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### **Part 6: Torn Between Worlds**
The days after Liam's encounter with Dominic were a blur. He couldn't stop thinking about the way Dominic made him feel—confident, alive, powerful, yet dangerously close to losing himself in the dominance of it all. It was unlike anything Liam had ever experienced before. The raw chemistry between them had been instant, intense, like they were drawn together by some invisible force.
But there was also something unsettling about it. The way Dominic had taken charge, the way his presence seemed to command everything in the room—it made Liam feel like he had no control, like he was surrendering in a way he wasn't sure he was ready for. It was thrilling and terrifying, all at once.
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**A Conversation with Lucas**
But it wasn't just Dominic's touch that lingered in Liam's mind. It was also Lucas, who had been patient, kind, and steady. Lucas had given him space, never pushing, always letting Liam dictate the pace of their relationship. And now, with everything that had happened, Liam wasn't sure what to do.
He met Lucas for dinner a few nights later, in the quiet elegance of his apartment. The two of them sat at the dining table, the soft glow of candles casting a warm light across the room. They ate in comfortable silence, but the air between them felt heavier than usual. Liam couldn't shake the feeling that something was changing between them.
"Liam," Lucas began, his voice calm but with an edge of concern. "I've been meaning to ask you... How are you doing? With everything, I mean."
Liam paused, his fork halfway to his mouth. He hadn't expected that question. He hadn't expected to have to confront everything that had been building up inside him.
"I'm... not sure," Liam admitted, setting his fork down. His fingers traced the rim of his wine glass as he looked at Lucas. "Things have been moving so fast. I'm... I'm not used to this. To feeling like I actually have options, like I'm... worthy of *more*."
Lucas leaned back in his chair, his eyes softening. "You are worthy of more, Liam. But I need to ask—what's been going on with you lately? You've been distant."
Liam's chest tightened. He wasn't ready to admit to Lucas that he had kissed another man. That he had felt *something* with Dominic that was different, that was dangerous and thrilling in a way he couldn't quite understand.
"It's just... everything's kind of confusing right now," Liam said, his voice low. "I met someone else. He's... intense, in ways I don't know how to explain. And I—I'm just not sure what I want anymore."
Lucas's gaze sharpened, and for a moment, Liam feared he had gone too far, said too much. But instead of anger, Lucas's expression softened. His voice was quiet but firm as he spoke. "You don't have to explain everything to me, Liam. But if you're unsure about where we stand, or about how you feel about me, you need to be honest. I don't want to push you into something you're not ready for, but I also can't just stand by if you're pulling away from me."
Liam felt a pang of guilt. He hadn't meant to hurt Lucas, hadn't meant to lead him on or make him feel like he was second choice. But he had always been afraid of being *too much* for someone. Of not being enough.
"I'm sorry," Liam whispered. "I don't want to hurt you. I just... I don't know what I'm doing."
Lucas reached across the table, his hand gentle on Liam's. "You don't have to have all the answers, Liam. You just need to know that whatever happens, I care about you. I just need you to be real with me. If you're not ready for this, if you need time—take it. But don't pull away because you think you don't deserve it. You *do*."
Liam felt a lump in his throat. It was the first time he realized that he had been pushing Lucas away—not because he didn't care, but because he was scared. Scared that he wasn't enough, scared that he might lose something precious in the process.
"I don't want to lose this," Liam said, his voice breaking slightly. "I don't want to lose *you*."
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**The Pull of Dominic**
But no matter how many times he reassured Lucas, the pull of Dominic was still there. After their night together, Liam couldn't forget the way Dominic had looked at him—the dominance in his eyes, the way he made Liam feel like he was the only person in the world. It was intoxicating, like nothing Liam had ever experienced.
He found himself thinking about Dominic often. The memory of their kiss, the way Dominic's lips had been firm and commanding, leaving Liam breathless and wanting more. It wasn't just the physical attraction; it was the power that Dominic wielded over him. It was the way he could make Liam forget everything—his doubts, his insecurities—and just *feel*.
Liam hadn't meant for it to happen, but he had reached out to Dominic again. The message had been simple, almost too casual: *"Are you free tonight?"*
And Dominic, of course, had replied with something that sent a surge of heat through Liam's chest: *"Always for you."*
That was how Liam found himself standing in front of Dominic's door again, the anticipation building in his chest. He wasn't sure what he was expecting—what *he* wanted—but as soon as Dominic opened the door, Liam knew that he was already too far gone to turn back.
Dominic stood there, dressed in black, his eyes glinting in the dim light of the hallway. He took one look at Liam, then reached out and pulled him inside without a word. The door closed behind them with a soft click, the noise loud in the silence.
"You're here again," Dominic said, his voice rich and commanding. He stepped closer to Liam, and for a moment, they just stood there, the tension between them palpable. "I told you once before, Liam. I don't let people walk away easily."
Liam swallowed, his body responding to Dominic's presence in ways he didn't fully understand. The pull was magnetic. "I don't want to walk away," he said, his voice a little more breathless than he intended.
Dominic's lips quirked upward, and before Liam knew it, his lips were on his, soft at first, but then deepening quickly as the kiss turned urgent. It was hungry, as if Dominic couldn't get enough of him. Liam responded without hesitation, letting himself fall into the kiss, the feel of Dominic's hands on his body, the sharpness of his touch making him feel alive.
Dominic pulled away just enough to look Liam in the eyes, his breath hot on Liam's lips. "You've been running, Liam. But you don't have to anymore. Not with me."
Liam could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the walls he had built slowly crumbling. He wasn't sure if it was the promise of dominance, the promise of control, or just the sheer intensity of Dominic's presence, but he was ready. Ready to stop hiding. Ready to stop being afraid.
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**End of Part 6.**
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### **What's Next?**
To be continued