Free Angel's Redemption by Andi Anderson Page A

became fierce and a look of determination crossed his flushed face. Thinking that he had finally made Jack see him for the slutty, train wreck he once was, pain and sadness shot through Elijah's body with such force it took his breath away. It hurt so much, he had to get away from the source, and right now the source was Jack.
    Elijah knew better than to be truthful. Who in their right mind would want someone with such a shady, promiscuous past, anyway? He should have kept his big mouth shut and never gotten involved with Jack in the first place.
    Elijah had to get away before he made a complete fool of himself and begged Jack to overlook his past and still be his friend. Although Elijah wanted Jack's acceptance, he wasn't going to demean himself even further by keeping the man in his company. To Elijah, it was obvious that being around him was the last thing Jack wanted to do.
    He had to get away. Now.
    He pulled away from Jack and stood up. "I can see that you're upset and disgusted with me. I'll show myself out." He was proud that his voice didn't crack from the shooting pain in his heart and soul.
    "What? Why? Where are you going?" He jumped up and took a step toward him.
    "I don't know… home. I'll see you around."
    Jack's flushed face lost all of its color, and he shook his head. "Look, Eli, you've got it wrong—"
    "No. I think for once I've got it right."
    Jack cupped his cheeks, lifting Elijah's head so he would have to look into his face. Elijah closed his eyes, not wanting to see the revulsion he would clearly see written all over Jack's handsome features.
    "Open your eyes and look at me," Jack coaxed in a gentle voice.
    Jack's soothing tone surprised him and caused him to reluctantly open his eyes. Elijah was stunned when he read the determination and acceptance blazing in those bright green eyes.
    "Look at me, Elijah… what are my eyes telling you? What do you see when you look at me? Do I look disappointed or disgusted by you in any way?" Jack's words were softly spoken.
    Elijah's gaze travelled over Jack's face, and his heart leaped at the raw emotion he saw written on Jack's features. There wasn't any pity in those eyes nor was there disappointment or disgust. All he could see was a blaze of love and acquiescence flashing in those beautiful eyes.
    Could it be that Jack really felt that way? The devastation Elijah knew moments before gave away to intense hope, making him almost feel weak with relief. Elijah placed his hands on Jack's hips to keep himself steady as he stood on shaking legs.
    "Please believe me when I say I do not care about your past. Yes, I'm furious at what happened to you, and I readily admit I want to find that lowlife bastard Ken and kick his ass into next year, but hear me out when I say, I do not judge you." Jack's voice sounded guttural from raw emotion. "I told you earlier that I care about you, and I meant it. Nothing you did in the past is going to change that. Ever."
    Tears slid from Elijah's eyes, and he threw himself into Jack's arms. He found himself telling this amazing man the rest of his story through broken sobs and half-sentences. He was quietly held until he talked about his suicide attempt and how he fought so hard to finally escape Ken's evil influence so he could change and survive.
    Hearing this, Jack just pulled him closer into the security and love of his embrace. His friend cried with him, telling Elijah he was so proud that he had the strength to pull himself up and escape the life he once lived.
    At some point, they ended up lying within each other's arms on the couch. Jack held onto him as if he was the most precious thing in the world, and after Elijah had told him everything, his soul felt cleansed. For the first time in his life, Elijah actually knew that he was accepted and cherished for the person he was.
    It was then Elijah realized his dark, bleak life had color in it once again.

Chapter Eight
     
    The smell of bacon frying woke Jackson from his deep