Tango by T.O. Smith

TANGO
I’m tainted by darkness. There’s no color in my life—it’s all just shades of black and gray.
But the moment I lay my eyes on Gabriel, I know he’s different.
He’s scared of his own shadow. He needs someone to take care of him. And despite the fact that I was the one kneeling in front of him, threatening to end his life, he clung to me and the tiny shred of hope I somehow gave him.
And now that the Ghosts of Chaos are after him, wanting to bring him back home and end his life for being a traitor, I’ll do anything to protect him.
This boy is mine. I’m keeping him.
And anyone who dares to come for him better be prepared to die.
~*~*~
GABRIEL
There’s no hope for a damaged boy like me. I’ve survived things that probably should have killed me.
I don’t know what real kindness looks like. So, when Tango is kneeling in front of me, threatening to end my life quickly if I give him what he wants, I take the option with both hands. Because to me? That’s what I think is kindness.
Instead, he takes me home with him. He’s promising to keep me safe and protected.
I don’t really think he’ll be able to do it, but I’ll take the little bit of light I have while it’s there.
But Tango’s a monster. He’s cruel and heartless. Darkness colors his soul. It’s snuffed out every bit of his light.
Yet, he looks at me like I’m the most precious thing in the world.
And when my family comes after me, I’ll see firsthand what that darkness inside Tango is capable of.