*

My luck was changing for the best, I was ecstatic and nervous at the same time.  Soon I would see Antonio, and by arranging and securing our meeting in the mythical Venus Grotto, our fates would be sealed. 

It is said that this Grotto dates all the way back to 293 B.C..  This is a sacred sanctum where only lovers and couples are welcomed; a place that is considered consecrated and of divine ground. For anyone else that does not seek love it is forbidden to enter. 

There was an inscription carved deeply into the rock at the entrance to the grotto, and it read...

I couldn't believe my eyes.  How in the heavens was he able to find the grotto?

"Let go of me, you big oaf!"

Struggling and putting up a good fight against Lieutenant Massoli was my young protégé, Markus Wolfsburg.

"Markus?  What are you doing here?"

Markus gave me a very angry look and tried to peek over my shoulder.

"What am I doing here?  I can ask you the same damm thing.  What are you doing here and who the hell is that?"

I didn't need to look back, I knew that Markus was looking at Val.  I'm sure that poor Valerio was also trying to figure out what all the fuss was about. 

The wind was picking up and blowing fiercely in our direction.  >From where I stood, I had a perfect and unobstructed view of the ocean.  I could see the storm just over the horizon, it was moving slowly but gaining strength.  Lighting was visible and thunder could be heard, I knew that we all had to leave the grotto as soon as possible. 

The grotto was certainly a calming and beautiful place, but you didn't want to be caught inside when the tide came in.  Otherwise you'd be stuck until morning when the tide receded back. 

It had happened to me once a long time ago when I was in my teens.  I spent a cold and miserable night sleeping among the kelp, sea weed and noisy sea otters that loved to dwell in the grotto at night.

"Listen Markus, I promise that I will explain everything to you.  But right now this is neither the place nor the time to have this talk."  I gave the signal for Massoli to drop Markus and take a step back.

Markus' face had changed to a fiery red colour.  He looked exasperated and ready to blow a fuse.  I guess all the secrecy was making me look devious and deceitful.

"Not a good place to talk?  First you avoid me and now you're running around being all mysterious?  I don't care where we are, we are going to talk!"

I sighed and took a step towards Markus.  I tried to grab a hold of his hand, but he was so angry that he pulled back.

"We will Markus, I will explain everything to you.  But you have to calm down, you have to watch your language and especially your actions in this place."

Markus looked around and read the inscription at the entrance of the grotto.

"Just what the hell is this place?"

Massoli took a step forward and grabbed Markus by the shoulders.

"Do you want me to take him somewhere?"

Markus was caught unaware and tried to free himself from Massoli's grasp, but it was to no avail.

"No, that won't be necessary Lieutenant.  But I do want you to escort Val to the Villa Bonera and you're not to leave his sight.  Also have Dr. De Luca meet you there and he'll take care of the rest."

Massoli gently moved Markus aside and called out for Val.

"Mr. Mazza, it's time for us to go.  If you would be so kind as to follow me..."

I turned around to see Val walk out of the grotto with a disillusioned look on his face.  He stopped briefly and while looking at me, he took hold of my right hand and tenderly kissed it.

"Remember the bond..."

Val walked quietly past Markus while giving him a quick look from head to toe.  Although their eyes met merely for a split second, the look that they exchanged was of pure and absolute rivalry.

Markus and I watched silently as they walked around the bend and out of sight.  Markus' face still showed anger and hurt, I knew that I had behaved badly and should have discussed things with him instead of doing things behind his back. 

Without saying a word, I walked up to him and gave him an ardent and passionate kiss on the lips.  While Markus struggled in anger, I lifted and carried him into the grotto.

"What the hell are you doing?  Put me down Antonio..."

Markus was a true fighter.  He fought me with both anger, bitterness and passion.

I set him down by the steps of Venus and tried my best to suppress my happiness that I was feeling.  After all, without Markus knowing, I had sealed our fates forever as a couple. 

The second that I had kissed Markus on the lips and carried him inside the grotto our fates had been sealed.  We were now bound together for life and our unity had been witnessed under the watchful eye of the goddess of love and beauty, Venus.

"What the hell are you smiling at?  I'm still angry at you."

Outside, the storm was getting closer and closer.  The roar and rumble of thunder was deafening and fierce.

"I'm sorry if I seem happy to you, but I have a good reason to be."

Markus gave me a look of mistrust and suspicion.

"So are you going to let me in on all your secrecy?  Or are you intending on keeping me in the dark?"

Markus was beyond being angry.  Every word he said was said harshly and in a resentful way.

"I have no desire to keep anything from you, Markus.  I meant it when I said, that I was going to tell you everything."

That seemed to calm Markus for a second.  His nostrils were still flaring, but the colour on his face was turning back to normal.

"That young man that you saw a few moment ago, that was Valerio Mazza."

By the look on Markus' face, the gears in his brain were slowly turning.  He looked at me seriously and kept his eyes on me the whole time.

"I recognized the face, he seems very familiar.  I've met him before, haven't I?"
 
I nodded my head and smiled.

"I thought he looked familiar, but I couldn't be sure.  Where did I meet him, was it at the Tapu?"

I cleared my throat and again nodded.

"Yes, you met Valerio at the Tapu.  That was also the same night when we had our first lover's quarrel on the beach, remember?"

Markus gave me a faint smile.

"Well, I have been looking for Valerio for quite a while.  At this very moment, he's on his way to the Villa Bonera Hotel, where he'll be staying momentarily."

Markus raised his eyebrows and looked confused.

"The Villa Bonera Hotel?  Do you mean, the most luxurious, extravagant and expensive hotel in Italy?  And what the hell do you mean by momentarily?"

I nodded silently and carefully chose my words.

"Well, I intend on making Val feel very confortable for the moment.  What lays ahead for him will be very difficult, and this will also be hard for me to do, but, I don't have much of a choice. Val dosen't know it yet, but I've arranged for him to be declared incapacitated.  He'll be sent to a Detox Hospital and Treatment Center in Milan."

Markus' beautiful, deep blue eyes almost popped out of his skull.

"You're serious?  You have got to be kidding me, Antonio.  Can you do that? but you're not even immediate family."

I looked up at the statue of Venus and sighed.

"Val's family turned their backs on him when he was fifteen.  He's been living on the streets since and he dosen't have any other relatives, so the doctors will do as I tell them."

Markus' voice changed to a more irate tone.

"Antonio, you have to at least explain to him what you're planning on doing and why.  You can't just send him to that treatment center without prior knowledge, it's unjust, it's..."

I turned to face Markus and by his facial expression, I felt that he was getting defensive.

"I know that it sounds unfair Markus, but I did offer Val my assistance once, and he agreed to get help.  He gave me his word that he would go to a Detox center and get treatment, but instead he ran away."

I closed my eyes and tried to clear my head.  From the heavy thunder going on outside, I knew that the storm was almost on top of us.  If we didn't act fast enough and get out of here as soon as possible, we will be spending a cold and wet evening in the grotto.

I was startled by Markus' warm hand caressing my chest.  His sweet kisses on my neck brought me back to reality.

"Antonio, I know that you mean well, but Val has to accept and realize that he has a problem.  It's gotta be up to him to acknowledge his addictions and seek help.  I mean, it's great that you want to offer him help, but unless he makes the first step, it's out of your hands. Substance abusers are themselves unaware of the extent to which they have lost control, and this is the disease of addiction.  Your intervention is all in good faith, but..."

I cut Markus off and took his hand away from my chest.

"Look, this place in Milan is the best one in the country.  They have years of experience on all types of addictions and I know that they can help Val.  Detoxification is just the first treatment, the next step will be rehabilitation and with time, he'll make progress and recover from his drug, alcohol and gambling abuse."

Markus now looked angry, his face was changing colours again.  For a brief moment, I understood of what he must be thinking and feeling.

"Tony, I understand that detoxification is one step, but it's not the first step.  And you're right of course that as long as there is alcohol or drugs in his body, it will cause him to crave for more of these substances.  But Valerio has to be mentally and physically stable.  He has to be fully aware and in compliance or he won't be fully prepared to participate in any treatment program."

I walked away and waved my hands in the air.

"Which is why it's best if he dosen't know, Markus.  Once he's at the treatment center, the doctors and psychiatrists can start his treatment.  Valerio will just have to go along with it, whether he fucking likes it or not!"

Markus walked towards me and turned me around to face him.

"Antonio, you're not listening to me.  The goal of drug detox is to rid the body of toxins accumulated by drug use.  The first step of drug detox is drug withdrawal, which means that Val will have to discontinue the use of addictive substances.  After that, he'll go through physiological and mental readjustment, and once Val has discontinued using drugs and alcohol, then physical and behavioral symptons will follow. But the most important thing is that Valerio has to be aware of all of this.  If you force him against his will, he will resent you, perhaps even hate you.  Val will feel betrayed and might not respond to the treatment, do you really want that?"

I closed my eyes and listened to the loud thunder outside.


"I'm not ignoring you, I hear what you're saying, Markus.  I realize that what you're saying might be true, but I gave Val a chance before and he blew it, I can't afford to lose him again.  Even if he ends up resenting me, I'll deal with it.  It's better that he resents me for the rest of his life, than one day I find out that he died of a drug overdose, or that someone killed him for owing money."  

I heard every word that Antonio said.  But the words that I heard being repeated over and over were, "I can't afford to lose him again."  My throat felt dry and my heart felt like it was breaking in pieces. Did Antonio love Valerio?  What was the hold that Valerio had over Antonio?  

I turned around to see Markus walking back to the bench and he sat there quietly and looking sullen.  He was sitting with his arms crossed and he looked angry and hurt.  To say that he looked miserable was an overstatement. Markus stared at the ground but eventually he raised his stunning blue eyes.

"Do you love him?"

I stared back at him, his choice in words caught me off guard.

"What?"

"You heard what I said, Antonio.  Do you love Valerio?"

I was speechless when I was asked again.  His voice quivered and sounded very hurt. I had to be very careful in the way that I answered.

"No, Markus.  I do not love Valerio."

The look on his face was still showing a wide range of emotions.

"Then why are you getting so involved in his private life?  What do his problems have to do with you?"

I lowered my head and sighed.

"There's a bit in him that reminds me of myself at his age.  I wasn't involved in any of those things, the drugs and all that other shit, I mean.  I was lucky, I met a man by the name of Rocco Foglio, who took me under his wing and steered me away from trouble."

"When I lost my parents and I was on my own, I got involved with a very dangerous crowd.  I came very close to landing in jail, and if it weren't for Rocco and boxing I don't know where I would be today.  I had someone that cared for me Markus, a man that helped me cope with my anger and resentment towards the world.  I want to do the same for Valerio, because I feel that he's heading for disaster, and before it's too late I want to intervene."

Markus was still looking at me with pain and cynicism.  I walked up to him, gently lifted him from the bench and stared at those magnificent and sensitive ice blue eyes.

"It is you whom I love, Markus, and no one else."

There, I had finally said it and couldn't take it back.  At the exact moment, a piercing and powerful bolt of lighting hit very close to the entrance of the grotto.  The bolt of thunder would have made anyone else jump, but at that moment, Markus and I had blocked out the entire world.

Gently, I raised his handsome face and moved his lips into a prone position for a kiss.  As our lips met, Markus sighed in pure contentment.  He raised his face and it seemed the most natural thing in the world to tell him that I loved him.  

Markus had tears in his eyes which made me smile.  I realized at that moment that he was a very sensitive young man.  I felt his muscles tense and as I raised his gaze, I saw the surprise of pleasure that played like fireworks in his sparkling ice blue eyes.

"You mean that, Antonio?"

Markus' look was serious and somber.

"I do," I smiled back sincerely.

Markus' eyes shone brightly with the lighting that flickered in the grotto.

"I hoped to hear those words from you, Tony.  I fell in love with you since day one..."

Markus' lips once again met mine.  This time the kiss was a good deal more passionate and possessive.  Markus' kisses deepened and it was with much more reluctance that he let me go some minutes later, as he ran an unsteady hand through my hair.

I looked down at him and his eyes were soft and gentle, yet full of joy and affection.

"You know the funny thing?"

Markus fought tears of joy and softly caressesed my face.

"What?"

I smiled and gave him a soft kiss on the lips.

"I kept telling myself that if you ever found your way into this grotto, then you and I were meant to be together."

My arms slid down from his shoulders to lock around his waist.  

"One thing you should definitely learn about me, Markus, is that I always keep my promises... always."  

I cupped the back of Markus's head with my hand and slowly lowered my lips to his.  The kiss was heavenly and I felt Markus move his hands to grasp my shoulders.  Our fiery kiss deepened and Markus hung on tightly, reeling from the sensation. 

His kiss was warm and sweet, and he couldn't stop himself from issuing a smalll moan as our tongues explored each other's mouth.  Markus had his eyes closed all the time, whereas I kept mine open and smiled at his innocence.

"I would want nothing less from you, Tony... than your whole heart."

I couldn't stop smiling and kissing his forehead.  The painful erection in my shorts was giving me away as to how delighted and extremely turned on I was.  Just the smallest touch from Markus and my cock was at full mast and yearning for his touch and attention.

"I've loved you ever since you challenged me at the sports center, Wolfsburg.  The moment I saw you walking up to me and looking for a fight, I knew that I had to have you for my own."

Markus blushed a deep crimson red and smiled.

"I was so full of myself, I behaved like an idiot, I'm sorry Tony.  I am particularly sorry in the manner in which I approached you and your friends..."

I tenderly kissed Markus on his neck and he groaned softly.

"Don't be, my love. Besides, if you hadn't approached me at the sports center, then perhaps we wouldn't be together at this moment."

Markus laughed softly.

"That is true."

We stared at each other for the longest time.

"Can I ask you something, Tony?"

>From the look on his face and tone of his voice, it sounded serious.

"Go ahead, lover."

"Are we a couple?  I mean, are we to be partners?"

I felt ecstatic and thrilled, my heart was beating faster and faster.  As I heard Markus utter those words... partners, I felt immense happiness flow within my veins and into my heart.

I looked deep into Marku's eyes and with the biggest smile, said,

"Yes."

We were both smiling at each other now.  I was looking hotly at Markus and I desired him in every way possible at this moment.

"But seeing as you've been branded by me and every part of you belongs to me, you will still obey my commands."

Markus gave me a mischievous smile.

"Your commands?"

I was still holding him by his waist, but now Markus struggled to get away.  I held him in place, while he kept trying to push me away.

"Well, if you put it that way, Master.  You're every wish shall be done and with the greatest of pleasure."

Markus wriggled to get away and once I had let him go, he mocked me by giving me a proper courtesy.  His malicious and teasing ice blue eyes,had a much heavier emotion in their half lidded sultry look.

I found myself drawn into his eyes like a moth to a flame.  Those eyes were so inviting, magnetic and especially seductive.  I grabbed him by both of his wrists and pulled him forcibly towards me.

Markus came willingly and found himself cradled against my chest.

"You're so completely unlike anyone I've met before, Tony."
As I lay my head on Antonio's chest and listened to the beat of his heart, I felt safe in his embrace.  I felt safe in his strong and muscular arms that were now unfolding and gently caressing my back and neck.

"Tony, ..." I muttered tentatively, but the words seemed to escape me.

I felt Tony's lips against my forehead and his warm breath making my head swim.

"What, love?"

"Tony, I want..." again I choked on the words.  My arms and hands held him very tightly as though I was drowning and he was my saviour.  I felt him place several tiny kisses on my forehead, and speak again.

"You want what, my love?" 

I couldn't help but to smile, he had said it again.  I reeled internally, feeling the emotional power in his every gently and subtle touch and word.

I raised my face a little to his, and felt one of his strong hands come up and cradle the nape of my neck.  The other grasped me by my waist and he pulled me more tightly against him.

"You want what...?"

Antonio asked again, and as he continued to gently kiss my forehead, ears and cheeks, he whispered softly against my skin.

"You want me to kiss you some more?  Like this? Or this? Or perhaps this?"

Antonio chuckled in a soft way.  His lips nuzzled against my ear and he spoke again.

"If I may, Mr. Wolfsburg, may I tell you what I want?"

As I looked into his sweet hazel eyes, I softly answered,

"Yes."

My whole body now tingled with the intimacy of every contact between us.  I longed to tell him how much I wanted him right now, but speech was nearly impossible.

Antonio's entrancing and soft voice caressed my senses.

"I want to make love to you.  I want to know every part of you, inside and out.  I want you to know that I will always cherish, care for and love you."

I didn't want to cry in front of him, but tears of joy and absolute happiness were inevitable.

"Do you want me to do these things to you, Markus?"

His tender lips were still brushing my cheek and ear as he spoke these words.  My senses were reeling and I could barely stand.  Tears stung my eyes and my cheeks burned with the heat of desire.

"Tony, I..." again, I faltered over the words, but when his beautiful hazel eyes caught mine, I saw myself reflected there in his desire.

"I want you, Tony." I whispered.

"Make love to me, Tony.  Right here and right now..."

Antonio's mouth bent towards mine and we kisses fiercely.  It was an unbelievable feeling, I was beyond ecstatic and overjoyed.

We knelt on the ground and as Antonio kissed my back, my eyes were carefully surveying this grotto.  In the tumultuous argument, I had completely even forgotten as to where I was.
 
In front of us and raised on a very high platform, stood a super-colossal statue of the goddess Venus.  This was by far the most spectacular statue that I had ever seen, and I've been to many museums. 

I've been to the Musée du Louvre, The Vatican, The Uffizi, The Accademia in Florence, The Bargello, etc.  But no other statue like this Venus was as grandiose and stunning, to say the least.  She was perfect and immaculate, the amazing attention to detail was incredible. 

The statue bears a small resemblence to Botticelli's version, "The Birth of Venus".  But I also remember seeing in an Art History class an ancient painting by Apelles, which was called "Venus Anadyomene".  Anadyomene, meaning "Rising from the Sea".

Antonio on the other hand, was busy and desperately trying to take off my shirt.  I was too enthralled and captivated by the beauty of this place.  I could also smell incence burning, the sweet smells of Jasmine blossom, Lavender buds, Sandalwood and a variety of scented flowers, leaves and perhaps essential oils as well.

Where were we?  What exactly is this place?  Is this a shrine, a temple of some sort?  I couldn't even form words, when I saw the altar. 

Cardinal gems as they are called, adorned the altar.  These beautiful gems were largely used by a history of ecclesiastical, devotional or ceremonial use, and of course rarity.  Only six types of gemstones were considered precious; the amethyst, diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire and pearl.

"Tony, what is this place?"

Antonio was now kissing my neck and using my right hand to caress his enormous and massive cock.  He was now so horny that he wasn't even listening to me.

"Seriously, Tony... stop it!  What is this place?"

Antonio sighed and looked up at the statue.

"This, Markus, is the Temple of Venus and in honour for the goddess of love."

Antonio took my right hand and gently kissed it.

"Love... the most powerful force in the universe.  You were created by it, all of creation was created by it.  Not one thing can exist without it, nothing can thrive without it.  Love can give hope where there is none, it can turn enemies into friends, and it can turn darkness into light."

As Antonio spoke and darkness encircled us, the light that was being given off by the oil lamps gave the grotto a magical feeling.

"Love is the light, love removes all judgement.  It accepts and does not condemn, it has compassion and understanding.  With love there is no anger, no fear, and no suffering, there is only peace.  Most importantly positive peace that equals a just peace."

I must have looked confused to Antonio, because he smiled and winked at me.

"Listen Markus, I want you to know that you're the love of my life.  I don't have a lot to give you, the love that I hold in my heart is all that I can really give you.  Love... undying love is all I have and just a handful of words that most likely will make you laugh."

Tears were forming in my eyes as Tony spoke.  I was about to say something, when he put his index finger on my lips and again he spoke.

"I give myself to you and only you, Markus.  I'll always be here for you, whenever you need a friend, and especially in troubled times.  I've been waiting for someone like you for a very long time, and now I spend my days and nights thinking of you, and of us."

As Antonio said those last words, I cried a river.  As corny and girlish as it sounds, one cannot control what the heart tells the mind and soul.

"This is the temple of love, dedicated to all lovers Markus.  The moment I carried you in my arms and kissed you, we were forever sealed as a couple.  This is a holy and sacred place, and I do believe that Venus herself truly protects those that truly desire everlasting love from their partner, and you are my partner."

I was about to say something to Antonio, when all of a sudden a giant wave swept into the grotto and slammed us both against the wall.  Everything happened so quickly that I lost sight of Tony. 

I felt something become entangled around my ankle, I tried to pull away, but I couldn't.  I was being dragged out of the grotto and into the ocean by giant kelp.  As I struggled furiously to free myself, I could hear Antonio's frantic voice.

"Markus!  Markus!"

I can't recall from which direction his voice was coming from, and as I gulped for air, I could only hear him faintly.

"Swim Markus, swim!"

I swam the best I could against the current, but it was way too strong and powerful.  I couldn't breathe, and I couldn't grab a hold of anything. The more I struggled, the worse it seemed and everything around me was getting dark...

To be continued...