowicki whispered in his ear. "In me¡­"

    Wonderfully delightful, totally perverse. Andrzej''s breath, hot, soaked with alcohol, wrapped around Dominik''s neck and cheek. Nowicki wanted him, he wanted him very much, and there was no reason to defend himself against his desires...

    "We have to turned on the geyser to..." groaned ?liwi¨½ski.

    "I''ve already turned it on," said Andrzej. His breathing was heavy with excitement. "No matches. One button was enough..."

    Dominik looked over his shoulder. Yes, in fact, a few steps away was a mobile gas cylinder on a cylinder, slowly starting to glow with a hot gas flame. The men were in between these two heat sources, which are about to warm this space, and they could get too hot, especially since their bodies were already burning with desire.

    That was exactly their plan!

    Andrzej''s hot breath was still a cloud of steam in the chilled interior, but Dominik no longer felt cold. He turned so as to have Nowicki in front of him and wanted to tell him something provocative, something erotic, but he saw what kind of gaze Andrzej was looking at him and suddenly he was overcome by shyness.

    Andrzej Nowicki has always been a man of strong moral principles. Even when he was working as paparazzi, there were limits he couldn''t break. Honor was always more important to him than money. Yes, Andrzej once committed blackmail, but it did not last long and the blackmailer himself was so embarrassed by his act that he returned the money to the victim and apologized. Everyone makes a mistake from time to time, but Nowicki was not afraid to admit it and bear the consequences.

    As a man of strong moral principles, Andrzej never thought about an affair with a man. He never thought about seeking his own pleasure at the expense of the naive, susceptible to the influence of others Dominik, who himself was trying to get Andrzej''s pants down. It was Dominik himself who seduced him by offering the most wonderful pleasures and fulfilling this promise. Nowicki succumbed to him, he also succumbed to him later, after all, he was only human, but he did not do it even for a moment solely for his own pleasure. He always did it with ?liwi¨½ski in mind.

    Dominik was looking into Andrzej''s wonderful, bright, brown eyes and, engrossed in delight, forgot to breathe.

    One could read only one thing in Andrzej''s eyes - pure love.

    ?liwi¨½ski''s eyes glazed with tears. He knew how weak and full of flaws he was a man. How naive and¡­ wretched he is. How is it possible that such a good and noble man as Andrzej awakened such a beautiful feeling for someone as handicapped as Dominik?

    "Dominik? Why are you crying?" Nowicki was worried, touching his cheek. "Something happened? Something hurts you? Are you cold?"

    ?liwi¨½ski had to pull himself together. Again, completely unintentionally, he disturbed his wonderful Andrzej. So the young actor smiled, he even laughed a little shyly and a little coquettishly.

    "No, no," he assured. "I''m just happy. So happy that until..."

    "¡­it hurts?" Nowicki finished for him.

    "How do you know?" ?liwi¨½ski was surprised.

    "Because I feel the same."

    "But you... you don''t cry.

    "I am not as wonderfully emotional a man as you are. Dominik, your eyes..."

    "What about them?"

    "I''ve never seen anything so beautiful. You have a wonderful purity, innocence in them, but they can be so provocatively sexy... Do you know that the eyes are a mirror of the soul?"

    Who hasn''t heard this saying at least once? Who hasn''t thought about it or at least didn''t summon it subconsciously judging someone just by looking that person in the eye?

    Dominik, intimidated, wiped his tears. Andrzej''s eyes were brave and strong, loyal and sincere, caring and daring. They were exactly like Nowicki''s character. Now they looked at Dominik with such pure, so sincere love that the young actor had trouble catching his breath.

    "That''s why I love your soul so much," he said quietly and, very timidly, he put his lips to Andrzej''s.

    The kiss was gentle, like the touch of a snowflake whirling slowly outside the window.

    Andrzej willingly returned the kiss and the caress gained strength. It was hard to extinguish his passion, made even worse by alcohol, but who would actually want it? Certainly neither of them. They both wanted to immerse themselves in the warmth of their arms, their breaths and their love.

    Their clothes were slowly disappearing, but it wasn''t long before Dominik felt the soft, artificial bearskin under his back and the warmth of his lover''s most real and alive skin on his chest and stomach. ?liwi¨½ski wrapped his legs around him, thus allowing him to enter the tunnel of pleasure. A passionate kiss joined their lips, and meanwhile their lower parts...

    "Ah!" Dominik groaned loudly.

    "Too fast? Too hard? Too early?" Andrzej asked worriedly. His concern was as hot as a fire in a fireplace, and it felt like his hazel eyes.

    "No, it''s perfect," assured Dominik with all sincerity. "I just..."

    "You just¡­"

    "I love you so much!"

    There was not a hint of a lie in his words. In fact, Dominik felt as if the words he had spoken were a huge understatement. At this point in his life, Andrzej was such a wonderful being for him that he no language in the world knew the right word to express it.

    "My beloved," Nowicki replied and entered him a little deeper. Dominik put his arms around him, too, hot and tight. Tears appeared in his eyes again, but this time he tried to hide them. He didn''t want Andrzej to think that he was crying because of him, even though that was actually the case¡­

 Chapter 180 - Only After The Wedding Does Real Life Begin

    But as before, they were not tears of suffering, sorrow or physical pain. They were tears of great joy and love that could not fit into Dominik''s heart.

    So they made love passionately, hotly, but also tenderly, with care for the pleasure of their lover. They did their best so that the partner would find the greatest satisfaction. It was as if the other man was more important than himself.

    Because that''s how it was.

    ?liwi¨½ski did not have to ask Andrzej how great is his love? In fact, he never had to do it, because Nowicki confessed it with deeds, not words. He confessed her when he was next to Dominik whenever he needed him, when he never judged him, never forced him to do anything against his will and always protected him even against the stupidity of Dominik himself.

    And Dominik himself has never felt so at ease in his life, so naturally and as well as in the company of Andrzej Nowicki. It was the photographer who allowed him to take off his mask and cover himself with who Dominik ?liwi¨½ski really is, a young man who grew up under the not always good influence of his first lover. With Marek Marczak, Dominik was his creation, the person Marek wanted to see, with Andrzej Dominik was...

    "Oh, more, more ..." moaned Dominik, sinking in delight as Nowicki''s penis rubbed against the hot softness of his interior. "Cum in me as soon as..."

    Just then, as if on command, Andrzej''s penis shot out, flooding his lover''s interior with semen. Dominik strained in ecstasy and felt his own penis releasing semen as well.

    Nowicki rolled down from him, panting heavily, weakened by alcohol and sex. Dominik looked at his flushed cheeks and felt another surge of emotion full of happiness. Andrzej closed his eyes, maybe he was already falling asleep. Dominik leaned over him and softly whispered, "Thank you for loving me," and then kissed his lips.

    Nowicki smiled blissfully, probably already in his sleep.

    ***

    Dominik was tired, but he couldn''t sleep. It was always Andrzej who looked after him, but today Nowicki scored a bit too much, and although he was not completely drunk, he was not sober enough to be able to remain fully aware.

    Dominik had no idea if they could really freeze in that little cabin by the river if the fire in the fireplace went out. He was also not sure if a portable gas heater with a gas cylinder was completely safe. Every day the young actor discovered how many things he does not know about normal, everyday life. So he had no idea if they were completely safe here, so he saw fit to be vigilant - put wood in the fireplace and peek at the geyser. In fact, however, he was looking almost exclusively at the sleeping Andrzej.

    ?liwi¨½ski had already seen his lover slightly intoxicated, but this time Andrzej was almost drunk.

    There was something very attractive about Nowicki being in such a state. There was a certain vulnerability and innocence in him as he slept so completely relaxed. Dominik had the impression that at this point anyone could gain an advantage over him and use him in a sinister way.

    The young actor sighed. He heard a story about how, after offering Andrzej a contract, a handsome Italian also wanted to use his body. Sometimes even the strongest men, under the influence of stimulants that they have taken voluntarily or against their will, become weak, even defenseless. Sometimes even strong men like Andrzej need protection and support.

    The thought that then, at the time of the greatest need, Dominik was not around to support Andrzej was painful. But even if ?liwi¨½ski was in the country then, would he be able to do anything to help him? Marek was strong, brave and ruthless, so he dealt easily with the Italian, but Dominik was simply weak. Not only would he not save his lover, but he would probably become a victim himself...

    Nowicki muttered something in his sleep and turned on his side happily. When they finished making love, ?liwi¨½ski covered him with clothes and a blanket and quickly heated the quilt. Now Andrzej was wrapped in warmth and he could relax with it as much as he wanted.

    Dominik looked at the wedding ring on his finger. He still couldn''t believe his happiness and the fact that Andrzej had told him that they were actually getting married, although only informally and for themselves, but it was enough for them. The young actor knew that Andrzej was absolutely serious about him and wanted to stay with him forever.

    He, too, wanted it with all his heart. He wanted a normal life with the person he loves without having to hide. Maybe there was indeed a moment when they would no longer have to do this? The world was changing and the fears that dominated Dominik''s life were no longer relevant. His family knew Dominik was gay and tried to accept it. ?liwi¨½ski did not plan to develop his film career, so he did not care about the media scandal anymore. As for this American production, it seemed that political correctness was working for the benefit of all minorities, including sexual minorities, so if he openly said he was gay, he would only gain more popularity for himself and the movie. Yes, Dominik had nothing to fear for himself, but Andrzej...

    Nowicki assured that everything was okay, that he was not afraid of disclosure, but Dominik was not sure if Andrzej was fully aware of the consequences. Nowicki was honest and sincere, so he saw no need for him to protect himself with a lie. He only lied for Dominik. But ?liwi¨½ski was already in the world of show business and the world of gays for a long time, and although Marek isolated him from most problems, he realized that sometimes honesty is man''s greatest enemy. People loved to feed on others, and all sincere souls were too sincere and too weak to defend themselves.

    ?liwi¨½ski more and more often appreciated the fact that Marek wanted to protect him. He isolated him from the world and locked him in a beautiful glass ball, where he provided him with what he thought were the ideal conditions in which Dominik would keep his innocence. But a flower that grows in a greenhouse all its life is not resistant to frosts and winds, it is beautiful and noble, but weak and dependent on the hand of the gardener. Nobody asks the flower for its opinion and nobody asked the young actor for the opinion, but ?liwi¨½ski grew up and began to notice how weak he was and how dependent he was. So Dominik appreciated the fact that Marek wanted to protect him, but not the method. Man, like a flower or iron, in order to be strong, must temper himself with fire and water, wind and frost.

    This is how Andrzej treated Dominik. It was not a greenhouse for him, but a mulch that protected against frost and wind, but did not provide one hundred percent protection. That is why ?liwi¨½ski could grow and now he felt as if he had grown up to be ready to protect Andrzej. Dominik may have been physically weak, he was still working on his courage, but Brand Kitt was right in saying that people bind together to have mutual help and support. Dominik was therefore ready to become a support for Andrzej.

    Nowicki slept soundly. His face lit up with a smile. Apparently, the man had a pleasant dream. ?liwi¨½ski hoped that he was dreaming about him. He made sure of this when Andrzej mumbled in his sleep:

    "Dominik, you little pervert ..."

    Dominik, the little pervert, smiled happily. It was wonderful to be part of this wonderful man''s dream and part of a pleasant dream.

    He must protect Andrzej, even from himself. When they return to Warsaw, they will have to have a serious conversation. Before they were lovers, now they are married to some extent, so the decisions they will make must be made together, taking into account the needs of both of them. They will have a lot to discuss with each other.

    Fairy tales usually end with the banal ''they got married and lived happily ever after'', and only after the wedding does real life begin. Well, that''s why the fairy tale ends at this point. However, no one said that real life must be far from a fairy tale. Each day can be happy and good if there is a will between them.

    They both had their own careers, but while Andrzej''s one had just started to develop, Dominik was seriously thinking about ending his. They were both standing at a crossroads at this point, having to make choices.

    Nowicki has still not made a decision regarding participation in the advertising campaign for J. Acutti. Dominik saw that after what the Italian had done to him, Andrzej became interested in this idea.

 Chapter 181 - This Love Is Pure Selfishness

    Nowicki was not vindictive, but he believed that misconduct should be punished. He could not report the incident to the police, he absolutely could not cause a scandal, but the Italian should pay for his act, so Andrzej had a sincere desire to abuse him a little.

    In addition to what Nowicki also admitted to Dominik, that he felt great gratitude towards Mrs. Janka, because she hired him at a time when he really needed this job and she did not try to take advantage of his desperation, but allowed him to develop. He felt that he should pay her back with a good of the same size, and the contract with J. Acutti was something any agency could dream of. So Andrzej was willing to sign this contract... right after he had a little bit of abuse about this Italian.

    Dominik was a little happy that his beloved was noticed and that such potential was also noticed in him. Andrzej''s beauty, a little raw, was really alluring and the world deserved to be able to enjoy his eyes with it. J. Acutti had a really good reputation and was a top class, luxury brand. Someone like Andrzej Nowicki suited them perfectly, and they suited Nowicki.

    Depraved people were in every kind of business. Probably every big company has some crazy employee, or at least a villain. At least, based on his experiences, ?liwi¨½ski believed. One rotten apple can infect the entire basket, but you should not cut down the entire orchard because of one rotten apple. There are definitely less drastic measures to deal with a harmful specimen. Likewise, one should not condemn an ??entire good company just because someone had a bad experience with its representative.

    Dominik put another log on the fire. Andrzej slept peacefully, relaxed and so wonderfully beautiful! The young actor was proud that this beauty was noticed by a reputable company that produces some of the best and most famous perfumes for men and high-class clothing in the world. Dominik might even get jealous that the company hadn''t approached him, but J. Acutti didn''t work with already famous people - they made people famous. There was nothing to envy, but to be proud of.

    For Dominik and Andrzej, the past year was full of adventures and experiences that changed their lives. There was a lot of evil this year that almost wiped Dominik out of this world, but there was also the wonderful, infinite good that Andrzej had become for him. Whatever extraordinary force put Nowicki on ?liwi¨½ski''s path, the actor was infinitely grateful to her, because Andrzej helped him open his eyes to how toxic his life had been so far and change it to something as beautiful as that night. Last night of Christmas.

    ***

    For some reason, Mrs. Janka kept smiling, making Andrzej Nowicki feel a bit uncomfortable under her gaze. Andrzej was not a genius, but he was also not stupid and he knew that his boss had noticed a clear change on her photographer''s finger. From that moment on, her lips never stopped smiling and her eyes shone almost like a small aquamarine in a ring.

    Yes, Nowicki felt a bit uncomfortable, but only a little. Mrs. Janka was a really honest and wonderful person who loved her employees like a mother. Since most of the people working for her were very young and had sensitive, artistic souls, the woman looked after them with special care, ensuring that they did not get hurt. That''s why Andrzej felt no shame in front of her, only a slight embarrassment.

    "Yes," he admitted, although he was not asked about anything. "We exchanged wedding rings with Dominik..."

    Mrs. Janka laughed as if she were fifteen and found out that her beloved idol was coming to her town.

    "Congratulations!" she called, getting up and went to Nowicki. Without asking for permission, she embraced him warmly and tenderly, as if she were indeed his mother. And this was the warmth radiating from her that Andrzej felt. "I forgive you for not inviting me to the ceremony. The most important thing is for you to be happy!"

    "Er ... thank you" Nowicki felt intimidated as if he were seventeen years old again. "There was no celebration or ceremony. We did it privately, after returning from Christmas Eve dinner..."

    Mrs. Pasek released him and returned to her desk. Andrzej was surprised to see that the old lady was wiping her eyes. The sight filled his heart with great warmth. Mrs. Janka was supposed to be just a boss, but she really loved her employees and Andrzej felt touched that she enjoyed his happiness so much. Her acceptance and her support in the decision they made with Dominik were very important to him.

    "I don''t know Dominik well," said Mrs. Janka, sitting down at her desk again (thank God for waterproof mascaras!) "But it seems to me that he was very happy with your proposal."

    "How do you know it''s me ...?" Andrzej asked surprised.

    "It''s obvious" Mrs. Pasek waved her hand. "That boy would never have dared to do that. He is totally gay, but you... Well, it cannot be denied that women were not alien to you and that you still sometimes feel something when looking at their charms..."

    "Mrs. Janka..." Andrzej decided that the boss''s words were too personal, so he gently asked her in his tone to change the subject.

    The woman, however, completely ignored him and continued.

    "Nowicki, it is biology. You react to women. Your mind and your heart are with the man, but your body knows its. You probably will never change that. "

    "Are you suggesting that I betray Dominik?" Andrzej asked gloomily.

    "God forbid! All I''m saying is that you are not one hundred percent gay who only sees men, so Dominik couldn''t have felt completely sure you would be with him. He also couldn''t ask you to always be together because he was afraid all the time that he was an adventure for you, a temporary crush, and one day you would go back to your old tastes. But knowing you, if you made such an proposal to him, you really are serious about him. Not about any man, about him. It was for him that you changed your life and worldview, and I''m damn happy that you did. I may be a naive romantic, but how much must you love him if you are giving up your natural instincts for him!"

    Andrzej had never thought that way and suddenly felt ashamed. He didn''t want to cheat on Dominik with any woman. Sometimes when he saw a very erotic photo or a woman''s behavior, Nowicki felt sexually aroused, but then he had no fantasy what he would do with the woman. His thoughts immediately ran to Dominik.

    "Very" Andrzej admitted smiling with a blush. "I am no longer a teenager who is solely controlled by hormones. Dominik... it started out weird and unexpectedly, but he is my conscious choice. No one has ever aroused such emotions and feelings in me as he did, so... Man is above his instincts. How can I ignore this wonderful man and not want to spend my whole life with him just because my pants twitch when I see a woman?"

    "That''s why I like you so much, Nowicki. There should be more men like you in the world."

    "You are flattering me," Andrzej blushed.

    "Really?" Mrs. Pasek laughed. "You remind me a bit of people from earlier generations. Gentlemen who lived a hundred years ago. No, I don''t think you''re old-fashioned, that you don''t fit in with these times. I am just glad that you are not someone for whom selfishness is the overriding trait, as it is for most young people today. The fact that you chose Dominik..."

    "This is pure selfishness on my part," said Andrzej in a calm voice. "After all, he is the most beautiful, loved being in the world. Mrs. Janka, I am a terrible egoist because Dominik... is my everything. I asked him to always be with me, because if I lost him..."

    The faces of Marek Marczak and Maciej Werner stood before Andrzej''s eyes. Marczak loved Dominik, Nowicki was sure of it, but Marczak''s love was distorted to a great extent. Marek was so afraid of losing his lovely lover that he turned him into a prisoner of his love. He took away from him the right to meet with others, the right to decide his own fate, the right to exist without Marek''s constant presence. Werner went even more brutally imposing his love on Dominik. They both loved, but their love was warped and dirty because it did not take into account Dominik himself. However, they were most afraid of losing him, which is why this fear took their minds away.

    Andrzej also felt a terrifying fear that he would lose this wonderful man, but he was even more afraid of causing him pain. So he decided never to force him, but to offer him a real partnership in love and in everyday life.

 Chapter 182 - Partnership In Love

    Nowicki was afraid of losing Dominik, but he did not want to keep him by force. He wanted the young actor to be with him voluntarily, voluntarily and willingly, because only then can one speak of love.

    The photographer did not know exactly when it happened, but Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, this extraordinary young man, became his whole world and his whole life, and Andrzej was just so happy about it.

    "Your love is really beautiful" dreamed Mrs. Pasek Nowicki returning to reality. "You make me feel young myself. You''ve been through so much, yet you haven''t stopped loving each other. You even decided to go a step further. I envy you that you had the opportunity to find your place in this world."

    Andrzej felt happy, proud, but also a bit sad. Mrs. Janka never got married. Either she did not find her love, or that love did not have a happy ending. Before Andrzej himself met Dominik, he did not believe that he could ever love someone and that someone could love him, and now...

    "I envy myself," he replied with a broad smile. "I hated my job as paparazzi, but if it weren''t for her, I wouldn''t have met Dominik."

    "You know the saying ''there is no bad thing that would not turn out for good?''"

    Nowicki nodded.

    "My grandfather used to say that," he admitted. Suddenly he looked a little worried. "Do you think that the good time has finally come, that the bad is over?"

    Janina Pasek smiled kindly, but there was a bit of sadness in her eyes.

    "Nowicki, life without worries and without evil exists only in fairy tales," she announced. "You will face more than one problem and more than one suffering, but you are together now and you will deal with it together. Whether you are in trouble or him, if you carry them together, each of you will only have half the weight. This is what the relationship is all about."

    ***

    Mrs. Janka''s words had a great effect on Nowicki and made him think. Until now, Andrzej always wanted to protect Dominik from everything and take the full burden on himself, although he knew that it was impossible. Dominik always carried the evil that befell him within him and no one could break him out of him.

    Nowicki also understood that they are partners on equal terms in the relationship, so just as he wants to support Dominik, Dominik certainly wants to support him. Andrzej could not take this right away from him.

    The photographer was so engrossed in his private relations with Dominik that he forgot that Mrs. Janka had handed him a large gray envelope containing a new business proposal for ?liwi¨½ski. When handing the envelope to Nowicki, Janina Pasek did not say much, only that after the success of the yogurt advertisement, the client would like to extend the cooperation and would like to prepare a program with ?liwi¨½ski''s participation in cooperation with a certain television station. As Dominik does not currently have an agent and he did not provide a contact phone number or e-mail address himself, the proposal was sent to the agency of Mrs. Pasek.

    Andrzej''s eyes fell accidentally on the envelope on the desk and the photographer sighed. Dominik decided to withdraw from the world of show business, but he has not officially informed about it yet, so the world of show business slowly began to ask for him. Even the rumors that Dominik was gay and that he had led to the suicide of a man who fell in love with him did not manage to stop the viewers'' love for him and perhaps the love of capital. On the contrary, it seems that they gave him a certain charm of mystery that Mrs. Janka mentioned earlier, and rumors of cooperation with Scarlett Yang brought him even more interest. Fortunately, this interest was healthy now.

    Participation in Hollywood production was more than participation in European production, although Andrzej had a different opinion on the subject. Dominik, too. They both assumed that good and bad movies are made everywhere. But they both had to agree that these American productions had more publicity, so they reached the potential viewer more easily, which is why, although not always better, they were much more popular and earned more money. Thus, they became a ticket to a faster career.

    Only that Dominik did not care about his career anymore, if he ever cared about it.

    Nowicki sighed. Whether Dominik will continue to play in the movies, or will he definitely say goodbye to this work, it remains to be seen. The young actor was at the crossroads of his life, in a place where he would make decisions for the future, but he did not have to rush this choice. In the meantime, however, he will receive further cooperation offers and maybe it is worth considering hiring a new manager for even six months or a year?

    Andrzej will have to raise this topic with Dominik.

    Someone knocked on the door of Nowicki''s office and Andrzej saw Sylwia peering in. His assistant (far too talented and educated to be his assistant) had a strange expression on her face.

    "Andrzej, the people of J. Acutti have come to talk to Mrs. Janina," she informed him.

    Nowicki frowned. Mrs. Janka did not tell him that she was expecting these guests. In fact, she did not even mention the subject of the contract with the Italian company.

    Was Andrzej stretching too much and J. Acutti withdrew from wanting to cooperate with him? Nowicki felt relief, but also a certain anger at the hurt pride. If they weren''t serious about hiring him, they shouldn''t start a topic at all. After what Fiorelli had done to him, Nowicki probably had the right to delay making a decision.

    Nowicki himself did not know if he was more happy that he was passing by the necessity to pose in front of the camera, or if he was disappointed that they gave him up so easily. For his own peace of mind, however, he would not bother himself with it.

    "They are talking to Mrs. Janka, not me, so what do I have to do with that?" he asked his assistant smiling innocently.

    "But this is a different group than before. Do you remember that handsome Italian who was the boss before? He''s gone now. Some woman replaced him."

    The news surprised Andrzej, but he once again told himself that he didn''t care.

    "Maybe he has vacation or other private matters. Or business. Why should I bother myself with it?"

    Sylwia finally understood that Andrzej was not going to get into the rumors with her. She muttered an apology under her breath and was already closing the door when Nowicki received a text message from Tomaszek inviting him to Mrs. Janina''s office.

    Andrzej sighed and stood up. Whatever topic they wanted to raise with him, he did not expect a pleasant conversation. Nobody likes to be rejected, not after hearing sweet words of encouragement and actually being persuaded to participate in the project. People who are not really serious about working together should never make a proposal.

    Nowicki got up, expecting to hear that he had been rejected. It won''t be a big deal, though he''ll be a little ashamed. He will be especially ashamed in front of Dominik, when he will have to admit that the Italians did not want him. Andrzej looked at the aquamarine wedding ring and smiled warmly. Hmm, maybe it won''t be so bad, because his beloved Dominik will do anything to console Andrzej...

    There is nothing bad that would not work for good, Andrzej remembered the old truth and smiled at the very thought of meeting his man.

    ***

    Nowicki gently knocked on the door of the conference room and entered at the invitation. Mrs. Pasek looked stern, while the Italian guests had unruffled expressions.

    "Sit down, Nowicki," asked Mrs. Janka, pointing to the chair next to her. Her secretary, Tomaszek, stood obediently behind her back. "Mrs. Gina Andrutti took over the project from Mr. Fiorelli."

    Before Andrzej sat down, he politely nodded the head of the Italian delegation, keeping his gaze a little longer on a plump, middle-aged Italian woman. The woman looked so ordinary, so normal, he would never say she works for such a reputable fashion company. Nowicki, however, was far from judging people by their appearance.

    The Italian woman said something in her native language. The interpreter blushed and translated:

    "Director Andrutti wants to officially, on behalf of J. Acutti, apologize to Mr. Nowicki for the bad behavior of the company''s representative, Mr. Fiorelli. Director Andrutti assures that J. Acutti does not accept such behavior. Mr. Fiorelli has been withdrawn from the project and further disciplinary measures will be taken against him. J. Acutti still wants to hire Mr. Nowicki. This time, the talks will be conducted only officially, through the agency where Mr. Nowicki works. Is this solution satisfactory?"

 Chapter 183 - Just Do It!

    Andrzej felt uncomfortable. Not only did he not expect such a turn of events (he was really sure that J. Acutti would like to withdraw his cooperation proposal), but also the photographer felt Mrs. Janka''s watchful, suspicious eyesight.

    "Nowicki? Has something happened that I don''t know about?" she asked.

    Andrzej did not want or intend to inform his boss that the handsome Italian wanted to seduce him, but he used rather disgusting methods. There was nothing to brag about or to remember, so the photographer ignored Mrs. Pasek and turned to the Italian business delegation.

    "Yes, this solution is satisfactory for me. I am ready to discuss the last details and sign the contract."

    From the corner of his eye, Nowicki noticed that Mrs. Janka''s eyes widened with surprise and her assistant made a gesture of joy and victory, although he tried very hard not to let anyone notice it.

    "Are you sure?" Mrs. Janka asked.

    "Yes," said Andrzej. "I do it for myself. At first I was reluctant, but after reflection, I decided that it could be a good experience for me as a photographer and¡­ an interesting adventure. I will not be a permanent model, but this experience will help me better understand the problems faced by the models I work with."

    Janina Pasek smiled warmly at him, but there was a bit of anxiety in her eyes. Perhaps it was the apology from the Italians that made the woman feel some doubts.

    Andrzej Nowicki, on the other hand, did not have them anymore and he was relieved when he informed the people of J. Acutti about his decision. He did not lie, he really considered participation in this project a potentially good experience, and the thought that he might have lost a contract with such a reputable and luxurious company worried him a little more than he wanted to admit to himself.

    Getting paid with your looks wasn''t bad, as he sometimes thought before. As a photographer, he knew that maintaining a beautiful body and face requires a lot of sacrifice and effort on the part of models and actors. Most of these people weren''t idiots either. It is true that some of them neglected their education, but not everyone had the talent and aspiration to become an astrophysicist or aviation engineer.

    Not every job required great intellectual skill and a diploma from three universities. Most of the people in this world have been doing very well without higher or even high school level education and led normal, ordinary lives. So the models didn''t have to graduate from college either.

    Their work, however, required a good physical condition, as they often had to pose for photos for hours wearing clothes not suited to the prevailing weather conditions. Often the models were shaking from the cold, having to smile happily or dripping with sweat from the heat, being a hair from overheating the body. They sat motionless for hours, letting themselves be put on thick layers of makeup that made their skin barely breathe, and hairdos so crazy they contradicted the laws of gravity and the aesthetics of normal people. They wore shoes that were impossible to walk on and spent the whole day wearing them. There were so many similar examples...

    The world of ordinary people said it was easy money, but nothing was easy about modeling. It''s been months, years of hard physical exertion, sacrifices, disappointments and tremendous stress just to get a one in a million chance. And this was the really chance for a model in a million other models. The rest of the models, as in any other profession, were doomed to live gray lives for not too much money. Consequently, their work and wages did not differ much from office workers.

    Most probably, however, Andrzej wanted to turn into a model to get to know Dominik better. ?liwi¨½ski sometimes posed professionally for photos, as for this yogurt advertising campaign. Nowicki was self-critical enough to know that he did not have the acting talent himself and would not play in the movie, but since there was an opportunity to try another variant of Dominik''s work, it was also an opportunity to get to know the challenges that ?liwi¨½ksi faced better. It''s like ''walking in someone else''s shoes''.

    "That''s great!" pleased Andrutti on the lips of the interpreter. "Then let''s move on to discussing the details..."

    ***

    In Poland, there is an idiom "joyful like a lark", which refers to people in such a good mood that they sing from the very morning, or give the impression that they will start singing at any moment. Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was the embodiment of this idiom today, and he was so bursting with joy that he actually found it difficult to sit still, and from his mouth, completely unknowingly, the words of various joyful songs from five different languages ??came out, although people who knew these languages ??would probably say words do not belong to their language.

    This, however, was absolutely irrelevant to Dominik, because Dominik was wearing a wedding ring with a beautiful amber eye resembling the color of Andrzej''s eyes.

    It didn''t take much for the guy to be happy. He was satisfied with good food, good sex and someone you love above your own life. Dominik ?liwi¨½ski now had all three points secured, so why would he be gloomy? Dominik was just still in a state of wedding intoxication.

    Additionally, in the morning, Dominik received an e-mail inviting him to participate in a Hollywood production. The test shooting was excellent, everyone liked the young Polish actor very much and even his delicate, barely audible eastern accent was not a problem, because he was playing an officer from this region of the world. This accent was therefore an asset, not a disadvantage, as it added authenticity.

    A contract was also attached to the message. Seeing the number of zeros, ?liwi¨½ski decided that he and Andrzej definitely had to buy a new car.

    Dominik was happy just like that. He was happy with the fullness of his heart, so much it hurt. So much so that singing at home was not enough. He was bursting with energy that he wanted to share with someone.

    To his surprise, he thought of his mother. Christmas had gone calmer than he had expected, and he seemed to have really come to an understanding with his mother. Certainly it is hard for her to accept the otherness of her son, but she herself said that she lost him for seven years and does not want to lose him for longer.

    Dominik, however, was afraid to call his mother. One day is not enough to completely and permanently rebuild the relationship that had been broken for seven years and ?liwi¨½ski did not dare to impose himself on his mother. They saw each other on Christmas, a day when all deeds and neglect are forgiven, but now Christmas is over and everyday life has become gray.

    But if Dominik gives in to his fear and doesn''t call his mother, there will be no progress in mending their relationship. One day is not enough to get back to normal, but if Dominik doesn''t have the courage, the second day simply won''t be. The most difficult step is the first step, and this is what Dominik and Andrzej have already taken at Christmas. Now is the time to take step two.

    The young actor boldly picked up his phone, and although his hands were shaking, he called his mother.

    Helena ?liwi¨½ska picked up after a few moments. During this time, Dominik probably thought ten times that he should give up the connection. But if he chickens out from talking to her mother, how will he be able to protect himself and Andrzej from the real threat?

    "Hello, mom..." the actor spoke timidly.

    "Dominik, has something bad happened?" he heard his mother''s worried voice on the other side. Has it already come to the point that a phone call from a son equates to some bad event for the mother? Yes he thought so. After all, what could she expect if he hadn''t spoken to her for so many years?

    "No, Mom. On the contrary. I''m calling with messages that may please you."

    He heard his mother take a deep breath and felt as if he had made a mistake in saying those words. After all, the information that would please his mother the most will never fall from his lips.

    "I got a contract with Hollywood," Dominik added quickly, enthusiastically, trying to shake off the thought that he had disappointed his mother, who most wanted to hear from her son, that he was no longer gay.

    "Really? That''s great!" his mother replied, and she sounded quite sincere, but Dominik couldn''t help feeling he could hear the disappointment in her voice.

    "Sorry," he blurted softly.

    "For what?" his mother asked and the actor felt ashamed that these words had come out of his mouth at all, but...

    "For not being what you wanted me to be."

 Chapter 184 - Newly Wedded Men

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski knew a mother could be proud of his career, that her son starred in popular productions, and now even got a job with Hollywood, but privately, as a human, Dominik was a terrible disappointment for her.

    A gay son. Pederast son. It''s almost the same as a murderer son. The mother, due to the fact that she is a mother, will love him, but for the rest of her life she will feel disappointment and guilt that she has not raised her son better.

    "Dominik, we talked about it on Christmas..."

    "But you still have a hard time accepting who I am, right?"

    Helena ?liwi¨½ska was a strong Catholic believer. She couldn''t lie, or at least she shouldn''t.

    "I''m getting used to it, Dominik. You shocked me at first. But now I''m getting used to. When I saw you on Christmas..."

    She paused. Dominik and Andrzej behaved very decently during their visit to the ?liwi¨½ski family. Not once did they show affection for each other. They did not even sit side by side, so as not to hurt the sensitive eyes of Dominik''s conservative mother.

    "Andrzej cares so much about you" added ?liwi¨½ska. "He looks at you as if you were the most precious, delicate flower in the world. He does not look at you greedily, but with love. It''s hard for me because I don''t understand how two men... But I can see he''s a sincere feeling. I don''t understand, maybe I will never understand, but I have to accept¡­ both of you as a couple. After all, God commands us to love, and in your eyes I saw pure love. I don''t know how it happened, I don''t know how it is even possible that something like this could arise between two men, but, Dominik, even I can see how much you love each other."

    "Mom..."

    "Andrzej is not a child anymore and he looks like a very serious, responsible man," Helena continued, ignoring her son. "The way he looks at you is not a childhood crush. If you were teenagers, I would recognize that you are ruled by hormones and fight your ''feeling''. But you are not teenagers. You are adult men, so if you look at yourself this way, it''s not hormone madness, it''s something... real..."

    Her voice cracked as if the woman was struggling to cry. Dominik felt terrible. He wanted to please his mother with good news, meanwhile he made her cry...

    "Mom..."

    "Dominik, honey, don''t worry about me," she asked, and the actor heard that she was fighting her tears. She tries to be strong for him. "I have to think through a lot of things, get used to certain thoughts. It will take a while. But the most important thing is for you to be happy. Andrzej is a really good young man. He honestly loves you and gives the impression that he will hurt himself before he hurt you, so I believe that you will be safe with him."

    "Yes, mother, I feel that way too. I think that if you meet Andrzej a few more times..."

    Oh no, he said something again that might upset his mother. After all, she will definitely not want to meet her son''s male lover.

    "Dominik, there will be a seat waiting for you at our table every Sunday. For both of you. Andrzej really looks like a good man," she repeated as if wanting to reassure herself, "and I should get to know him better. After all, we are afraid of what we do not know."

    At that moment, Dominik had a surprising thought - he and his mother are the same! They are afraid to face reality, but they know they have to do it, so they reach as deep as possible to bring out their courage and face these fears. Andrzej was proud of Dominik and Dominik was proud of his mother. After all, he knew from his own experience how difficult it was.

    And he also knew that in both cases the reason for this courage was Andrzej. Dominik found courage thanks to Nowicki and Dominik''s mother found courage because of him.

    The young actor smiled to himself and to his mother, who was on the other side of the phone line.

    "Thank you mom," he said. "Thank you for being so open and so good to me. Thank you."

    He sensed his gratitude brought her relief. She was really trying to rebuild her relationship with her son and that required sacrifice as well.

    "I''m so happy about it that when I go to the States to shoot a new movie, I''ll get you an autograph of your favorite star," he offered, hoping that even if his connections were too weak for that, Brand Kitt''s connections would help. "Say only the name..."

    His mother laughed softly, and Dominik was so relieved. Slowly, step by step, the whole family will surely manage to get used to the new circumstances which was the fact that Dominik was gay.

    ***

    Andrzej Nowicki returned home in a strange mood. He was a little pleased, a little concerned, a little thoughtful. The first thing he did after entering the house and taking off his shoes was to hug Dominik.

    "Has something happened?" ?liwi¨½ski asked, giving him a warm, strong hug.

    "I signed a contract with J. Acutti," said the photographer, "and I feel strange about it. Be like this with me for a while."

    Dominik smiled happily, though deep in his heart he felt a little uneasy. It was wonderful to be support for Andrzej, but the young actor would prefer his beloved man not to be in a situation where he needs this support. Nowicki should always be in easy and pleasant situations.

    "I am so happy! I was a little jealous," admitted Dominik, "that other people will fill their eyes with your beauty, but I''m glad you will take this offer."

    "Now you know what I feel?"

    "Hm?" Dominik did not understand.

    "When you play in movies, when your face is on so many posters and you appear in so many people''s fantasies..."

    ?liwi¨½ski''s heart beat faster.

    "You know my heart beats only for you," he reminded Nowicki.

    "I know" confirmed Andrzej. "I know. Mine too¡­"

    It started to get hot, so the photographer, with a heavy sigh, moved away from Dominik and began to take off his jacket.

    "How was your day for you?" he asked, hanging his jacket on a hanger.

    "I also signed a contract."

    "Really?" Andrzej was glad, his eyes flashed with joy. "When do you start shooting on set?"

    "In March, but a few times before, I have to come to the States to try on the costumes and do some other preparations and training. In fact, from the first of February I will be busy..."

    "From the first of February..."

    "I know it''s fast..."

    "No, that''s perfect!" Andrzej was glad. "I am also leaving for Italy in February. It''s good that the dates of our trips coincide, right?"

    "Yes. And this means that we have January only to ourselves..."

    Both their eyes flashed.

    "Do you have any obscene idea in your head?" Andrzej asked.

    "Judging by your gaze, I''m not the only one."

    "You know, this is our honeymoon after all..."

    These words rang in Dominik''s ears like wedding bells. Honeymoon!

    "How about a small honeymoon trip?" he suggested shyly. Fear and hope fought for the better in his head. Andrzej has only recently started working and he was not entitled to a vacation yet...

    Nowicki looked at him with his eyes full of love and hunger.

    "I''ve always wanted to go to Morocco," he announced.

    "Morocco? Why there?"

    "I do not know. I guess the Moroccan bazaar has always seemed exotic and attractive to me."

    "Bazaar?" Dominik became interested and smiled slyly. "Do you want to go with your newly married man to Morocco to see the bazaar?"

    When it comes to provocation and banter in matters of love and sex, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was a champion.

    "Exactly," agreed Andrzej. "We can have sex anywhere without leaving the house, but it is the aroma of oriental spices and the colors of the oriental bazaar that will give our sensitivity a new flavor. Exotic, spicy, full of oriental charm..."

    Dominik felt his cheeks burn. Yes, they can make love anywhere, but if they are to go on a romantic-erotic journey, it''s best to go to a place that will give their experiences a new flavor. He himself had never been to Africa, but he had seen several programs and had already imagined those busy streets filled with colorful stalls and scents that could make you dizzy, among them...

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski turned away without saying a word and sat down on the couch where his laptop was open on the coffee table.

    "Hey what are you doing?" Andrzej asked, a bit disappointed. He probably felt abandoned.

    "How''s what?" ?liwi¨½ski asked in surprise. Did Andrzej have to ask about something so obvious? "I''m making a reservation for us..."

 Chapter 185 - Dominiks Kitchen

    "Hey, hold your horses!" Nowicki stopped him and reached into his bag. "First we have to talk about a few things and then set a date. You got a new job offer."

    Andrzej took a large envelope from his bag and handed it to ?liwi¨½ski. The actor sighed in resignation.

    "From Mrs. Janka?" Dominik asked.

    "No. She was just an intermediary. You know, Dominik, I think you should hire a manager. You know, Marczak wasn''t so bad after all..."

    Dominik gritted his teeth. Andrzej was probably a bit too naive, and he accused Dominik of it!

    "Do not get me wrong!" Nowicki explained immediately. "My point is, he has a good track record and he really cares about your career. He knows how valuable you are..."

    "We both have this stage behind us," explained Dominik and showed Andrzej an article in the newspaper. "He already has a new star for his agency."

    Nowicki leaned in to read carefully.

    "Bruno Kwieci¨½ski? Your biggest rival? When did it happen?"

    "I don''t know, but before Christmas I thought I saw him in Marek''s car..."

    "You think they''re... lovers?" Andrzej asked, surprised. "That Bruno has replaced you not only in the agency?"

    "Do you have a problem with this?" Dominik asked.

    Now it was Nowicki gritting his teeth, angry with himself. A moment ago they had talked so well, they were planning to go on their honeymoon trip, and now it got strange between them only because Andrzej hadn''t thought before he spoke. He upseted Dominik, and maybe he worried him. Andrzej did not do it on purpose, but it happened and now he had to rectify the situation.

    He sat down next to ?liwi¨½ski.

    "Dominik, you know I''m a serious man. A bit stiff. With others, I tolerate a lot, but when it comes to myself¡­"Andrzej sighed. "My point is, I have no eyes for any man but you. I''ve never had them. Regardless of what they told me, what they proposed, whether they seduced me or used any other tricks, other men, as, you know, potential objects of affection or passions, do not exist and never existed. You are the only one and I absolutely do not plan to change it. Therefore, I do not feel uncomfortable talking to you about other men and I can work with them. They¡­ Dominik, there are no others. These are just colleagues, associates. Marczak too. He has really helped us a few times, so I think he has redeemed his sins to some extent. I think he, too, has come to terms with the fact that he will never have a chance to have an intimate relationship with any of us. Privately, we all went on."

    Dominik sighed.

    "I know. I''m sorry. I just..."

    ?liwi¨½ski himself did not know what he wanted to say. He had no reason not to trust Andrzej, but jealousy was a really sneaky bug. Dominik trusted in Nowicki''s love, but he was afraid that he would lose it one day.

    "I just know what Marek is like," the young actor explained. "He can really be crazy charming and confuse someone so much that he will completely take them under his control. I know that you are a serious man, very sensible, but the tricks that Marek knows..."

    "So you are worried that he will want to do something to me if he has the opportunity?"

    Dominik was abashed.

    "I know you have no warm feelings for him and that you are physically and mentally strong, but he is so manipulative that if you have too much contact with him, you won''t even notice when he wraps you around his little finger. You know, I was also not so naive and weak once..."

    "But you were in love and love takes your mind away. I am also in love, but with you and I am not going to succumb to anything, to anyone but you," Andrzej assured him.

    "But if he blackmail you..."

    "With what? There is nothing to compromise me."

    "There is me¡­"

    "Dominik, I don''t understand. Do you think that he will use you against me? How?"

    "I don''t know," Dominik replied nervously. "I just don''t want you to interact with him. I just don''t trust him, and when you have any relation with him, I get anxious. He is incalculable. Brutal. I know he confessed his love to you and was charming, but he confessed his love to me too, and when I acted out of his way, he suddenly lost control. Let''s just avoid contact with him if we don''t have to have them, okay?"

    "Of course," Nowicki assured taking his hand and squeezing it tightly. Dominik was unnecessarily worried, Andrzej did not have to be afraid of Marczak, but after his bad experiences, the young actor had the right not to trust the former manager. "No more contacts with Marczak, neither private nor professional. But then I guess you really should hire a new manager. Thus, we will completely close Marczak from any excuse for interfering in your world."

    "Yes, you are right" Dominik clearly breathed a sigh of relief. "I''ll have to think carefully about it. And this proposal you brought...?"

    "I did not ask and did not check. I figured since this is a proposition for you, you should be the first to read it."

    Dominik smiled sweetly at Andrzej. They were so close to each other that they were almost one, and yet Nowicki respected his partner''s privacy and gave him a place to have his own private affairs. Although the envelope contained a business offer, the young actor felt as if Andrzej was handing him a private letter. It is Dominik who decides whether he wants to share its content with his life partner.

    "Then let''s see..." ?liwi¨½ski opened the envelope and took out a proposal. He read it carefully and finally laughed.

    "What? Something interesting?" Nowicki asked, interested.

    "You guessed. Someone seemed interested in my past and the school I attended. Or maybe someone leaked information that I like cooking? Look, I was offered to run an entertaining culinary program. Its title is Dominik''s Kitchen."

    "Really?" the photographer was honestly surprised. He knew his man was a great cook, but he didn''t think anyone might come up with the idea of ??using his talent on TV.

    "Apparently someone did a survey on the Internet and it turned out," here Dominik blushed charmingly "that when it comes to stimulating the appetite, most interviewers indicated me. It''s because of this yogurt ad..."

    It was definitely the yogurt ad that made Andrzej feel proud and concerned at the same time. His anxiety was erotic in nature, because Dominik stimulated the appetite not only for food.

    "This program" Nowicki grunted, trying to control his waking fantasies "what would it be?"

    "It looks like cooking. In some episodes, I would teach viewers and invited guests to prepare simple dishes that young people can easily learn, in other episodes the guests would teach me and the audience."

    "That sounds really interesting," said Andrzej.

    Dominik nodded enthusiastically.

    "For me, too," he admitted. "I like cooking and some of the dishes are really easy. The description states that the program is intended mainly for young people of high school age to encourage them to acquire new skills and rational consumption. Hmm, that''s right, bake a sponge cake takes only a few minutes of work and it is much cheaper than buying it in a pastry shop. You can also prepare tasty creams and cake masses yourself... Andrzej, is something wrong? You look weird."

    "I''m hungry," Nowicki admitted in a slightly changed voice.

    "Oh sorry!" Dominik jumped up and on his way to the kitchen informed nervously: "I forgot you came back from work!"

    At that moment, Dominik was acting as a housewife, but not because he was effeminate, but because now Andrzej was working professionally and the young actor was practically bored sitting idly at home. In addition, taking care of the house, such as washing, cleaning and cooking, brought him relaxation. After all, not every man has to go hunting or take part in street races to relax. And since the house had to be kept clean anyway, ?liwi¨½ski combined the pleasant with the useful.

    Dominik had just stepped into the kitchen door when Nowicki suddenly embraced him from behind.

    "This is not what I meant," the photographer said, whispering fondly in his ear.

    A thrill of excitement ran over the young actor''s body. His mouth smiled so widely that if Andrzej could see the expression on his face, he would immediately regret not having his camera with him.

    Dominik put his head in such a way as to feel Nowicki''s breath on his cheek. His breath and his mouth.

    The young actor felt warm and safe in his partner''s arms. He knew hell would freeze over before Andrzej hurt him. Dominik had never felt so good with anyone before and was not so calm and so happy.

 Chapter 186 - You Have To Satisfy Your Hunger

    Dominik knew he was the happiest man in the world to say these words. Thousands, millions, and maybe even billions of people in the world dreamed of having someone in their life whose love would fill their entire being. How many people were lucky enough to make this dream come true?

    Feeling hot breath on his cheek, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski closed his eyes.

    "The kitchen is the perfect place to satisfy your appetite," he announced softly.

    Andrzej''s lips moved a little lower and the young actor felt the hot breath of true love and desire on his neck.

    "Especially when the cook himself is the main course," Nowicki announced and licked Dominik''s neck.

    "Don''t say you''re a vampire."

    "Instead of blood, I prefer to drink your other juices."

    ?liwi¨½ski trembled with joy and excitement. Andrzej was getting bolder when it comes to bed matters. Bolder towards Dominik. He seemed to have fully accepted the fact that he had been seduced by a man and was going to enjoy every benefit. And Dominik knew perfectly well what pleases a man best.

    The actor''s hand moved back, feeling the characteristic thickening in Andrzej''s pants.

    "Looks like we both want the same thing on today''s menu."

    Dominik felt joy flowing from Andrzej. It wasn''t just a sexual desire, but the pleasure of being next to the person she loved. Dominik had the impression that Andrzej''s love would flood him completely in a moment. How can you feel such a strong feeling and not cry for joy? Dominik, close to this joyful breakdown, decided to divert his attention from the emotional issue and focus solely on sex. Breathing harder and harder, he began to massage his man''s crotch.

    "But I came home after a whole day of work," said Nowicki, he moved his hand to the elevation between Dominik''s legs and squeezed. The actor groaned in surprise.  "So I should eat first."

    "Andrzej ..."

    "I want you to come first," Nowicki whispered in his ear. "In my mouth. And then I''ll take you on the kitchen table."

    Dominik was full of excitement and happiness.

    "You''ve learned dirty talk," ?liwi¨½ski noted with satisfaction.

    "With you I could not remain innocent..."

    What deliciously stimulating words! And how true! Andrzej Nowicki was such an innocent, honest and moral man who was ready to marry his high school friend just so that she would not have to be a single mother. But that was before Dominik led him astray into the insane, sexual bliss of being with a man. He took him into the world of pleasure that Andrzej had never thought of before. Dominik seduced him and did not let him forget about himself until he finally won the most wonderful man in the world. Now he had to take responsibility for it.

    "I like the way you are," the actor announced, feeling Andrzej''s hand reaching his zipper. "Oh, Andrzej, you''re just perfect, with or without filth, it doesn''t matter. I love you all. I want you... I want you to take me on the kitchen table..."

    ...where they eat breakfast and dinner together and sometimes other meals.

    "You should eat at the table..." added ?liwi¨½ski. "These are good manners."

    In response, Andrzej laughed a little nervously and turned Dominik so that the young actor was facing him. He stuck his bright, brown eyes so similar to the dark amber that Dominik wore in his wedding ring into ?liwi¨½ski, and those eyes were full of love.

    "I love you so much," said Andrzej and Dominik knew that his words contained only sincere, passionate truth. "I don''t know how it happened, but..."

    Nowicki pushed back a lock of hazelnut hair falling over ?liwi¨½ski''s eyes. Dominic''s hair was noticeably shorter than it used to be, but his bangs, if not combed up, obscured his eyes. Andrzej pushed the unruly strand away and took Dominik''s face in his hands.

    The young actor felt a wonderful shiver. Every touch of Andrzej was a wonderful caress for him. Back when these wonderful words came to him...

    Dominik wanted to answer similarly, but he did not have time, because hungry Nowicki stuck his mouth into his mouth with such passionate passion, as if he really wanted to eat him.

    Knees buckled under ?liwi¨½ski. ''God,'' he thought ''how much I love this man!''

    This love filled his heart and brought joy beyond expression. Joy so great that Dominik could weep for happiness. He could repeat a thousand times how great, wonderful and full this feeling is, and it would not be enough anyway.

    Dominik threw his hands on Nowicki''s shoulders and kissed him back with no less passion. It was so hard to believe that it had not been even six months since Andrzej appeared in his life. The loathsome paparazzi who blackmailed him, an accidental noble savior, a stranger who, out of concern, became a caring protector, a friend who, for Dominik''s sake, boldly inclined him to behave rationally, and finally a lover who became more bold and more free with each subsequent intimate meeting. And finally this one and only partner, chosen for the rest of your life, who can be called a husband...

    Andrzej pushed Dominik gently towards the table. The actor retreated until his buttocks hit the table top. The table was tiny but sturdy. He will support the weight of the light Dominik and should withstand the passion of Nowicki who is taking him.

    Dominik blushed at how shameless he was, but immediately thought that there was nothing to be ashamed of. Andrzej saw him in the most difficult, painful and embarrassing moments of his life and not only did he not leave, but he stayed with him, helping him. What was Dominik to be ashamed of in front of this wonderful man to whom he had exposed his body and, above all, his heart a long time ago? Was he to be ashamed of how much he loved him? How much does he want him?

    The passion of their kiss persisted, taking ?liwi¨½ski into the world of wonderful bliss. When Andrzej pressed his member again, Dominik lifted his leg and rubbed Nowicki''s hip with his hip.

    Andrzej was really hungry for his partner''s love and body. He quickly undressed Dominik and floated down, his lips cupped over his manhood.

    The young actor arched like bow, full of satisfaction and happiness, unable to even believe that Andrzej, who was once shy in matters of sex between men, turned into such a greedy and daring lover. Love was the greatest madness that could arise in man.

    "Oh, Andrzej, slowly," ?liwi¨½ski laughed happily.

    "Too fast? Are you unpleasant? " Nowicki asked worriedly, looking up at his lover.

    "No, no, just... I don''t want you to choke."

    Andrzej smiled so much that Dominik trembled with happiness. The photographer''s eyes clearly said that he did not care about such a detail, they even shouted: ''who cares?!''

    So Dominik also ceased to be afraid and, full of happiness, gave himself to the oral caress of Nowicki''s thirsty lips, caress that finally sucked out of him the life-giving juices that Andrzej felt so eager to eat.

    It happened, once again, and once again it was just as wonderful. The young actor felt obliged to reciprocate his man.

    Andrzej did not defend himself. Gone are the days when he rejected the desperate attempts at rapprochement that Dominik had used with him. Nowicki belonged to Dominik and to his love the actor knew that he would do everything in his power to keep it like that forever. So he caressed him with love and passion, but he did not allow for erotic fulfillment. He broke off when Andrzej''s member stood proud and hard. Then the young actor got up from his knees and slipped onto the kitchen table. Completely naked, he lay down on the table, pulled his knees up and spread his legs wide shamelessly revealing a pink eye blinking eagerly between his buttocks.

    Nowicki bit his lower lip, clearly excited, fascinated by the sight presented to him. He was flushed with excitement and probably a little bit intimidated too, because although he already had a lot of courage in his relationship with Dominik, the moment of entering was still a bit embarrassing for him. Dominik understood that and he had no problem with the fact that even at such a moment he had to encourage Andrzej from time to time.

    "Come in" ?liwi¨½ski invited with a tempting voice. "Come in and give me your juices. I am so hungry..."

    Hunger is not just a craving for food. Hunger is a natural need, the most primal and most painful when it is unsatisfied. Hunger for love, hunger for closeness, hunger for sex¡­ Whoever has been hungry even once knows how distracting it is, how painful and unpleasant it is. How excruciating it is.

    You have to satisfy your hunger.

    So Andrzej entered Dominik, giving him not only physical pleasure but also emotional closeness and a whole lot of love that united them - as they both believed - for their whole life.

 Chapter 187 - Untold Stories: This Third One 1

    Marek Marczak combed his hair carelessly. He looked at the young man lying in the bedding, almost a boy. The kid smiled at him like a smug little puppy waiting for praise. He wasn''t the worst in bed. Marek easily found satisfaction in him, but there was no point in deceiving himself, he was not Dominik.

    He chose this kid from dozens of others, because at first glance he reminded him of ?liwi¨½ski. He was small, short, with light hair and blue eyes. Except that his blonde was ordinary, without that hazel color, and his eyes were just blue, devoid of an extremely charming, aquamarine glow.

    The truth was cruel, however, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was only one and no one could replace him.

    "Marek," the boy purred from the sheets. "What about my role?"

    Iwo M??y¨½ski was a pretty eighteen-year-old with a moderate talent, but if you are stubborn you can make him a star. Marczak, one of the best agents in the country and the owner of the largest acting agency, has not yet decided how much to invest in this kid. He did not charm him, he did not seduce with his personality, charm or game, but in the end, people like ?liwi¨½ski happen one in a million.

    "I spoke to the producer. He liked you. You are in the forefront of candidates for the main role in this series."

    The boy beamed like the sun. He had a nice smile, but it was not ?liwi¨½ski''s smile.

    "Don''t be so happy," Marczak admonished. "It will be better for you if you get a supporting role."

    "What? No!"

    "The leading role has the most airtime, but is not always the most interesting. Sometimes it''s better to play something more interesting in the background."

    "But I want plenty of airtime! You promised!"

    Kid, just a kid with no ambition. He wants to shine. He wants success here and now. He doesn''t understand that you have to work for everything.

    "You promoted Dominik instantly" Iwo complained.

    "You''re not Dominic," Marek growled, maybe a little too harshly. The boy curled up like a scolded puppy. "Anyway, he started with the background."

    Iwo didn''t answer.

    "I think you shouldn''t try for the lead role, but if you care about it I will talk to the producer."

    "Thank you."

    The boy threw himself at him, happily embracing and cuddling up to him. Marczak smiled at such a token of gratitude.

    I must be getting old, he thought. To succumb to some kid. In addition, someone whom I not only do not love, but who is completely indifferent to me. If he is completely indifferent, why not help him?

    I''m getting old and sentimental.

    The boy clung to Marek like a weasel, warm and thirsty to be caressed. Marczak reached for his ass, which he had plowed with his penis so recently, and put his finger in it. Iwo shuddered and sighed with delight, covering the agent''s torso with his hot breath. He was a cute little rag. In fact, he was the first to suggest his sexual services. Either he really wanted to make a career and did not choose between means, or he simply wanted to experience everything as fully as possible in his youth.

    Iwo''s ass fucked up by Mark was loose and very sensitive. The boy made a squeal and a cry of surprise when Marczak threw him face to the pillow and dived with his face between his buttocks. Iwo was definitely not Dominik, but his ass was comfortable enough.

    "Will you take me again?" M??y¨½ski asked. "Oh, how wonderful!"

    The boy was actually shaking with excitement. Either he was a damn good whore and pretended to be pleasure, or Marek was really doing him good. It did not matter much to Marczak. For him it was just sex, and Iwo groaned under him really exciting.

    Marczak spat between his buttocks and lay down on the young lover, introducing his penis into him. It entered him like butter. The boy was moaning and sticking out his buttocks. He took it eagerly and deeply. By this point, he was probably too loose for Mark''s tastes. I wonder how many men he slept with?

    No, it wasn''t interesting at all. Marczak fucked him hard and fast. Iwo groaned with delight under him. Petite, slim, so much like Dominik ?lwi¨½ski, yet so different from him. When Marek took Dominik, it wasn''t just sex, it was spiritual ecstasy.

    The face of his ex-lover appeared before his eyes and Marek had an orgasm again. He slipped out of Iwo and lay down on the bed. The boy immediately got up and, slapping his cock, started to lick Marczak''s penis. He did it professionally.

    A sweet little rag, Marek thought, and stroked M??y¨½ski on the head. He is a bit lacking in talent, but he makes up for in enthusiasm. He deserved the main role, although Marczak still believed that a supporting role would be better for him. But the boy really tried, so Marek had no reason not to fulfill his dream.

    ***

    M??y¨½ski left Marczak''s apartment in a great mood. Youth knows that it sees only positives. He sees opportunity and hope everywhere. It is later, with the passage of years and with subsequent experiences, that they disappear like a forgotten dream. Although so few dreams come true, every youngster thinks that he will be the lucky one. That his fate will choose him.

    Marek''s job was to find those young people who had passion and talent. People who could shine like stars on the screens. Not all of them will shine for years. Many will flash only once and will go out in oblivion. Some will flicker like pulsars, once giving a bright light, once just barely breaking through the darkness. Iwo M??y¨½ski did not seem to be someone who can shine brightly and long. If he gets a leading role in this comedy series, it won''t be easy for him to go beyond and shine longer than the series'' popularity. However, he had the right to make his own decisions and mistakes. Marek will not protect him. He might if he cared about this kid and his career, but he wasn''t. There were dozens of people in the queue, such as M??y¨½ski.

    Marek felt tired.

    And old.

    Much could be said about Marek Marczak, but not that he is old. He was only forty years old, and there was no trace of gray in his hair. His extremely masculine and handsome face did not have many wrinkles, and his complexion was healthy and, for a man of his age, exceptionally beautiful despite his lifestyle. He didn''t even have to see a plastic surgeon to keep his youthful appearance. It came naturally to him, and as he himself claimed, because he never regretted anything, so he was not aged by unsatisfied or even not fully realized desires. If he liked someone, whether male or female, he won them over. Since he was very handsome, extremely influential and rich like Croesus, it came to him with ease. So Marczak could have anyone he wanted.

    Well, almost anyone.

    The challenge he could not pass appeared relatively recently. At first, he had no desires for this man, except maybe one - for him to disappear and stop getting in his way. Time and events changed a lot, however, and Marek began to pay more and more attention to him, discovering something he had never expected to discover - a desire other than lust itself, a desire for love. It was so strange and incomprehensible for him, because around the same time he discovered that he loved someone. He, a man who had had no such affection for anyone throughout his life, suddenly found himself in the knowledge that he loved two men at the same time.

    He didn''t know how it was actually possible?

    For many years, Marczak had a very free lifestyle, but he had one lover who was special to him. It can be said that they were a couple, although no one knew about their relationship. He shared almost everything with Dominik, this beautiful young actor who charmed him with his talent and grace. He was the only one who confided in his problems. Only with him could he allow himself complete freedom.

    Not only sex, but also life he shared with Dominik. His smile and glitter of wonderful eyes always helped him overcome adversities and this beautiful bird that brought spring was something indispensable in Marek''s everyday life. However, he got too used to his presence and with time decided that Dominik would always be with him, no matter what, so he stopped taking care of him as he should and his lover felt more and more lonely in this relationship. Nevertheless, they stayed together and Marek was aware of how much he was loved despite the fact that he treated ?liwi¨½ski increasingly worse.

    Eventually, however, the goblet overflowed. Marek had lost a priceless treasure he had no idea of having.

 Chapter 188 - 2

    It was caused by Marek himself when, instead of helping the panicked actor, instead of fulfilling his innocent wish, Marczak raised his hand on him. When Dominik, full of love towards him, decided to forgive him, he committed another dirty trick, thus shattering the last chance to return to each other.

    He didn''t know then that he had really lost him, and he didn''t understand that he had hurt the man he really loves.

    The awareness of both the harm done and the emptiness after Dominik''s departure came to Marek later, too late for anything to be done about it.

    Dominik found happiness with another man.

    Exactly, the "other". Arrogant, confident paparazzi, Andrzej Nowicki, tall and handsome blonde with an aura of righteousness around him. Absolutely irritating in this steadfastness of character. He surrounded Dominik with what he needed, namely friendship and protection. He was there for him when someone should be there and he made the young, sensitive actor fall in love with him. Thanks to him, ?liwi¨½ski''s eyes lit up again with the most beautiful light in the world and Marczak hated Nowicki for this.

    And he loved him for the same.

    Andrzej was completely different from people around Marek. He did not care about money and a career. He rejected the professional offers made by Marczak without hesitation, only because he was driven by holy indignation. He could be starving, but he would not use Marek''s help. Proud, arrogant, convinced that he is the only righteous man in this world, and at the same time really the only one who can make Dominik happy, he turned from an irritating opponent into a man worthy of desire in Marczak''s eyes. His courage and devotion to ?liwi¨½ski made Marek''s heart burn with love, completely without his awareness and will. Thus, Marczak himself found himself in a situation where he loved his former lover and his new partner and would not mind a passionate threesome, only that he was alone in these desires.

    Marek looked at the happiness of those two, painfully aware that he would never experience anything like it himself.

    His life so far, full of all kinds of passions, was actually empty. He hadn''t seen it before, so it didn''t bother him at all, but now that he saw others find happiness where he had nothing, he began to feel a bit of bitterness.

    He did not consider his life lost. He did not regret all his choices, but began to understand that some of them turned out to be a mistake in retrospect. Like the lack of an attempt to understand what Dominik feels and how he thinks.

    Iwo M??y¨½ski was nothing special for Marek. The boy, however, had enough potential and presence to become the star of the season, a favorite of teenagers who will squeal all changes in the media about him for some time. He will have hundreds of thousands of likes and almost as many friends on social networks. He''s going to be on a few gossip shows and maybe he''ll get an advertising deal from a telecom or antiperspirant company. He will not make a great and long-term career, but Marczak could not have only stars of ?liwi¨½ski format, who would soon start playing the main male role in a Hollywood blockbuster. The slightly less great also had to exist.

    Marek made an appointment with the producer of the series for lunch. Krzysztof Wrona was the main person of the Nowa Wizja label and he was responsible for most of its box office successes. He knew which script to choose and which directors to hire, and in most cases he did not skimp on his three cents in casting decisions. If the director did not like his decisions, the director could walk away and try his luck at a different label on a different production. This did not happen, however, because Wrona really knew how to make money.

    "Marek" the producer greeted him, rising from the chair and holding out his hand in a friendly way. Marczak was not late, but Wrona was already sitting at a table in an elegant restaurant in one of Warsaw''s skyscrapers.

    "Krzysztof" Marczak returned the hug and they took their places.

    Krzysztof Wrona was a dozen or so years older than him, but he aged very dignified. After all, he represented a lot of money and it showed. Elegantly trimmed, gray hair, a well-groomed beard, a top-shelf suit and a watch priced higher than a good-class car definitely showed the class of this man. Marek always smiled inwardly when he saw him. Wrona was his mentor for years and, even as a novice agent, he learned from him how to present himself and his charges in order to achieve success.

    "Have you ordered anything yet?" He asked Wrona.

    "No. I just got here."

    So they placed the order and went straight to discussing business matters at the starters.

    "I''ll be open," Krzysztof Wrona began, "I''m not convinced about your boy."

    "Don''t you think he has enough talent?"

    "That''s not the point. He can bear the role, there is not much to show off here. But something else bothers me. Don''t you think he''s a bit too much like ?liwi¨½ski?"

    "No. At first glance, he may evoke such associations, but their style of behavior in front of the camera is completely different. Dominik seduces and charms. Iwo ... Iwo is simple. He''s exactly what your hero should be - the boy next door with his school troubles and first love."

    Krzysztof Wrona thoughtfully chewed a piece of fish served as a snack.

    "I''d like to see him as the best friend of the main character."

    "Come on, I was reading the script. It''s simple. Too simple to become a long-term production. If you shoot three seasons, it''s not the story''s the success, it''s the cast. Iwo with his face can give you this third season. You will only get viewership because the girls will want to see his face."

    "Your boy for this role has strong competition."

    "Krzaczek and W?adyk? Come on," Marek snorted dismissively. "Krzaczek is a great film student, but he is a dramatic actor. He cannot bear a comedy role. And the W?adyka? I will not say, he has talent, he has beauty, but this type is not on top right now. Two or three years ago, yes. Anyway, two or three years ago, he could play a 16-year-old boy. He''s just too old now. Viewers are no longer so naive as not to notice that the teenager is played by the actor in his late twenties."

    Wrona smiled with the very corners of his mouth.

    "You really know how to sell your merchandise."

    "Just because my stuff is always the best."

    The producer laughed.

    "Yes, you''re right," he admitted. "Even the weakest ward in your agency is a precious stone. Not necessarily a diamond like ?liwi¨½ski, but always of high purity."

    "Let''s face it, we won''t find the second gem of his size for a long time."

    "It is true. We were so lucky that you dug him up in this deep province. Heard he''s headed to Hollywood?"

    "He has such a possibility, but the decision has not been made. For various reasons, Dominik is unable to make up his mind."

    "For someone who theoretically has nothing to do with him anymore, you know a lot about it."

    "Contrary to some rumors, we are not at each other''s throats."

    Marek smiled mysteriously and took a sip of his white wine.

    "You don''t mind that you still have to keep an eye on him?" Krzysztof Wrona became interested. "After all, he broke the contract with you. In fact, I thought you would let him go with the bags for that."

    "Dominik''s departure was largely due to my behavior. I pushed too hard on this Baptiste movie. I still think that Dominik would be phenomenal in this role, but the actor is not an automaton, you cannot have him play anything. I forgot about it."

    Wrona''s gaze did not indicate that he believed his words, but the producer did not say a word about it. Some things are better not to delve into, especially if they don''t influence his money-making.

    "As for M??y¨½ski ... I can''t promise you anything in this case," he said. "Krzaczek has a lot of support and so far has also been my favorite. I will take a closer look at your actor. I consider the topic open."

    It was a lot and most managers would be satisfied with this turn of events, but Marczak felt the bitter taste of failure. Until now, the candidates he pushed had become beyond any competition. Iwo M??y¨½ski was perhaps not a pearl among pearls, but if he had not had the potential, talent and skills, Marek would not have taken him under his wing.

    Or maybe Wrona was right? Maybe Marczak lost his objectivity because Iwo was similar to Dominik? Not the same, but enough to see ?liwi¨½ski''s physical features when looking at him.

 Chapter 189 - 3

    So Marek Marczak was surprised when, late in the afternoon, he received a phone call from the producer of Nowa Wizja informing him that M??y¨½ski will get the main role in the series.

    "You''re right" added Krzysztof Wrona "when you look at your boy for longer, you see his own quality in him. He''s still terribly inexperienced, but that''s exactly why he''ll be perfect for this series."

    So Marek did not lose his sense after all. He could doubt himself for a moment, but the truth was that he felt the stars instinctively and could lead them to the top.

    M??y¨½ski, whom he called almost immediately, was overjoyed. He was like a little child. How little it takes to make some people happy. Indeed, they just need a lead role in a silly series without ambition and prospects.

    ***

    Marczak did not like funerals and he did not even go to those in his family, let alone some complete stranger. Not that he was getting sad with them or starting to think about death. Marczak was bored to death by funerals. Just like that. There was no philosophy in it.

    This time, however, Marek was seriously considering going to the funeral. Not to show respect for the deceased or his family, but to find out that the deceased is indeed deceased.

    Marczak was not one of those people who forgive easily. He did not tolerate anyone robbing him or destroying his property. He also hated the uninvited entry into its territory. And he definitely couldn''t get over the fact that someone had hurt a person close to his heart.

    If it were his decision, anyone who dared to get in his way or to commit one of these unforgivable acts should be destroyed. Marek had the means to do so.

    Today, a last farewell was said to a young screenwriter and director in one very promising artist who died by suicide. Only a few people in the world knew his death reasons, and Marek, being one of them, regretted not his death, but the fact that she had been too quick. In addition, Maciej Werner, unhappy in the eyes of the media, left behind a pile of lies and slander directed at a man whom he had already unforgivably hurt. A pig has always been a pig, even after death.

    Marczak had the worst feelings towards him and even his death did not manage to change that. Now he would never pay him back for the harm he had done to Dominik. It was frustrating, but the fact remained the same. Marek will not be able to take revenge on him.

    The only reason he hadn''t done it before was because of Dominik himself. The actor, a victim of Werner''s sick mind and his perverted fantasies, tried to forgive the torturer at all costs and firmly rejected the thought of bringing him to justice. Since he had the greatest right to make this decision, Marczak and Nowicki had to submit to his good, forgiving heart. ?liwi¨½ski struggled with successive blows in the form of shameful slander, but something good also resulted from it all - Marek approached Andrzej, with whom he shared his fear for the actor, and ?liwi¨½ski himself, who, forgiving Werner''s crimes, had to forgive Marek.

    Today will be a particularly difficult day for Dominik, thought Marczak. The actor was very affected by this suicide death. She was by no means his fault, as he was, he was the only victim of the whole story, but Dominik''s sensitivity, perhaps a little too great, made the young man feel unnecessary remorse. Marek decided that from two places - the cemetery or the ?liwi¨½ski house, he should be in the latter to provide support to the actor, unfortunately he has already lost this privilege. His presence would not leave Dominik alone, on the contrary, it would make Dominik even more nervous. After all, Marczak treated him only a little better than Werner.

    Dominik had Andrzej and the manager had to admit painfully that in this situation Nowicki was better suited as a comforter.

    Marczak gritted his teeth angrily. They were a goddamn match for these two! He hated the thought of how beautiful and loving they were a couple. Their teamwork and the love emanating from them, the happiness of being together, made Marek clearly see the emptiness of his own existence. He envied them. He was furious that he was unable to possess something as valuable. He realized, however, that there was no one to blame for this state of affairs but himself. It was he who spoiled everything that was between him and Dominik.

    Ultimately, he decided not to attend the funeral. If he did, the media would wonder why? Marczak had no business or private relations with Werner. They only knew each other by names and reputations. Instead, he went to his office to sift through the portfolios that were sent in large numbers to his agencies. There was always a chance that a face would appear that augured a brilliant career.

    That day, however, he was not lucky. Dozens of applications were submitted to them daily, unfortunately, on average, one per month attracted his attention. The vast majority were disappointingly common. The smileys in these photos were pretty, but that didn''t make them stand out from the crowd and Marek forgot them immediately after putting the photo away. Occasionally, he stopped his eyes on one of them for longer, and even more rarely, he would want to return to one of them. Beauty alone is not enough. You had to be either dazzling or intriguing. Marczak was not looking for a pretty or even beautiful face. He needed a face to miss.

    Undoubtedly, that''s what Dominik had - a combination of masculinity with subtle feminine delicacy. An explosive mix of innocence and sex appeal. Andrzej also had very intriguing, attractive features - definitely masculine and regular, and his face showed steadfastness and protectiveness. Even without acting talent, this guy would sell like hot cakes.

    Except people like these two didn''t come across often. No, not because there weren''t many beautiful and endearing people in the world. For some reason, these people preferred to remain in the shadows and did not want the covers of magazines or agencies. You had to look for them and convince them to decide to enter show business. Their faces did not yet know the actor''s smiles and facial expressions, which is why they were so beautiful, free from studied artificiality.

    This day did not bring Mark any new gem. He didn''t feel disappointed because he had no expectations anyway. He felt like having a drink, however, and headed out into town on one.

    He had a few bars that he liked to visit. He did not do it compulsively, or even on a regular basis. He didn''t drink every day and he never got drunk so as not to lose control of himself and the situation, but in interesting bars you can meet interesting people with whom the time spent can be extremely pleasant.

    Marek did not look for the company, but if someone caught his eye, he did not rule out taking this person home.

    He slept with both men and women. It used to make no difference to him, but lately he has preferred men. He thought about it and concluded that there was something extremely perverse about dominating another guy, forcing him into submission and behavior that was so rarely actually their nature.

    Although, who knows, if there was actually anything so peculiar about it. From ancient Greece to distant Asia, there have been thousands of examples of relationships between men. Once information about them buried deep underground, today they are more and more often exposed to the light of day. Even in the cinema, one could meet more and more sympathetic representatives of male and female homosexuality. Pleasure has always been a pleasure, as long as one has been self-aware enough to admit to his own desires and not hide behind the rules imposed by someone else. Marek himself, although he had a decidedly dominant personality, would agree to adopt a passive attitude for one particular man.

    After all, there were people worthy of every sin.

    These thoughts made him feel excited. He knew there was no chance with Andrzej, but did it ever stop him from enjoying himself?

    He looked around the bar looking for someone interesting and in surprise he stopped his eyes on the blond sitting at the counter. His silhouette, hairstyle, and even posture seemed familiar to him, but he would never say that he would meet this man here who had not nursed his drink very carefully.

    There were a few vacancies at the bar, but Marek chose it with the blonde. He sat down and looked at his neighbor.

    "Tough day?" he asked.

    The blonde looked up at him, light brown eyes drenched with alcohol. He watched him for a moment, then hung his head. He looked as if he had lost all will to live.

 Chapter 190 - 4

    Marek Marczak felt a strange unease in his heart. What could have happened that Andrzej Nowicki, who irritated him with his endless correctness, gets drunk alone in a bar?

    Did he quarrel with Dominik?

    His heart leapt as it clung to this awakening hope. If this harmonious duo has decided to part ways, they will both be free. The events of the last few months meant that Marek already understood how to treat Dominik in order to maintain his affection. As for Andrzej, it will be a bit more difficult with him, of course, but a handsome photographer has already experienced the pleasure of being with a man and is not so hostile to Marek. All it takes is a little patience, a little pressure here and there, and Nowicki himself will be asking to be in his embrace...

    Yes, it was a great opportunity. But it had to be played well.

    "One more" Andrzej asked the bartender, drinking a glass of vodka.

    "I''m afraid you''re fed up," the bartender objected.

    "I will decide..."

    Marczak put a hand on his shoulder. The gesture was seemingly gentle and friendly, but the manager put enough pressure on it to cool down the enthusiasm of drunk Nowicki.

    "You want to drink, you will drink, but not here," he said, and took out his credit card to pay the bill. "I have something much better than this."

    The bartender did not take offense at this comment. He took care of his credit card and gave Marek a pin-pad and asked for a pin.

    Nowicki was so fuzzy that he did not even notice what was going on around him. He just stared at Marczak with drunken stubbornness, as if his eyes could not move at all. Marek saw many drunk men and women, but never Andrzej. The photographer''s cheeks were red and his eyes glowed as if glazed with tears. He was serious, focused, which gave his face a bit of comedy in this situation. After drinking, however, he looked so beautiful that Marek had to fight with all his might not to take his chin and not dig his delightful lips with his lips.

    "Marczak" Nowicki moaned suddenly. "How did you survive the seven years?"

    Marek easily followed his thinking. Yes, it was definitely trouble in paradise. After all, he was with Dominik for seven years, Andrzej - only a few months, out of which a couple for no longer than two. ?liwi¨½ski was unique in every aspect, but his physical, absurd beauty and unusual sensitivity made him a difficult partner. Dominik did not demand or expect anything, on the contrary, he was willing to give everything of himself, but because of this, the lover''s shoulders had greater responsibility and greater fear that he would be able to keep this exceptional man in a relationship.

    Marczak managed this art for seven years. Andrzej apparently had problems with that already.

    "Come on, let me tell you."

    "Yes?" Nowicki asked, a bit childish.

    "I''ll tell you anything you want. And then I''ll drive you home," he added. He did not want to do it, to take Nowicki into Dominik''s hands, but Andrzej was living there now. He was surprised when the photographer suddenly broke free from his grip.

    "No!" he heard his firm objection. What was it about, going out with him or going home?

    "Don''t make scenes," Marek pointed out. Nowicki immediately mastered himself.

    "I don''t want to see him anymore," he muttered under his breath.

    So that''s it, triumphed Marczak. The two argued so badly that it might take weeks before they even decided to talk to each other. There was no point in pretending to him that Marek was not happy about it, but he couldn''t be too hasty in dealing with Andrzej. One false step and the photographer will not only escape him, but will never decide to trust him in anything.

    "Then I won''t drive you home," he agreed. "In return, you tell me what happened."

    Nowicki did not answer, he just hung his head resignedly. Marek managed to get him out of the bar without any problems and put him in a taxi.

    Andrzej was quiet and depressed. As long as they were in the taxi, Marek didn''t want to ask him anything. He could not count on the driver''s discreet ear, so he did not want to risk the fact that he would learn sensational information from Dominik''s private life and would like to sell it. The actor had too many problems on his pretty head now anyway. However, when they entered the apartment, Marczak immediately put pressure on Nowicki.

    "Speak."

    "Piss off."

    Not only depressed, but also aggressive. Well, well, something really interesting had to happen.

    "Don''t be a tough guy," Marek growled. "Did you fight?"

    Andrzej grimaced but did not answer.

    "Listen..."

    Marek was interrupted by the sound of the telephone ring coming from Nowicki''s cell phone. The photographer didn''t even react, although the signal was loud, clear and vibrating.

    "You''re not picking up?"

    "No."

    The phone rang for several dozen seconds and they stood mute opposite each other waiting for the end of the signal. When he broke off, Marek spoke up.

    "Is that Dominik?"

    "I do not know. Probably so. He calls me, he writes..."

    If the two had argued, Dominik would have shot a huff and wouldn''t have called. Something else must have happened.

    "I''ll make you some coffee and you can tell me what happened," Marek suggested, a little anxious. He knew both of them, although it was impossible to say how well and it looked like Dominik had done something to hurt Andrzej, this tough, brave man.

    "I''m stupid," Nowicki confessed, sitting down on the couch. He was already holding a cup of coffee in his hand, but he was not drinking it. With his head down, depressed and helpless, he reminded Marek of that scene in his office when he came to accuse him of kidnapping ?liwi¨½ski. At the sight of this, a certain tenderness appeared in Marczak''s heart.

    "Well ... What did Dominik do?"

    "I was fine, really" it looked like Andrzej was talking. "Not a lone wolf, but with no one permanently. I wanted to fuck someone, I picked up some girl. Simple. Because a relationship... A relationship between two people is trust, devotion, faithfulness... Really, don''t get involved in a relationship if you don''t want to be faithful!"

    Marek didn''t quite understand.

    "Are you saying you met someone else?"

    "Not me! Dominik! He and she... Scarlett..."

    "What is he and Scarlett?"

    "They kissed, don''t you understand? In the middle of the street. I''ve seen them. I saw them with my own eyes..."

    Marczak tried to process the information he received. How is it, Dominik, his Dominik, kissing a woman? In the middle of the street?

    "You must have been wrong," he said, believing what he was saying. "Dominik would never do something like this."

    "I know what I saw."

    Of course he knew, only his interpretation could be distant from what was really happening. However, Nowicki was drunk, and thus his mind was not fit enough to comprehend and process all information. Marek hated discussions with people in such a state. It was easy to pull them by the tongue, but to convince them with rational arguments - there was no chance.

    This time the phone rang in his pocket. Maybe it''s Dominik? He thought, and he reached for the mobile. The name of Iwo M??y¨½ski came to him. The kid probably wanted to meet, but Marek had more interesting company. He rejected the call and looked at Nowicki.

    The photographer sat quietly, his head bowed, the cup in his hand tilting dangerously. He was falling asleep, poor thing. Marek smiled with satisfaction. Here he has at his home, within reach of his hands, one of the two men for whom he not only feels lust at this moment. He could do anything, absolutely anything with him.

    ***

    Marczak hung up the telephone and crossed the matter to be done from his notebook. Agnieszka, one of his older actresses, was given the role he was striving for.

    Agnieszka was never the star of the foreground, but she sold the background perfectly well. She was an irreplaceable support character - a caring friend, a malicious colleague from the office, a jealous ex-fianc¨¦e. She was gifted, but not beautiful enough for a star. With age, however, her beauty acquired quality. Just like a noble wine. Immediately after this role, he will have to deal with thi foreground. There was a novel series for middle-aged housewives, and Marek knew there were plans to bring it to the big screen. Agnieszka would be perfect for the role of the main character.

    He will have to make an appointment with a few people about this.

    Marek glanced at the desk where the edition of today''s journal lay. On the cover, he clearly saw a couple kissing in the rain. Even without the flashy headline, he would have guessed it was Dominik ?liwi¨½ski and Scarlett Yang. Well, they chose the circumstances and the place for such presentations pretty good, no what!

 Chapter 191 - 5

    Marczak was convinced that the initiative came from Yang, hit American woman. Dominik would never have indulged in such behavior, especially since he had attended Werner''s funeral a few minutes earlier.

    This was what he was trying to convey to Andrzej hungover in the morning. Poor thing didn''t remember much about what happened in the evening. Probably not often he had the opportunity to flood himself so heavily. He will feel the effects of this evening for quite a long time. But I think he will give Dominik a chance. When the first shock was over, even he had to admit that this photographed scene was inconsistent with the actor''s character. It just had to be a mistake. There was no other option.

    So these two will be back together, probably today. And so much of Marek''s plan to use their misunderstanding for his own purposes. He must have been really getting old, since he cared more about the happiness of Dominik and Andrzej than about his own.

    "Mr. Marczak, I am so sorry" his assistant came to his office. It surprised him that her usually stern and unmoving face was full of anxiety.

    "Yes?"

    "Police for you. Criminal Division."

    Although this information surprised him, he did not show it. The last time he dealt with the police was when Dominik went missing. The cop in charge of the informal investigation turned out to be quite competent. His name was Adamski, if Marek was not mistaken by memory. Robert Adamski. He was from Criminal Division.

    "Ask the gentlemen," he said with a smile.

    He had no idea what they might want from him. His side activity was so much side-activity that only a few had any idea of ??it, and they surely wouldn''t let go of their mouths if they liked the stools and their stable family life.

    The door opened wider and Miss Shmidt let two people in plain clothes in. The woman looked as if she was still in her thirties, slim, not ugly, with ashen, rather short-cropped hair, but with a longer fringe that covered the eye. She was evidently a tomboy, but still graceful despite her overly serious expression. She immediately caught Marczak''s eye. The policeman was a little older and entered his office as if he were in his own house. Arrogant and aggressive, with his fair complexion, he must have had huge problems with hiding blushes. Even though it was December, freckles were clearly visible on his face. He too was cute with his pale red hair and beard.

    "Commissioner ?wi?cki and Deputy Commissioner Andryszek" the man introduced them, flashing his ID. "Can we sit down?"

    "Of course. Would you like something to drink? Coffee? Tea?"

    "Thank you, we''re here on business."

    They both had grave faces. They probably investigated the suicide of Maciek Werner and came to interrogate him because of his close professional relationship with Dominik. The suicide was obvious, but if anyone had anything to do with bringing him to...

    "What can I help you with?" Marek asked very politely. There was no reason to be rude. Werner has received what he deserves and as long as he does not drag ?liwi¨½ski with him, everything will be fine. And Marek already knew exactly what had to be done to put the police on the right track.

    "Do you know Mr. Iwo M??y¨½ski?"

    The question surprised Marczak.

    "Of course," he replied. "He''s one of my new actors. A very calm boy. I can''t imagine him getting into any trouble. He didn''t get into it, did he?"

    "I''m afraid that Mr. M??y¨½ski is dead" said the policewoman.

    Iwo? Dead?

    Marek saw in front of his eyes the smiling teenager with whom he had been messing around in the bedclothes a moment earlier. The kid had so many dreams, so many desires, his whole life ahead of him, and in the meantime...

    "How?" he asked. His tone was businesslike, cold.

    "He was beaten to death. We found his body this morning."

    Beaten up? To death? How could anyone do something like this? Why? After all, Iwo was a really decent boy.

    "When was the last time you spoke to him?"

    "Yesterday afternoon. I gave him the news that he was hired on a new show."

    "And in the evening?"

    "No."

    "He called you."

    "I didn''t pick up. I was busy... Did it happen right after that?"

    "The approximate time of death was between ten and one. Did you and M??y¨½ski have only professional relationships?"

    "I guess that''s none of your business."

    "Yes, mine. The last call he tried to make was for you. It probably goes beyond the manager-actor relationship."

    The last connection - did Iwo already know that his life was in danger? Was this phone call asking for help?

    "We did sleep together occasionally," Marek admitted.

    The policeman grimaced in disgust as if he wanted to express his face to let the world know what he thought about such relationships.

    "Where were you last night?" the assistant commissioner asked, ignoring the face of her colleague.

    "At home."

    "Anyone who can confirm this?"

    Oh, yes, someone definitely was, but it didn''t seem okay to involve him in all of this. People like this policeman can draw wrong conclusions.

    "Another lover?" The red-haired man asked tartly, proving Mark''s fears.

    "No," he said firmly. "And I do not want such a tone in my office. My private life is mine and private. I sleep with whomever I feel like sleeping with and your attitude, Commissioner, makes me want to show you what the charms of making love with me are.

    "What for¡­"

    The rage was clearly bursting the policeman, and Marek was pleased to see him blush under his red beard. Yes, he would be happy to teach him this and that, and above all, not to judge something he does not know, and the policeman himself also looked as if he wanted to teach him a lesson, though of a slightly different kind, but he was stopped by sharp.

    "Sit down! Mr. Marczak, we are not suggesting anything and are not interfering with your private affairs, but at this point in the investigation, however, we still have very little evidence, so we will be grateful for your cooperation. I think you also want to catch the murderer."

    Marek sighed silently.

    "A friend of mine had a little drink yesterday and he spent the night at my place. This is Andrzej Nowicki, a photographer. I will give you his bearings."

    He wrote down the relevant data on a piece of paper and handed it to the policewoman. She thanked him politely and they left the office.

    ***

    "May I know what you''re doing?" Deputy Commissioner Lila Andryszek hit her partner on the shoulder.

    "What do you mean?" He asked, looking innocent.

    "Are you that stupid or are you just pretending to be like that? Do you know what is said about this man?"

    "You think I''ll be scared of him just because he goes for vodka with the commander?"

    "Chief commander."

    "I''m not gonna shake my pants because of this. I don''t like this guy."

    "But you can''t just attack him like that! Better hide your private views in a closet."

    "For me, Marczak is the main suspect."

    "On what basis do you draw such a theory? You don''t have any proof."

    "They were lovers. Something went wrong, his nerves went up, and the kid ended up in the morgue."

    "You are a genius, you really are."

    "Hey, most murders committed are crimes of passion. Maybe he saw him with someone else and he felt nervous..."

    "No," she shook her head. "He doesn''t look like he would have suffered and commit a crime of passion.. He''s a rather calculating, cold type. If he had to kill his lover, he wouldn''t have done it that way."

    "Yeah? And I think he is guilty anyway," he said, taking the driver''s seat of their official Renault.

    "Are you saying no prejudices?" She asked. "Contrary to some propaganda posters, not all gays are pedophiles."

    "Only some are close to it. The kid was eighteen. It is not known how long he was a lover of this bastard."

    "He was an adult. You have no evidence that they had anything in common before, and even if they did, remember from which age you can legally have sex in Poland. Before you start hanging people, we should check his alibi."

    "Yeah, it''ll probably be very credible. Drunk friend, probably also a pederasty."

    "Haven''t heard about Andrzej Nowicki before?"

    "Should I? Was he involved in something?"

    "He''s a rising star in photography. Do you know these ?liwi¨½ski advertising posters?"

    "The yogurt? What about them?"

    "He took pictures."

    "So another bum who thinks he is allowed to do everything?"

    "Really you and your views," she shook her head. She was clearly disgusted. "But wait, I have a message from Patrick. They finished the autopsy of M??y¨½ski. What, will we leave the Nowicki interrogation for later?"

    "We''re going to the morgue."

 Chapter 192 - 6

    The body lying on the metal table - still, stiff, with an earthy blue tint, was surprisingly small. Filigree, you could say. However, it did not resemble a doll, except one that had been thrown in the garbage, where she had spent several days in the rain and rubbish.

    No, M??y¨½ski''s body was not dirty, it was carefully prepared for examination, which was carried out with great precision, but the bruises on his small hands on his thin face and torso deprived him of something valuable. Without an autopsy, Deputy Commissioner Lila Andryszek could say that she had before her eyes a victim of a violent death, a brutal beating. The deceased was young, he was only eighteen years old, and even in his frozen face you could read that he was a pretty boy in life. He reminded her a bit of the famous actor, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, whose films she loved before the police academy. However, it was enough to look at him for a long moment to notice significant differences in their appearance.

    He was so young. So cute and probably so capable, since he got the job. His whole life was opening up to him when someone suddenly trampled them down with boots of violence.

    "It looks like we are dealing with an attempted rape" explained Patryk, who conducted the autopsy. Usually calm and cold as the morgue he worked in, he was showing sympathy now. This surprised Lila, who looked at him more closely. Was Patryk also affected by the brutality and nonsense of this death? "The boy defended himself sharply. We picked up some epidermis from under his nails. Besides, the attacker wasn''t careful enough. We''ve secured sperm traces."

    "Sexual assault" Andryszek shook her head.

    "Yes, it happens not only with women, although it is louder about them. Men are usually ashamed to report to the police."

    "Have you found any traces of prior sexual abuse?"

    "No. The boy was gay, but there are no signs of excesses on his body. It looks like a one-off situation. Before that, he had anal intercourse, but it was not forced. We do sperm DNA comparative testing."

    "Something tells me they won''t agree," she muttered under her breath, but Patryk heard her.

    "Probably not. His lover cared for him while..."

    Patryk did not have to finish for Lila Andryszek to understand him. What happened to this boy was simply beastly.

    She sighed. Marek Marczak did not have the best reputation and she knew at least three policemen who would like to suck him - figuratively, of course - but the guy''s back was too wide. Arrogant, brazen and with impunity, he avoided more than one investigation. How? Probably bribes, intimidation and blackmail. This man had half of the politicians, judges and other prominent figures in his hand, and although his name appeared in the investigations, there was no reason to build a case against him. He was working in white gloves. He wasn''t an angel, he was a criminal, but he seemed to have something good about him. He cared for his lover. Could he even love him?

    "You think Marczak will give us a DNA sample?" Lila Andryszek heard her partner ask.

    "I don''t know," she shook her head. "One like him will probably refuse without a court order and that could take weeks."

    "If we get it at all," he snarled. "Then we should ask him politely."

    Andryszek did not like his tone, as arrogant as it is malicious. She did not recognize her partner. ?wi?cki usually behaved quite differently - logically and analytically. He was a good investigator who did not get carried away. Maybe it was this case that had worked on him that way. A young man, still a kid, beaten to death in an attempted rape - when they found such women, something twitched inside her - disgust, repulsion, indignation and a desire to punish the degenerate. These emotions surfaced with each subsequent victim. Did Artur and Patryk feel the same? Why? Gender solidarity?

    However, ?wi?cki was right, they can ask Marczak politely and count on his cooperation. It was enough just to approach him well.

    "Leave that to me," she said. "I''ll ask him as soon as we confirm his alibi."

    ***

    Andryszek did not like the expression on ?wi?cki''s face. They just finished talking to Nowicki, who, however, did not give Marczak a full alibi. Besides, the photographer himself seemed strangely moved. Could he have anything to do with the case?

    They couldn''t connect him to her yet. Even trying to do it was too early. Artur looked stupid because Marczak''s alibi was not certain. When they meet him again now, he is sure to attack.

    "We have him now," he confirmed her fears as they got into the car.

    "I''m not convinced it''s him."

    "What are you, did you graduate yesterday?"

    "If you close yourself to other possibilities, we may lose the real culprit."

    "Marczak is the perpetrator."

    He was extremely stubborn. She had been working with him for thirteen months, but had not yet seen him so blind. Usually he carefully analyzed the facts.

    "Do you have anything against him personally?"

    ?wi?cki suddenly regained his composure and darkened.

    "There are voices that he once beat his lover."

    "Is that a liable information?"

    "I guess so."

    "Do you know who it was?

    "Maybe."

    "You can base your investigation on rumors, but you will need evidence for an arrest warrant," she recalled. She felt strange with ?wi?cki''s explanation. So Marczak really beat someone up? "Do you know anything else about it?"

    "The boy wanted to break up with him and Marczak was carried away. He hit him and overpowered him. He tried to r**e him."

    "You''re kidding! And he didn''t go to the police?"

    "Now you''re the one kidding. How many such reports do we receive? Women are ashamed, let alone men..."

    "You would report something like that if, you know...?"

    "Never in my life. And you would report?"

    "I¡­"

    Andryszek gritted her teeth. Shame prevented her from finishing her speech. If someone wanted to r**e her, she would have gotten his balls off.

    "How did that case end? What about that boy?"

    "Everything is ok. Someone helped him and nothing happened. There is a Samaritan."

    "But ... how do you know all this?"

    "You know I have my plugs. A friend of a friend and so on."

    "So maybe it''s not true after all..."

    "You know, I won''t hesitate to ask Marczak about it..."

    The opportunity came after forty minutes, when they broke through the traffic jams in Warsaw and returned to Marek Marczak''s office. The guy looked impassive, and even though he was approached a second time that same day, he greeted them politely.

    "It turns out that your alibi is not entirely certain" attacked ?wi?cki. "Nowicki said he was asleep."

    The manager smiled charmingly.

    "I didn''t expect him to lie. It''s not that type. Did he also point out that I am the last pig?"

    "Not straight. And should he?"

    "I''m not one of his favorites."

    "And yet you were drinking together last night."

    "I didn''t say that. He was the one who got drunk, I just drove him to my place."

    "Why not him?"

    "It''s his private affair. Does it matter in the investigation?"

    "If you wanted to craft an alibi..."

    "Then I wouldn''t take an honest idiot who would challenge them. Commissioner, I see you don''t like me, but focus on catching the murderer who killed Iwo."

    "You do not look very moved by his death" said Andryszek.

    "I don''t think I realize he''s really dead. Or maybe he was more indifferent to me than you think."

    The policewoman gritted her teeth. Talking to this guy was not easy. He seemed to politely answer all the questions, but arrogance showed through him as if through tracing paper.

    "You asked how M??y¨½ski died," she said, watching him closely. "It was obvious at first glance that he had been brutally beaten. His body was completely injured. However, the pathologist explained to us that it was a sexual assault."

    Marczak''s face twitched. The policewoman could not read it yet, but she had the impression that haughtiness and arrogance were only a ceramic mask that had begun to crack. She was very curious to see what she would reveal when she fell.

    "Someone¡­ hurt him like that?" He asked, his voice harsh.

    "It was an attempted r**e. M??y¨½ski defended himself to such an extent that the attacker killed him. If he hadn''t defended himself so much, he would probably be alive."

    "I didn''t know he was so stupid."

    "Stupid?" Lila Andryszek wasn''t sure she understood correctly.

    Marczak looked into her eyes and she read the answer in them. Yes, stupid. After all, she herself said that if he had not defended himself, he would have been alive.

    Yes, he would live as a victim of brutal r**e, wounded for life, wearing wounds that would not heal for years, and then scars that would remind him of this nightmare every day.

 Chapter 193 - 7

    But at least he would be alive and then he could at least try to get back to normal. It is difficult and takes time, but the victims of this type of violence are able to lead quite ordinary lives.

    But Iwo M??y¨½ski chose otherwise. Maybe he didn''t realize how far all this was going to go. Maybe he was hoping that someone would hear him scream and help...

    Andryszek chased these thoughts away. She focused on the conversation.

    "Due to the collected biological evidence, we would like to ask you to voluntarily provide genetic material for comparison. This will greatly speed up our investigation."

    Marczak did not answer right away. He stared at the desk as if considering all the options. Out of the corner of her eye, Andryszek noticed that her partner was smiling with satisfaction, as if he wanted to say: "I said he would not agree."

    "I will do it," said Marczak. "Tell me where to report."

    ***

    Marek Marczak, dressed in appropriate black, waited for someone to open the door for him. The staircase was old and narrow and the smell spreading through it was definitely not pleasant. The duty he was now about to fulfill was also not a pleasant one. However, Marczak was not someone who escaped from responsibility.

    The safety chain fell off and the door swung open, revealing an elderly woman with careless waving and gray roots. She was of medium height, slim, and wore a black sweater, not new. She looked up at him with red, threadbare eyes and stared blankly. He didn''t know if she recognized him or not, so he decided to introduce himself.

    "Mrs. M??y¨½ska, I don''t know if you remember me, I''m Marek Marczak..."

    "You pig!" She exploded suddenly, throwing her fists at him. "Give me my son back, you beast!"

    "Mrs. M??y¨½ska, I am very sorry, but..."

    "Give him back to me! Give me back my Iwo!" She sobbed, still hitting him on the chest. "My Iwo, my love! If not you! If you hadn''t taken him into this world of degenerates, he would be fine!"

    "I don''t know what you imagine..."

    "You killed him! You killed my sweet¡­! My dear¡­!"

    She sobbed and, no longer having the strength to beat him, slumped to the ground next to his feet.

    "My sweet... My little son..."

    Marczak looked down at her. He could clearly see her gray roots on the tousled sap. He focused on them so as not to admit the despair of this woman, her accusations.

    After all, she was right. It was he who took Iwo from his family home and took him under his wing. He was his lover and protector. It was to him that he made his last call in life. Marek Marczak did not kill him, but he was guilty of his death.

    His phone vibrated in his coat pocket. This annoying, dragging signal brought him back to reality.

    "Please accept my condolences," he said, and freed himself of the sobbing woman.

    The persistent phone ring freed him from this unpleasant situation. He gave him an excuse to leave Iwo''s mother on the floor on the doorstep of her apartment and walk away. It was his secretary who wanted to contact him. He was grateful to her. He picked up going down the stairs.

    "Mr. President, sorry to disturb you, but Mr. Bruno Kwieci¨½ski wants to meet you urgently."

    "Kwieci¨½ski? He''s not filming somewhere on the Loire right now?"

    "He''s in Warsaw. Specifically¡­ he''s here. He looks agitated and has declared that he will not leave until he meets you."

    "Do you know anything more?"

    "I''m sorry¡­"

    Marczak has already reached the parking lot. He was opening the door of his silver car.

    "Tell him I''ll be there in three-quarters of an hour."

    "Yes of course."

    There was no point in rushing. Kwieci¨½ski was not his man. He did not make an appointment. Someone like Marek Marczak will not be rushing at breakneck speed at the request of some actor.

    Okay, not some actor. Bruno Kwieci¨½ski was Dominik ?liwi¨½ski''s greatest rival. He was tall, handsome, masculine. His physical conditions made him perfect for playing soldiers, policemen or gangsters. Recently, however, he has shone as a romantic lover, and although he did not take away Dominik''s fans, he won some of their love for himself. Now, in the new production of Baptiste, he played the lead role that could make him an instant international success. The script was good and the character had great potential. That is why Marczak wanted it for his Dominik. The latter, however, refused. Then everything fell apart irretrievably between them.

    Marczak and Kwieci¨½ski did not know each other well. They were never linked by business or any social matters. A polite ''good evening'' at some party and a nod of the head from time to time that was all. Now, however, the twenty-six-year-old actor insisted on seeing him for some reason. It was quite intriguing.

    Marek Marczak entered his office exactly forty-five minutes later. Kwieci¨½ski waited for him politely, although his face was showing signs of tension. He didn''t look very well - Marek noticed it right away. Something was happening. But why did he come to him with his problem?

    The manager held out his hand to him. Kwieci¨½ski''s grip was strong but uncertain. Marek was convinced that the actor was in trouble. Troubles that can only be solved by someone like Marczak.

    Kwieci¨½ski refused a cup of coffee or tea. This would be his third, he said. He drank two while waiting. He had three-quarters of an hour to meet him, and yet he did not go out anywhere, but waited tied up for Marczak''s arrival. He must have been desperate. It''s so sad, Marek said, smiling inwardly.

    "So how can I help you?" he asked without showing much interest. Kwieci¨½ski sat in front of him like a very polite client, but his eyes were not polite at all. They were wild, like a man clinging to his last resort.

    "I know you and Dominik were a couple," he announced in an attacking tone. "Very close."

    "Oh!" Marczak was surprised very politely and smiled like a wolf looking at a lamb.

    Kwieci¨½ski''s eyes almost escaped, but they held the gaze.

    "Was that the price for your support?"

    Could it be ...?

    "Dominik is a talent that does not have to pay for anything."

    Bruno understood the hint. He gritted his teeth.

    "Contrary to my reputation, I don''t have to buy lovers" added Marczak. "If I''m with someone, it''s because I feel like it. This is what I have in my private life but also in business."

    Apparently what he said confused Kwieci¨½ski. It spoiled his plan. He looked as if he had lost all his confidence and was desperately looking for a new way.

    "You want to change agency?" Marczak asked directly.

    Bruno Kwieci¨½ski looked up at him. He had beautiful dark brown eyes. Not immensely black, as in Asians, yet attractive.

    Yes, these eyes can be his asset. The boy plays face and body well, but he lacked something magnetic that would make you fall in love with him at first sight. He was sexy, especially when he took off his shirt, but he needed something more to conquer the audience forever.

    "I like your eyes," added Marczak. "Remember that feeling you have in you right now. It will come in handy on the set."

    The young man was clearly not stupid.

    "You''ve lost your star," pointed out Kwieci¨½ski. "You have many promising actors, but no one who would fill the void at this point."

    "If you care so much about working for me, something must have happened. What?"

    In his tone, Marek demanded an answer. When he gets it, he will know how desperate Kwieci¨½ski is.

    "On the set of this movie... Baptiste..."

    "You had to grit your teeth and do it for England. Oh, sorry for the role. Have you come to me for a similar purpose?"

    "A manager is someone trusted, someone who should look after his actor."

    "I sold Dominik."

    "What?!"

    "That''s why he left."

    Kwieci¨½ski tried desperately to arrange something in his head, to process information, to understand. He was amusing and embarrassing at the same time. What could he imagine coming to Marczak, whose reputation he knew well? What was he thinking when he wanted to sell himself to him so that he wouldn''t have to sell himself to the French? Better the devil you know than the unknown or what?

    "I''ll give you some advice, and it''s absolutely free" Marek said. "Do not panic. Say no. Hit if you have to. You can. They won''t throw you off the set because they''ve already spent too much of the budget. They don''t want to risk a scandal either. If you stand up, they''ll detach. But if you feel really threatened..." Marczak remembered Iwo and the circumstances of his death. "If you ever feel threatened by force, squeeze your eyelids shut and loosen your buttocks. It is not worth dying for such matters."

 Chapter 194 - 8

    "You know, Mr. Marczak, it''s really¡­" Kwieci¨½ski seemed very disgusted.

    "It''s really a life here and now."

    "Well, thank you for the advice then," he stood up. "I''ll try to remember about it."

    "I guarantee that you will not get bad if you will remember it."

    Kwieci¨½ski bowed slightly but did not shake his hand to say goodbye. He left with the foot of the officer he was playing, erect, haughty, head held high.

    That''s what he should do, Marczak decided. Go on like that, look like that. Bold and daring, like a conqueror, not like a victim. This world is full of wolves like Marczak, wolves that sense weakness and feed on it until they get bored. Then they spit out the chewed remains of fur or fleece.

    Eat it or get eaten.

    ***

    The fact of Iwo''s death reached Marek Marczak slowly. He started noticing him when the sweet, enthusiastic texts stopped reaching him. He felt that something was suddenly missing in his life, or even someone - that stupid, naive, pretty face that was happy every time they met.

    The boy really liked him, Marek realized. Suddenly he was gone. He didn''t just go to someone else. He has gone, but farther on, to a place from which there is no return. He did not go alone, he was dragged there by violence so brutal that when its enormity began to reach Marek, anger also came.

    Iwo M??y¨½ski was his man. His lover. He died when he defended himself against r*pe. It''s as if his body was intended only for special people.

    For him.

    If he hadn''t defended himself so much, that idiot. If he hadn''t fought so hard...

    His apartment was empty and quiet. Usually, Marek didn''t notice it. He usually worked late in the city, maybe a bit unconventionally, in clubs and restaurants, but that was where he held most of his meetings. In such places, it is best to talk to, in a relaxed atmosphere and over a glass of something delicious. When he returned home, it was usually late and he went to bed right away, or he was not alone and ended up in bed for a slightly different purpose. For many years it was mainly Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, then a mixture, and recently Iwo. That little, silly smiling kid who clung to him as if he was grabbing God by the legs. Dumb puppy wagging its tail.

    He had him on this bed, in this tub, on this table. He took his as and when he wanted. The boy was willing. Not as sweet as Dominik, but he had his charm, otherwise Marek wouldn''t have chosen him. Not for long. The kid was supposed to fill the void left by ?liwi¨½ski there, after all, at first glance, he resembled him very much. He was good, he was at every call, eager and smiling. Little whore.

    Marek clenched his fists.

    It was his little whore, not the scum who had done this to him. This carcass, this dung...

    Marczak in anger threw away everything that was on the kitchen table with one sweeping movement of his hand. The cup and saucer, the teaspoon and the saucer clattered against the wall, splashing it with coffee and splashing the porcelain into a handful of crusts.

    Iwo shouldn''t have ended up like this. Why did this happen? Did he, Marek, actually not protect him when he should? He failed another of his pupil, but while Dominik found Andrzej for himself, Iwo was then quite alone...

    Marek imagined a Warsaw evening, a dark alley from which suddenly hands come out to catch the passing Iwo. The boy was short, thin, just tiny, so he was easily overpowered. The attacker covered his mouth with his hand, the other twisted his arms and pushed him against the wall. He whispered something gross in his ear.

    Marczak gritted his teeth. He didn''t want to imagine what happened next, hard fists landing on the struggling, scared boy. Had he done so, he would have been flooded with hatred that was already at its highest level of flood prevention.

    This animal, this carcass that murdered Iwo, has to pay. Pay fairly, adequately to the crime he has committed. For such a bastard, prison is not enough. Even if these idiot policemen catch the murderer, the inept justice system, instead of murder with particular cruelty, will condemn him for beating him with a fatal result. Halfway through his sentence, he will be released for good behavior. He''s going to serve six years or less.

    No, Marek will not agree to it. This is not why he has files for all ministers, better than the entire Institute of National Remembrance, he has not spent millions on bribes to leave justice in the hands of corrupt officials. He had money and he had enough influence to get things done faster than the police and more efficiently.

    So he chose a number to one of his people.

    There was no hesitation in his heart.

    He was ruled by justice.

    ***

    The media briefly jumped on the topic of the young actor''s death, but Marek did not want to read about it, so he quickly closed the topic. He didn''t have to threaten anyone and never asked. It was enough for him to express his will. Someone stubborn might try to make a scandal out of this death, but he did not find such a thing. The boy''s fate was too tragic and Poland has not yet reached the level of media collapse, where the victim''s pain is not respected. Journalistic ethics still existed. At least for now.

    Every day Iwo''s death touched Marek more. More and more he saw the emptiness left behind him. The boy was only a filler of space after Dominik left, a distraction from Andrzej, but at one point - and Marczak was unable to say exactly when - he gained his own value. But it wasn''t until he was gone that Marek realized it. Too late, of course.

    The police stopped bothering him as soon as they analyzed his genetic material. This definitely excluded him from the group of suspects. Marczak did not feel relieved. He didn''t kill the boy, it was a fact, but he couldn''t help but think that if he had picked up the phone from him then, maybe he might have saved him.

    Why did Iwo call him? Did he want to meet? Was he going to tell him something? Or maybe he noticed that someone was following him and was looking for someone to help him? If so, why did he choose him? He knew he didn''t count for Marek. He had to know.

    He decided to find out as much as he could. The people he sent were supposed to find the murderer, not the reason the boy called him. These things were not connected - probably - so he didn''t want strangers to enter his privacy with their shoes. He knew that Iwo did not live alone. He shared an apartment with a roommate named Jakub. Marek did not know him personally, he had only heard of him a few times. The boy was a year older than M??y¨½ski, he studied and worked in some call center. He might know something. Maybe Iwo told him about something on purpose or by accident. Marek wanted to ask him about it.

    Marczak had no idea if Jakub was at home now, but he had no phone number to ask, so he went without warning, hoping for a stroke of luck.

    He actually got lucky, because he did not wait long when a curly bespoke in a brown sweater opened his door. He looked like the seven misfortunes, or a member of the student cabaret "dotsomething". He recognized Marczak immediately, clearly surprised by the visit.

    "Mr. Marczak? What brings you here?"

    "I would like to talk about Iwo for a moment. Do you have a moment?"

    "Yeah, come in, please..."

    The flat was small and showed signs of disorder typical of young men. It didn''t bother Marczak.

    "Would You like to drink something?"

    "Thank you, I won''t be long. Do you remember the night Iwo died?"

    "Yes," the boy darkened. "That day he found out that he got the lead role. He was very happy and wanted to drink it, but I had a night shift at work and I had to be sober."

    "Was he planning to meet someone?"

    "Iwo didn''t have many friends. Ever since he started seeing you, he has lost contact with his former colleagues."

    Just like Dominik, Marek thought. When I entered his life, the past ceased to matter, and neither did the accounts. Only that he wanted to have Dominik exclusive to himself and forced him to make such decisions, Iwo was not so important to him. The boy gave up his old life on his own initiative.

    "Then how do you think he wanted to spend the evening?"

    The student looked uncomfortable. Does M??y¨½ski have a secret? Maybe he had another lover?

 Chapter 195 - 9

    "Well?" Marczak urged.

    "With you," the boy confessed. "Iwo was in love with you. I think he wanted to see you."

    I won''t find out more, Marek decided. The boy called because he needed him, because for some reason he convinced himself that he and Marczak were close. Maybe Marek himself misled him by calling him too often and arranging for him the role that the boy dreams about. There was no way to know why he had called him that fateful evening. He took the secret to the grave and the manager had to come to terms with it.

    He said goodbye to M??y¨½ski''s former roommate and headed back.

    Marek Marczak was already on Aleje Jerozolimskie when his phone rang. It surprised him that it was Nowicki. This guy wasn''t one of the people who would like to interact with him, but Dominik was in America now, so maybe he felt lonely?

    "What a nice surprise!" he answered with a hint of mockery in his voice. That''s how they always talked to each other - arrogant, brazen, provocative.

    "He has... Marczak..."

    It was not Nowicki''s natural voice. He sounded anxious as if something was wrong.

    "Where are you?" Marek asked, wasting no time. If Nowicki called him and spoke in such a voice...

    Andrzej gave the address of the hotel, although his speech was not entirely consistent, he also gave the number of the room.

    Marczak glanced through the glass at the passing buildings.

    "I''m around. I''ll be there in fifteen minutes. No, in ten. Wait for me," he ordered, and stepped on the gas pedal.

    It was not good with Nowicki. His voice sounded like the photographer was in shock or under the influence of drugs. Knowing him, the probability that he took it consciously and voluntarily was zero. Then someone gave him something. And if Nowicki calls him instead of the emergency room, the matter is probably scandalous. What did this idiot get into?

    Marczak abandoned the car in front of the hotel and burst inside as he was scalded. Nobody stopped him as he ran into the elevator and chose the floor. He searched for the indicated room immediately. He knocked. As soon as the door opened, he strode inside.

    "Where''s Andrzej?" he asked. "Andrzej!"

    Some guy was tangling under his feet. He was gibbering something in some language. He was in the way. Marek hit him knocking him unconscious to the ground and began searching the apartment.

    "Andrzej!!!"

    "Marczak?" he heard a muffled, familiar voice. "It''s you?"

    "Yes! Andrzej, are you in the bathroom?" he walked over to her door, but it was locked. "Open it."

    "Wait a minute." There was a movement in the bathroom. The door gave way and suddenly Nowicki, standing in it, flew forward. Marczak caught him immediately.

    Not good, Marek thought. The guy''s really high.

    "Look at me. Hi!" Marczak recommended. He had to judge how much Nowicki drifted away into the unconscious.

    Andrzej wanted to raise his head and look at the speaker, but he couldn''t find him. Marczak brutally grabbed his chin and looked deep into his eyes. They completely lost focus, although they tried very hard to regain it.

    "Marczak? What are you doing here?"

    "You called me. You do not remember?" He asked brusquely. In such situations, there is nothing to caress.

    Nowicki tried to collect his thoughts, but he clearly failed.

    "Can you walk?"

    "I can."

    The legs, however, did not obey him. They trailed after him as if they had something better to do than go. Marek had to hold him tightly and almost pull him to make them move forward somehow.

    "You smell nice" said Andrzej suddenly and brought his face close to Marczak''s neck.

    Marczak already knew that Nowicki was under the influence of a strong aphrodisiac. The names of every he knew started running through his mind.

    "Shut the hell up," he growled. Such advances of Andrzej would be sweet if he were not stuffed with something. In this state, however, not only was he not himself, but also, if the dose was too strong, he could be in danger.

    "You do not like me anymore?" Nowicki asked in a tone of disappointment.

    "Andrzej, for God''s sake, shut up!"

    So he shut up.

    The matter was too serious, and Marek had to, discreetly and definitely, quickly lead him out of the hotel and put him in the car.

    Somehow he succeeded. Nowicki acted obediently, but only because he completely drifted away. He didn''t even know he was in the car.

    Marczak had experience with drugs and aphrodisiacs. After Andrzej''s behavior, he knew it had to be something extremely strong. As he led him to his apartment, he noticed a strained hardness in his crotch. Throwing Nowicki in the shower and unscrewing a strong stream of cold water, he was almost sure that photographer was under the influence of the White Lady.

    Now he was standing next to him and watched Nowicki trying to stay upright under the stream of water.

    "Thank you," the photographer said, his teeth chattering.

    "It won''t get through that easily, you know? Ache. You''ll have to relieve yourself."

    Andrzej, who had almost fully regained consciousness thanks to the cold shower, blushed. It would be absolutely wonderful if the situation were not so serious.

    "You can''t do it on your own," the manager continued. "This is not your usual measure. It''s best if you let me help you."

    "No," he replied firmly, though he didn''t seem confident.

    "I''ll raise the water temperature a little, or you''ll be hypothermic in a few minutes. Stay in the shower, it''ll be easier for you to endure the drug. It will be faster and less painful if you let me help you."

    "No" Nowicki put his arms around himself. He was starting to tremble, this time from the cold. "I''ll be faithful to Dominik."

    "I''m sure he''ll understand the circumstances."

    "No" Andrzej replied for the third time.

    Marczak gritted his teeth. Although he had previously dreamed of dragging Nowicki to bed, his proposals today were purely humanitarian. He suspected that by worrying about the photographer, he wouldn''t even get his own pleasure. It''s hard to even talk about sex. Rather, it would be a necessary medical procedure to ease the sufferer, but Nowicki, as always, was adamant. Even in such a situation, he wanted to be faithful to Dominic.

    Marczak felt a twinge of jealousy. To love someone so much that, even in such a situation, you don''t want to be with anyone else. To be loved so much...

    No, such love is pure stupidity. It looks beautiful and noble, but it works only in fairy tales. There is jealousy, infidelity and pain in real life. What is now between Dominik and Andrzej is just a moment that will not last forever.

    And yet this moment was worth Marczak''s envy.

    Nowicki, however, will suffer, here and now. A strong drug will torture his body beyond the limits of its endurance. Sex at this point would not be an act of betrayal, but a natural element of survival.

    Apparently, for some, there was more than a survival instinct, more than a fear of pain. These people were fools, but sometimes even fools can impress.

    So Nowicki suffered like the idiot he was. His devotion, however, made Marek liked him even more, although he realized more and more painfully that he had no chance with Andrzej.

    ***

    Andrzej Nowicki''s organism fought and lost. Pain and fever ravaged his body. Marek had the impression that only his willpower kept him alive. Willpower and¡­ love for Dominik.

    ***

    The hardest is over. Nowicki will sleep for a few hours, his fever will drop and everything will return to normal. Marek will be the bad guy again, only... Why didn''t Andrzej suspect him of giving him a drug? With all Marczak''s reputation, after all he had said and done, why did Andrzej trust him?

    The manager looked into the sleeping person once more. His handsome face was calm, apparently the anesthetic worked well. Nothing bad should happen in the next few hours. Marek said he would also use this time to rest. He left the door open and sat on the couch in the living room to keep an eye on the bed in the bedroom.

    Marczak was not actually sleeping, but dozing until noon, waking up every few dozen minutes and glancing at Nowicki. He listened for troubled noises, but nothing happened. The drug worked fine. Marek had lunch and dinner appointments for today, but canceled both without giving any reason. With his reputation, no one was surprised. It was an advantage. He didn''t have to make up lies. It''s not that he couldn''t or didn''t like to lie, but it took energy, which he didn''t have at the moment. At least not for that.

    So Marek spent the rest of the day caring for the sick Nowicki.

    He couldn''t help but feel there was something abstract about the fact that he was caring for his ex-lover''s lover.

 Chapter 196 - 10

    WARNING!

    This chapter can be highly disturbing. A certain scene will be clearly brutal and may give the reader unhealthy satisfaction. Be aware that you read it at your own risk.

    That day, Marek did something that was beyond his character, something that surprised even himself. It was something that contradicted the essence of Marek Marczak.

    That day, Marek said goodbye to his fantasies of acquiring a certain inaccessible man.

    Loving someone who doesn''t want your love, having someone who doesn''t want to be owned - maybe there used to be an exciting element to it, but today it was just disgust at the thought of imposing yourself on someone so much.

    If there is not even the slightest chance of reciprocity, there is no point in demeaning yourself. If there is no chance of reciprocity, you have to admit defeat, walk away and find that chance for yourself. After all, there were more men (and women) in the world who could make Marek passionate. It was enough just to look away from Dominik and Andrzej and just go further.

    Marek knew there would never be anything between him and Nowicki, but that didn''t mean he stopped loving him. He just did not know what exactly is this love? Andrzej fell in love for the first time at the age of twenty-eight, Marek discovered this feeling only at the age of forty. Love really was unpredictable.

    This weekend made Marek realize that both Dominik and Andrzej were forever beyond his reach. Their affection was so special that it would probably survive the end of the world. There was no point in fighting him, going between them. Marczak was not one of the people who gave up easily, but he also did not intend to fight battles in which he had no chance of winning.

    And so his first dream of love ended.

    He felt disappointed and sad. He knew it was a natural reaction of the body, pure biochemistry and not any emotional nonsense. Chemistry was responsible for falling in love, for euphoria, and for all the rest of the romantic gibberish. Maybe that was why he had taken this end of all hope really well. In a few days, he will probably meet a new pretty face who will gladly jump into his bed and pamper her a little if it works. If not, there are more to come. Life is too short to waste it on some pointless meditation on the past and idiotic weeps over it. Today matters. Tomorrow matters. Yesterday won''t come back and can''t be changed, so why bother with it?

    The phone had been ringing for a long time before he heard it. The first words that came out of the handset took Marek to his feet.

    "Boss, we got him!"

    "Where?"

    His man indicated the address of one of the niche clubs that was under Marczak''s tutelage. A bit out of the way so that wild parties can be really wild. If someone liked expressive games straight from "Hammer for Witches", this place was perfect for him. Same as for Marek''s goals.

    "Get him ready," he ordered. "I will be soon."

    The excitement surged within him, suddenly bursting him all over. Finally, he will look at the mouth of the beast that killed little Iwo M??y¨½ski. Look at his face and frame him like a pig. He will regret being born.

    The animal had the surprisingly human, ordinary face of a twenty-something-year-old manual worker, marked by sun, wind, and effort. She wasn''t beautiful, but she wasn''t off-putting either. Ordinary. So the biggest monster cannot be recognized from the face, decided Marczak, still staring at her. Or is there a monster in everyone?

    The guy was completely naked, tied well and hanging from the ceiling in an uncomfortable position with his arms twisted back and his legs spread out, bent at the knees. He had been hanging like that for a while, so he stopped playing dude. The ropes cut into his body, and the joints forced to hold in an unnatural position and burdened by his weight must have already made themselves known. It hurt. It must have hurt. The men standing next to him knew their stuff. Marek employed only professionals.

    "What do you want from me?" He groaned bound. He sounded pathetic. "I''ll do anything, anything, just let me out!"

    Marek walked over to him and punched him in the face. He had a strong right hook, so the man''s head jumped and blood was dripping from his lips.

    "Oh, you¡­!" He tried to pose, so he got one more blow. Marczak rubbed his hand. Even he felt the impact.

    "How sure are you?" Marek Marczak asked one of his men. The guy was short, in his late forties, and wore an inexpensive, unfashionable suit.

    "One hundred percent," he replied. "Krystian broke into the police database to compare DNA. One hundred percent compliance."

    "He confessed?"

    "We didn''t ask."

    Marek took a photo of Iwo M??y¨½ski out of his pocket. The boy smiled at him with the fullness of his youth. He should keep smiling like that for many years to come, until he grows old. Marczak grabbed the man by the hair and lifted his bloody face. He put a photo under his nose.

    "Do you recognize him?" he asked.

    "What? No!"

    He lied. His eyes recognized the boy in the photo immediately. The dog was lying to avoid punishment.

    "Maybe you''ve already noticed, but we''re not the police," Marek explained. "We don''t have to follow procedures, or, say, human rights, to extract the relevant testimony. Since these statements will not go to court, we need not worry that they were obtained illegally by force. I guess you know what that means?"

    He knew. Only a fool wouldn''t guess hanging from the ceiling and dripping blood.

    "Have you seen my two colleagues who look after you in this place?" Marczak pointed to tall, fleshy men looking like torturers from heavy BDS & M films. "The boys can''t wait to give you back for Iwo. They just waiting for my permission. I will give it to them, don''t worry," he smiled ad it was a smile of a devil. "I guarantee they will have more fun than you with this boy."

    His face changed instantly. You could see terror filling every cell in his body. This sight gave Marek some satisfaction. Not enough.

    "So what, do you remember now?"

    "Yep."

    Marczak felt relieved and furious at the same time.

    "So now, why did you do it?"

    "I ... I saw him sometimes. He was always smiling, fagot one. Thought he was some god or something. He looked a bit like this actor, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, and acted like a star. He made me angry with his fagging. I wanted to teach him a lesson."

    So that''s it, thought Marczak and felt disappointed. A typical homophobe, a hidden gay who is unable to cope with his identity, smothers it to such an extent that it turns it into a hatred for anything and everything that could free his inner desires. And yet, at the moment of the most violent outbreak of this hatred, repressed instincts also come to the fore and he loses control over himself. It turns into a wild, brainless animal.

    His story was so simple. Seeing Iwo, a handsome young man who was not very hiding that he was gay and was happy, he felt attracted to him, maybe a fascination that he could not even admit to himself.

    It was sad. Pathetic. A psychologist, or someone like Dominik, would find understanding and extenuating circumstances for him. But not Marek. What mattered to him was the fact that Iwo, his man, had been brutally murdered and his tormentor hung in front of Marczak''s eyes.

    So this beast didn''t deserve to be treated like a human. She didn''t deserve to be handed over to the police, put on trial, and with a lawyer mock the judiciary. Human law, criminal law was too lenient to really punish such a hideous crime. Because the law saw a man where there was only a mindless animal. Because the law said that even an animal that rapes and brutally murders an innocent man has human rights that must be respected. And then such a murderer complains that his human rights are violated, because instead of a hundred channels on TV, he can only receive twenty in a prison cell.

    Only the old law could do any justice to the unfortunate Iwo.

    An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth.

    Pain for a pain.

    "So that''s it," he said, looking at the swollen and bloody face. He didn''t even try to see him as a human. The man was M??y¨½ski, not that something. "Guys, you can start. Do your best."

    "Yes, sir."

    Marek headed for the exit.

    "What¡­? What do you want to do with me?" He heard a desperate squeak behind him. "No! Leave me alone! No!!!"

    This is for you, Iwo, Marek thought as he closed the door. He will scream ten times more than you. He will cry and beg for death, not for life.

    And if he survives the session with the guys ... Well, then maybe he''ll become someone''s toy in a prison cell.

 Chapter 197 - The Last

    Marek Marczak closed his burning eyes and rubbed his eyelids with his fingers. He hasn''t been sleeping very well lately. Dominik''s loss was quite a blow to his agency, definitely not fatal, but serious enough to hurt. Kwieci¨½ski was right to say that he could use someone to replace ?liwi¨½ski. The void that had arisen had to be filled, unfortunately there was no one. Neither from the street nor from any film school any talent came in to dazzle him and make him look forward to the future. If it will continue, there will be trouble.

    Marczak knew that he was not the only one to have such problems. The market was dominated by the old guard, not even giving the young people a chance to show themselves. Marek was sure viewers would love to see someone fresh, but the writers didn''t try hard to create scripts that would open the way for them. Even this youth series in which Iwo was supposed to play, was suspended for some reason. Apparently, there was an argument over money.

    In fact, the fate of his agency was not so important to Marek that they would keep him awake at night. Rather, they were a distraction from the real problem. For some inexplicable reason, he felt lonely for the first time in his life.

    Dominik has been with him for the past seven years. Not only him. At every call, Marczak could have - and had - anyone whenever he wanted to. He was not refused by anyone he invited. Andrzej Nowicki was the first. Unable to have either of these two, Marek found Iwo for himself. His tragic fate shocked him more than he would like to admit, and since his death, he did not want any casual acquaintances, and he ended the pursuit of Dominik and Andrzej himself. Somehow the desire for chasing these bunnies left him.

    He hoped that something would change when he found M??y¨½ski''s murderer and punish him as he saw fit. Maybe something has changed, but not for the better. He felt no satisfaction. His disgust and anger even increased. He wondered if the punishment he had applied was too small? Maybe he should train it well and sell it to Asia as a sex toy? Or maybe, after training, he should hand it over to the police so that it turns into a toy behind the bars of the cell? The idea was worth considering.

    "Mr. Chairman, you have a visitor," Miss Shmidt looked into his office. "Mr. Bruno Kwieci¨½ski."

    He had to admit to himself that he felt surprised. Kwieci¨½ski? What is this for? He absolutely did not expect to see this actor in his office again one day - not after what he had told him recently, but here you are, what a surprise. What could he want from him? To grumble again?

    Whatever it was, it was some kind of entertainment for Marczak. Perhaps he could have a relatively lively conversation again, though he shouldn''t be getting too much hope. Kwieci¨½ski did not seem brilliant.

    "Let him in," he ordered.

    Kwieci¨½ski entered with a shy boyish smile on his face. It suited him. It was different from the one on the screen. He showed Marczak a face that he did not know. Marek narrowed his eyes slightly. From poverty he could be.

    As his lover? His actor? Both? None?

    "I wanted to thank you, Mr. Marczak" Kwieci¨½ski said at the beginning. He seemed pleased.

    "Me? For what?" The manager was genuinely surprised and did not try to hide it.

    "For your advice. It turned out to be¡­ very effective."

    Marek smiled crookedly. So that was it?

    "Yes of course. After all, I know this business not from today" he said arrogantly.

    "Until now, I also thought I knew him. However, it turned out to be more complicated. Nevertheless, thanks to you, I managed to get through a very unpleasant situation. I am very grateful to you. After all, you didn''t have to help me."

    "Somehow it turned out. I like showing off my skills."

    "Yes, I noticed," Kwieci¨½ski laughed. "I have to admit, they are not overrated by even a millimeter."

    "Oh, words of appreciation?"

    "I thought a lot about our last conversation. It didn''t go as planned. You dominated her completely and I made a fool of myself in her. I would like to prove to you that I have something interesting to say after all. So I wonder if you would accept an invitation to dinner. As a thank you for your help, of course."

    The boy surprised him once again. Okay, not a boy, a man. An invitation to dinner? As a thank you? Either he is extremely grateful, or he has some additional motive. Hmm, Kwieci¨½ski last time has felt like a fool, so he wanted to prove to him that he is not. He may try, but whether it will work out is another matter entirely. Anyway, the proposal sounded interesting.

    Marczak looked at his face, trying to read something from it and had to admit that it was attractive. Not as pretty as Dominika, more masculine, rather similar to Andrzej, but not entirely either. It definitely had its own quality. Pleasant, full lips, a sharp nose and eyes that looked at him aggressively as if they wanted to provoke him to something naughty. Very interesting eyes...

    That look, that smile, and the invitation to dinner itself were quite a challenge. Kwieci¨½ski wanted to face him, thinking that he would win this time.

    Of course he was wrong, and proving it to him could be quite fun.

    "All right, dinner," he agreed. "Let me just warn you that I will be one hundred percent myself on it, which means that you have no idea what you are writing for."

    "I don''t know, the rumors about you are quite intriguing."

    "These rumors do not even half reflect my character."

    "If I had to be scared of this, could I be called a man?"

    "What if, at dinner, I think it''s worth getting you to my bed?"

    "I would take that as a compliment, but I would took your own advice. It has already proven itself once."

    "The French had a lot of millions to lose, I didn''t."

    "A missed chance for profit is a loss. Risking potential millions for one dubious pleasure is not like Marek Marczak."

    "Oh, potentially millions, huh?"

    "?liwi¨½ski can play in Hollywood, Cannes and Berlin will be mine."

    He was confident, arrogant, swashbuckling. This was not what Marek had expected, but that was what was interesting. Bruno Kwieci¨½ski approached him knowing his reputation, knowing about his past with Dominik and at the same time trying to play a virtue.

    Marczak smiled. The challenge has been thrown. He was looking forward to the course and outcome of the upcoming duel.

    THE END

 Chapter 198 - Recipe One: 1

    "Dear viewers, because the blueberry season is in full swing, today I will give you a recipe for a delicious blueberry cake that my grandma used to make. The recipe is from my family, so although I studied at a cooking school, the amount of ingredients will not be given precisely. But you already know that cooking and baking is not an exact science, but a kind of art and, above all, having fun! In my kitchen I always say ''no'' to all scales. So let''s get started! "

    Andrzej Nowicki could not take his eyes off of Dominik ?liwi¨½ski standing behind the kitchen counter in the recording studio. They did not see each other for a week, when Andrzej was in Rome in his photos and a small promotional event, but Nowicki already missed his sweet man so much that he had the impression that his heart would pop out of his chest, and something else out of his pants.

    Andrzej wanted to worship God and curse what the world stands on, he wanted so much to embrace Dominik at that moment, cuddle him in his arms, kiss him warmly, and then ... The young actor, however, was at work and Nowicki had to calm down and look at this little perfection like Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, from a distance.

    Because, in fact, ?liwi¨½ski was perfectly beautiful. He was short and slender, but not skinny, and his muscle knots showed beneath the rolled-up sleeves of his shirt. Dominik always took care of his physical condition, and although he had serious health problems almost a year ago, now he was teeming with life and energy again. His positive, warm and joyful attitude was reflected in his absolutely most beautiful smile in the world and in his eyes that shone like two aquamarine jewels.

    When Andrzej met Dominik for the first time, the actor''s hazel hair was a bit too long, but it gave him an unusual, elven charm. Now, for his role in a Hollywood production, the actor has cut his hair significantly, but the bangs still fell unruly over his eyes, giving him an absolutely charming boyish charm. Although ?liwi¨½ski was already twenty-five, some could easily mistake him for a teenager.

    Dominik was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful men in the world and the most charming. The best proof of this were the views of the team gathered on the set. Andrzej is used to all women sighing at Dominik, but he bit his lower lip with dissatisfaction when he realized that even men are not looking at ?liwi¨½ski in the way a guy should look at a guy. Most of them probably didn''t have any dirty thoughts, yet Nowicki felt unpleasant. Dominik ?liwi¨½ski could not cheat on him with any woman, but who knows if he will not succumb to a man''s spell one day?

    It''s not that Andrzej did not trust his faithfulness. He knew that Dominik loved him with all his heart, but he also knew that there are different people in the world and there are different situations, and one day it may happen that a beautiful actor will meet someone new, more interesting than Andrzej and will succumb to the temptation of a new adventure, or even new love. It would be simply unbearable for Nowicki.

    Andrzej was not gay. Even now, he didn''t think of himself as gay. He had many experiences with women and was never interested in men until Dominik ?liwi¨½ski appeared in his life. Or maybe it was he who appeared in Dominik''s life? Even before they met face to face, Nowicki, as paparazzi, discovered that a handsome actor of the young generation had an affair with a man - his manager in particular. The discovery shocked the photographer, and he was even more shocked by the expression on his face that ?liwi¨½ski had while having sex. Andrzej was never able to forget that wonderfully ecstatic, even inspired face. It was engraved in his heart and memory so deeply that no winds and sands of time would wipe it out.

    How Dominik and Andrzej met and how their relationship developed has already become a legend among people who knew about their relationship. There weren''t many of them, but they all supported them, saying they were a wonderfully matched couple.

    Despite the fact that Nowicki had been sleeping with a man for many months and even proposed to him and made an oath, he still did not consider himself gay. Rather bi. Andrzej had seen a lot of men in his life and had the opportunity to have sexual intercourse with them, but he had never felt any sexual attraction to any of them. Only to Dominik. Meanwhile, he was still excited at the sight of women. They were still a temptation for him, though only temporary. Always Dominik appeared almost immediately before his eyes, and the temptation faded right away.

    Dominik, on the contrary, was never interested in women and was associated only with men. His partners weren''t numerous, but they always had penises. Whether ?liwi¨½ski was born like this, or was he shaped by his manager, who seduced a very young actor and kept him under his constant supervision for seven years, they will probably never know. Nobody really cared about it either. Dominik preferred men, it was a fact and no one could change it. The actor himself did not even want it. He has always accepted his sexuality, and when he fell in love with a new man, he boldly reached for him and completely seduced him.

    The seduced man now watched as his beloved Dominic, the sleeves of his white shirt rolled up and a pale blue apron, lifted up a transparent bowl containing blueberries.

    "Look how beautiful blueberries are this year!" the actor said enthusiastically and the camera zoomed in on a rather large, for this species, navy blue fruit. "Unfortunately, I wasn''t collecting them myself. We will need a liter of blueberries, also known as forest berries. For those who are watching us abroad, I am giving the botanical name Vaccinium myrtillus. See if you also have these fruits. Perhaps you know them under a different name. They are very similar to the highbush blueberry, otherwise American blueberry or Vaccinium corymbosum, but I must admit that I have never tried baking this blueberry cake with them, so I do not know if they will be a good substitute. American blueberry is larger and has a harder skin, so the effect will definitely be slightly different. If you decide to do this experiment, be sure to let us know in the comments what the effect was."

    Andrzej, in admiration and disbelief, almost gave him a kiss. What the young actor said was not very interesting, but the way he said it! His voice was natural and warm, full of serenity and joy, but hearing him made it hard to control a stronger heartbeat. Dominik was seducing so much that all the assistants had difficulty controlling their squeaks. Nowicki already knew that after the broadcast of the program in every other house where there was a woman, the madness of baking a blueberry pie would begin.

    "The berries, of course, have already been washed," Dominik continued, and now his tone had become a little informative, drawing all the attention to him. "Whether it''s fruit from the forest or from the garden, we never know what animals have come into contact with them and what bacteria have left on them. Better not to risk and wash the berries. Do it well in advance to let it dry. Thank you very much to my assistant for taking care of it for me."

    A young girl almost started to dance with joy and her friends also had difficulty controlling themselves. Andrzej decided that she was the one, who had the honor of preparing fruit for the ?liwi¨½ski program.

    The effect Dominik had was amazing. His beauty and warmth emanated directly on every person in the studio and in front of the TV set, and Andrzej had to say to himself for the ten thousandth time that he was extremely lucky to have met this guy.

    "Okay, now that we''ve got the dry fruit ready, let''s take care of the dough itself. You can see the list of ingredients on the screen. You will also be able to download it from our social account. Don''t forget to like our post if you like it of course."

    Will he like it? What a question?! The first episode sold so well that it broke the viewership record!

 Chapter 199 - 2

    But how this show could not be so popular, when from the screen the viewer was watched by those wonderful aquamarine suns in which every heart and soul can drown?

    How could a program not be popular when Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, none other but he himself, smiled at the audience so beautifully that it melted even the hardest of hearts?

    "Then let''s get started!" Dominik exclaimed enthusiastically, and he did get to work. "We sprinkle half a kilo of wheat flour, type 450 or 500, onto the board. We sprinkle a little baking powder. Not too much, shortcrust doesn''t need too much of it. No more than half a level teaspoon. Okay, now we''re sprinkling three handfuls of sugar. See how I measure it. I pour sugar over my open hand, and when it starts to pour out, I have one handful. My grandmother always said that the best cake is the third time because the first time we give too little and the second time we give too much. If you like a sweet cake, you can add a little more sugar, if less sweet, give it a little less. I also give vanilla sugar for half a kilo of flour at once. You can give a bit of real vanilla instead, but very little, lest the vanilla aroma drowns the berry aroma."

    Andrzej has always loved watching Dominik cook, but he has never eaten his blueberry pie. Watching ?liwi¨½ski add ingredients, he felt like trying to this baking. But he was probably more interested in trying the baker himself.

    "Okay, now a pinch of salt," Dominik continued. "A cube of margarine, it is a quarter of a kilogram, should be cut into chips, which will make it easier for us to knead the dough. In our mound of flour and sugar, let''s add two yolks and one whole egg. If your eggs are small you can add another yolk, but only one. My eggs are big enough, so three are enough ..."

    At that moment, Andrzej Nowicki had to cover his mouth with his hand in order not to snort. If he had been the protagonist of a cartoon series, his nose would probably have leaked blood. He had lived too long with restraint from his beloved Dominik, since hen''s eggs coiled him so much with those eggs between the man''s legs.

    "All right," Dominik continued, completely unaware of how lewd he had caused someone to associate. "Flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, salt, margarine and eggs. We have everything. Now let''s chop everything with a knife and knead vigorously. Just like that!"

    Andrzej had no idea that mixing flour, eggs and margarine could be so sexy. But when he saw Dominik''s strong (though small) hands knead the dough, he found it harder and harder for him to stop his dangerously rising excitement.

    "Okay, we''ve got the cake ready," smiled Dominik and one of the assistants almost collapsed from the impression. "The recipes say to put the shortcrust pastry in the fridge for half an hour, but my recipe is so old that there weren''t any refrigerators back then, so I''ll put it in the oven right away. Grease the baking tray with fat, sprinkle with flour and transfer the dough onto it, which we spread vigorously and squash it to the tray. On the sides, a little bit of cake on the walls. Let''s prick the dough with a fork in a dozen or so places so that the accumulated air can escape and the dough will grow rather even, without bigger bellies. Now let''s put the baking tray in the preheated oven for about twenty minutes. The baking temperature is one hundred and 180 degrees Celsius, of course. Since, as I said, it will take about twenty minutes, now I invite you for a short advertising break, after which we will meet our guest. Stay with us!"

    The smile with which ?liwi¨½ski said goodbye to the audience was absolutely dazzling and there was no escaping his spell. Andrzej Nowicki swallowed with difficulty. God! How he wanted to approach Dominik at that moment and not even throw himself at him with hugs, but just be able to be next to him.

    This, however, was impossible. Andrzej knew that if he now approached his beloved, it would be difficult for both of them to control their emotions. Even if they dared to show their love in front of people, this was not the time. Dominik was in during the recording of the program and he shouldn''t be distracted by something as trivial as the return of his life partner.

    Meanwhile, ?liwi¨½ski washed his hands, wiped them on a linen cloth and took off his floured apron. When he left his position, the makeup artist rushed over to him and first wiped a few flecks of flour from his face, then fixed his makeup and hairstyle.

    Dominik smiled really beautiful and natural. Seeing this, Andrzej felt a tear of joy and emotion spinning in his eye. Less than a year ago, such a smile on Dominik''s face was almost impossible. This beautiful man in body and heart was then so dominated, so overwhelmed by his lover (now ex-lover) that he could no longer smile naturally.

    But that is now a thing of the past. Today, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, completely free from Marek Marczak, was able to laugh again and working with strangers was no longer a terrifying challenge for him beyond his strength, but an opportunity to experience an interesting adventure.

    Andrzej was absolutely proud of Dominik. He was also infinitely happy about him. Dominik just deserved to be able to live a normal life.

    Nowicki did not realize that ninety-five percent, and maybe even more, of the merits of Dominik ?liwi¨½ski being happy now, should be attributed to Andrzej Nowicki.

    Andrzej took out his phone and snapped a few photos of the actor. They will be for the private collection of the actor who had so few private photos. These photos will probably never become public, which is a pity, the photographer thought, because the natural Dominik was a thousand times more beautiful than the one who posed in front of the camera.

    "How do you like it?" someone asked behind Nowicki''s back and Andrzej jumped up. "Isn''t he great? Mr. ?liwi¨½ski is simply phenomenal! He is a real treasure for our production!"

    It was the producer of the program, Franciszek Baczy¨½ski. The man was slightly older than Andrzej, athletic build, had a dark complexion and dyed blond hair, and a fragment of a mysterious tattoo stuck out from under the sleeve of his shirt. A dozen or so years ago, he professionally practiced windsurfing and was even supposed to represent Poland at the Olympics, but after achieving qualifications he had a serious accident, so he had to say goodbye to his sports career forever. However, it was evident that he was still actively playing sports because his body was screaming at how fit he was.

    Forced to change his career, Franciszek Baczy¨½ski went to the media and decided to start making television productions. Of course, he first worked as an assistant, and only recently was a full producer. Dominik''s Kitchen was his second production after the Enchanted Sea World, where a certain sportsman-celebrity sailor invited guests to his yacht. After they went out to sea, they talked about various current gossip topics. The show was fun and quite popular. Thanks to this, Baczy¨½ski could afford a new production, this time with ?liwi¨½ski in the lead role.

    "It looks even better live than on TV," Andrzej replied, expressing his honest opinion. "I''ve never been on the set of any production before and I have to admit that it is really impressive. I didn''t think so many people work on recording one show. It''s really impressive."

    "Yes," nodded Franciszek Baczy¨½ski. "This is a big undertaking, especially since we managed to persuade Mr. ?liwi¨½ski to cooperate. Viewers are delighted with how wonderfully he taught them the first recipe. They say that thanks to Mr. ?liwi¨½ski cooking has become a real pleasure."

    Andrzej felt his chest bursting with pride in Dominik.

    "I did not know that Dominik also has a teaching talent," he joked, but could not hide his satisfaction.

    Franciszek Baczy¨½ski laughed revealing a suit of his white teeth that clearly contrasted with the tan of his skin.

    It was an extremely attractive, very alluring smile.

 Chapter 200 - 3 Standing On The Road To Dominik

    "I was surprised too," Franciszek Baczy¨½ski announced. "That is why I believe that Mr. ?liwi¨½ski is a real treasure. He is a true Renaissance man."

    Andrzej absolutely agreed with that. A ''Renaissance man'' was defined as very versatile people, like Leonardo da Vinci, who was a multi-talented artist but also an inventor. In general, this era paid tribute to enlightened people who have skills and knowledge in various fields. And that''s what Dominik was like.

    Maybe ?liwi¨½ski did not have a comprehensive education, he did not even graduate from high school, but he was intelligent and well-read, and when he was to play a character, he prepared himself perfectly for his role. Until now, there were law books in the regiments of his office, which he used to learn the law for the movie In the Light of the Accusation.

    So Nowicki agreed with the producer, yet he felt something unpleasant about himself. Baczy¨½ski looked at Dominik with a gleam of absolute admiration in his eye, and the photographer remembered the rumors that this man was closer to a certain New Zealander during his sports career. Tied closer as intimate.

    It would be better if weird thoughts about a handsome actor have not started to appear in the producer''s head.

    Andrzej was really starting to feel anxious. ?liwi¨½ski had unpleasant experiences with men who had a fascination with not necessarily healthy. He didn''t need any more.

    Baczy¨½ski may have been gay, but he may not have been. He may have had fantasies with Dominik in the lead role, and he may not have had them. He might suspect that the young actor had a preference for men, and he might not have known it. Andrzej felt, however, the need to clearly indicate that ?liwi¨½ski is not currently single, regardless of the gender of lovers he prefers.

    "Yes, he is," he confirmed. "Professionally, there is nothing that could restrict Dominik. I''m really proud of him. Now that I have returned, I will make sure that Dominik takes care not only of his job, but also of his private life. As his roommate and¡­ friend, it''s easier for me to keep an eye on him."

    Baczy¨½ski looked at Andrzej more closely, with a smile that was very enigmatic, and he replied. The word ''friend'' was uttered by the photographer with some emotional emphasis, which clearly suggested a certain ambiguity.

    "Oh, I have no doubts that everyone who has a private relationship with Mr. ?liwi¨½ski wants to take care of his welfare. I absolutely do not doubt it."

    Nowicki was not sure if Franciszek Baczy¨½ski had guessed the depth of the relationship between him and Dominik, but it seemed that at least he understood that ?liwi¨½ski is currently unavailable. That should stop any possible bizarre ideas from the manufacturer. After all, Andrzej clearly indicated that he was standing on the road to Dominik and he would not be an obstacle that could be easily overcome.

    Franciszek Baczy¨½ski knew, of course, that Nowicki and ?liwi¨½ski live together and are a pair of excellent friends. He had the opportunity to visit Dominik at home and saw that Andrzej was practically at home there. Perhaps Baczy¨½ski has already heard rumors about them. But he never asked for anything, and he acted as if it was nothing and he didn''t care.

    Now, Franciszek Baczy¨½ski gave the impression of a man who did not care about the relationship between Nowicki and ?liwi¨½ski, but his eyes did not stop shining as they turned to Dominik. Andrzej hoped it was due to the fact that the guy admired the young actor only professionally.

    "The photos you took ..." Baczy¨½ski turned to Nowicki.

    "For the sole private use of Dominic. A souvenir from the set, maybe something like a private chronicle."

    "Yes, yes, I understand, but it just occurred to me that maybe it''s worth spreading some of them as part of promoting the program and the actor himself. The so-called ''behind the scene'' are very popular lately. Of course, such photos should be approved by both parties before publication."

    Andrzej decided that it might not be a completely stupid idea. After all, just a moment ago, he wished people would be able to see this beautiful, natural Dominic.

    "I''ll talk to him about it," he promised.

    "Great! I know that Mr. ?liwi¨½ski appreciates privacy, but these photos are not taken in his bedroom, but in a public place, the workplace, at work. This is a big difference. Would you agree with me, Mr. Nowicki?"

    Does this man refer now to Andrzej''s inglorious past when he was working as paparazzi? Even if so, Nowicki had no problem with it, because if he hadn''t worked as a paparazzi, he would not have found Dominik at that time and the actor would probably still have a toxic relationship with his manager.

    For this reason, Andrzej smiled proudly.

    "I totally agree," he announced. Suddenly, however, a very disturbing thought appeared in his mind.

    And if he meets Dominik now and they embrace each other, if someone takes a photo of them and puts them on the Internet, will it also be a photo taken at the workplace or an infringement of privacy?

    Damn, Andrzej will really have to be careful, and he wanted so much to take his sweet man into his arms and then...

    Andrzej was hungry, he was terribly hungry for the body and love of his partner. When they were together, when their bodies were bound by passion, their hearts also merged into one. After many struggles and hardships, they finally reached the level of mutual emotional fulfillment and it was their most wonderful sacred. To think that someone could take a picture of them and make media, pornographic entertainment from the moment of the most beautiful elation of body and soul was disgusting. The ecstasy that Dominik experienced and introduced himself to was spiritual holiness, not food for the masses thirsty for erotic fantasies. This moment, and Dominik himself, belonged exclusively to Andrzej.

    If ?liwi¨½ski sees him on the set, will he be able to control himself? Will Nowicki himself be able to do it when these two delightful aquamarine suns, blazing like the embodiment of love and passion, look at him?

    Coming to this set, however, was perhaps a little too risky.

    Andrzej looked around, but no longer saw the actor. He started looking for him a little more nervously. Where the hell has Dominik gone now?

    "Are you looking for Mr. ?liwi¨½ski?" Franciszek Baczy¨½ski asked. "He has just moved into the second studio where he will be making an interview. That place is more intimate, better suited to casual conversation and has slightly different acoustics. Shall we go over there?"

    "I think I''ve seen enough," said the photographer. "I don''t want Dominik to see me and accidentally get distracted. Anyway, I have a few calls to make, so I''m waiting for the end of the photos downstairs."

    "As you wish. Mr. ?liwi¨½ski will surely be pleased with your surprise in person."

    There was something about Baczy¨½ski''s smile that made Andrzej feel anxious. For some reason, this smile reminded him of Marek Marczak.

    ***

    "We left our guest alone, but only for a moment," said Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, looking into the camera lens. "I look in the oven and ... Look at our cake blush. The bottom baked beautifully and now it will support the weight of our berries without any problems. Pour them over the hot cake, spread it evenly and put it back in the oven. This time it will be about forty minutes. So let''s go back to our guest..."

    ***

    Andrzej lied saying that he had several calls to make. His only reason for escaping the set was the fear that when his and Dominik''s eyes met, one of them would have trouble controlling himself and could result in an ambiguous or even unequivocal scene. If it were caught by someone and recorded, and then disseminated on the web... Andrzej Nowicki did not even dare to think about the possible consequences.

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski finished shooting for a Hollywood production after three and a half months. According to Andrzej, the shooting took too long, after all, they were shooting only a two-hour movie, but Dominik explained that the whole thing was also preparation for the role, which he was under the watchful eye of the production. Post-production is expected to take up to six months, so the film is unlikely to hit theaters this year.

 Chapter 201 - 4 Isnt That WWhat Love Is All About?

    The news, however, that ?liwi¨½ski played in a Hollywood production and that, alongside the beautiful Scarlett Yang, spread throughout the country and even Europe, and the young actor began to receive invitations to castings. He has not used any of them yet.

    Dominik was still very serious about giving up his acting career.

    During the time when Dominik was playing on the film set, Andrzej made a commercial for J. Acutti and made a photo session with them - as a model, of course. At this point, his photos adorned fashion magazines and even a few billboards. Even his sweet goddaughter Martynka had the opportunity to joyfully exclaim that her godfather is in the advertisement in TV. The cooperation with the Italians turned out to be quite pleasant and Andrzej agreed to a second session, from which he has just returned.

    So they both developed their careers, although Nowicki''s one was clearly accelerating, while Dominik deliberately slowed down. Although ''slowed down'' was not the right word as his show took the market by storm. Perhaps it is better to say that ?liwi¨½ski was undergoing a retraining.

    However, they kept their relationship a secret. They were no longer afraid of rumors in the media or of any scandal. They just didn''t want to become a media topic. Their love belonged to them and it was not a public good, but a private one, so they did not want to share it with anyone. They belonged only to themselves.

    It was for this reason that Andrzej did not want someone to take a picture of them and show it on the web or in a newspaper. Of course, such a photo would be completely illegal and they could sue whoever took it, but the damage would have happened and their sweet privacy would no longer be private. Perhaps even for this reason, she would stop being sweet. Dominik was strong now and would endure the media frenzy around him. Can Andrzej be sure of this?

    Andrzej simply could not risk that it would not happen.

    He had to protect his Dominik at all costs.

    Isn''t that what love is all about?

    ***

    "The pie is already done. Look at how beautiful and soft our berries are. What do you think, Karol?"

    Karol M?ociarz was quite a popular singer, whose song You Are My Heart Fever was now a hit at all discos and weddings.

    "Uhmmm, it smells great. It makes me drool."

    "Just don''t drip on the cake," laughed Dominik. "It''s not over yet. Let''s let the dough cool down a bit. At the same time, let''s take a look at a fragment of your latest music video..."

    Dominik felt really comfortable on the set of this program. He liked to cook and was happy to share his hobby with others. He looked towards the crew, where he saw Franciszek Baczy¨½ski smiling at him. Dominik was really grateful to him for this chance.

    The presentation of the music video ended and Dominik smiled at the camera.

    "Now we can sprinkle our cake with powdered sugar. I will use a strainer for this, thanks to which the surface will look as if it was covered with snow. Look how beautiful it looks!"

    The camera took a close-up and in fact the surface of the cake looked like a beautiful snow-drenched landscape.

    "All we have to do now is wait for the pie to cool down and enjoy its consumption. Bon Appetit!"

    There were also thanks for participating in the program and jokes. Not everything, of course, will be in the final version that will be broadcast, but that was no longer Dominik''s concern. The guest, of course, was invited to eat the cake, and so were the crew members, which caused widespread satisfaction. Not everyone has the opportunity to eat dishes prepared by Dominik ?liwi¨½ski himself.

    However, Dominik himself did not have the opportunity to enjoy the company of his colleagues for too long, because Franciszek Baczy¨½ski approached him and announced:

    "I think you should come downstairs."

    "Down? Why?"

    "A surprise is waiting for you there."

    ***

    Dominik put his hand to his mouth so as not to scream with joy. He grabbed the handrail of the stairs in order not to run ahead. He forced himself to control his emotions, the love and joy consuming him, and on trembling legs he walked down the steps, right where the man who was his life was waiting for him.

    "Andrzej ... Are you back already?"

    ?liwi¨½ski''s voice was as trembling as his legs and heart. He wanted so much to throw himself into Nowicki''s arms, shower him with kisses and then, then push his buttocks out to him and beg for just one thing.

    Andrzej was looking at him exactly as if he, too, dreamed of hugging Dominik, kissing him and then taking advantage of his proposal of his protruding buttocks.

    "To the car," he commanded in a hoarse voice, and Dominik vanished from his sight so quickly he could barely keep up with him. "Shit, I should have been waiting for him at home!"

    Nowicki was angry with himself for a reason, because, as he suspected, the sight of Dominik stimulated his heart, but also something more. His manhood boldly pressed against his pants, and keeping her behind the buttoned fly was a difficult and painful challenge. Unfortunately, it was also a necessity. Even if they were not public figures, they could not vent their desires in a public place and had to seek privacy for themselves.

    But the waiting was so hard...

    As they drove, they did not even talk, fearing that their voices would stimulate them even more. They did not turn on the radio, so as not to risk that some sexy song would make their task difficult. As long as they get home...

    Dominik jumped out of the car as soon as Andrzej stopped the car. He ran into the living room and took off his shoes. At that moment, Andrzej''s body stuck to his body, hot and smelling of sex. This new fragrance by J. Acutti suited him so much that Dominik felt as if he were just losing his mind.

    "Oh, Andrzej, Andrzej, Andrzej..."

    Dominik could have repeated his name endlessly if Andrzej had not clogged his mouth with his lips and tongue, greedily forcing him inside. Nowicki was so hungry for his love that he embraced his beloved so tightly as if he wanted to imprison him in his embrace forever.

    Dominik wanted to groan - not from the pain, from the joy that he is so precious and so important to someone. And not for just anyone, but for Andrzej, whose slightly austere but undisputed beauty now won the hearts of men and women all over the world. The man desired by all belonged to him now.

    The young actor had no idea that Andrzej was thinking exactly the same about him at the same time and that is why he embraces him so tightly, still not believing his luck that he can hug Dominik ?liwi¨½ski.

    Their kiss lasted forever, but it still wasn''t enough. They brushed their lips as they broke apart to take their breath, panting heavily.

    "Andrzej, I''m on fire," said Dominik, feeling his passion flooding him. "Come inside me..."

    His voice was like a kitten meowing, begging for a caress. His face caressed Andrzej''s face. His hand moved to Nowicki''s fly, wanting to help him if necessary.

    "The belt" Andrzej announced.

    Dominik obediently and eagerly reached for the buckle on Nowicki''s pants.

    "Not mine, yours."

    ?liwi¨½ski gasped with satisfaction. Excited to the limit, he already felt a delightful tingling between his buttocks. He was so happy that Andrzej did not make any problems and that he would enter him right now...

    The young actor unbuckled his belt. The pants fell down under the weight of the heavy buckle. Dominik took up Nowicki''s belt again. Any faster, because waiting was torture for him.

    Andrzej suddenly smiled tenderly.

    "Do you really want me so much?" He asked.

    "Do you really have to ask?" Dominik was irritated. Each word was an unnecessary delay. If Andrzej wants to talk to him, let him do it inside of him.

    "So lick" said Nowicki, sticking the index finger of his right hand in front of ?liwi¨½ski''s nose.

    A flame hit the actor''s cheeks. Blood rushed into his penis suddenly and violently. So Andrzej will not come right away, he will want to prepare him first...

 Chapter 202 - 5 Living Flame Of Passion

    Yes, it was Andrzej''s style, wonderfully caring and tender. They can make love to each other, but Dominik cannot feel discomfort and pain. So this finger is about to land in his ass, where he will fumble while preparing the way for something much more beautiful and bigger.

    To think that this prudish Andrzej so recently had the courage to ask Dominik for something so obscene! The actor felt a thrill of pleasure flowing through him. In a moment he will have a finger in his mouth, which Andrzej later will shove into his ass. The thought was so exciting that the young actor could hardly catch his breath. He greedily devoured not one, but two of Nowicki''s fingers, thus making him understand that his asshole is also begging for more daring treatment.

    Dominik licked Nowicki''s fingers passionately, as if it were something more than just fingers, as if it was this wonder that is still hidden in Andrzej''s pants. The most important thing for the young man was that he had this wonderful man inside him. He met Nowicki''s eyes and shuddered.

    There was a living flame of passion in Andrzej''s eyes.

    These beautiful, amber eyes made the enchanted ?liwi¨½ski stop licking him. His mouth was still as if turned to stone by that mesmerizing gaze.

    Andrzej took his fingers out of his mouth and, without saying anything, slipped both of his hands under Dominik''s underwear. The actor twitched as a wet, warm finger touched his pink eye. Unable to take his eyes off Nowicki''s eyes, Dominik bit his lower lip.

    "Does it hurt?" Andrzej asked thoughtfully.

    "No," assured the young actor. "I''m just looking forward to...!"

    Yes, waiting was torture. Which guy can easily resist sex when that dream partner is right there?

    "You don''t have to wait..."

    "OH...!"

    Andrzej''s finger slipped deeper, overcoming the first line of resistance, and at the same time his tongue entered ?liwi¨½ski''s mouth again, filling it with his passion.

    Wonderful! It was absolutely wonderful and Dominik would have screamed with happiness if he hadn''t been gagged by his lover''s mouth. Andrzej''s finger was daring and bold, and before the actor''s hydration weakened, another joined him.

    "Ummmhmmm ..." Dominik muttered, unable to believe that two fingers fumbling inside him could give him so much pleasure.

    But this pleasure wasn''t just about being caressed physically. If it were any man than Andrzej, Dominik would not be so delighted.

    For a moment, the memory of his sex with Marek appeared in ?liwi¨½ski''s mind. How could Dominik ever love this man? Probably it was only because he did not know the perfection of Andrzej Nowicki at that time.

    But two fingers was still not enough for Dominik. He showed it by impatiently moving his ass.

    "More?" Andrzej asked half-clearly, because through a kiss.

    "Yeah..." ?liwi¨½ski groaned pleadingly.

    "So wet me. I don''t want to get into you dry..."

    Dominik almost jumped with joy and with a happy smile he fell to his knees to have the manhood of his lover still trapped in his pants in front of him. With hunger and passion, he pulled out this beautiful penis and devoured it as if his life depended on it.

    "Um... uhm..." he moaned with delight as Andrzej''s manhood pushed his cheeks out.

    The experience was unearthly, yet Dominik''s emptied ass began to feel lonely and abandoned, so the actor released Andrzej''s almost stone hard penis and asked:

    "I guess that''s enough for him already, don''t you think?"

    A smile full of desire appeared on Nowicki''s face and his eyes were burning with passion.

    "So kneel on the couch facing the backrest and spread your knees apart" Andrzej ordered, and ?liwi¨½ski stumbled over the trousers he had just thrown off, hurried to do this. As soon as he took the right position, he heard Nowicki''s voice behind him:

    "Oh, Dominik, your asshole is so delicious!"

    Andrzej did not bend down to lick or bite it, he immediately put his penis on and slipped it inside the actor.

    The moment of entry is always an extraordinary experience. Extremely pleasant, it should be specified, at least for Dominik and¡­ Andrzej. This is the moment when a large, fleshy object begins to storm the entrance and make its way through a warm, soft and sexy corridor. So Dominik arched and squealed.

    "I love the sounds you make," said Andrzej, leaning down to his ear and flooding it with his hot breath. "Dominik, you are so wonderful!"

    Dominik''s heart jumped happily. Nobody has ever spoken to him so beautifully! His former lover, Marek, was very erotic, but there was a certain refinement and even a bit of calculation in Marek, while there was tenderness, care and love in Andrzej''s voice. Dominik could not even dream of such a beautiful feeling, because before he met Andrzej, he could not even imagine it.

    "Oh Andrzej, Andrzej..." moaned Dominik with similar intensity and tenderness. Does Dominik really deserve as much happiness as this wonderful man gives him? Is Nowicki not just a dream from which the young actor will wake up one day?

    No no no! That hot breath blown right into his ear, those strong arms that held him, and the piston that moved inside him with great passion, couldn''t just be an illusion. Andrzej Nowicki was real, just like his love!

    ***

    Dominik was asleep pressed against Andrzej''s chest. His warm breath was calm. The actor slept like a small child lying on his mother''s breast, with whom all worries disappear.

    This thought filled Andrzej with tenderness.

    Of course, Nowicki did not have any parental feelings towards ?liwi¨½ski, it would simply be wrong, but he certainly wanted to protect him from every evil in this world. He hadn''t always done it in the past, and Dominik had suffered so much - too much for one man to bear, yet.

    First, Dominik was his manager''s lover for seven years, treating him with jealous possessiveness and even more like a thing that belongs to him, his property, than a living being than a human being. Perhaps at the beginning of their acquaintance it was not like that, because Dominik would not love someone so sordid. Therefore, ?liwi¨½ski''s relationship with his agent had to evolve and took a really unpleasant shape. It''s as if the hearts and expectations of these two men came from one point, but they went separate ways. Even though there was love between them, it faded over time. Only a mutual, toxic addiction remained.

    That relationship ended extremely turbulently and ended because of Andrzej. The pathetic paparazzi that Nowicki was then, took pathetically indecent photos of the lovers and made a pathetic blackmail. The photographer was still ashamed of those days, but some part of him told him it was okay. If Dominik was still in a relationship with Marczak, who knows what his heart would look like now?

    Who knows what his life would be like now? After all, Marek wanted to turn his lover into a slut sleeping with others for the role.

    Andrzej felt a shudder. How could you try to do something like this to Dominik? After all, he was the purest, noblest, most beautiful being that walked on this earth!

    Marek Marczak was unpredictable. He was aggressive, jealous, possessive, and had a hell of a lot of influence in the highest circles of business, power, and even the police. This name unofficially shook the country, because Marczak had dirt on everyone and he did not hesitate to use it.

    Andrzej suddenly narrowed his eyes. If he had dirt on everyone, did he have it on him as well?

    A shiver ran down Nowicki''s back.

    Does it matter? If Marczak had them last year and did not use them to destroy the awakening relationship between Andrzej and Dominik, if he had them at the end of the year and did not use them to blackmail Nowicki to get to his pants, he probably will not use them at all. After all, Marczak confessed that he fell in love with Nowicki, although maybe it was just a joke.

    Andrzej thought, however, that it was not a joke. Love was contagious. When someone saw the love and happiness of someone next to him, he got jealous and wanted it for himself. So Marek could actually, under the influence of Dominik and Andrzej, open his heart and start to love, although it was not a lasting feeling. It''s as if Marczak began to desire love in itself and it didn''t matter to whom. Dominik and Andrzej awakened this desire in him, so they became its object, but probably only temporarily. Recently, Marek has completely disappeared from their lives. Who knows, maybe he found his own happiness?

    Marczak did a lot of harm to Dominik. Andrzej still did not know if the agent had the right to be forgiven. He knew, however, that ?liwi¨½ski''s beautiful, noble heart could not live in hatred. It was made for the light.

    Andrzej gently stroked Dominik''s hazelnut-colored hair. They were wonderfully soft. Andrzej felt as if he was stroking a Persian cat''s kitten.

    Persian cat kitten...

 Chapter 203 - 6 Such A Good Boy

    The mere mention that kitten gave Andrzej a shudder. Why did Dominik raise the worst in some people?

    Maciej Werner, the man who almost destroyed Dominik mentally. A man who in his twisted mind mistook his obsession for love. A madman who was dangerous to others and to himself. A madman who, in the name of misunderstood love, brought Dominik hell...

    "Don''t say you''re cold," the actor suddenly muttered on his chest.

    "Did I wake you up? Forgive me."

    "No, that''s not it," said ?liwi¨½ski and rose lazily to a sitting position. "I went numb."

    Andrzej smiled warmly.

    The summer night was very warm and bright. Nowicki himself did not know whether the full moon or the street lamps were shining brighter. In this golden-silver light, Dominik''s naked body acquired a mystical glow.

    "And I think I need to pee," added the actor yawning and dragged himself out of bed.

    His step was uncertain. Perhaps his joints had not yet moved after his sleep, or perhaps they had made love too passionately, and Dominik would feel the effects of their unbridled love longer than going to the bathroom and back. Whatever it was, he was walking as stiffly and awkwardly now as if every step ached him.

    Andrzej felt remorse, but only for a moment. He hadn''t done anything against Dominik. On the contrary, he only did what the young actor asked for. Maybe even a bit less, because if Nowicki had fulfilled his every request for more, now probably neither of them would have had the strength to move.

    Andrzej rolled to his side. He also felt stiffness in his joints. Sex with Dominic has always been a lot of effort. This boy was insatiable.

    Despite everything, Andrzej smiled happily looking at the bathroom door, in which ?liwi¨½ski disappeared. The body might ache, but the heart was full of happiness. After all, there is nothing more beautiful than love that is reciprocated and fulfilled. Even if it is a man''s love for a man.

    Andrzej did not care anymore that they both had penises, that neither of them had breasts, which is just like that, both of them are men. They were men not only physically. None of them were women trapped in a man''s body. None of them have ever questioned their gender identity. They were both one hundred percent accepting their gender, only it happened that for some unknown reason they really fell in love in someone of the same sex.

    Dominik accepted it faster, it took Andrzej more time, but in the end he also decided that, contrary to how he was raised, there is nothing wrong with their relationship. If two adults are physically attracted to each other and their hearts cling to each other like opposite poles of magnets, if there is no selfishness in them and both want only the other person''s happiness, why should they deny themselves this?

    Andrzej had never loved anyone before, although he dated many women. He was also not tempted by men. He was sure his heart just couldn''t love. It was Dominik who made it different.

    Dominik thought he was in love, but his partner made him a prisoner and flooded his life with toxic possessiveness. ?liwi¨½ski was drying up and perhaps his life would become dust. Andrzej took him out of that world and showed that there is another, better one.

    They both gained a lot and grew as persons thanks to this love. There was nothing wrong with that and nothing shameful about it. So what if they were both men?

    The door opened and Dominik emerged from the bathroom, naked as God had made him. The silver-and-gold light from behind the bedroom window gave his body an amazing glow.

    "Why are you smiling so much?" he asked quite naturally. Something flashed on his finger.

    "I love you," explained Andrzej. "You know about it?"

    "Of course, you silly I know," laughed Dominik. "Once, I wasn''t sure about it, but now..." the actor raised his hand on which a ring with an amber eye flashed. "Now I have no doubts. You are mine forever. And I am forever yours."

    This beautiful confession touched something in Andrzej''s heart and it also touched something between his legs. Instinctively, he looked at Dominik''s naked manhood. There, too, there was a distinct commotion.

    "So come here quickly," suggested Andrzej. "I want to fill my mouth with you."

    "You want¡­"

    "I want to suck you to the bottom."

    "Andrzej, I don''t recognize you. You''ve always been a good boy..."

    "Not always" Nowicki shook his head, remembering his high school years. "But surely long enough for me to get bored of it. Now come to me because I am starving."

    "As you wish¡­" Dominik said and obediently appeared on the bedding...

    ***

    "Nowicki! Are you going to permanently change your profession? If so, speak up and I''ll put you on the list of my top photo models!"

    Mrs. Janina Pasek''s words were a bit sarcastic, but her smile expressed a truly motherly pride. Mrs. Janka, the boss of Andrzej Nowicki, was happy to be proud of the personal success of her employee and the honor that he brought to her modeling agency. The woman might have tried to hide it, but Andrzej, although he had been working here only for a little more than six months, saw it easily.

    "Mrs. Janka, never in my life!" he replied cheerfully because he too was very happy at that moment. It could have something to do with the afternoon and the night spent in Dominik''s arms and behind his buttocks. "I''ll always be a photographer!"

    "It''s a pity" his boss sighed and Nowicki felt a bit of regret because he let her down. Mrs. Pasek had done so much for him by taking him in when he was out of work that he still felt a debt of gratitude to her.

    "But for your agency, Mrs. Janka, sometimes I can make an exception," Andrzej announced in a familiar tone. "Just not too often, because I will lose my value as a rarity."

    Mrs. Pasek burst out into loud, happy laughter. Although the years of her youth were long behind her, this laugh caught her at least three decades.

    Andrzej felt joy and pride that he could cheer her up.

    "Okay!" his boss agreed. "Tell me how it was in Rome."

    "Hot," he announced. "And boring. The work of a photo model is really nothing that could please me for more than a moment. But now I really appreciate the effort the models put in to show us their beauty. I always knew that this job was a hard piece of bread, but knowing something in theory and experiencing it in practice are two different things."

    "I am glad that these experiences have brought you something good. You will have the opportunity to quickly implement this knowledge, because I want you to take pictures for the new fall-winter collection for Szafarscy."

    Szafarscy was a family business founded in the interwar period, which produced leather goods such as briefcases, handbags, wallets and belts. For thirty years, it also had leather jackets and shoes under its brand.

    "Are you talking about their anniversary collection?" Andrzej asked, surprised.

    "Beautiful, round one hundred years" confirmed Mrs. Janka. "How about that, that sounds good?"

    Did that sound good? Of course it sounded better than good. It sounded great! The Szafarscy company may not belong to the world''s top, it never even had such aspirations, but it certainly belonged to the top in the country. If they had better promotion abroad, they could easily compete with the most exclusive, but the old president was from a different era and believed that every citizen deserved good-quality things, not just the rich.

    "Yes of course!" Andrzej announced enthusiastically. "I''ve been using their wallet for ten years and it''s still in great shape."

    "You are either an extremely practical man," said Mrs. Pasek "or very sentimental. Carrying the same wallet for ten years is inconceivable in the fashion world."

    The old lady shook her head disapprovingly, but Andrzej knew that she had no problem with the fact that Nowicki did not follow fashion.

    "I am both practical and sentimental. I got it from my father the day I got into college. My parents did not support the direction I chose, but they accepted that I wanted to go my own way."

 Chapter 204 - 7 Safe Road Is Not For Everyone

    "And what kind of profession did they want for you?" Janina Pasek asked interested.

    "They wanted something safe and secure for me, like being a banker. Ultimately an accountant."

    "Seeing how you respect the value of money, you would probably prove your worth in these professions, but it''s good that you chose photography," praised Mrs. Janka. "Choosing a safe profession is not a bad thing, but someone as talented as you should risk the unknown."

    Andrzej nodded without hesitation.

    If he hadn''t got his way and chose banking over photography, he would probably never have met Dominik, and certainly would not have met him in the complicated circumstances that led the young actor to become a permanent fixture in his life.

    Andrzej looked at the aquamarine ring on his finger.

    If he had not become a photographer, he would not have had the infinite happiness he had now and this endless anxiety...

    "Nowicki, where did you sail away?" Janina Pasek called him to order.

    "Nowhere, Mrs. Janka. Nowhere ", Andrzej assured, returning his thoughts to the present moment.

    Mrs. Pasek sighed.

    "Life is not limited to love," she announced. "I know it''s hard for you to think about anything other than Dominik..."

    "It''s not like that, Mrs. Janka..." Andrzej wanted to deny her, but the truth was that it was this beautiful actor, who was also his life partner, who completely occupied his thoughts. "I''m sorry."

    However, Mrs. Janka was not angry. She smiled warmly and as if¡­ with triumph?

    "Don''t worry about it," she said. "You don''t neglect your duties because of him. But if you want your relationship to remain a secret, you have to be a little careful with people. Sometimes your facial expressions are too obvious and people will start asking or making stories themselves."

    "We are not afraid of disclosure, so when it does, it will happen. The society has grown up and there would probably be no major problem with that. Dominik wants to quit acting, so he will not be a public figure. I also work from the shadow..."

    "There is no problem for you to come out."

    "I know, Mrs. Janka. Thank you. But ''come out'' is somewhat distasteful. When a guy is dating a woman, he doesn''t have to ''come out'' so he should not have to do it when he''s dating a guy. Am I right or not?"

    "Here, you have," she agreed. "You know, as long as I know about you, I''ve been thinking a bit about your situation and how gays are treated in our country, and you know what? You would be a media sensation of the moment because people like gossip but then they wouldn''t care about it anymore. Hmm, it''s probably even a little sad."

    "You mean people would stop being interested in us?"

    "Of course! Surely there would be a few madmen who would have some trouble with it, but nothing else. Do you remember there was something in the media condemning gays? Has anyone complained about being discriminated against?"

    Nowicki reached deep into his memory but he could not remember anything like that.

    "No, I don''t remember anything like that," he admitted.

    "I remember," said Janina Pasek. "Some writer confessed that he was the lover of a popular singer. There was a buzz for a few days, then people decided it was their private affair, who was sleeping with whom, and why would this writer announce the whole thing anyway? Did he want to promote his book? After a week, no one cared anymore. Everyone has forgotten. The singer is fine although he has gotten a little old now."

    Andrzej smiled at his boss. It was an extremely cool woman. He was lucky she took him into her agency.

    "Sometimes I think so," added Mrs. Pasek thoughtfully, "that we are a nation that watches over its own nose. We don''t care what who believes, who loves or turns in their bed if they do it at home. The problem starts when someone comes to our home and starts lecturing us."

    This time, Andrzej laughed.

    "You''re right. You''re absolutely right. I think ours previous experience made me paranoid."

    "You worked in a gossip tabloid, so you know some media feed on sensation, real or not. These people also have to live off something. But readers get bored quickly and the scandals end fast. If breaking the law were at stake, that would be something else, but two adult men being together of their own free will? Three days to a week and everyone will forget about it."

    It was hard to disagree with Mrs. Janka. In fact, people didn''t pay more attention to gossip than to curiosity for a while. Andrzej was worried about these individual elements, which could go crazy after finding out that Dominik is gay. Some, like Werner, may wish to have him for themselves, others may wish to convert him to the path of heterosexual virtue and become his persecutors.

    Normal people weren''t scary, it''s true, but no one knows how many freaks there are in between. For them, a person like Dominik ?liwi¨½ski is almost a god, so who knows how they will react to his imperfection?

    However, you cannot live only with the fear that maybe one day a madman will appear and bring pain to Dominik. Living in such fear ceases to be life, and turns into a hell.

    "It will be as it will be," Andrzej said boldly. "My relationship with Dominik isn''t something we want to feed the media, but it certainly isn''t something to be ashamed of either."

    "That''s what you should think!" Mrs. Janka praised him and Nowicki was glad that he had such a strong ally in her.

    "So when will this photo shoot be ...?"

    ***

    After a week of life like a monk, a crazy afternoon and a hot night that Dominik spent in the arms of his Andrzej, clearly reflected on his body. Although the young actor did his best to keep his body in the best condition possible, a certain degree of effort was beyond his strength. In fact, there are probably not many men in the world who could survive such a grueling session unharmed. Even professional athletes reach their limits in sports, let alone amateurs like Dominik.

    Not that ?liwi¨½ski compared sex to sport, but physical effort was comparable.

    Fortunately, Dominik was completely unemployed today and was able to rest.

    Well, maybe not quite ''completely''. There were two scenarios on the coffee table in the living room. One was filmmaking, the other invited him to the series. It wasn''t a long series, only ten episodes, but that''s almost five times more airtime than the movie. Dominik promised to read these scripts.

    The first one was sent to him by the director with whom ?liwi¨½ski worked on his first major production, so the actor felt obliged to be grateful. He warned the director that he wanted to withdraw from the film and try to do something else, but the man insisted. This man helped Dominik become known, now he wanted to develop his own directorial talent, so the young actor felt obliged to help him somehow. But all he could promise was to read the script.

    The second script, the series one, was sent to him by people he didn''t know. It was supposed to be international, European police production. International investigation and stuff. Dominik was fluent in English and was pretty good at French, so he was a good candidate, especially since he was insanely handsome and had just opened the door to Hollywood. If Dominik were still under the care of Marek Marczak, he would insist on his participation in this production.

    But Dominik ?liwi¨½ski was really not ambitious and did not plan an international career. Recently, however, he was thinking more and more often about opening his own restaurant.

    Of course, the restaurant was just his fantasy. Dominik did not even have a high school diploma and he certainly had no idea about running a business, but it did not stop him from asking Paulina Kowalczyk about the secrets of running a restaurant.

    Paulina became his dear friend and it was another element of his new life, for which ?liwi¨½ski should thank Nowicki.

    Sitting down on the couch with a mug of hot coffee in his hand, Dominik sighed. The two scenarios looked at him with the same intensity as he looked at them. It''s as if these sheets of paper are real beings¡­

    It''s not like Dominik hated acting. He liked it, he really did. The problem was that because of his former agent for seven years, there was nothing more in his life than acting and Marek Marczak. Dominik knew nothing more and at one point even lost his identity.

    When he realized this, he felt horribly lost. So he kind of wanted to go back and start all over again. He wanted, like all people, to experience real life, its successes and its failures. He wanted to know if he could be more than just an actor.

    Of course, being an actor, and being as popular and recognized as he was, was enough, but ?liwi¨½ski wanted to know if he could afford mastery in more than one field. And he will not find out about this if he does not try. That''s why he needed a change.

    Meanwhile, the movie world somehow refused to let him go. He didn''t get many offers, but the film industry also slowed down significantly (not that it would ever gallop in this country). Nevertheless, there were two proposals on the table, staring at him, crying, "Choose me!"

    There was no way out. Since he had promised, Dominik had to read both. The movie one was shorter, only one hundred and ten pages long. He should deal with it sooner.

    The young actor had already reached out for him when his doorbell rang. Dominik did not expect anyone. He walked over to see who it was and saw two men in suits, but they didn''t look like businessmen. They didn''t look like bodyguards or gangsters either. They wore CBA screaming badges around their necks.

    Central Anticorruption Bureau (Centralne Biuro Antykorupcyjne) on his doorstep?

    Dominik took a deep breath and opened the door ...

 Chapter 205 - 8 That Party...

    The agents introduced themselves as Wasiak and Krysiak. Dominik didn''t bother to remember their first names, and he probably won''t remember their last names either. The arrival of agents from the Central Anticorruption Bureau on his doorstep was too much of an shocking experience for him to bother with such details as the names of the agents.

    The Central Anticorruption Bureau is a government agency that fights corruption among the authorities, high-ranking businessmen and public order officials. They don''t bother with a corrupt traffic cop, they target his bosses, and those at the highest levels.

    What, then, were they doing on the doorstep of a small actor who had no connection whatsoever with anyone who was even a low-ranking government official?

    Dominik felt unease in his heart. He was well mannered, however, and although he had no idea what it was about, he invited the two men in and offered them something to drink. Since it was a hot summer day and they were wearing suits, they asked for a glass of water.

    "I admit that your visit is a complete surprise for me," said Dominik, sitting down in the armchair. His guests were on the couch.

    One of them, the older one, I think Wasiak, said:

    "Five years ago, on July 16, in a villa near Wilan¨®w, there was a party organized by your former manager, Marek Marczak. This party was attended by many guests from the world of politics. Do you remember them? You were one of the guests."

    Dominik struggled to suppress a trembling of unease. He hoped the agents hadn''t noticed his reaction. Dominik might have been an excellent actor, but in his private life he could not pretend or lie.

    "It was five years ago," the actor smiled faintly. "I was still a kid back then. I remember there was a party, but not much else," he lied.

    "According to our information, you were not a frequent guest at this type of event. On the contrary. Shouldn''t you then remember it?"

    The agent was right. He remembered this party.

    "Yes," he admitted, "but for personal reasons. I suppose I have the right not to talk about them?"

    "Of course," the other agent, Krysiak, quickly agreed. "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, we don''t mean your private experiences. We have received a report and are investigating a possible crime at this party. Do you have any idea what this crime might be?"

    "You are from the CBA, what kind of crime could that be other than bribing some high standing person?"

    The agents looked at each other.

    "But a bribe can take many faces and shapes," explained Krysiak. "Sometimes the provision of certain services in return for certain favors ..."

    Dominik turned pale. Certain services? Like the sexual services? Why is Krysiak talking so much around instead of directly? Is he suggesting¡­?

    The actor''s cheeks immediately flushed red.

    "I don''t know what you''re implying, but I don''t like this conversation. This party was five years ago. I was only twenty at the time. What do you want from me about this party? Guest lists? Lists of these boring old politicians and judges?"

    "No, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, list of your colleagues from the agency. Lists of people who wanted to appear in the industry at that time, but disappeared from this industry without a trace. People who were at the party but never made a career. "

    Dominik felt something very unpleasant in his heart.

    "And why would I have such a list?" ?liwi¨½ski asked. "I didn''t organize this party, I just went to it. There were over a hundred people on it! If you want a list of invited guests, please report to Marek Marczak, not to me."

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski", Wasiak''s tone of voice became rebuking. "As a good citizen, do you feel obliged to help with the investigation?"

    "As a good citizen, I am informing you that this conversation makes me uncomfortable as the officers use forms of pressure on me. I have not been informed whether the investigation is pending in the case or against the person, I have not been informed in what capacity I am being questioned: the suspect or the witness or the victim ...? Do you think you can come to my house and just request detailed information about an event five years ago? Then I think you should leave my house."

    Dominik rose, as did two agents, albeit reluctantly. Wasiak looked angry, Krysiak looked embarrassed. Nevertheless, Krysiak took out his business card.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski" he said, "for the sake of the investigation, we cannot provide the information you are asking. The matter is very serious and very extensive. I understand we surprised you and you have a right to be upset, but we really care about this information. Both you and many of your colleagues at the time had no idea about some of the deals you were drawn into. Our investigation is not to harm young, unaware people, but to punish those who took advantage of their innocence. You understand, don''t you?"

    Dominik nodded reluctantly.

    "Please take my business card and calmly think about everything" asked Krysiak. "Now you are surprised, but when you get it together in your head, you may remember something. Pretty please."

    The young actor picked up a business card. He no longer felt the anger inside himself, but the unease not only stayed but grew as well.

    "I''ll think about it," he promised, but only because he wanted to get these men out of his house as soon as possible.

    When they left, Dominik felt a sudden rush of nausea. But it wasn''t any violent, unstoppable attack that would have forced him to go to the bathroom. But he felt the need to lie down.

    That party...

    ?liwi¨½ski broke away from the door and headed towards the stairs. He stumbled on the first step and hit the wrist of his left hand painfully. The pain was good, however, as his sharp impulse woke him from that strange stagnation into which the visit of CBA agents had set him in motion.

    When this party took place, Dominik was very young and very stupid. Taken from home as a seventeen-year-old boy, he had not yet had any life experience, nor even a proper education from home or school. His mother, Helena ?liwi¨½ska, was a wonderful woman, but a bit too religious, so Dominik, although always very polite, experienced a kind of rebellion against religious orders and prohibitions, and besides, he was then fascinated by Marczak and bewildered by the new world.

    On the day of the party, Dominik was Marek''s lover for a long time and their relationship was then at its best. It was a period when the young ?liwi¨½ski were able to do anything for him, but Marek really carried it in his arms and treated it as his only happiness. It was their best time.

    At that time, Dominik felt that he was loved and Marek did everything to assure him of his love. ?liwi¨½ski was his number one in his heart and in the agency. Dominik belonged to Marczak so much that he did not actually notice other people. ?liwi¨½ski was in love then, so all he saw was his man whom he loved. Love is blind, isn''t it? Everyone else around didn''t exist. They were at best the backdrop for his great and beautiful romance.

    But that party...

    Dominik struggled up the stairs. His mind, due to the impulse of pain, became clearer, but his body became heavier.

    It was even harder to realize how stupid and naive he and Adrian were then.

    Adrian Amon, a little younger boy who wanted to be an actor. Dominik did not know if the boy had talent, but he knew that he had a lot of determination and even more dreams. He also had nice blue eyes that lost their brilliance at one point and then Dominik couldn''t see Adrian anymore. It just happened at that party five years ago.

    At that time, the naive Dominik ?liwi¨½ski knew nothing and did not understand anything. Wrapped in love, he saw nothing but Marczak. He did not see that Adrian was not the only one.

    What exactly happened to Adrian Amon? In fact, Dominik never heard that name again, nor saw his face. He knew, of course, that Amon was his nickname, because the boy wanted his last name to be easier to remember, and he thought his real name was too hard and too colloquial. He wanted to be noticeable and remembered. Meanwhile, his colleague, Dominik, had only remembered him now when agents asked about the party and the services it provided.

    Services that no one should ever provide.

 Chapter 206 - Czapter 9 Human Goods

    Marek Marczak was not a bad man, Dominik really wanted to believe it, and yet...

    If Marek wanted to sell Dominik, the man he allegedly loved and slept with, for a film role, would he have qualms about someone he was indifferent to?

    Five years ago, Dominik was naive and did not understand certain scenes happening in front of his eyes. But now he felt a great shame that he had been so stupid and would not respond when needed.

    What happened to Adrian Amon? Why had he never seen him again after the party?

    Why has Dominik never been interested in his fate?

    ?liwi¨½ski climbed the stairs hard and threw himself on the bed in his bedroom. If it weren''t for these two CBA agents, he would never have thought of Adrian, and they were once colleagues. They were not close, Dominik was close only with Marek, but they knew each other.

    The young actor took out his smartphone and put ''Adrian Amon'' in the search engine. The search engine thought for about a second and threw him several dozen pages of search, but on the very bore the message was clearly visible that there was no one that would contain both words.

    But Amon was a nickname. Adrian could have changed him or simply existed under his real name, which is why Dominik found nothing. Adrian could just lead a perfectly normal life.

    Are you sure it is completely normal?

    Adrian was so excited that night! Big party with influential people. He had to smile nicely and made himself known to people. He was supposed to be polite and not to complain. He could have expected comments about his beauty, but they were spoken in good faith, because Adrian really was a pretty boy...

    Today, enriched with the experience of last year, Dominik realized that at such parties a beginning actor or actress is little more than a living currency in which you pay for someone''s favor. A currency that has no right to pride, honor or even tears.

    Marek Marczak was the largest trader in the country.

    Dominik should probably be glad that Marek did not want to sell him right away. What would happen to the young ?liwi¨½ski if he were told to pay for the role with his own body? Would Dominik be able to keep his heart?

    Oh, Andrzej, how good it is that you found yourself next to Dominik when a painful understanding of what he really was for Marczak appeared in the heart of the young actor.

    ''I love you'' Dominik sent this message without thinking. At this point, he just needed to tell his Andrzej about his love.

    ''I love you too'' received an almost immediate reply, and his heart beat happily. This joy, however, brought tears to his eyes.

    Did Adrian have someone who loved him?

    ***

    Sylwia, Andrzej Nowicki''s assistant, approached him with a half-face smile and, holding out his 10x15 photo and marker, asked:

    "May I ask for an autograph?"

    Andrzej looked at her speechless.

    "Are you well?" he asked as he cooled down a little. "Besides, where did you get my picture from?"

    "From the Internet," she replied. By J. Acutti. And I''m fine, thank you. Autograph!"

    Sylwia shook the photo and marker in front of him. It was the first time he had been asked for an autograph, so he felt rather strange and awkward about it.

    "Why do you need my autograph?" Nowicki frowned. "I''m not anyone famous."

    "And here you are wrong, boss. Well, don''t get asked again, because I''m starting to feel awkward."

    "Me too," announced Andrzej and signed the photo. He felt so weird doing this, as if he was kissing a guy other than Dominik. "Just don''t make me a celebrity," he pleaded, "or I''m going to die of shame."

    "Don''t worry, I won''t. But you have to expect our models to want you even more."

    Andrzej sighed loudly and heavily.

    Even if he didn''t have Dominik and he was still attracted to women, he wouldn''t be dating models. It''s not because he doesn''t respect these girls, because he respects them very much, but Andrzej was just that terribly honest type who would absolutely not allow himself to have an affair at work.

    At this point, admittedly Nowicki was in a situation where he happened to work with a person with whom he had an relationship, but it was something completely different. After all, he will not break a beautiful relationship with the person he loves, just to fulfill the terms of the contract. Besides, Andrzej never decided to hire Dominik. Their cooperation was imposed in advance. If he had an affair with one of the models, people might chatter and he favors her, or she might complain that in order to avoid suspicion of favoritism, he discriminates against her.

    Of course, many models have had affairs with photographers or managers. Some did it for a career, others, like Dominik, because of love. Girls (and boys) who spent a lot of time with someone found it easier to fall in love with photographers and managers quite easily.

    Andrzej Nowicki did not announce that he was dating someone, but his relationship with Dominik was an open secret. Their legend was mysterious and romantic, so beautiful that Andrzej felt like a prince from some fairy tale who saved the princess by defeating the dragon.

    I wonder what Dominik would say knowing he was the princess that was saved.

    He would probably flutter his eyelids and stick his asshole out to Nowicki.

    Andrzej shook his head, chasing away the tempting prospect.

    By the way, it was a little unbelievable how much Nowicki still craved this beautiful man. Since Andrzej accepted Dominik as his partner in bed, they both used to do all kinds of things in him, always hungry for each other. They made love so often that it was downright indecent, and yet Andrzej constantly had to shake off the obsessive, dirty thoughts about ?liwi¨½ski''s delightful body. Was there any sense in that?

    If it was, Nowicki did not see him. However, he knew that Dominik was making him happy.

    "And you, Sylwia, when will you start applying for a job as a photographer? You know your photos are very good."

    "I know," she admitted without false shame. "But I decided to start with what you have done now, which is to get to know the job from a different perspective first. It is true that not as a model, but as an assistant. I can learn a lot about the photographer''s work from the kitchen and the whole business."

    Andrzej nodded understandingly.

    "I wish I had thought about it sooner," he said.

    "I think you have gone through even better school," Sylwia replied quite seriously. "While working as paparazzi you got to know what really interests people, what they want to see. You don''t work for some art studio, but for a company that makes money from sales, so you need to know what''s in demand. With paparazzi experience, you know what people want to buy, so you know how to sell goods."

    It was probably meant as a compliment, but Andrzej felt no pleasure or pride. He felt something very bitter and heavy.

    The goods he was selling were yoghurts, handbags and clothes, or the models advertising them?

    What was Andrzej really selling, things or¡­ people?

    ***

    This was show business and this was the market. In order for some to feel content, others sold them their talent and their beauty. It was normal, acceptable for thousands of years, and yet a little¡­ tasteless.

    Andrzej left work depressed. Since the public transport in Warsaw was very well developed, Nowicki used only its services for many months. He only took the car when he was planning major purchases or taking Dominik from somewhere. So while traveling on the SKM train, which would take him straight to Przystanek Wola Grzybowska, i.e. to the estate where he lived with Dominik, Andrzej looked thoughtlessly out the window. At one point he saw himself on a large LED screen.

    Make-up artists, a hairdresser and appropriate clothing did their job, and Nowicki had a hard time recognizing himself. He was handsome and cool, and there was something alluring and seductive about his eyes. Pretty good, he said, looking at an advertisement for a new eau de toilette for men. The advertisement had elements of Roman holidays and Italy in general, combining the scent of sun and sea. The ad was done really well.

    At that moment, Andrzej noticed that a couple of teenagers were watching him. The girls were glancing at him, at the advertising screen that was just passing. Apparently, they decided that the guy driving in the same car looked like the one outside the window. Nowicki felt uncomfortable and turned to hide his face.

    He persuaded Dominik for a long time to dare to leave the house, but now he wanted to hide from the eyes of the world.

    But he wanted to hug Dominik even more and apologize for not being able to put himself in his shoes so thoughtlessly.

    He''ll do it as soon as he gets home.

 Chapter 207 - 10 Shadows Of The Past

    Andrzej came back home, which did not smell like dinner. This surprised him. Dominik liked cooking a lot, especially since he had someone to do it for, so on days when he was not working outside the home, he always prepared something delicious for his man returning from work. Today, Dominik had no plans outside his home. Dinner should be ready.

    The reigning silence and the lack of the appetizing smell coming from the kitchen made Andrzej anxious. Dominik knew how much Andrzej was worried about him, especially after that kidnapping by Werner, so he would have sent him a message if something sudden happened.

    Unless the situation was extremely urgent.

    Nowicki felt uneasy, but decided not to panic yet. Perhaps Dominik was working in the office and lost track of time, or he fell asleep bored with a boring script.

    The office was empty, but the actor could work in the bedroom reading the script while lounging on the bed. It is true that two scenarios were lying on the coffee table in the living room, but ?liwi¨½ski could get another one...

    Climbing the stairs, Andrzej kept telling himself that he would not panic. He definitely won''t panic. He would check the bedroom he shared with Dominik, and only then could he panic. Not earlier.

    Nowicki opened the door and... breathed a sigh of relief. But only for a moment. ?liwi¨½ski was lying on his side, his back turned to the door and curled up, as if curled in a fetal position. The position of the young actor reminded Andrzej too much of the one in which he found him exhausted almost a year ago. The photographer felt a growing unease again.

    "Dominik, are you sleeping?" Nowicki asked softly, but received no answer.

    A few months ago, Dominik had gone through way too much, but he survived and recently seemed really happy. He had no nightmares at night, he slept like a baby, during the day he was as joyful as a lark. It looked like he was really happy.

    But maybe it wasn''t true? Maybe something was still bothering Dominik, but he was hiding it from Andrzej so as not to worry him?

    Or maybe something happened while Andrzej was at work in Rome? I guess this whole Baczy¨½ski didn''t try something with Dominik...?

    Andrzej gritted his teeth. If someone tried to hurt Dominik, or, God forbid, did it, Nowicki will not be forgiving this time.

    No more forgiveness. Not for those who hurt Dominik.

    There will be blood.

    Andrzej quickly approached the bed and stood so that he could see the actor''s face. ?liwi¨½ski was asleep, but it was not a good night''s sleep. There were also unhealthy blushes on his face. Has Dominik caught a virus?

    The past year was so difficult for Dominik mentally and emotionally that it had an impact on his health. The young actor was in danger of serious problems, but with requests and threats, Andrzej forced him to pull himself together and Dominik was now in excellent condition. However, he could have contracted something. Sometimes one sneeze was enough to spread viruses and bacteria to a dozen people nearby. Carefully, so as not to wake the sleeping man, Nowicki put his hand to his forehead. In fact, it looked like Dominik''s temperature was elevated.

    "I''m not asleep," said ?liwi¨½ski, but his voice was sleepy. "And I''m not sick."

    "Let''s check the temperature with a thermometer ..." asked Andrzej.

    "As you like, but... I''m just a little sad."

    The icy dagger pierced Nowicki''s heart. Concerned, he immediately sat down next to him.

    "Sad?" he asked, ready to murder whoever had brought Dominik this sorrow. "What happened?"

    ?liwi¨½ski sat down heavily. In fact, the sadness lingered on him so much that it even slowed his movements.

    "I was visited by CBA agents and asked about the events from years ago. Events that, in retrospect, were not very good."

    So Marek Marczak again, although he was now only a history in Dominik''s biography, still brought him worries and sadness.

    "You said yourself that this is the past."

    "Yes, but ... No, you''re right," admitted ?liwi¨½ski and smiled faintly, but only with his mouth. His beautiful, wonderfully shining eyes remained gloomy as if covered with clouds. This is the past. I shouldn''t have thought about it. After all, I can''t change what happened once."

    "Did these agents want you to give them something for Marczak?"

    "I really don''t know," Dominik admitted helplessly. "I don''t know if they wanted Marek or the target was someone else, but it looks serious."

    "Will they bother you again?" Nowicki was concerned.

    "Probably" admitted ?liwi¨½ski. "Andrzej, is it very bad that I don''t want to give them anything for Marek? You know that I have nothing to do with him now, but these seven years together I can''t just cut off and throw away. I don''t love him, I don''t care for him, but I have this past sentiment in me..."

    Nowicki felt another twinge. He was not jealous of the current Marczak. He knew that Dominika really had nothing to do with him, either privately or professionally. Nothing but seven years of emotional and professional enslavement. Will ?liwi¨½ski ever be able to treat those years with indifference?

    Yes, there will probably be a day like this, but if a person takes two years to process the mourning in his heart and open his heart again, divorce, especially the turbulent one, also needs time for the wounds it inflicted to heal in the heart.

    "Everyone has a past," answered Andrzej tenderly. "It shapes us who we are today. Painful or happy is part of us. It will fade over time, but for now your past, Marczak, is still clear in your heart. He hurt you a lot, but also later tried to atone for his sins."

    In addition, he did it voluntarily. After Marek Marczak lost Dominik, he understood most of his mistakes and had the decency to take the initiative to make amends for them.

    Isn''t that the first step in seeking redemption?

    "What if Marek didn''t just hurt me? What if there were more people hurt by him? Much more?"

    "You know this for sure?" Andrzej was concerned.

    "No," ?liwi¨½ski shook his head. "But when the CBA suggested something like this, I started to wonder and¡­ And I think it was. And it seems to me..."

    "Yes?"

    "I think those people were either too scared or too ashamed to tell the world about it. That''s why Marek felt unpunished and did what he wanted to do with me by selling me to the second director..."

    Andrzej gritted his teeth. Why did his dear Dominik have to worry about such problems? Why couldn''t he concentrate on his own life and his own happiness, which he had gained so much only because he was worried about justice for some practically strangers? Did he feel guilty about having some luck?

    Dominik, you fool!

    But wasn''t that just one of the things he loved that sweet idiot for?

    However, this did not change the fact that the young actor found himself in a conflict of two loyalties. Will Andrzej''s past experiences help him resolve this conflict?

    Nowicki decided to try.

    "Dominik, you probably know I have a fairly strong sense of the rule of law," the photographer began.

    "Yes, I know," admitted ?liwi¨½ski smiling. "Like a real white knight."

    "But you also know I have a gangster friend."

    "Bambus, who lend us a hut on the Bug River, but which you don''t want to introduce me to."

    "That''s right. Have you never wondered how someone like me, who is almost crazy about the rule of law, can hang out with a criminal?"

    "Of course I was wondering!" admitted ?liwi¨½ski. "But why are you asking? Do you want to tell me about it? "

    "Yes. I want to tell you about something I did years ago and so far I''m not sure if I did right or wrong. Perhaps I will never know for sure."

    Andrzej saw how with interest Dominik''s eyes widened more and the dark clouds slowly disappeared from them.

    Maybe it will not help the young actor to make a decision, it may even make it more difficult, but the moment when ?liwi¨½ski''s eyes shine again convinced Nowicki that it is worth starting this story.

    A story about the day he broke the law.

 Chapter 208 - 11 How Nowicki For The First Time Broke The Law

    Andrzej Nowicki was one of the best students of the high school he attended. Maybe it was not the best school in town, but it was closer to the top of the ranking list than to the end, although it was rather in the middle.

    Nowicki was intelligent, talented and hardworking, and most of all he was very polite and law-abiding, so he had the reputation of being a top student, which was not a compliment at all. Nobody likes nerds.

    But Andrzej was not a nerd. Although he had many of his traits, Andrzej Nowicki was cool and many people sought his friendship. So he had a large circle of admirers of both sexes.

    Nowicki was not always the first to answer, making it impossible for others to speak, but he often reported when no one else wanted to. He was saving his friends in the process, and that was one of the main reasons why he was so cool. The second, which was surprising, was his rule of law. Andrzej was not a scammer or informer, but when he learned that someone was being injustice, for example someone was being tormented, he took matters into his own hands. Nowicki''s hands were fast and strong and could leave a nice bruise under someone''s eye, or cut someone''s lip beautifully.

    After all, Andrzej Nowicki came from Praga, a district of Warsaw famous for its perky peasants.

    Nobody ever caught Nowicki lying because he just wasn''t lying. He abhorred lying and believed that it was better to pay immediately for a mistake than seek help by telling the lie and then be afraid that the lie would come out and the consequences would be more unpleasant.

    But the school that Andrzej attended had its delinquents. He had them in his class too. One of them was a boy who later became known as Bambus.

    Bambus wasn''t a bad boy, but his environment didn''t quite enable him to be good. Not every child is lucky to grow up in a loving family where nothing is missing. Bambus was not so lucky and Andrzej knew it. He also knew that the money that his friend often obtained illegally was not spent by him on entertainment or designer clothes, but on ordinary everyday items, as usual, cheap sneakers for his younger sister.

    Nowicki simply knew that people are not bad and that their circumstances induce them to commit bad deeds.

    One day, Bambus came to him with a huge request. He almost begged Andrzej to give him an alibi. Yes, Bambus was involved in this break-in, but it really wasn''t what the shopkeeper claims. If Nowicki, whom everyone knows is not lying, gives him an alibi, the court will surely believe him. Bambus cannot go to jail for such stupidity, because... well, because...

    Andrzej looked at his friend''s sneakers, so old that they were already tearing at the heel when they joined the sole. Bambus didn''t put them on especially for the occasion. He used to wear them every day.

    Breaking the law, stealing, was wrong. But it was just as bad to put teenager in a position where he had to do it in order to survive. His colleague was not evil. This was the system. Nowicki hesitated, hesitated very much. He has fallen into a moral conflict, should he keep the law to the end and refuse to give him an alibi to make his friend go to prison, or lie in his defense and oppose his strong ideals?

    ***

    "You helped him, didn''t you?" Dominik smiled. "You decided to save a man, believing that he himself, frightened by the situation he found himself in, would decide to live a better life and not commit crimes."

    "How..." Nowicki was surprised. "How could you have guessed it so well?"

    "Oh, Andrzej, precisely because you are so law-abiding!" ?liwi¨½ski announced. "You saw in your teenage head that it was a system imperfection that forced someone to break the law. The system, the law, did not defend the citizen. You are not an ideological warrior who will overthrow the system or fight on its side, but you are someone who cannot pass blindly, deaf and mute when he sees someone''s suffering. That''s why you saved me!"

    Nowicki blushed and cleared his throat. ?liwi¨½ski''s words embarrassed him, but gave him pleasure.

    "I don''t think I would have thought in those criteria then, with you," replied Andrzej, intimidated. "I acted rather..."

    "Instinctively?" Dominik finished and his lips formed into his most beautiful, natural, most sincere smile. "The more you are admirable. You instinctively wanted to save your friend too. Maybe he wasn''t the kindest of the boys, but he was someone you knew who belonged to your life."

    "But so far I wonder if I did the right thing. I lied for him in court. I have committed a perjury. Meanwhile, he is still on the side that breaks the law."

    "But he probably isn''t some ruthless gangster because I would hear something about him on TV," the young actor noted.

    "True, he isn''t. Originally, all gangs and mafias were created to protect local entrepreneurs in difficult times, such as war or economic crisis. Only later did they turn into something that was used to earn money quickly by a certain violent group. Bambus is a guy who follows the old rules."

    "Hmm, maybe that''s what''s happening," thought Dominik, "because your friend did not end up in a reformatory or in prison? Maybe if he got there and at such a young age he had to fight for survival in the penal system, not only would he not be socially rehabilitated, but he would learn the worst? Seeing how he always treats you well, maybe he thinks he''s got an opportunity because of you and therefore thinks he owes something to society and isn''t a bad gangster."

    "You speak like him" Nowicki shook his head. "But the truth is, he is a criminal breaking the law, and I contributed to the fact that he was not punished. Perhaps, if he had been sentenced then, perhaps now he would have lived as an ordinary citizen who respects the law..."

    "In life, we often make difficult choices that affect our future and sometimes even the future of other people," ?liwi¨½ski said gently. "Contrary to what you may think, I believe you have followed your conscience and your personality and did the right thing. Thank you for sharing your story with me. I''m glad I got to know a bit of your past."

    "I''m glad that you are happy," Andrzej smiled, really happy that the clouds in Dominik''s eyes had completely disappeared and his aquamarine suns were shining brightly. "But I don''t know if I helped in your case. Maybe I was just confusing..."

    "No, you helped me a lot. I decided to talk to Marek before making any decisions. I know that he himself will not report to the police, he will not plead guilty, but before I help the criminal system, I want to make sure that Marek really did commit a crime. Otherwise¡­"

    "Otherwise¡­?"

    "This whole situation is with people like me, young actors and actresses who have been under Marek''s dubious care, so I want to talk to them as well. I want to know if Marek is really forcing them to do something."

    "Do you think they''ll tell you?" Nowicki was concerned. "You are not their friend and now you don''t even belong to their agency."

    "That''s why they can tell me. If they find out why I left..."

    Andrzej felt his anxiety growing again.

    "Do you really want to get involved in this so much?" He asked. "It can bring you unpleasant consequences."

    "Andrzej, if you hadn''t come into my life, if you hadn''t been there to show me how ugly my relationship with Marek is and how blind I am, I would probably have really ended up badly. If there are people like me at the time in Marczak''s agency, they will not see for themselves. They will need someone to open their eyes."

    "But does it have to be you?" Nowicki was concerned. He had no idea how trivial it sounded at that moment. Little did he realize he was saying the same thing as hundreds of thousands of people who were worried about their loved ones, who were taking risks to help others.

    "No, I don''t have to," ?liwi¨½ski replied with a gentle but confident smile. "But I want."

 Chapter 209 - 12 He Is Not You. Nobody Is.

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski no longer worked for Marek Marczak''s agency and was not associated with it in any way. Not even with Marczak himself. In spite of everything, he was allowed into the company''s premises without any problems and no one even asked about his case. Everyone knew that although ?liwi¨½ski and Marczak did not work together anymore, they were on good terms.

    Or at least everyone was supposed to think so. Neither Marczak nor Dominik needed anyone to make a sensation about their professional separation and try to find some dark reasons for it.

    In fact, the official version was so white that probably many expected it to be only a temporary parting. Children grow up, they try their own strength, but seven years of fruitful cooperation between the actor and the agent is not something that can ruin the temporary rebellion of youth.

    Probably the people at Marczak''s agency thought the same. Dominik has always been too close to his manager to just abandon him forever.

    ?liwi¨½ski was aware that this is what people think. He did not boast to anyone how much Marek had hurt him. Therefore, for many, Dominik will always remain part of this company, and therefore he had free entry to it, despite the fact that he was not on the list and did not have a permanent pass. However, he was Dominik ?liwi¨½ski.

    Dominik took a deep breath and boldly walked towards Marek''s office. There were a few questions he just had to ask him. There was no other option for him.

    Marczak''s office was looked after by his assistant, a sexy but very official Miss Shmidt who looked like a clerk from the tax office. She was pretty, but she was deliberately hiding her beauty by wearing glasses with overly expressive frames and not very careful makeup. There were a lot of beautiful people working in this agency, so if Marek wanted to have an affair, he could choose in everyone. Miss Shmidt wanted to work, not to have romantic or erotic adventures with her boss.

    At the sight of Dominik, the woman stood up, surprised. She really hadn''t expected to see him here. She was probably the only one in the entire company who realized what really connected Marczak with his best actor.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, what are you doing here?" she asked, unable to hide her surprise.

    "Good morning, Miss Shmidt. Is the president at his office?" Dominik asked smiling.

    "Good morning ... Yes, he is, but... He has a very important conversation and you have to wait..."

    "All right, I''ll wait. I have time. Actually¡­ Miss Shmidt, could I ask you for a favor? A few years ago, a boy worked for the agency. Lately he has been constantly on my mind. I wanted to find him, but I only know his stage name, not his real details. Would there be a chance for me to learn something about him...?"

    The request was not easy. In recent years, the law has taken the protection of personal data quite seriously. But this tightened law was designed to protect people from crimes such as bank fraud, not from a colleague wanting to get in touch with a colleague with whom he has lost contact.

    "I don''t know if I''ll have the information you need, but I''ll check." The assistant sat down at the computer and began typing something on the keyboard. "You say you only know the pseudonym..."

    "Yes," Dominik felt enthusiastic. Does he really have a chance to find that boy he last saw at the party? "Amon. His nickname is Adrian Amon."

    Miss Shmidt''s face hardened for a moment and her fingers hung motionless. It took no more than a few seconds. The woman cleared her throat.

    "It looks like he stopped working for our agency before I started working here," she said. "I don''t remember us working in the same period."

    "Yes," admitted Dominik. "He disappeared from my sight five years ago, in mid-July. Do you think you will be able to find his data somewhere?"

    "Sorry to ask, but why do you care so much? Does he owe you money?"

    The joke sounded a bit extortionate, but they were both smiling.

    "Not. Recently I have met some people who brought back memories of certain events and of Adrian himself. I''d really like to talk to him and see if he''s okay."

    "That''s ... very caring of you."

    "No, not really," sighed Dominik. "I should have thought about him then..."

    Miss Shmidt looked at him in surprise, but quickly returned to her monitor.

    "I don''t have his details on hand," she explained. "I won''t find them for you right away, but I''ll have them tonight, I promise. I''ll bring them home to you."

    "But I don''t want to bother you!"

    "No," she announced with a firm smile. "I''ll be insolent and ask for tea today. This will be your payment for this favor."

    Once upon a time, Dominik would have reacted with panic to such a statement. He was really afraid of contact with people and tried to avoid them at all costs. Now he smiled with satisfaction.

    "So I''ll make a cake too."

    ***

    Dominik did not have to wait long for Marek to finish his meeting. It was only ten, maybe twelve minutes. After this time, the door opened and a blushing Bruno Kwieci¨½ski emerged from Marczak''s office. At the sight of him, ?liwi¨½ski also blushed and, throwing the actor a welcoming smile, entered the office of his former lover without announcement.

    The atmosphere in the office made it impossible to have doubts as to what had just happened here. Just like the expression on Marek Marczak''s face.

    "Good morning, Marek. I know it''s not the best time, but I need to talk to you. You''re not gonna ask me out, are you?"

    "I wish you had come into my office a few minutes earlier." Marczak greeted him with a smile that clearly indicated that he would take great pleasure in such a scene.

    Dominik imagined how he and Bruno, kneeling on the couch, stick their butts out to Marczak, and the manager enters one and the other.

    "Take control, Marek. You don''t run a porn agency. Although, who knows, if you don''t have a stake in some label of this type."

    "Ouch, Dominik, why are you talking so badly about me?"

    "Because I had a hard time talking to people from the CBA. About one of your parties."

    Marczak''s face changed immediately. Traces of the earlier fulfillment had disappeared from her without a trace. Marek got up from behind his desk and approached ?liwi¨½ski. There was something sinister in his face, and Dominik wanted to take a step back.

    "This is what you came to see me about?" Marczak asked and smiled surprisingly warmly, totally surprising the young actor. "Did you want to warn me? It''s so nice of you."

    "I wanted to ask you directly, looking you in the eye. Have you used any form of coercion, any form of compulsion, in order for your actors and actresses to provide sexual services to someone?"

    "Dominik" Marczak smiled as if he were dealing with a not very bright child. "There are some things you shouldn''t ask. You are already a big boy and you should understand that some things are beyond your cognitive abilities."

    "Do you really think I''m such a fool?" ?liwi¨½ski asked sadly. Yes, it probably was like that all the time, which is why Marczak always treated him as his favorite fucking mascot, never as a real partner in a relationship or in business. Dominik was only supposed to follow orders and all decisions were made by Marek.

    Was Dominik really dumb enough to love a man who treated him this way?

    "No." Marczak shook his head. "But I wish you were such a fool, blind and deaf to the whole world."

    "And for your evil deeds?"

    "Dominik, leave this topic behind. We have nothing in common with each other anymore. Unless you want to come back to me?"

    "Bruno is not enough for you?"

    Marek smiled sadly, sentimentally. There was tenderness in his eyes.

    "Bruno is not you. Nobody is."

    Dominik''s heart beat faster. Marek acted as if he really wanted Dominik back, as if he missed him. No, it is not possible for Marczak to be really kind to him. He only plays with a young actor to confuse him in his head and heart, seduce him and dominate him again on a private and professional level.

    But even if Marek was really interested, Dominik definitely wasn''t. When you have a man like Andrzej in your life, everyone else is nothing.

    "Do not even think about it. I will never come back to you," said ?liwi¨½ski decisively. "I just want to know if you coerced and forced your employees to provide sexual services?"

    "If you want to find out, I''ll tell you when we''re in my bed."

    "Marek, it''s not even funny anymore" Marczak''s words irritated the young actor.

    "You are right, you are not" Marczak became completely serious. "I''ll be totally serious then," he announced and, his voice at absolute zero, leaned directly into Dominik''s ear. " Don''t pursue this topic anymore, or I''ll talk to you differently..."

 Chapter 210 - 13 Tentacles Of Betrayal

    The tone of that whisper sent Dominik a shiver of fear. Marek Marczak was a dangerous man. It was impossible to forget about it. He wasn''t someone you could play with with impunity.

    "Ha! I am joking!" Marek Marczak said cheerfully, but Dominik knew that was not the case. At that moment, the young actor felt terribly stupid, like a naive child who plays with a poisonous spider, forgetting how dangerous he is.

    The young actor believed the threats of his ex-lover, but knew that he could not show it. He must mask his fear. Predators chose the weakest specimens in the herd and attacked them. That is why ?liwi¨½ski will not show any fear. On the contrary, he will show bravado.

    "Well, who would have thought that the great Marek Marczak would be afraid to admit to his former employee that he had done something illegal. Or maybe you''re afraid I''m recording you, huh? But please, we are also talking about fear here."

    "Well, Nowicki trained you well. He sharpened your claws well, little tiger. But in real life, a tough guy can only be played by someone who has nothing to lose and¡­ no one he would be afraid to lose."

    At that moment, the black curtain of terror obscured ?liwi¨½ski''s consciousness.

    "You dare not... You said you love him!"

    "I love you too, and I''ve done various things with you."

    "Don''t you dare approach Andrzej!"

    "Don''t lose control of yourself, little tiger, or you''ll lose control of the situation. You come to my office uninvited, even without an announcement, and make demands. Don''t you think you''re acting extremely recklessly? I think you are forgetting who I am."

    "I guess I never really knew that..."

    Marek Marczak, whom Dominik now had in front of him, was not the man the young actor knew. It was not that affectionate, although determined guy who, with sweet words and gestures, was able to convince an inexperienced young man to love a man. Was Marczak so skillfully lied to him for seven years, or was Dominik just totally stupid?

    "I guess so," his ex-manager agreed.

    "In that case, the only thing I can do is be grateful to you for not selling me to anyone for our seven years together," Dominik said bitterly. "Or maybe there were no takers?"

    "They were. There were plenty of them," Marczak assured and ?liwi¨½ski knew that he was not exaggerating. "And they paid a fortune for you. But I just wanted you, Dominik, to myself. You were always mine alone."

    "Like the mascot? Like the trophy?"

    "No, Dominik, I loved you. I still love you. Only you¡­ are made for a different kind of love than mine. And I couldn''t understand it in time."

    "So you really believe what you felt about me was love?"

    "The best I''ve had. And yet she wasn''t very good for you. I still dream of getting you to bed again, if only for a while. I have tried to fill the void you left in my life by abandoning me, but no one can replace you. If you sleep with me, I''ll tell you anything you want to know," he promised.

    The proposal sounded desperate and pathetic. Dominik, however, did not feel pity towards his former lover. Someone who knows that he has done wrong and repeats the same mistakes does not deserve sympathy.

    ?liwi¨½ski did not receive a confession from his former lover, but he was completely sure that Marczak had sold his actors and actresses in the past. He was probably doing it now as well.

    "Marek, because of our past and the fact that I once loved you, I''ll give you some good advice - stop selling your people. Stop selling sex. You look after many talented people, but acting is a craft that requires a certain purity of heart. When you sold me, I was devastated to death. I''m afraid to think what those young, sensitive people you treat like this are feeling. After all, you are damaging your goods."

    It was a terrible term, but ?liwi¨½ski doubted that Marczak would understand moral appeals. However, if he speaks in the language of money...

    Marczak laughed bitterly. He looked at his watch.

    "Sorry, I have a meeting in a few minutes and I need to prepare for it. So if you don''t mind..."

    Dominik actually had nothing to do here. He knew that he would not get anything more from Marczak, but he did not need anything more. Although not directly, Marek did plead guilty.

    "Forgive me for interrupting you" ?liwi¨½ski looked at his former manager sadly. "Goodbye, Marek. Really goodbye."

    Dominik turned towards the door, hoping that today he saw Marek Marczak for the last time.

    ***

    I shouldn''t have let him go to meet Marczak, Nowicki thought to himself as he walked around his office. I should have stopped him or I should have gone with him. Who knows what Marczak will say to Dominik. Or he will do him...

    No, Andrzej couldn''t think so negatively. Marek was an asshole, almost a mafioso, but he certainly wouldn''t do anything to Dominik, either because of their past or because the manager still had some deeper feelings towards him. Dominik really was someone special to him.

    Yes, he was, but when Marczak attacked him in the living room, when he knocked him to the ground and tried to do these terrible things to him, they were even closer together...

    Shit, shit, shit!

    Marek Marczak was unpredictable. He might sound like a classy guy, but is a classy guy trying to r*pe and sell off his lover with whom he has been with for seven years?

    It is true that Marczak has recently disappeared from the lives of Dominik and Andrzej and it seemed that he was devoting all his interest to Bruno Kwieci¨½ski, who from the beginning of January was his new toy and, of course, the star of his agency, but who knows what will come to his mind when Dominik will stand before his eyes.

    At least Marczak shouldn''t attack Dominik physically. Dominik was no longer his property, so he could object and cause a fuss. He could fight, knock over furniture, and everyone would find out that Marczak was aggressive. No, the boss of such a large agency will not risk it. It is true that everyone was used to his controversy, but if he wanted to use violence against Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, who was loved by millions, he would not have come out alive.

    But violence is not only about physical contact, bruises and abrasions. Violence could also be psychological, and it often hurt more than physical blows. Dominik suffered so much from his former agent that Marczak could be called a champion in this field. The true executioner of ?liwi¨½ski''s heart.

    Damn!

    Andrzej could not stand it anymore. Such terrible scenarios were created in his head and in his heart that, paying absolutely no attention to anything, he simply ran out of his office.

    He had to listen to his heart and run to Marek Marczak''s office to be nearby, in case of the slightest need, to save Dominik from this unstable man for whom everyone other than himself was just a toy.

    "Nowicki, has something happened? Where are you running to? Nowicki...!"

    "Sorry, Mrs. Janka!" he called as he passed her on the run. "Not now!"

    Now he had to be with Dominik.

    ***

    Dominik wanted to go through the office of Marek''s office like a storm - mute, blind, absent. So he was surprised when the man sitting on the couch got up and said:

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski?"

    "Mr. Baczy¨½ski?" the young actor was surprised to recognize the producer of the program in which he performed. "What are you doing here?"

    "I came to discuss some business matters..."

    "About Dominik''s Kitchen?" the actor asked.

    "In some sense¡­"

    What''s that supposed to mean? Did it mean that the program in which Dominik participated in the recording had some connections with Marek Marczak?

    Something very unpleasant appeared in ?liwi¨½ski''s throat, making him feel as if he was choking.

    What does Marczak have to do with his program? Is he an investor, or maybe... the actual producer? Maybe the whole idea was his, because who else knew that Dominik liked to cook so much?

    "In some sense?" ?liwi¨½ski repeated without taking his eyes off Baczy¨½ski.

    "Well," admitted the producer most innocently in the world. "Mr. Marczak is the owner of my studio. Didn''t you know?"

    Dominik was too shocked to answer.

    The tentacles of Marczak''s ark reached deeper into his life than he could have suspected.

 Chapter 211 - 14 Pillar Of His Life

    Dominik was shocked.

    Probably that was the best way to describe what was happening to him, what was happening in his heart and head where everything and nothing was happening in the same time. What a bizarre paradox when a thousand thoughts are raging in your head, and none of them makes sense, when a thousand emotions are raging in your heart, and none of them can be captured and named.

    Like a cornered animal that is unable to find a way out for itself, and in panic it throws itself directly under the hunter''s rifle. No reason, no sense Just panic.

    Someone tugged at his arm and instinctively. ?livi¨½ski pushed that person away, began to fight him.

    "Dominik, what happened? Dominik!"

    A familiar voice saying his name returned ?liwi¨½ski to consciousness. Andrzej looked at him anxiously, holding his arms. It was from him that Dominik tried to free himself a moment ago.

    "Andrzej? Sorry, you surprised me."

    "You more surprised me. Where are you going? I know it''s a parking lot, but you should be careful. That car nearly hit you!"

    In fact, ?liwi¨½ski was in the parking lot in front of the building where Marczak''s agency was located. How and when did he get downstairs? Dominik couldn''t remember it. All he knew was that he was the greatest fool in the world.

    "Something''s wrong, right?" Andrzej asked, although it was more of a statement than a question. "I knew I shouldn''t have let you meet Marczak."

    Dominik smiled, though he felt tears in his eyes.

    "I got a little nervous," he admitted, "it''s true, but seeing you immediately makes me feel better. The conversation was difficult, but it''s my fault that I expected Marek to¡­ Anyway, never mind. We''ll talk at home. I''m glad you came, but I think you should be at work."

    "I should, sort of..." Nowicki admitted. "Fortunately, I have the most understanding boss in the world and no session scheduled for today. I''ll call a taxi for us."

    ***

    The taxi wasn''t a good place to talk, so they were both silent, but Dominik didn''t need a word now. The mere presence of Andrzej was enough for him, so strong and reassuring that even if the whole earth trembled and the sky began to collapse on people''s heads, Dominik would feel safe with him.

    Andrzej was simply a pillar of his life.

    How could Dominik exist before, without knowing this man?

    Suddenly, the young actor remembered a sentence he once heard in a series or anime. He couldn''t remember where or who had said it to whom, but it was something like, ''You''re like ivy that has to wrap itself around someone strong in order to survive.'' Dominik felt at this point that the sentence applied entirely to him.

    First there was Marczak, a guy with an exceptionally strong personality and social position. Now there was Andrzej, a real pillar both physically and spiritually. Was Dominik really so weak that he couldn''t stand up on his own?

    It wasn''t like that before. ?liwi¨½ski was a brave teenager who decided to seize the opportunity that arose and entered the film world with a hit. That''s what made him noticeable. His first role was a young wolf, and it did not differ from who he really was. But Marek not only tamed the wolf in him, he sawed off his claws and fangs. He had seven years to do so.

    It''s long. It is long enough to completely change a person and shape him according to his will. Dominik allowed it because of his youthful stupidity and misplaced trust.

    Then Andrzej appeared, his savior, and Dominik instinctively transferred the burden of his problems onto him, too weak to bear them alone.

    Andrzej, however, unlike Marek, never deprived him of his right to make decisions and act. Nowicki was a pillar that Dominik could lean on so as not to lose his balance and fall, not with the golden cage that Marczak was.

    Not even knowing that he was doing it, ?liwi¨½ski smiled to himself.

    They rode side by side in the back seat, nothing more, and yet Dominik felt the strength flowing from Andrzej and his love. Nowicki was with him and was for him. It was enough.

    Andrzej noticed his smile and asked a question with his eyes. Dominik, also with a look, replied that everything was ok and that he would tell him about it at home.

    It was not far to their home and they would be there soon. Dominik knew that by the time this happened, he would be completely calm.

    All thanks to Andrzej.

    ***

    "It looks like you''ve calmed down," Nowicki remarked as they entered the house.

    "Yes, thank you," smiled ?liwi¨½ski. "The conversation with Marek was unpleasant, then another unpleasant surprise happened, but I''m calm now. Thanks to you." Dominik turned and threw his arms around Andrzej''s neck. He climbed on his toes and gave him a short kiss on the lips. "Thank you."

    Immediately after that, Dominik took his arms from him and headed for the kitchen.

    "Your mood has changed one hundred and eighty degrees" in Nowicki''s voice, you could hear the anxiety. He had heard something about the manic-depressive phases once.

    "That''s because when you accompanied me in the taxi," ?liwi¨½ski explained, setting the water over for tea, "I calmed down my emotions. You know, when I was alone, everything always seemed difficult and insurmountable to me. You give me the strength to face adversities."

    Surprised, but also pleasantly flattered by these words, Nowicki leaned against the niche between the living room and the kitchen. He was still worried about the whole situation, so he kept his eyes on his beloved, but Dominik seemed to be really calm.

    "So how did the conversation with Marczak go?" He asked.

    "Terrible," admitted ?liwi¨½ski, curving his lips. "He threatened me, he wanted to seduce me. The usual. How could I forget that there is no other way to talk to him?"

    "Did he upset you very much?"

    "Very. Imagine he fucked Kwieci¨½ski a moment earlier, and when I walked in, he wanted me. Disgusting."

    "Oh, Dominik..."

    "Don''t worry, when we were returning home," ?liwi¨½ski reassured him, "I arranged my emotions. Last year I would have probably been devastated, but now I''m just disgusted."

    "It''s also not nice..."

    Dominik shrugged. He set down two mugs, tossed the teabags into them, and leaned back against the kitchen counter. Turning to Nowicki, he looked directly into his beautiful, amber eyes.

    "Andrzej, I want to break the contract for Dominik''s Kitchen," he announced.

    "WHAT?!!!" Nowicki was so shocked that he broke away from the wall he was leaning against. "You love this show! You feel great in it! Did that whole Baczy¨½ski want to do something to you?"

    "No." Dominik shook his head. "He only admitted that he belongs to Marek Marczak''s financial group. This show is actually produced by Marek."

    ***

    Andrzej was shocked. Just like that, and that was the only way to define the state he was in. He had a bad feeling about Baczy¨½ski (after all, he was quite handsome and he was drooling at the mere sight of Dominik) but Nowicki was convinced that it was because of the beauty and sex appeal of the young actor. ?liwi¨½ski was simply divine, so he could make Franciszek Baczy¨½ski fall in love with him, but never, never would Andrzej have thought that Baczy¨½ski belonged to Marczak''s financial group.

    It was disturbing how long and ubiquitous the man''s tentacles were. Even more disturbing was that he did not want to let Dominik out of them.

    "Don''t do anything for now," asked Andrzej. "I understand your anger and your disappointment, believe me, I understand, but we must be wise. Don.t forget, we are dealing with Marczak. We don''t know what this man can do to you."

    ?liwi¨½ski did not answer. He only looked glumly at Nowicki. Gloomy and a little hostile.

    Dominik doesn''t think I''m on Marczak''s side, Andrzej thought, does he? O, he shouldn''t think that. He knows how I love him, but he also knows that Marczak has confessed his love to me.

    "Well, I won''t do anything" promised ?liwi¨½ski and there was something unpleasant in his voice. "Even if the mere thought that I am still working for Marek disgusts me..."

    "It''s not that, for God''s sake!" Nowicki knew that he had not made himself clear enough. "My point is that you should first review your contract with an attorney. Talk to him, present your point of view and find a solution that works best for you. I don''t know, maybe hiding from you that your former manager, with whom you have bad relations, is taking part in this project is acting in bad faith..."

    "So ... you mean not to act rashly?"

    "Exactly!" Nowicki felt relieved. "Marczak is an old fox, he could set many traps. I don''t want you to fall into either of them. We have to be smarter than him. Especially now that the CBA people are sniffing around him. I''m afraid to think what madness will come to his mind when he feels cornered¡­"

 Chapter 212 - 15 Face To Face

    Yes, it was very disturbing.

    "Right, CBA. I forgot," Dominik admitted, and he turned towards the mugs because the water was just starting to boil. "I''m expecting a visitor tonight. Marek''s assistant is to provide me with some information."

    ?liwi¨½ski also forgot about her. And about Adrian Amon. Dominik was so taken over by Marek''s participation in the creation of Dominik''s Kitchen that he forgot about everything else. How selfish of him, he thought.

    "I don''t think I really can allow myself to be reckless..."

    That''s right, he couldn''t. With someone so dangerous as his opponent, whose ass even government agents couldn''t get to grips with, Dominik had to be careful. Marczak was simply too unpredictable.

    Andrzej felt an impulse to walk up to his man and hug him. He didn''t fight that impulse, and after a while he was cradling this short, but big-hearted man in his arms.

    "I''m proud of you," he said, feeling his soft, hazelnut hair against his lips. "I was so scared for you, but I am proud of you that you faced Marczak. Your courage impressed me."

    "Really?" asked ?liwi¨½ski, surprised, feeling his heart start to beat faster.

    "Of course," Nowicki admitted. "You have a lot of courage to face your past with this man. We both know that he is dangerous and unscrupulous ..."

    Andrzej did not have to add that the best proof of this is the attack that Marczak committed against Dominik while they were still together, and then an attempt to make him a whore, when the young actor forgave him for the previous crime and inadvertently trusted him.

    "I''m also proud that you can distinguish courage from bravado," added Nowicki.

    Dominik started.

    "No, I don''t think I can..." he said.

    "You can," Andrzej assured him, hugging him tightly and giving him courage. "Bravado is blind, courage has eyes."

    So what Nowicki was planning at that moment was bravado or courage?

    "I have to get back to work," he announced and released Dominik, disappointed, from his embrace. "I would like to stay here, but Mrs. Janka may be sniffing at it. She allows me a lot, but that doesn''t mean she will tolerate everything."

    "Yes, you are right," smiled the young actor.

    "Dominik, remember that bravado doesn''t do anything good and¡­ don''t do anything today. Get ready to receive a guest. I will probably be home by then."

    "Good," agreed ?liwi¨½ski. "I''ll take your advice and do nothing until I see you tonight. You''re right, Marek is too clever opponent to start a fight with him without any preparation and plan, although I''m afraid that even now someone suffers because of him..."

    "For now, you are suffering. Honey¡­" Nowicki smiled at Dominik warmly, tenderly, wanting to cheer him up as much as he could. "I want to support you in this situation. I want to be by your side. I know this is your fight and your problem, but but I am your man so..."

    "Of course!" ?liwi¨½ski enthusiastically agreed and the aquamarines in his eyes shone like two blue suns. "I think we''ll spend the whole evening discussing this situation. I will review my contract with Dominik''s Kitchen. You are right, if Baczy¨½ski deliberately withheld some information from me, this may be the proof that he acted in bad faith..."

    "We''ll do it," agreed Andrzej. "Together we will find the best solution for you."

    ***

    Andrzej did not intend to return to work, however. He lied to Dominik. He felt bad about it, because he promised to always tell him the truth, but what Nowicki wanted to do, the actor would definitely not like. Unfortunately, Andrzej saw no other option but to talk to Marczak face to face.

    Talk to him and, if necessary, rub his nose¡­ Although it was unlikely to be realistic with this man''s abilities.

    This time Nowicki took the car. It was not convenient to use public transport between Marczak''s office, his office and his home, and the meeting itself may also take place in some secluded place. Andrzej had no intention of memorizing which bus or tram goes to which district.

    Nowicki decided to talk to Marczak not because he was afraid for Dominik or because he did not believe in his strength. Andrzej trusted his beautiful man and knew that although ?liwi¨½ski went through a lot, he was brave and stronger every day. The photographer suspected, however, that Marczak might not have treated Dominik as a partner for a serious conversation. Whether he did it underestimating his intelligence and strength, or in his twisted mind, he still wanted to protect him from the threats of the world, Andrzej simply felt that Marczak would not be honest with Dominik.

    Nowicki left the property, but just two intersections away, he stopped in front of the shop and dialed Marek Marczak. He was surprised at how quickly he answered the phone.

    "Let me guess," the manager said in a half-jocular, half-mocking tone. "The little tiger complained to his knight."

    "Can we talk?" Nowicki ignored his teasing. "Face to face".

    "I''m at my home. You know the address, "said Marczak.

    "I would rather¡­"

    Andrzej did not manage to say, however, that he would prefer to meet on a more neutral ground, one that would not arouse any suspicions and where there would be any witnesses, but he did not have time. Marczak just ended the connection.

    Okay, so let it be this way.

    Marek Marczak was an unpredictable man, but Andrzej was not afraid of him. Not when it was about the two of them. The only thing Nowicki was afraid of was that the former manager would hurt Dominik.

    Therefore, completely without fear, he went to the address known to him and rang the door of the apartment where he had already spent several nights.

    Marczak opened a dark robe wrapped in it. His hair was wet.

    "Come in," he invited nonchalantly. "As you can see, I have prepared myself to receive a visitor. I even opened the wine to breathe. "

    Andrzej felt irritation and resignation at the same time.

    "You think I''m in the mood to drink wine with you?"

    "Would you prefer something stronger?" Marczak raised his eyebrows. "Sorry, but I need you relaxed but sober. If you''re drunk, it won''t be any fun."

    The level of annoyance has clearly increased at the expense of the hopelessness. Marczak was so insolent that it was almost unbearable.

    "I don''t know what you imagine in that head of yours, but stop it," hissed Nowicki. "I came to talk."

    "And we will talk," announced the host, pouring wine into glasses. "Sit down, have a drink, relax. No worries, I didn''t add anything to this drink. I''m not as desperate as some Italians. By the way, you look wonderfully sexy in this ad campaign. Would you like to sign a contract with my agency? I would make you a star..."

    Andrzej did not feel the need to answer with words. He did it only with a look.

    "Ah, first the unexpected visit of the little tiger, now I''m being visited by a rabid wolf. Why are the men I feel most attracted to are such ruthless predators? You''re tearing my heart to shreds! Both!"

    "Dominik''s Kitchen" Andrzej, resigned, sat down on the couch. Maybe if he ignores Marczak''s erotic harassment, the guy will give up?

    "Great program," said Marczak, sitting down in the armchair and crossing his legs.

    "And you have a stake in it, right? Was that your idea, this program? You were supposed to leave Dominik alone!"

    "And am I not leaving him alone? Nowicki, you are a smart guy and you know how valuable Dominik is... in business terms. I could let him go as a lover, even as an employee of my agency, but why not invest in a project that would bring me wealth? How big of a fool do you have me?"

    It''s true, Marek Marczak has never been stupid in business matters. He might not totally understand other people''s feelings, but he sure knew how to make money.

    "So it''s all about money, not controlling Dominik''s life?"

    "Of course it''s all about money. I had thought about this type of program before, but the relationship between me and Dominik had deteriorated so much that I could not make him this offer. That''s why I chose to act through third parties. Were it not for pure coincidence, little tiger would never have known about my participation. Anyway, this Baczy¨½ski is a total idiot that he said so."

    "Not all are born liars," growled Nowicki.

    "Thank you for the compliment," Marczak saluted Andrzej with a glass.

    As if it were meant to be a compliment!

    However, Nowicki decided that he believed Marczak. It surprised him, but he really believed him. Not because he considered him a good man or anything like that, he rather regarded him as an opportunist capitalist pig, and Marczak''s explanation just suited him.

    "Okay," Andrzej agreed. "Then let''s move on to the next point of my visit. Don''t involve Dominik in your dirty affairs from a few years ago..."

    Marczak''s gaze told him that he was just entering a very dangerous area...

 Chapter 213 - 16 Guilty Of Misplaced Love

    Marek Marczak looked at Andrzej Nowicki with such intensity that Andrzej, although he rarely felt fear, felt shivers down his back.

    "Dominik is already involved in this," announced the owner of the agency. "He''s up to his ears in it."

    "Don''t fuck..." Andrzej wanted to interrupt him, but when Marczak decided to speak, he was unstoppable.

    "Nowicki, I have made many mistakes in my life. Not like your little perjury in your school years. Serious mistakes, ones that can destroy the life of me and many others. Probably a few have been already destroyed.. But if I fall now, it''s not just me that will fall. Also Dominik..."

    Andrzej did not understand the world in which Marczak used to turn very well, but it suddenly occurred to him that if the courts and the press started to talk about Marczak, his romance with Dominik ?liwi¨½ski would sooner or later come to light. And when that happens...

    Hell, it was bad, it was very bad.

    If it turns out that Marczak was selling his actors and actresses, people will surely question each of his stars. They will look for the truth or an empty sensation and start writing... ''Did ?liwi¨½ski get this role by providing sexual services?'' ''Did Dominik ?liwi¨½ski sell himself to become a star?'' ''A gay actor provided sexual services in exchange for a role in the film - secret past of Dominik ?liwi¨½ski...''

    Jesus Christ!

    Andrzej, who worked for a specific kind of magazine, knew perfectly well what vultures and hyenas eat. They will eat Dominik''s reputation in the blink of an eye without even letting him say a word in his defense. He will be guilty, judged, and convicted only because he has had the misfortune for a certain period of his life to love the wrong man. He will be convicted and¡­ executed!

    There is no fault in him. On the contrary, Dominic himself is a victim in his own way and has suffered so much from misplaced love! Why would he suffer something like this now? Dominik had done nothing wrong, absolutely nothing, except that he had fallen in love with a man he thought was good.

    At that moment, Dominik''s family appeared in front of Andrzej''s eyes. Zygmunt ?liwi¨½ski, who so boldly accepted that his son was gay. Helena ?liwi¨½ska, who had difficulties with acceptance, but her love for her son triumphed over everything else in her. Olek, who loved and admired his older brother so much that he almost adored him. Their good, tolerant sister¡­ All these people, more or less willingly, accepted Dominik''s sexual orientation. But how will they feel when a family member is called a whore?

    This must be prevented! He has to stop the whole situation from escalating. He has to help Marczak to cover up this whole scandal...

    Andrzej felt horrified as he realized what he had just thought. Wanting to save Dominik, he wanted to become Marczak''s partner in covering up his crimes. But what more could he do to save the man he loves? After all, he did not mean ?liwi¨½ski''s career, which will surely collapse. He wanted to save the heart of a sensitive young actor who would become the target of unimaginably cruel and humiliating public gossip.

    Andrzej looked at Marczak. At that moment, he felt terrible. He felt so bad that, without looking, he reached for the glass and drank all its contents.

    "So you understand," smirked Marczak - the perpetrator of the whole misfortune - filling Nowicki''s glass.

    "How... how can we get out of this?" the photographer asked. The warmth of the wine poured over his body, giving him a tiny bit of relaxation, but not darkening his mind. "Do you have any idea?"

    "Dominik is a sweet and naive boy," said Marczak, adjusting the skirts of his bathrobe and covering his knee. "He believes that I should show some remnants of conscience and report to the police. Probably even testify against high-ranking people. But I can''t do that."

    "But you can threaten who needs..."

    Marek Marczak shook his head.

    "Since Dominik abandoned me, I have not played at this type of party. I haven''t been collecting materials for anyone for a year. As you know, portfolios changed again a few months ago. I have no material for new people. I have no one to shake a finger at."

    Marek Marczak withdrew from dirty business? He did it after Dominik abandoned him? What''s that supposed to mean? Does that mean that...

    "You love him, don''t you? You really love Dominik." Andrzej was surprised he said the words, but was even more surprised to discover this bizarre truth.

    Marczak repeatedly assured that she loved ?liwi¨½ski, but his behavior contradicted it. Meanwhile, now it turned out that deeds were also behind it. After all, not everyone changes their life for the better just because a former lover thinks it was not very good.

    "Of course I love him. I''ve always loved him. I loved him as much as my heart would allow. That''s why I let him go... to you. Don''t be sad, Andrzej, I love you too. A bit different, maybe a little less than Dominik, but you probably understand that he has been in my heart a bit longer, so he has the right of priority."

    "So how are you going to save him?" Nowicki ignored Marczak''s love confession.

    "I''m not going to do anything," explained Marczak. "I will sit by and drink good wine and watch the situation unfold."

    "But¡­"

    "Dominik" said Marek shortly, looking Andrzej straight in the eyes, "he will save himself."

    ***

    It was not easy for Dominik to focus, but he remembered the promise made to Marczak''s secretary and started baking the pie. Since it was summer, he didn''t want to do anything heavy. He still had forest blueberries in the refrigerator, so he decided to make a blueberry shortcake, exactly as he had made for the program. It was simple and quick to prepare, and he did it almost automatically.

    It was only while kneading the dough that the actor realized that he was just going to bake the cake he made for the program in which Marek dipped his fingers.

    ?liwi¨½ski''s hands froze in mid-movement, but the actor quickly pulled himself together. After all, he will not give up baking shortcrust for the rest of his life just because it reminds him of Marczak.

    The cake was already in the oven and all the dishes were washed and cleaned and suddenly Dominik had nothing to do. And when he had nothing to do, unpleasant thoughts began to run through his head. So he took the cloth and began wiping off the imaginary dust.

    Dust had to be imaginary, because ?liwi¨½ski was cleaning practically every day. How could he not do it when Dominik was dying of boredom while sitting at home in the absence of Andrzej, who was working? There was even a time when he almost, almost got into watching soap operas, but their plot was so pointlessly confusing that every time he tried to understand it, his head started to hurt. Then Dominik decided that he would never, ever star in a series that has more than twenty-six episodes.

    Twenty-six, um, there was a ten-episode series on the coffee table in his living room, and Dominik thought it was way too long for him anyway.

    But now was not the time to think about any movies or series. Now was the time to focus on the problem that Marek Marczak presented himself, who did not want to get out of his life.

    And on Adrian Amon and other unfortunate, naive actors like him who fell into Marczak''s hands.

    ***

    Nowicki looked at Marczak without understanding anything. In fact, he was afraid to understand anything. If he suddenly began to follow the course of this man''s thoughts, it would mean that he can think like a demoralized hedonist without moral scruples and respect for another human being. It was definitely not a nice prospect.

    "How?" Andrzej asked, actually having a void in his head. "How is Dominik going to save himself?"

    "Being yourself, of course."

    "Marczak, I have no patience for your games today," hissed the photographer.

    "Nowicki, please don''t pretend to be stupider than you are. Please think."

    Think, think¡­ How is Dominik going to save himself from this dreadful situation that could cost him so much more than his career?

    Unless Marczak thinks about...

 Chapter 214 - 17 Compromises Of Adult Life

    No, no, no, Andrzej definitely shook his head. The solution that came to mind was totally impossible. Not when dealing with Marek Marczak.

    "Your eyes sparkled so beautifully, as if you had come up with an idea. Well, Nowicki, share with me what have you come up with?"

    "Nothing with arms and legs."

    "Are you sure?"

    No, at this point, Andrzej wasn''t sure of anything anymore. If Marczak really loved Dominik and wanted to defend him...

    "If Dominik gave the information to the police or the press himself, it would seem like he didn''t know anything, and when he found out, he began supporting the fight against his immoral ex-agent, who was completely different from what he thought. Which is true anyway..."

    Marczak did not stop Andrzej or the course of his words. The glances of the men met and Nowicki felt his heart beat faster.

    It wasn''t an excitement, though. It was anxiety.

    "So you want Dominik to be a whistleblower?" Andrzej asked grimly, trying to fully grasp the significance of this situation.

    "Only in this way will he get out of this swamp safe," explained Marczak seriously.

    "And you?" slipped out of Nowicki''s mouth. It''s not that he was worried about Marczak, that this guy would go to jail or go bankrupt, but it seemed that he was sacrificing himself for Dominik.

    "You''re worried about me?"

    This time there was no provocation in Marczak''s voice and Andrzej realized that despite all the excesses he had been making, Marek Marczak had not really had anyone except Dominik in his life for seven years. In this world where people are sold like things, where alliances are made only for a while and where blackmail and betrayal lurk everywhere, could Marczak have a real friend?

    And now, in order to save his former lover, Marczak is ready to accept Dominik tell the police about all his bad deeds, about which, perhaps having no one else to trust, Marczak was whispering in his lover''s ear.

    "I''m worried," admitted Nowicki. "I don''t like you, I don''t trust you, and I think you should pay for your crimes, but I''m worried."

    "Thank you, I appreciate your feelings, but you don''t have to. I''m not going to jail. My contacts won''t allow it."

    "What? And I thought that when the ministers changed..."

    "I can''t stop the investigation," explained Marczak. "I am also unable to stop every newspaper. I will try, of course, to do this, but some scandal is more than likely. I am not even a target. Unfortunately, if the CBA has already involved Dominik, the media will attack him. You know how it is."

    Of course he knew. Not only did he once work for a crap newspaper like this, he also had the opportunity to see for himself when the media gossiped about him and Dominik how immoral the media can be.

    "But if you try to silence everything, shouldn''t Dominik keep quiet?" Andrzej asked. "Why should he blow it all up?"

    "Nobody says he should go to the newspapers with everything. CBA is enough. ''He volunteered to testify voluntarily to aid the investigation'' sounds better than ''he was called in to testify''."

    "Even if it were to incriminate you?"

    Marczak smiled with his typical arrogant smile.

    "Nowicki, do you really think that my little¡­ that is, your little tiger can have something that will actually hurt me? Even if he remembers absolutely everything I whispered in his ear, or what he ever saw at one of my parties, it would still only be his words."

    Andrzej totally did not understand what Marczak was planning in relation to this matter and Dominik. The man was a mystery to him that he never seemed to have solved.

    ***

    "Nowicki, what''s the matter with you?" Mrs. Janina Pasek''s voice was harsh, but Andrzej could clearly hear her motherly concern.

    "Sorry, Mrs. Janka. Something popped up, but it''s okay now."

    Is it? Fuck, of course not. Nowicki left Marczak''s house not so angry, but still very nervous. He was afraid for Dominik and for the development of the whole situation. He was afraid of a scandal, but above all that the young and sensitive actor would have too hard to bear the whole situation.

    That year, Dominik''s heart was shattered so much that Andrzej was afraid it would ever be possible to put it back together. It took many months and remarkable self-discipline on the part of Dominik not to get swallowed by the darkness, but it worked! Dominik survived and was now calm and happy. But his peace was disturbed again and his happiness was threatened.

    "As hell" announced Mrs. Janka, as always more direct than tactful.

    "Mrs. Janka, have you ever worked with someone you hated? With someone you would prefer never to see with your eyes again, but you did because you had obligations?"

    "Nowicki, are you a kid? I thought you were a grown man. Shouldn''t you rather ask if I have ever been lucky enough to work with someone I like?"

    Mrs. Pasek snorted and curled her lips in a strange smile. Due to her age and exaggerated makeup, she looked a bit like a baba yaga at this point. The only thing missing was the big nipple on her nose.

    "Nowicki, work is work, nothing more and nothing less," she announced. "We are working to survive. We must eat, we must have a roof over our heads and clothes on our necks. Some even need the luxury of going on vacation. Most people do not have the luxury of choosing who they want to work with. Many are glad to have a job at all, although in fact they hate it. Don''t you remember what it''s like?"

    After graduation, Andrzej had a student loan to pay off and he could not be picky about looking for a job and he wanted to work by taking photos. He was lucky that the editor-in-chief of one of the newspapers liked his work, although the quality of the newspaper was very poor. The magazine relied almost exclusively on gossip from the world of stars and demanded unofficial photos with their participation. Andrzej gritted his teeth and worked as paparazzi trying to maintain his dignity and the dignity of the people he followed.

    Nowicki did not like his job very much. He also disliked his colleagues who considered themselves journalists, although they were only hyenas, like him. Unfortunately, he was in no position to be picky. Were it not for Mrs. Janka, who gave him a chance, who knows, Andrzej would not have had to return to the paparazzi profession so disliked by him?

    Yes, in adulthood, hardly anyone was lucky enough to work with what they liked. Nowicki could thank God for Mrs. Janka, who was the best boss in the world.

    But when accepting the order from the client, neither the company of Mrs. Janka, nor Andrzej himself, as a contractor, had the right to be too demanding. After all, it was the client who demanded, not them. They existed to fulfill his wishes. Even if they didn''t like something, even if they hated someone from the client''s side, they had to grit their teeth and work. It was called professionalism.

    Because in business you have to be professional. Andrzej knew about it. If he doesn''t like something, he can quit his job, try his luck elsewhere, but as long as he takes money for something, as long as he''s bound by a contract, as long as no one is breaking the law, he has to do his job.

    Actually, Dominik was in exactly the same situation.

    Andrzej sighed. It won''t be easy for him to talk to Dominik today.

    "Focus, Nowicki!" Mrs. Janina admonished him. "I am not paying you to fantasize or contemplate existential nature. We have already set the date of the photo session for the anniversary collection. The client also chose models. We are just waiting for the acceptance of the decorations. The photos are to be taken the day after tomorrow."

    "Day after tomorrow¡­"

    "Don''t say you don''t like it," Janina Pasek furrowed her eyebrows. "If you didn''t disappear from the company so suddenly, you could take part in the discussion."

    "No, no, Mrs. Janka, everything is fine. I don''t have any plans for the day after tomorrow ", Nowicki assured, but he knew perfectly well that in the current situation it was difficult for him to have any plans. He wasn''t the master of the situation, after all.

 Chapter 215 - 18 Revealing A Secret

    Andrzej could not, however, set his life and work to wait. Dominik''s situation could explode unexpectedly, like Mount Vesuvius, which sank Pompeii in lava, and could, like Fuji, sleep asleep for hundreds of years.

    Okay, Dominik''s situation won''t take hundreds of years, but waiting for her to develop while neglecting everything else was pointless. Nowicki must be prepared for any eventuality, but he cannot just sit on the couch and wait for the worst.

    He will talk to Dominik tonight, but what will he say to him? Should he tell him what Marczak said? At least about Dominik''s Kitchen. But now, when Marczak is involved in a scandal, and it turns out that he is also involved in this program...

    Why does everything have to be so damn complicated?

    Fortunately, Andrzej did not have to work anymore. He only discussed the last details with Mrs. Janka and was free to go home.

    Andrzej missed Dominik, he missed him very much. He needed and wanted to take him in his arms and hug him. He wanted to shower him with kisses and love, so that the young actor let out his anxiety and anger. So that Nowicki himself would throw them out. Because he, too, felt uncomfortable and needed to calm his nerves, and nothing helped that as well as Dominik''s hugs.

    Sex was good for anything, even mood boosting. Even if there is no sex mood. Because sex, at least between them, is not only a physical pleasure, but also a real closeness of hearts that gives relief. To drown in caresses, in kisses, in the love that flows between two people who support each other. Physical intimacy, or sex, is just one way of expressing that love.

    However, Nowicki remembered that they were to have a guest tonight. The photographer did not know exactly in what case. He didn''t know if the visitor would bring good or bad news. But since it was supposed to be news related to Marczak, it will not be good.

    Andrzej had already left the parking lot and suddenly felt a great temptation to contact Bambus. Usually he did not use his help, but this time Nowicki felt so insecure that he needed someone''s help. He was unable to defend Dominik himself. He took out the phone and¡­ called.

    "Andrzej, what a surprise. I thought you forgot about my existence."

    "Sorry. I feel stupid with that, but I''m calling with a request."

    "Speak."

    "Have you heard about the latest CBA investigation?"

    "I heard," Bambus sighed, and that was not a very good sign. "The new minister wants to prove himself and is making purges. He accidentally came up with the fact that you can bribe someone not only with money. He accidentally got on the trail of this party."

    "Do you know... how bad it is?"

    "It depends which journalist finds out," Bambus explained matter-of-factly. "But ?liwi¨½ski''s little secret is not safe."

    Shit, Andrzej cursed mentally.

    "And ... criminal charges? Can anyone pull him into something?"

    There was silence on the other side, which Nowicki definitely did not like.

    "As far as I know, ?liwi¨½ski is clean," Bambus finally explained, and Andrzej felt a great deal of relief.

    Why? Had he suspected Dominik was also part of these human transactions? No it is not possible! Nowicki saw how devastated ?liwi¨½ski was when Marek treated him like a commodity. Anyway, he knew Dominik would never agree to provide a similar service. So why was he relieved to hear that his beloved man was clean?

    Nowicki blushed with shame.

    "I know that," he explained, excusing himself to himself and, at the same time, to Bambus. "I am asking, can anyone pull him in even though he is innocent?"

    "Maybe," Bambus admitted. "Complicity by concealment. If you know about an ongoing crime and keep silent, you are just as guilty as the perpetrator. As far as I know, only the closest family has the right not to testify and a gay lover is not the closest family."

    "So that''s why Marczak wanted Dominik to testify."

    "He wanted? It is interesting. Andrzej, this is not a stupid solution. Have your boyfriend talk to the people at the CBA and ask for discretion. ?liwi¨½ski is not their target, so if he cooperates, they won''t do anything to him and they will even protect him from the media."

    "Thanks Bambus, you really helped me."

    "It''s okay, but I''m not doing it for free."

    "Not?" Andrzej was surprised. "What do you want? Should I do sessions for your girls?"

    "Maybe someday. For now, I want ten of your autographed photos."

    "What... what are you raving about?" Nowicki became indignant, blushing.

    "I''m not kidding," Bambus laughed. "My girls know we know each other and they''ve been telling me since they saw your ad. Andrzej, you look extremely sexy on it."

    Nowicki blushed even more. He swallowed hard. He knew that Bambus had once wanted to drag him to bed. Bambus generally preferred women, but if he liked a guy, he could try to get him for up to ten years. He gave up on Andrzej only because Andrzej was in a happy relationship.

    That is why Bambus surprised Nowicki by adding:

    "Andrzej, everything will be fine. You have gone through many storms with him and you both are alive. You love him, damn it, he loves you too, so you''ll survive this."

    Bambus really said those words to him?

    "Thanks. Really."

    "Have I cheered you up? That''s good. Throw in the eleventh photo now and don''t forget to dedicate especially for me."

    "Okay, okay as you wish."

    Nowicki had no idea if his friend was joking or if he really wanted these autographed photos, but after disconnecting from him he decided that he would actually give them to him. And this eleventh Andrzej will choose the really special.

    ***

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, before I give you the data you asked for, can I ask you one private question? It is very important to me."

    Dominik was looking at his guest, Marek Marczak''s assistant, who came to him not in formal but ordinary clothes and with loose hair. She was pretty, very pretty, and could possibly have a career in show business if she wanted to.

    There was something disturbing about her behavior, however. As if the young woman had a deep sadness within her.

    "Please, ask me," Dominik agreed.

    Andrzej was standing to the side, leaning against the kitchen recess, as if not quite knowing what to do with himself. He, too, was staring at their visitor with intensity.

    "Why do you need this information?" Miss Shmidt asked. "But really. Were you really close to this boy?"

    Dominik took a deep breath.

    "You are one of the few people who knows that I have been in a relationship with Marek. You also know that it didn''t end too... softly" replied Dominik. "But I really loved him once. I was young, infatuated and stupid. And blind. I wasn''t close to Adrian. We hardly knew each other. But I remember him. I remember something happened to him at one party. I do not know what. Back then, too absorbed in myself and Marek, I didn''t notice that it could be something wrong. Only now... I know it''s late, but I want to make sure Adrian is doing well, that those events... I don''t know how to put it!"

    "I''m glad" Miss Shmidt smiled sadly. "You see, when I started working for Mr. Marczak, I had an ulterior motive. Someone I knew and loved aspired to be an actor in Mr. Marczak''s agency, and then something bad happened to him. You could say that I started this work out of revenge. I wanted to destroy Mr. Marczak and... you.."

    "Me?" Dominik was surprised but then he realized something. "I was successful so I had to be depraved just as much, right?" he asked sadly.

    "Yes. But as I watched you, I realized that it is not so. I even liked you. No, don''t think I''m in love with you, you just reminded me of that person. You were also trapped, although you didn''t know it. Mr. Marczak deserved punishment, but you were¡­ forgive me for my audacity, innocent and pure. If Mr. Marczak had fallen at that moment, you would not have been able to bear the pain. I''m sorry, I..."

    "You''re right," admitted Dominik boldly. "Until a year ago, I was completely dependent on Marek. I couldn''t even walk by myself. But Andrzej taught me to run."

    ?liwi¨½ski turned and, with his gaze and smile, expressed his gratitude to Nowicki, who moved restlessly and blushed. Dominik couldn''t believe how much he had changed thanks to Andrzej. He was still weak, still needed help in some situations, but in fact, he could run now, maybe not marathons yet, maybe he wouldn''t have won races, but he wasn''t spiritually disabled anymore.

    "That''s why I waited and only this year, when I knew someone appeared in higher positions in the government, who could stand against Mr. Marczak, I started to act."

    "It''s you?" Dominik and Andrzej asked at the same time.

    "Yes. I sent the documents to the prosecutor''s office and to the minister''s office."

    "But¡­"

    Dominik was simply speechless. Andrzej joined the conversation.

    "You did not want to hurt Dominik, but you could not give up your revenge, so you chose the moment when, in your opinion, Dominik would be able to cope with this situation. Am I right?" He asked.

    "Exactly so," Miss Shmidt admitted. "I excluded Mr. ?liwi¨½ski from my revenge and didn''t want him to become an accidental victim like Adrian. Because he, Adrian, is the reason for my revenge."

    "Adrian?" Dominik was completely taken aback, so much so that he almost rose from his chair.

    Miss Shmidt gave him of so much unbelievable information that he would have serious problems processing them all.

    "Yes," admitted the woman sadly. "Adrian was my younger brother. Five years ago, a few days after this unfortunate party, Adrian committed suicide."

 Chapter 216 - 19 A Fate That Could Have Been His

    Dominik did not understand what was happening.

    Adrian did what?

    But how? Why?

    How is that why?

    Did Dominik not know how the heart hurts when torn to shreds? Did he not remember how masculine pride hurt when it was trampled underfoot?

    "I''m so sorry..." he said, his voice breaking.

    "Thank you" Miss Shmidt placed her hand on his. It was a gesture to reassure him of her support. It was he who should support her, it was she who lost her little brother.

    "If I had earlier..."

    Adrian''s sister shook her head.

    "Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, five years ago I did not know what happened and I wanted to discover the truth. I didn''t understand why my beautiful, dear brother took his own life. I was devastated and furious. But I was not blind. I did a very thorough investigation. That''s why I know that many people have been hurt. On different ways. Adrian just..."

    "He couldn''t handle it," finished Andrzej for her.

    "Yes," she admitted. "Adrian was very naive, very idealistic and very sensitive. And way too young. I studied, our parents worked. Nobody had time for him. Nobody noticed that he was going through difficult times. In your eyes, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski, I know that you are guilty, but please tell me who is more guilty, a colleague from work who was also a victim of manipulation, or the family who did not even notice that there was a problem?"

    "Both sides," Dominik announced firmly. "You can''t ignore anyone, not even a colleague."

    "Thank you," Miss Shmidt smiled. "I think Adrian would be glad you thought so. He''d be glad you thought of him."

    "I thought about him too late."

    "Please, don''t worry about that. You were both practically kids at that time. You were of age but had no social experience whatsoever, and both of you¡­ sorry to say that, but both of you have been abandoned by your families. Although in both cases it was not so obvious."

    Because abandonment takes many shapes. A parent who shows no interest in the fate of their child also abandons them. A parent who says, "You''re eighteen, you''re an adult, do what you want" is also abandoning. Legal age does not mean that a child already knows and can do everything and that he does not need his parents, their love, their warmth, their advice. And this is the most difficult period when a child suddenly has to become an adult.

    Dominik''s parents did not abandon him in the literal sense of the word, but allowed the immature young man to go out into the great and dangerous world and disappear into it for seven years, content only with the laconic news and information coming from the media.

    Dominik did not blame his parents. They just trusted the wrong man. So why would he blame himself when he trusted that person too?

    "I want to help you with your revenge," ?liwi¨½ski stated firmly.

    ***

    Andrzej''s heart trembled. He wanted to scream, "Hey Dominik, what are you thinking, idiot, don''t get into it!" but he couldn''t.

    Dominik had a good and noble heart. He couldn''t look at the suffering of others, and he always felt guilty when he hadn''t prevented someone from suffering, even though he felt he had the opportunity. He always wanted to help others, even at the expense of himself. This was the case with Maciej Werner.

    I think even Marczak knew about it, since instead of fighting this trait of ?liwi¨½ski, he intended to use it.

    "Thank you, but that won''t be needed," replied the young woman. "Tonight I saw the prosecutor in charge of this case. He contacted people from the CBA. With the evidence I collected while working for Mr. Marczak, your testimony will not be needed, Mr. ?liwi¨½ski. Actually... I actually want to do it myself. For Adrian. I wasn''t there when he needed me, so now I want to make it up to him."

    Andrzej felt the tension drop away from him and he was filled with a refreshing feeling of relief. Is it possible that despite all the confusion, Dominik will come out alive? Is it possible that neither the police, nor the CBA, nor even the media will pursue him with a scandal?

    But then what will happen to Miss Shmidt?

    "Aren''t you afraid of Marczak? If he knows, that you are behind everything, he may want to stop you..."

    "It''s too late," the woman replied with a sad smile that nevertheless contained satisfaction and pride. "I have already provided all the evidence and my statements, so even if anything happened to me, the prosecution has everything I need. Anyway... I don''t think that Mr. Marczak went so far as to hurt me. Maybe his morals leave a lot to be desired, but he is certainly not brutal. And besides¡­"

    "Yes?" Dominik asked as she stopped.

    "Besides, he is not in much danger anyway. The prosecutor promised he would try, but we all know that Marczak is too powerful."

    "Then why are you doing this? Is this really revenge? " Andrzej asked feeling sorry for this woman who knew that she had not really won anything.

    "Yes, Mr. Nowicki" she surprised him with this answer. "You see, reputation is very important in this business. Everyone knew the CEO was extravagant but effective. He really was able to promote stars. But if the world finds out that he has had other immoral activities as well, that he has hurt his actors and actresses, people will be less likely to work with him. And this will cause Mr. Marczak to lose a lot of money. It won''t kill him, it will make him weak. Maybe it will be the shy beginning of his end."

    Maybe, who knows, thought Andrzej. He didn''t really believe it. In his eyes, Marczak was strong enough to survive anything.

    And there was still a problem, what will the media do with this scandal and how much will Dominika be involved in it?

    Although, looking at ?liwi¨½ski, Andrzej came to the conclusion that this was the young actor''s least concern at the moment.

    "I''m really sorry about your brother," said Dominik sadly.

    Yes, Nowicki knew how much, because ?liwi¨½ski''s eyes could not lie. Andrzej was also sorry for this young, unknown actor, too sensitive to deal with the disgusting things of this world. However, he was glad that this victim was not Dominik.

    "Thank you and¡­ I''m really glad you were stronger than my brother. And that you had someone by your side to support you at the right moment."

    The eyes of the young woman turned to Andrzej and Nowicki felt that Shmidt was expressing gratitude to him and¡­ regret that her Adrian was alone then.

    ***

    After Miss Shmidt''s visit, Dominik was in no mood to talk. Andrzej understood it perfectly. He did not even ask how the young actor felt, but let him go to bed early.

    For his part, all he could do was lie down next to him and put his arm around him.

    They lay there for quite a long time. Nowicki felt the tension slowly dropping from his man''s muscles. How stress subsides from it. Finally, after a long time, Dominik took Andrzej''s hand and put it to his mouth. Nowicki felt the warmth of his breath on his fingers.

    "You saw Marek today, right?" ?liwi¨½ski asked quietly.

    Andrzej did not ask how Dominik knew about it, how did he guess? He wasn''t even surprised Dominik knew.

    "I figured he might have kept some information from you on purpose."

    "And?"

    Nowicki sighed.

    "I don''t understand this guy. All I know is that when you were together, he really loved you. " Dominik''s body tightened again. "I just don''t know if I should tell you about it."

    "I think so too," admitted Dominik. "But it wasn''t good love. It was something toxic. There is probably even such a term ''toxic love''. "

    "It is" admitted Andrzej. "I don''t think he can love otherwise."

    "Andrzej, let''s go somewhere for a while," Dominik asked. "I know I should take care of all these things, but I need to breathe. Maybe your friend would lend us this cabin? I have the best memories associated with that place."

    "Maybe at the weekend? I have pictures the day after tomorrow."

    "The weekend will be perfect... Andrzej..."

    "Yes?"

    "I love you. And thank you."

    "What for?"

    " For not letting the same thing happen to me as it did to Adrian."

 Chapter 217 - 20 Dominiks Responsibility

    The second episode of Dominik''s Kitchen had even more viewers than the first. The news about how charming Dominik ?liwi¨½ski is as a cook spread like wildfire across the country and everyone wanted to see his true charm. Of course, everyone who was interested in something like this.

    Dominik read comments on the Dominik''s Kitchen social profile. He did not have his own. A man who is afraid of people and hides from them will not set up a page where he would share his photos and thoughts. For him, the lack of such a profile was a form of self-defense.

    Dominik''s Kitchen, however, was great and most of the comments came from enthusiastic fans of the young generation who shared their joy that they are learning to cook.

    Reading their confessions, ?liwi¨½ski felt joy, pride and pain at the same time. This program was a lot of fun for him, and its aim was precisely to show young people that cooking not only doesn''t have to be difficult, but can be fun. The goal seemed to be achieved.

    "You do not look like someone who enjoys new success" Paulina Kowalczyk, Andrzej''s would-be wife, sat down at the table where Dominik was sitting. It was a family restaurant that she took over when her father''s health deteriorated. Paulina was an exceptionally sensible and brave woman who was not afraid to raise her daughter alone and run a business at the same time. In her free time, she advised Dominik and Andrzej on matters of life and matters of the heart.

    "Because I''m not enjoying him," Dominik announced grimly. Paulina was for him like a very wise older sister.

    "You know, Martynka baked your cake with her grandmother right after the program," said Paulina. "They were both delighted. They had a lot of fun baking and then eating. To think that before the girl watched your program, she had no interest in the kitchen at all!"

    Dominik smiled and it was meant to be a warm and sincere smile, but somehow it came out pale and sad.

    "What''s happening?" Paulina asked matter-of-factly. "Trouble with Andrzej? Maybe you want us to go to my small office?"

    An office or canteen, it was a small room equipped with a sofa on which you could lie down if necessary, a chair and a desk where you could work. It was so crowded that it was hard to walk through, but the place had a nice feeling of privacy when needed.

    Dominik looked around the room without interest. Several of the guests looked curiously at him, but no one was invading his privacy. Perhaps some paparazzi were lurking nearby, but ?liwi¨½ski was no longer afraid of them. He got rid of this paranoia sown in him by Marczak.

    "No, it''s okay here," he announced. Even if someone overheard them, the young actor had absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. "Everything is fine between me and Andrzej. I am thinking about professional matters, but talking to you has already helped me make my decision."

    "Really?" Paulina was surprised. "I didn''t really say anything."

    "You said enough. I am glad that Martynka and her grandmother had a good time thanks to me."

    This time Dominik smiled warmer.

    When, after talking to Marek, Dominik was so upset and met Andrzej in the parking lot, he could have already guessed that Nowicki would want to talk to Marczak. However, the actor guessed it only after Andrzej left the house, when his emotions subsided. For a moment he considered calling him and trying to stop him, but decided he had no right to do so.

    Dominik trusted Andrzej with all his heart and knew that nothing intimate would happen between him and Marek. For some reason, he also trusted Marczak. Earlier, Marek scared him properly, but when the greatest emotions passed, ?liwi¨½ski realized that Marczak had many opportunities to use Andrzej and never did. If Marek liked someone, he wouldn''t be able to intentionally hurt him. Back then, in Dominik''s salon, it was an emotional act, a one-time incident.

    Of course, the young actor did not feel well with the thought that his current partner had gone to discuss his affairs with Dominik''s ex-partner, but Andrzej was such that he could not stand still and had to act in defense of his beloved. It was his pride, it was his style. Dominik couldn''t take it from him. After all, Andrzej was not acting in bad faith. This was what made Andrzej Andrzej and that is what Dominik loved him for.

    His white knight in shining armor.

    Andrzej was not perfect, he had quite a few flaws, but also some really wonderful advantages, one of them was that he really loved Dominik and always acted with only ?liwi¨½ski''s good in mind.

    Nowicki asked the actor not to react recklessly regarding Dominik''s Kitchen. Although full of anger, wounded ?liwi¨½ski really wanted to call Franciszek Baczy¨½ski immediately and terminate his contract, now he was glad that he allowed himself to be persuaded to delay in action.

    Today Dominik, thanks to a conversation with Paulina, realized that although he is the star of Dominik''s Kitchen, although the program is entitled with his name, this program does not belong to him. It also does not belong to Baczy¨½ski or Marczak. Dominik''s Kitchen belongs to the audience.

    Perhaps many actors play in movies purely for money and fame, but Dominik did it because he was happy that he could bring people a positive experience. Viewers liked to watch him not because he was famous, but because they felt some pleasure about it.

    Wasn''t it the same with Dominik''s Kitchen?

    No, not the same, because with this program ?liwi¨½ski''s responsibility towards viewers was greater. He was not an imaginary character here, but himself, Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, and as Dominik ?liwi¨½ski, when he started recording Dominik''s Kitchens, he made the viewers a promise - a promise that he would meet them once a week in the kitchen, where he would teach them simple recipes that they would be able to try it at home.

    It was a promise of spending time together, joking together, having fun and learning. People, encouraged by this promise, showed him their trust and gratitude in the form of double-digit viewership. If he now breaks this promise for purely private reasons, he will disappoint tens, perhaps hundreds of thousands of viewers, some of whom are perhaps as young as Martynka.

    Is this how a responsible young man should behave? If Dominik broke the contract because of Marek, he would have let his private animosities outweigh his duty. He would have behaved not only unprofessionally, but even like a spoiled brat.

    And Dominik did not want to be such a man.

    Lots of people really enjoyed watching his show. Dominik read the comments where the girls said that it was the first time they dared to bake something, or that they were baking with their best friend. Today, the young actor found out that even grandmother and granddaughter had a great time together thanks to his program. If he had resigned from Dominik''s Kitchen, if he had terminated this contract, he would have taken something valuable from them.

    Marek Marczak was not the best man. Too often he trampled on the feelings of others. Maybe he wasn''t doing it on purpose, maybe he was just a man with very low, maybe even zero emotional intelligence, but he knew show business and knew what would sell, what people would like. Dominik''s Kitchen was just something that people could love and loved. Marek''s name did not appear on any document related to Dominik''s Kitchen, so perhaps this program will survive the confusion into which Marczak fell.

    Maybe it will survive, maybe not. But if it does fall, it will not be ?liwi¨½ski''s fault.

    Nevertheless, Marek must be punished for his crimes and for all trampled hearts.

    He must be punished for his past wrongdoing and held back so that the situation like with Adrian will never happen again.

    Dominik, smiling, because his heart became clear and strong with conviction, said goodbye to Paulina and left her restaurant. It was a beautiful sunny day, and maybe a little too hot.

    The golden rays of the sun gave him extra courage.

    ?liwi¨½ski took a business card from his pocket.

    Miss Shmidt may have had her own private reasons to bring Marek to justice, but Dominik had his own.

 Chapter 218 - 21 A Very Special Place For Dominik

    "Andrzej, see how beautiful it is here! Andrzej, look, the water looks like it''s liquid gold!"

    Dominik ?liwi¨½ski ran from one place to another, like an excited little child visiting an amusement park for the first time. Only that Dominik was not a child and they were not in an amusement park, but on the Bug River, where Bambus had his summer house. It was also not their first visit to this place, and their third, if Andrzej was counting well.

    The young actor really loved this place. This was evident in his enthusiastic demeanor, but most of all in his bright aquamarine eyes that shone like two hot suns.

    Andrzej laughed seeing Dominik running among the trees, disappearing among the bushes and stumbling over clumps of moss. Only two days ago, he was in such a bad mood!

    Two days, however, is a long time. If a person spends it only dwelling on the past and waiting idly for the situation to develop, these two days will last forever, but if one finds the courage and takes action, that time passes quickly like a snap of a finger.

    Andrzej found out only after the fact that Dominik had contacted the CBA. The young actor voluntarily made testimony and stated that he was at disposal of this government agency. ?liwi¨½ski spent many hours there and came back tired both physically and mentally, but his heart was calmer than in the morning.

    However, the young actor was far from in a good mood. Dominik entered adulthood alongside Marczak, discovering his eroticism with him, and for seven years he was associated with him as strongly as even the most loving couples are not connected. Testifying against Marczak was morally good, but it did not mean that ?liwi¨½ski would feel good about it. If you''ve spent almost a third of your life with someone as close as Dominik was with Marek, a certain sentiment stays in your heart forever.

    In addition, ?liwi¨½ski had one more bad news.

    "As for the Adrian case," he said, "the potential pimping charges are now time-barred. That party was over five years ago. I thought that maybe Marek would be punished for leading to suicide, but the case is also time-barred and the police will not start an investigation. Anyway, even if it were so, this case would not qualify under Article 151. I think that is why miss Shmidt was in no hurry to refer the case to the prosecutor''s office."

    "So what?" Andrzej asked upset. "Marczak will not be punished?"

    "He may be accused of paying a bribe. This case has not expired. It will not be easy to prove it, and anyway... he is not the target, but corrupt politicians are."

    "So what, so he''s actually going to be totally unpunished?" Nowicki could not hide his disappointment and frustration. "He has to pay for what he did!"

    "He will pay" Dominik promised. "Miss Shmidt has a good plan. This plan will hit Marek in his reputation and down his pocket, and it will hurt him the most. Besides, there are definitely cases newer than five years, so all we have to do is persuade his victims to come out. Although it won''t be easy to do."

    Nowicki had no doubts that this task would be very difficult. After all, which sexual crime victim wants to tell the world about this? It is difficult to do this to an ordinary, unknown person, but if the case is so public and certainly involves many famous people, victims will certainly fear disclosure. After all, Andrzej remembered how terrified Dominik was after the attack by Marczak.

    Frightened by the public humiliation and shame.

    However, ?liwi¨½ski probably had a different idea of ??the situation, as he was sure that Marczak would be punished. Who knows, maybe Dominik has already talked about this with some of his colleagues?

    Anyway, ?liwi¨½ski regained his composure and looked at the whole situation with courage. He was a completely different person from the one Andrzej met a year ago, but he was equally wonderful and delightful. Nowicki loved the new Dominik.

    Although no, the old and new Dominik were not completely different people. The only difference between them was that the present Dominik did not rely entirely on Marczak, but above all on himself. This one difference made the overall impression quite different too.

    Andrzej was immensely proud of him!

    But this place really worked for ?liwi¨½ski like some healing balm. Already on the way, the young actor showed joy that they would spend the weekend in a cabin by the Bug River, but when he got out of the car he practically turned into a child full of joyful enthusiasm.

    Nowicki was glad that he had this conversation with Bambus yesterday. He hesitated for a long time, but finally called his friend with a less-than-little request.

    "You really like this place," noted Andrzej as he walked towards the bank of the river where Dominik was standing.

    It was actually a cliff, but the view from it was truly stunning. Across the river stretched green meadows and farmlands gilded with grains. There were villages and forests beyond. The river meandered in a beautiful undulating ribbon, and in fact the rays of the sun falling on the water gave the impression that they had liquid gold in front of their eyes.

    "Very" admitted Dominik and, moving towards Andrzej, he embraced his arm and put his head on his shoulder. "It is quiet and peaceful, but full of life. I feel much more at ease here than in a city full of people. Maybe it''s because I grew up almost in the countryside?"

    "''Almost'' makes a big difference," noted Andrzej. "From what I can remember, you lived in the suburbs."

    "Yes, of a small town. Two kilometers away and you would already see farmland."

    "If you like this place so much," Nowicki announced, "it''s yours from today."

    "I beg your pardon?" Dominik was surprised, breaking away from Andrzej''s shoulder. His hazel-colored hair rippled in the gentle breeze. "What did you just say?"

    "I wanted to tell you this tonight, over a romantic dinner, but I don''t think I''m very good at keeping secrets. This is my gift for you," explained Nowicki. "This land, This house. I asked Bambus to resell the place to me. He doesn''t use it practically anyway..."

    Dominik looked at him in surprise, as if he still didn''t understand the meaning of Nowicki''s words.

    "Bambus bought this place a long time ago," the photographer continued, feeling strange under Dominik''s gaze. "He used it a while ago, but now he''s busy, his taste has changed anyway..."

    Andrzej was unable to finish this sentence because his mouth was gagged with Dominik''s mouth. The young actor climbed on his toes and kissed Nowicki so hard that the photographer almost ran out of breath.

    "Are you so happy?" Nowicki was surprised when ?liwi¨½ski released his mouth.

    "Yes," admitted the actor. "This place is special to me, but I am glad not because you gave it to me, but because you gave it to me, knowing how much I like it. You have given me not a thing, not a place, but another proof of how much you know me and care for me. Thank you!"

    Andrzej blushed embarrassed. ''Another proof'', right? So there were also earlier ones? Nowicki never thought about proving his love to Dominik. What was in between them unfolded so naturally, though surprisingly intensely and quickly, that it didn''t seem to need any proof.

    "I just know how you like to spend your time here, and besides, you are so close to your family home that we can use it as a base when you visit your parents."

    Suddenly Dominik''s eyes grew strangely sly.

    "Well, just like last time," he smiled, reminding them of their Christmas visit. ?liwi¨½ski spent Easter on a film set abroad, so they could not come to visit. "Lunch at the parents'' house, and the night..."

    Dominik suspended his voice on purpose, leaving the rest to Nowicki''s imagination. Ever since the photographer met this exceptional man, his imagination strangely often turned to very indecent directions.

    Andrzej swallowed hard.

    "But dinner at your parents'' place isn''t until tomorrow," he observed.

    "Exactly. And what will we do with that¡­?"

    The question hung in the air forcing Andrzej to think, but it could not remain unanswered indefinitely¡­

 Chapter 219 - 22 Pure Temptation

    A plan had already appeared in Andrzej''s head what to do with this situation and he was sure that Dominik would like it. After all, he was the one who taught him to think like that.

    Nowicki gently took the actor''s chin. Looking deep into his wonderfully beautiful aquamarine eyes, he announced:

    "How''s what? We will change order."

    The smile on ?liwi¨½ski''s face grew wider, but he did not lose any of his cunning. It was as if he was just waiting for these words to fall out of Andrzej''s mouth.

    "I like the idea," said Dominik. "Keys" he extended his hand to Andrzej.

    The photographer did not immediately guess what was going on. His thoughts wandered over ?liwi¨½ski''s body, wondering and planning at what point he would start playing with which part of the dazzlingly beautiful actor''s body. He was just reaching his navel...

    "Keys?" Andrzej asked trying to come back to reality.

    "To my new cabin," announced Dominik.

    Nowicki shook his head but reached in his pocket for the keys. In such a situation, the young actor thinks about the keys to the house? Is ?liwi¨½ski really able to think about anything other than the fact that in a moment their bodies will start to connect in a wonderful closeness dripping with eroticism?

    But Dominik seemed to have plans of his own. He grabbed the keys Andrzej was holding and ran towards the cabin.

    The photographer frowned. A moment ago this pesky rascal, Dominik, provoked him, seduced him, led him to a state where Nowicki''s body could barely withstand the tension, and now he was disappearing without a word? Now, from sex, he was more interested in the house he had just received from Andrzej?

    Nowicki began to feel justified frustration and anger. He himself did not know if he was more furious with ?liwi¨½ski, who had seduced him again with his charming gaze and hot touch, or with himself that he was so easily seduced.

    In both cases the truth was painfully simple and obvious - Andrzej ate from Dominik''s hand and the young actor could literally do anything he wanted with him.

    Andrzej simply could not stand up to ?liwi¨½ski.

    By the way, Nowicki had no idea how and when the young actor grew up to be such a tyrant? To so abruptly abandon the burning lover and just disappear into your new home. Was Dominik suddenly a victim of materialism?

    On his way to the cabin, Andrzej shook his head again. He was frustrated, he was angry, but he couldn''t be angry with Dominik. The young actor has been through so much in the last year, and even in the last few days, that Nowicki was grateful for his every smile. In fact, the postponement of their passionate meeting was only a postponement, because there was no way that the men could not spend blissful moments with each other while in this cabin.

    Yes, this hut has seen many things and will surely see even more. Andrzej will do his best.

    For now, however, Nowicki had to show patience and was to blame for himself. He could wait until the evening before handing the gift, when they actually had dinner and maybe even satiated with each other. However, when he saw how much Dominik was happy to be in this beautiful place, Andrzej could not stand it and told him about the gift.

    Was he regretting it? E, no. For a moment he regretted, finally he was carried away by his imagination, but now he was only smiling. Since Dominik is happy, can there be any regrets?

    Nowicki was not in a hurry. He did not think there was such a need. Let Dominik, like a small child, enjoy his gift.

    In fact, Dominik, so overjoyed, will be a great subject for the lens. It would be a pity not to capture this type of sight, and it would be interesting to take some surprise shots of the actor. Then they would have something to remember - together or completely individually. Photos are a really great way to capture the best memories.

    Andrzej headed for the car, where he had his camera in his trunk - a gift from Dominik. The car was still the same, old, from the previous century, but despite the plans they were making during Christmas, they didn''t have time to look for a new car yet. Anyway, so far they really only needed it occasionally. Now that this house belonged to Dominik, they will probably come here more often. And if so, they will surely need a car a bit more convenient for trips outside the city.

    Nowicki closed the trunk with a crash and looked at the sky. It was still sunny and warm, but rains had been forecast for the afternoon in the weather forecast. The forest must look exceptionally beautiful when water drops, reflecting the sun''s rays, drip from the leaves onto the wet moss.

    The landscape will be even more beautiful when Dominika is placed in it - a combination of innocence, grace and absolute sex appeal.

    The photographer in Andrzej''s heart smiled at the mere idea of ??this work of art.

    But that''s when it rains. Now Nowicki has to play a trick on ?liwi¨½ski and photograph him by surprise. So, putting the camera to his eye, Andrzej entered the hut and...

    ¡­He was completely shocked.

    ***

    Ba boom, Nowicki''s heart beat with such intensity as if it were war drums.

    Ba boom! Ba boom!

    If that heart were sick, it probably wouldn''t be able to withstand the speed and force with which it began to beat.

    Nudity is naturally beautiful. Man is born innocent and naked. Nudity is paradisiac, because under the hot touch of the sun, where the air humidity is so high that the body is constantly sweating, nudity is simply practical. So nudity is natural, primal and innocent.

    Not in this case.

    If Andrzej was in the manga, then a fountain of blood would shoot from his nose and he would be unconscious on the ground.

    Because the nudity was also dazzling, tempting and erotic!

    Nowicki saw many naked bodies. He also saw the one that belonged to a short, slender, but beautifully sculpted man. He had seen this nakedness over and over again, but probably never struck him with its tempting sinfulness as it does now.

    An artificial bearskin was spread out on the ground by the fireplace. Dominik was sitting on that leather with one leg tucked up and the other leg pulled up. He wasn''t even wearing a scrap of clothing. Whether he did it on purpose or not, the arrangement of his legs showed some of the alluring gems of his manhood.

    But it was Dominik''s eyes that were the most sexy, tempting like the fruit of the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It is almost impossible to resist the temptation.

    Andrzej had absolutely sensual perfection in front of him. Infinite Perfection.

    "Why are you standing still?" Dominik asked pretending disappointment. Andrzej knew, however, that the young actor was pleased with the impression he made on him. "You have a camera in your hand. Make use of it!"

    Use, ah! The photographer swallowed hard and, with trembling hands, raised the camera to his eye. The distance of the lens did not make Andrzej suddenly take a purely professional approach. Not only the miraculous view, but also the pressure on its fly prevented Nowicki from concentrating properly.

    Andrzej was experienced in photographing nudes. He took artistic (and a little less artistic) photos of dozens of young and beautiful women. One of them was even the super sexy and famous actress, Patrycja Maj. However, Dominik was his first man photographed in nudity.

    The man who saw this serious, focused photographer almost lost his mind.

    Dominik was just too glamorous and too tempting.

    And the young actor knew it, smiling triumphantly and changing positions. Freely weaving between innocence and the temptation of a succubus.

    "Come closer," Dominik finally suggested and Andrzej''s legs moved by themselves. The hand behind the camera began to drop. "But don''t stop!"

    So again, like it used to be, complete debauchery, probably appropriate only to this place in the forest, away from people, in the wilderness, where no one will hear their screams and groans.

    Oh, Dominik, this place triggers all evil in you.

    But it is the most delightful evil in the world.

    Andrzej did not stop taking pictures even when he felt ?liwi¨½ski''s hands on his fly. Hands that knew perfectly well where and with what force to reach...

 Chapter 220 - 23 Heartbeat

    "Dominik..." said Andrzej quietly, lowering his camera. All that is tempting nudity, the sensual act that is the subject of the photos, is another thing, but this is another. Nowicki could not take pictures when ?liwi¨½ski...

    The young actor looked up and smiled warmly.

    Sex was a pleasure, sometimes a fun or a game, but never something to cause any discomfort to either party.

    Andrzej fell to his knees. His heart pounded alarmingly. His head bowed slightly and the photographer found the man''s sweet mouth. His passion grew so intense that he suddenly found himself lying on top of Dominik, whose bare back was on the brown skin of a bear.

    ''My, God, I love him so much, I want him so much,'' thought Andrzej, still kissing. ?liwi¨½ski''s hand wandered freely around the regions of Nowicki''s crotch, caressing and teasing him. ''I love him so much I''m going crazy!''

    The very thought was insane. You can''t love anyone that much. It is impossible. And yet Andrzej felt his body, his heart and his mind melt, sinking into Dominik.

    ?liwi¨½ski opened a love in him so great that Nowicki was unable to comprehend it. He couldn''t even believe that something like this could happen to anyone, much less to him. To him, who thought that no one could ever love him, that he was simply not made for love.

    He had waited twenty-eight years for this love. He received it suddenly, when he had lost all hope of it.

    He received it in the most perfect possible form - in the person of Dominik ?liwi¨½ski.

    The young actor had already liberated Andrzej''s manhood and sucked in a contented breath. He even purred like a satisfied little tomcat. This excited Nowicki, who was already struggling to control himself.

    How did it happen that Andrzej lost his body so much, and above all his heart, in this one, only man? Just in a man?

    It was not a time to remember. This was not a time to reflect. Andrzej Nowicki knew one thing - Dominik made his lonely heart no longer feel lonely.

    ***

    Dominik turned so that his head and left hand were on Andrzej''s chest. He didn''t do it on purpose, but his ear was at the level of a lover''s heart, and the young actor heard every beat of that heart.

    The heartbeat was strong, calm and steady. The rhythm of their beats calmed down and gave a sense of security. This can let him fall asleep calmly. Dominik knew that he was completely safe with Andrzej.

    ?liwi¨½ski was a man. In principle, he should give a sense of security to others, but who said that a man must always be strong? Who said a man can''t be hurt? Anyone who said that should go through the same experiences as Dominik. I wonder what he would have said then?

    "You can not sleep?" Andrzej asked.

    "Not so much I can''t, and I don''t want to. I like being with you that way."

    "Naked on a bear fur?" Nowicki joked.

    "Exactly," Dominik admitted smiling.

    Yes, they were completely naked, but despite the heat outside, they had a light blanket thrown over them. They weren''t cold, although the cabin did provide a bit of a pleasant chill. They covered their naked bodies because, despite how open and daring they were towards each other, they also had a bit of shame, and when the passion was gone and there was fulfillment, the need came to cover their bodies. However, they were too lazy to get dressed.

    Dominik felt so good in the arms of Nowicki that he forgot how he felt in the arms of another man. Probably worse, since the photographer had superseded those memories.

    ?liwi¨½ski took a deep breath. Does the man he''s lying with now feel the same?

    "Andrzej, are you satisfied with your life?" he asked softly. "I mean the whole."

    "Overall, professional and private life?" Nowicki made sure.

    "Yes. Do all these aspects give you satisfaction?"

    Dominik did not know why his own heart trembled at that moment? Was he afraid to hear the answer? Then why was he asking?

    "Let me think..." said Andrzej thoughtfully. "I haven''t thought about it. At least not recently. Hmm, Mrs. Janka is a really good and understanding boss. Someone else in her position would have fired me long ago, but not her. Plus she pays me well. I work by taking photos, so I am actually professionally fulfilling myself. I could, admittedly, win a photographer award, but otherwise it''s ok. I like the company I work for and the people I work with. If a model starts to be wayward or mean to a friend, she is quickly pacified, so the atmosphere in the company is really good. Yes, I am professionally satisfied. And privately..."

    Andrzej dangerously suspended his voice. Dominik shuddered uneasily. He did not do it on purpose. It was a reflex. For some reason, he was getting more and more nervous.

    He shouldn''t be nervous, ?liwi¨½ski told himself. He knew Andrzej loved him. He even knew how much he loved him. But was this love making him happy? Maybe Nowicki was like Werner? Maybe like Marek?

    No, what a thought! How can Dominik even think of such a thing! How can he compare Andrzej to someone like the other two? After all, this is an insult to Nowicki and his love.

    "And in private?" ?liwi¨½ski urged. He wanted so badly to hear the answer. He was afraid of her, but he wanted to hear her.

    " Should I be honest with you?" Nowicki asked seriously.

    Dominik''s heart beat faster with anxiety. He will be brave. After all, he trusts Andrzej.

    "Yes."

    "You know I''m straight and I never thought of any man," the photographer began to say, "so at first I felt insecure and weird. Being with you was so new that I had to come to an understanding with myself. Besides, you are incredibly special, so I had a lot of doubts and was anxious. But then, I don''t even remember when it happened, you cut into my heart so much that I was more anxious without you than with you. Now, and it has been for many months, I believe that you are the best thing that could happen to me in my life. I can repeat hundreds of times that I love you and that I am happy because of you, but I find these simple words too simple in relation to what I feel about you. Unfortunately, I''m also simple and I can''t find better ones, so..."

    Andrzej suspended his voice again and ?liwi¨½ski''s heart fluttered with its little wings.

    "... so I have to use these simple words" finished Nowicki with a warm, soft, gentle voice. "I love you, Dominik. Being with you makes me happy."

    Maybe they weren''t really complicated, poetic words, but who needed them? Beauty lies in simplicity and honesty, and Dominik, hearing every beat of Andrzej''s heart, knew that his man was one hundred percent honest.

    This made ?liwi¨½ski happy to the point of tears.

    "Thank you," he said. "Thank you. Andrzej, I..."

    "I know, silly," Nowicki smiled. "I know you love me too."

    After all, he too felt Dominik''s heartbeat on his body.

    ***

    Rysio Skawi¨½ski returned to his darkened room with a mug of coffee from a vending machine in his hand.

    Tired and bored, he sighed.

    He did not like this element of his job, but he knew that it was sometimes necessary - observing activity on the properties belonging to the suspect. It was nothing more than watching CCTV recordings.

    For five days, Rysio had been keeping an eye on the infamous gangster from the left bank of the Vistula, Bambus. The gangster did not have much real estate and focused solely on his apartment and clubhouse. He had a small house on the Bug river, but he did not go there at all.

    It didn''t mean that anyone from his criminal group couldn''t be there. This place could be used to store illegal goods or as a hideout for illegal immigrants.

    That is why the cottage on the Bug River was also under surveillance.

    Of course, this was not a constant and careful observation. Yes, the camera recorded everything, but you didn''t look at all monitors all the time. Only when something started to happen...

    Rysio nearly dropped his coffee mug.

    Something was just beginning to happen in the cabin on the Bug River. And it was something ...

    Rysio turned pale and then reddened so much that steam almost started to come out of his ears. What Rysio saw...

    Surprised, even shocked, the young policeman looked for a moment at the scene, where a well-known actor posed nude for photos of a photographer whose face had also recently become popular due to posters and TV commercials. What these men were doing was...

    It was so fucking erotic that a polite, girlfriend-wielding lawman like Rysio almost exploded with embarrassment. And out of shame because his body began to react in an unforeseen manner.

    None of these men were Bambus, and their behavior was so private that it shouldn''t have been filmed on that secretly mounted spy camera. What was happening clearly had nothing to do with Bambus, so...

    Rysio reached out to turn off the recording. However, something very strange began to happen to his mind and body.

    Rysio''s hand was still hanging in the air, and he, enchanted, watched as Dominik ?liwi¨½ski...

    Sometimes we discover something completely by accident. We discover something good in ourselves, something bad or something¡­ disturbing.

    THE END