Title: Caesar Salad, Chapter 5

The bedroom was dark, but its inhabitant's senses were all on alert. After all, in the next room was the man that Dorian loved - - Klaus Heinz von dem Eberbach. But, was he there? Ever since the N.A.T.O. Major had burst into his bedroom that morning, the Earl's radar had been ultra sensitive to the German Major. Dorian had expected to hear his footfall in the corridor, leading to the white room, but he had heard nothing. It was now after 3.00 am. Where was the Major?

It had been a very long day. The gala had gone well, and everyone had been enthralled with Caesar Gabriel. The Graf von Ausman had been an unexpected addition to the festivities. Dorian was now wearing the expensive and splendid diamonds which the German aristocrat had given to him. Of course, Dorian was used to men giving him gifts, but the diamonds didn't speak to him as other things had. Dorian wasn't sure what his Major would say about the gift - - probably nothing except the usual insults about his perverted ways.

Dorian sighed as he slipped the burgundy-coloured silk robe over his slender, naked body. He loved the feel of silk on his skin. Walking quietly, he stood near the Major's bedroom door but could hear nothing. He had almost decided to return to his bed when a shiver went through his body as if the very air was supercharged with the tension and presence of the Teutonic dynamo that was named Klaus von Eberbach. The tension and turmoil, residing around the Major, was so palpable that Dorian could feel it wrapping around his body. Where was the Major? That thought invaded his mind for the thousandth time.

Dorian descended the stairs and crossed the large foyer. Silence - - everything and everyone seemed to be asleep or, at least, in their own rooms, then Dorian heard a slight sound coming from the library. Gently and quietly the slender blond opened the door and peered in. Dorian's night vision was excellent; it had to be, otherwise Eroica's career would have been very short-lived.

Standing at one of the windows in the large room was Klaus von dem Eberbach. It was obvious that the Major had not been to bed. He stood bathed in the moonlight, but fully clothed, all of his barriers safely in place and looking totally gorgeous. Dorian stood staring at the ghostly apparition, admiring the beauty and grace of the man. Then Dorian realized that what he was seeing was not its usual reality. From the look on the Major's handsome features, it was clear that he was standing there lost in some hell of his own making. The strain on the handsome face, the unlit cigarette dangling from the sensuous lips and the rigid, tense posture all spoke of a man whose life had descended into some depth of confusion and chaos that was badly straining the Major's normal ambiance of control. What could have happened?

Dorian blue eyes closed for a moment. He knew too well the dangers of interrupting the N.A.T.O. officer's isolation, but he could not allow his beloved Major to wallow in whatever had caused him such grief.

"Major, are you all right?"

The dark-haired German whirled around as if he had failed to hear Dorian's arrival. For a moment the dark green eyes stared at the luscious vision standing before him; then the shutters fell as the cigarette-laden mouth almost snarled, "What are you doing here? I would have thought you would be occupied at this time of night."

"Occupied? What are you talking about? It's after 3.00 am; I'm not so young any more that I don't need my beauty sleep. Why are you still up, Major? Is there something I can help you with?"

"Don't pretend with me, Eroica. I thought sure that you and one of your playmates would be busy now that the GALA (the word was thrown out like it was a dirty thing) has been played out for all to see."

"Playmates?" Dorian laughed, "Oh Major you surely don't think that I would take that young man to my bed, do you? I don't take every man there, you know."

"I was not referring to that youth; you do have another admirer in the house this evening, do you not?"

Suddenly, Dorian realized that Klaus was staring at the splendid diamonds that hung from around his neck. Nervously he replied, "They were just a gift; I . . . I did not want to insult him by refusing them."

"No doubt the Grafin Ausman will not take the same view. I assume it means nothing to you that the man is married and that those diamonds are part of the Ausman family heritage?"

Obviously my Major knows more about jewellery recognition than I thought.

"I see, Major that you are well-informed. Of course, I wouldn't be stupid enough to wear them anywhere near the Grafin; she might, quite rightly, demand to know why I was wearing some heirloom from her husband's family."

"So you knew about the history of this junk when you accepted them?"

"Junk? How can you say that? Oh, of course, I forgot that I was speaking with the man who values his leopard tank more than a certain painting."

Since Dorian had moved closer to the Major, even in the darkness, he could see the snarl that overwhelmed the luscious mouth. "You are talking your usual nonsense, Eroica. It is my right to decide what is important to me."

And, of course, that is one thing that I shall never be.

"Well then, if you don't consider the painting important, why not give it to me; I value it."

"Stop it. I have had enough. In fact, I have had more than enough. If you wish to bed that ego-driven, beer vessel, Graf Frederich then do so, but cease your prattling. Go back to the bed he occupies and do not lecture me on heritage."

Sparks emanated from the blue eyes, but Dorian kept his voice level and calm, "What makes you think that the Graf occupies my bed or, for that matter, that I would go to his?"

Now the Major's voice was ice cold. "Do not lie to me, Eroica. I saw the Graf go to your room, earlier this evening."

Ah, so that is what has disturbed you so.

For a moment the blond hesitated as he briskly threw his head back to remove the long, blond curls from his shoulders. "I see. I suppose it would do no good to deny the visit. The Graf is enamoured of me, but he is not stupid. He left after giving me the baubles and a proposal."

"You expect me to believe this?"

"You asked, and I told you. I do not lie to you, Major. Well, only about my stealing.

The Major seemed to think this statement over then asked, "And what was the proposal he made?"

"Well, really, Major! What right do you have to ask such a thing? It was quite personal. He can be so entertaining sometimes."

The Major gave another glare that would surely have been rated Force 5 on the Fujita scale. "I did not realize that you and the Graf . . . were so . . . close."

Dorian smiled a very small, sad grimace. "There are many things that you don't realize about me. Actually, I thought that you would be quite content with the Graf's proposal. He wants me to build a house near Schloss Ausman so that he and I can become . . . lovers, I suppose you would say. The bauble was, sort of, a good faith gift."

The German's entire body went rigid; his anger apparent in every feature. "And just why, you pervert, would I be content with such news?"

Dorian's beautiful face registered even more sadness as he whispered, "Isn't it obvious, Major? You would have no further contact with me and my . . . alter ego. I certainly couldn't go around stealing if I'm occupying the Graf's bed."

The Major reacted, but not in the way that the Earl of Gloria was expecting - - there was no contentment in the German's face - - if anything his reaction was a fleeting glimpse of despair and disappointment, but it was rapidly covered up with typical Teutonic fortitude.

"You would give up your N.A.T.O. contract?"

Dorian laughed a bitter laugh. "Oh yes, I would change completely. Eroica, the thief would exist no longer. The Graf, of course, knows nothing about my little . . . uh, sidelight. First, I cut my hair; then I move to Germany, and finally, I maintain a very discreet relationship with the gentleman."

Klaus' face hardened; his green eyes shot out glints of steel as he digested this news. "Why would you agree to such a proposal? The man is a pig. Why would you sell yourself this way?"

Dorian tightened his robe around his slim body as he pulled himself up to a new height. "We all do what we must. Loneliness is a terrible thing. For a few years, perhaps, I . . . I will be with someone. I sold my body at age 13 for a painting, perhaps, I have been selling myself all my life for beauty - - what is different about this?"

Klaus stood there stunned, barely breathing. For a moment, he resembled a dragon, preparing to roar out flames that would incinerate the slender, blond figure standing before him; then his shoulders slumped. Removing the dangling cigarette, he threw it away. In a voice, strangely strangled in despair, he asked, "Is loneliness such an anathema to you?"

"You and I are so different in so many ways. You are alone, and you seek your guns. I am lonely and see what comfort I can find. Since I met you, I have sought no one else or brought them to my bed. I suppose you would declare that my loneliness is of my own making . . . well, now I am choosing to end that loneliness in a way of my own making. I do not possess your rigid self-control, Major. I have lived most of my life, pleasing myself so you shouldn't be terribly surprised that once again I have failed to meet your rigid standards."

"I . . . I do not understand. Are you giving up? Why give yourself to someone that you do not desire?"

"You should be able to answer that. I . . . only desire . . . one person, so it is better to be realistic and accept what I can obtain."

Silence pervaded the room. The Major reached for another cigarette, only to throw it away before lighting it. "Suppose . . . I were able to find someone else to deal . . . with your loneliness - - someone who would be prepared to be a companion so that you would not have to compromise yourself with that devil?"

Dorian smiled, "I can't imagine that N.A.T.O. would sanction their best officer, spending his valuable time acting as a matchmaker for one of their contractors."

Green eyes flashed, "I do not spend every waking moment, doing N.A.T.O.'s work. I am quite capable of having a private life. If you wish to live in Germany, you are quite welcome to live - - temporarily in my townhouse or at Schloss Eberbach. You need not feel beholden to that Teufel."

"Thank you, Major, but what makes you think that the person that you recommend would . . . be acceptable to me - - I mean, as a companion?"

"I have known you for several years, Dorian. I . . . believe that I know what characteristics you are looking for in a . . . companion. I would base my recommendation on those preferences."

Dorian's gentle blue eyes smiled affectionately at the beautiful man in front of him. "That is most generous of you, Major. Could I ask you what are some of the preferences that you think I am interested in - - just to be sure that we are thinking along the same lines?"

"Ja. You would expect someone who would make you important in his life, but you would not expect . . . your companion to give up his duty or his vocation. You would expect companionship and some . . . affection. You would wish to have some mutual interests in common."

The beautiful blond nodded slightly. "There are very few individuals who meet all those characteristics. What would this person expect from me?"

The green eyes bore into the intense stare that they were receiving. "Nothing more than you continue to be what you are . . . except, perhaps, a little less frivolous and less occupied with your thieving."

"I see. That definitely makes it much harder."

Dorian thought he heard a slight gasp from the rigid German lips. "I see; then you are not willing to make any sacrifices on behalf of this relationship?"

The Earl's blue eyes seemed to grow sadder as Klaus watched. The blond curls swung as Dorian threw back his head. "You misunderstand me, Major. Being a thief is what I do; it is not what I am. Being less frivolous is completely compatible with my personality, but like other people, I use my frivolousness as a shield."

"That is not true. I do not wish you to change, but I know that you can be serious. It is not an easy thing for one of my nature to enter into such a liaison; it could ruin my career."

Dorian smiled sweetly, " Oh, were we speaking of you? Don't worry, Major. I have no intention of ruining anything about you. It is kind of you to offer yourself, but above all things I want love from any relationship with you, and I know that you are incapable of such an emotion so I will not ask you to do what is so against your nature."

Klaus Heinz von dem Eberbach fairly bristled at Dorian's words. I have offered myself, and he throws my offer in my face. How dare he?

The German's wrath sparkled in his green eyes. "How do you know my nature? You would go to that idiot who has sullied a proud name. German heritage - - Verdammt! He cares nothing for you, and yet you go to him."

Moisture filled the sapphire blue eyes. "It's just one more example of my frivolity that you so hate in me, I suppose. Graf von Ausman cannot hurt me because I do not care about him. You, on the other hand, can hurt me with your smallest frown so I choose not to bed with you or stay with you because I can never be satisfied with just one night or a brief liaison. I know it doesn't make sense to you, Major, but I am not one who agrees with the idea that it is better to have loved and lost. If I lost you, I would be destroyed so I am not willing to accept your proposal."

There was deadly silence in the large room. For several seconds neither man said anything then Dorian turned towards the library door. "Forgive me, Major for once again inflicting my dreary emotions on you; I know how you hate such a thing. Thank you for protecting my party so well. I probably won't see you again for . . . awhile. I have business on the continent."

Later Dorian swore that he did not see the Major move, but within less than a second, the tall, lean body of the German stood next to Dorian, invading his space. One callused, slender hand that was so strong it could hold a .44 Magnum, was gently caressing the Earl of Gloria's chin line. "You have told me many times that you love me. You have called me . . . Darling. You have pushed my patience to the limits of its endurance. I have even hit you. Why did you endure all that, if you meant to abandon me now at the hour of your triumph?"

"Oh Klaus, do you not understand? It would not be a triumph for me. One night of ecstasy in your arms, loving you would lead to a lifetime of remorse for you and despair for me. A few nights in the Graf's bed is just one more frivolous episode in a life filled with such episodes. It is not how many men one sleeps with, but who they are. I will not have you as just one more number in my king-size, silken man trap. Go back to Germany with your faithful Alphabets."

Confusion, concern, and something indefinable lurked in the attractive green eyes.

"Do not insult yourself such as this. You belittle yourself and that is not just. I have been guilty of far worse behaviour. I have spent my life, with the pressure of being an Eberbach. My father placed a great deal of importance on his title as Baron, but I find it to be less important than my work as a Major for N.A.T.O., but, even that, has dimmed for me.

I wish to open my home to you. I would like for you to think of Schloss Eberbach as well as my townhouse to be your refuge whenever you wish it. I, too, would like your companionship. I ask nothing more of you at this moment. All of my life I have found it difficult to feel comfortable with others; perhaps, it is my personality or a legacy of my youth. My father insisted on an education that emphasised academics and physical fitness. I was not popular and did my best to not need anyone else. I . . . wish to rectify that with you, Dorian."

Dorian – twice spoken? The beautiful blond looked at the man who had given him ten years of snippets of pleasure and vast folders of pain. Could this really be happening? Are you jealous, my Major?

"Major."

A tiny look of displeasure crossed the handsome face. "I have called you Dorian, can you not call me, Klaus?"

A brief shiver went down the slender back as the request was made, "I . . . I don't know what to say." I've never been at a loss for words before. "It's not that I don't want to call you, Klaus, but I'm afraid that I am just sleepwalking and will awake in the morning to find that nothing has changed between us. Graf Frederich von Ausman means nothing to me so I do not fear his companionship - - it will be a few moments in my life and just as shallow, but you . . . you mean everything to me, my Major. I cannot be so frivolous with what is to happen next. I value you above all others . . . I would even cease to be Eroica, if you would ask it of me, but for me to give up so much of myself, I . . . have to have some reassurance . . . some commitment, and I know that is asking too much of you."

Suddenly, a strange, unreadable look entered the green eyes . . . if it had been anybody but Iron Klaus, Dorian would have sworn that it was gentleness, tenderness, affection. In a whisper, rarely heard on the Major's lips, the German asked, "And would this demonstrate my commitment?" With those words, Klaus moved forward, taking the slender figure into his arms. He leaned forward, placing a kiss on the luscious lips that had previously lured him. The embrace held for several seconds before Dorian moved his head to look up into the deep green eyes. The blond smiled.

"Thank you."

Anger entered the green eyes, "It was not meant as a gesture. You will not go with that barbaric aristocrat. He knows nothing of kindness or concern. You will be used and thrown off as so many of his lovers have been. I will not permit it."

Dorian looked at the taller man with love and adoration. "It has been a very long time since anyone expressed a desire to defend me. I was thanking you for caring about me. It . . . hasn't always been easy to live a life, hopping from bed to bed. I want you to be very sure that you understand my past before you enter into any company with me. I will always be your friend, if you wish it. I will always be your companion, if you wish it; I will only be your lover, if you are very sure. Neither of us is in the bloom of youth, I would not ask more of you than you feel comfortable with, and I would rather that you leave now than the relationship that we have now lead to remorse on your part."

"Why is it that you always think of me? Perhaps, it will be you who will discover regret after we have entered into a more intimate relationship? I am not so vain that I do not understand that I can be a disappointment to you as well."

Dorian laughed melodiously. "Major, I am that thousandth man. I will stand by you until the end of our time together. I love you and have loved you since the day we met so long ago. My life may be quixotic, but not my heart. If it is in you to love me; then I will rejoice - - if not, then I will take what I can get, but I do not wish the same for you. The Red Gloria line will end with me, but I do not demand that you ignore your duty. I know you carry a long and proud heritage. If you wish to marry and father your progeny, I will wait for you, but I certainly do not ask you to be unfaithful or disloyal; I am not worth that."

Now Dorian could see that he had gone too far. The fury in the German juggernaut could not be contained as the harsh, guttural words of the German Major burst forth. "You will NEVER . . . NEVER say those words again, do you hear me? I have hit you for far less reason, but I will not permit those words to be said about the man that I . . . love. You are and always have been better than I. Do you understand, liebchen?

Dorian stood stunned, suddenly he was in the Major's arms being kissed with the explosive force of a leopard tank. Just as quickly as the explosion had taken place, the kiss turned gentle and tender, lasting until both men ran out of breath.

The dark haired man pulled back his head to better look into the blue eyes. "You will rid yourself of that idiot, Caesar Gabriel in the morning. I will have that other idiot, Agent G escort him to London. I, myself, will notify the Graf that he is free to depart this estate as soon as he is packed. I think a threat to notify the Grafin will be sufficient to cause the Schweinhundt to depart the premises. I will send the Alphabets to Bonn, and I will assign myself to some badly needed leave time that I have accumulated. We will spend only a little time in England because I wish to show you Bonn so that you can begin your search for land on which to build your new home."

Dorian's beautiful face suddenly turned sad as he realized the implications of this last statement. Wetting his lips as if to fortify himself before his response, Dorian replied, "Of course, Major that sounds like an excellent idea." With those words the slender blond tried to step out of the German's hold, but was not permitted to do so.

Klaus almost smiled, a wicked gleam entering his green eyes, "Of course, it is excellent. It will be well-known that the Earl of Gloria is my guest until he has time to look about for the proper land. It will take even longer to decide on the plans for the proper home for one of your station. Besides that, you will be busy accompanying me on various activities so you will not wish to rush any of your plans. After a year or so, it will be decided that there is no need to build a separate home when there is plenty of room at Schloss Eberbach and the townhouse."

The Earl of Gloria was clearly delighted and shaken. His beautiful lips trembled as he contemplated what he had so long desired - - being with Klaus. "Thank you, but do not expect me to acquiesce to your every plan and desire. I am still my own person . . . there will be times when we will still need to be apart, and quite frankly, I expect that you will be glad to be separated from me as well so, perhaps, a small townhouse to be used as a refuge from your Teutonic fury might be a good idea."

The Major's eyebrow shot up in disbelief, but he acquiesced delightfully by giving his friend a mindboggling kiss. "As you wish, your lordship."

Dorian laughed, "And just to prove that I am committed to this venture, I will return to you, your leopard tank as sort of a . . . "

"Wedding gift?"

Now Dorian was totally stunned; he squeaked, "Wedding gift?"

Klaus' forehead crinkled, "Ja, I will have you by my side for as long as you wish, and just to prove that I, also, am committed to this endeavour, I will present you with "The Man In Purple" to display in your new home."

Moisture filled the blue eyes, but no tears were shed. "Thank you, darling. I love "The Man In Purple", but I would far rather have you in our home. I love you."

"Then, let us go to the green room and discuss this."

"But, Klaus - - you hate the décor of the green room!"

"Nein, I would say that it has given me some very good ideas for changes in the décor at Schloss Eberbach."

As the two men ascended the stairs, arm in arm, Dorian whispered into his beloved's ear, "Oh Klaus, you do say the sweetest things."

The End