This series was intended to be a trilogy, but there is at least one more book planned. This is a full-sized, 204-page zine. Colour cover by Cat's Meow.
If you love angst, h/c and the commitment and love between two men, you should enjoy this zine.
Summary: Ben takes Ray to Canada to protect him from O'Malley, a Chicago mobster. They begin to strengthen their relationship and build a new life in Yellowknife only to have it disrupted by a figure from Ben's past.
A Small Excerpt:
Uncomfortable with that steely gaze, Ray stared down at his lap. The words formed on his lips, his fear knotting his stomach as he spoke softly. "I just think your life would be easier sometimes if you were with somebody like him instead of me, that's all."
Taking one long, exasperated breath, Ben made his case. "Good God, Ray, do you really think I care about easy? Do you really think that I'd prefer to be with someone like Alan, a married man whom I only see as a friend? What kind of life would that be? Do you really think that's what I want instead of being with the man I love with all my heart? Is that the way you see me, someone who would opt for the easy life rather than one that's worth fighting for?"
"Well, when you put it that way, maybe not." Ray cocked his head and met Ben's gaze again, more relieved than he cared to admit. "With all your heart, huh?"
"With every fiber of my being. What do I have to do to make you truly believe that?"
Not for the first time, Ray saw a flicker of desperation in his lover's eyes. He hated putting it there, hated that he caused Ben to feel so on edge, so defensive. He reached over and took Ben's hand in his own, needing to explain the best he could. "I believe it, I do. It's just sometimes my mind goes a little off the deep end, does a little 'fuck me, I'm crazy' before I can stop it, you know? It's not you, Ben. It's me."
"But what you think and do affects me, Ray. When you have doubts about me, about my love and intentions, about us, it's hurtful."
Ray rubbed his forehead with his right hand but didn't release Ben with his left. "I don't mean to do that. I never want to hurt you. I'd rather poke my own eye out than do that."
"Then stop fretting about Alan and thinking I'd be better off with somebody else. Nothing is further from the truth."
"Yeah?"
"Yes, Ray."
Nodding in acceptance, suddenly more relaxed and satisfied with Ben's words, Ray patted his lover's face. "I guess we should get back on the road then."
Ben captured the hand at his cheek and kissed the palm, making Ray's heart go all kind of fluttery.