"You can ask me anything but I can't promise the answers will be pleasant." Caleb was a little scared, actually, to open up on such a level. Essek knew many details that painted him in a bad light but this would be the most he had talked about it with... anyone.

He brushed his thumb nervously across Essek's hand. It was tempting to ask him questions and push things away from himself but Caleb was not going to hide from the man he loved. He wasn't going to hide anymore from anyone. He couldn't truly be with someone if he was pretending all the time.

Things were safe here. That was what Caleb had to remind himself of and Essek already loved him with what he knew. Would more details of his past change that? Probably not. Hopefully not.