I've been sick

[Dorian]

Cruz smiled at Rachels courtly manners. Even an American of the high stature she fit in well in his world. It made Cruz think of his father and mother when he was younger - how perfect he'd thought they'd been. That was until he found out unfortunately the truth behind all the masks. He wasn't bitter that his father did not love his mother - or the fact that he preferred men. His mother was happy with Christian and Christian was happy with the family. He didn't cause waves and his father had respected Christian.

He was not like his father in so many ways, but when it came to the family's image he understood. He understood everything his father did for the family. That was why it made things so much more difficult now that he knew what his father did as a side job. But Cruz pushed those thoughts from his mind as he pulled Rachel close. There was no formality to the dancing, Cruz held Rachel as close as possible - she seemed to need and want the comfort. And Cruz was more than happy to provide that to her.

It was the least he could do for worrying her about his condition. He wasn't about to tell her the truth - but if he did what would she do? Would she hate him? Run away in fear? Maybe one day he'd find out, but today wasn't that day. There were too many things going on in the world. Cruz wouldn't add yet another concern to the pretty girl in his arms.

"Is this better?"