His greatest treasure, however, wants to stay lost ... or rather, deeply in the closet. Tired of hiding the true nature of the relationship he shares with fellow archaeologist David Kane, Ian employs his pirate cunning in a gamble that just may cost him everything -- including his life.
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Note: may contain sexually explicit scenes of a homoerotic nature.
“I’m Ian Lewis,” he had said innocently enough, extending a dirt-smeared hand.
“David Kane,” David replied, barely managing to keep his voice steady.
Those twin dimples appeared again as the man smiled, showing even, white teeth. “I’ve heard so much about you, Doctor Kane; I’m honored to finally meet you.”
David had heard about Ian, too, via rumors floating around the site, about how the handsome young archeologist had never talked about or been seen with a woman. Well, that certainly didn’t prove anything. David made it a point to be seen with lots of women, though they were merely acquaintances, and never any men who could be mistaken for anything but colleagues. But he had a discreet network of friends who wanted nothing more than an occasional tumble between the sheets. They weren’t openly gay or looking for long-term, either. It was an arrangement that worked well for all.
That night when he’d left the site he sought out one of those friends who, incidentally, had auburn hair and spoke English with an American accent.
The next day, working side by side with the very distracting Doctor Lewis, he reminded himself that getting involved could ruin his untarnished career. Plus, he didn’t know if the rumors of the man’s sexuality were true, so he kept his distance, feeling it safer that way.
On the third day Ian had cornered him. “Look, Doctor Kane, if you’ve got something to say to me then come out and say it to my face!” No dimples were showing now, only righteous anger and blazing green eyes.
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean,” he answered defensively.
Ian snorted. “You won’t come within three feet of me, and whenever I hand you something, you won’t even touch me. Is it because I’m gay?”
“You ... you’re gay?” David stammered, secretly reveling in that knowledge, though he knew he could never act on it.
Those grass green eyes narrowed suspiciously. “You mean you didn’t know?” Ian asked, clearly surprised. “I thought everyone did. I certainly never tried to hide it. So, that isn’t why you’ve been avoiding me?”
“No!” David lied, unwilling to out himself. “I’m sorry if you feel I have been. It’s unintentional, I can assure you.”
“And you’re not a homophobe?”
“Good heavens, no! Some of my best friends are gay,” David hastened to assure Ian, even if, under pain of death, he’d never reveal his relationship with those friends.
Those intriguing dimples suddenly reappeared as the redhead smiled brightly and asked, “Want to have dinner with me, then?”
