Razor

By Jon Keys

When the world crashes down around your ears, sometimes all you can do is punt and hope for the best. That’s exactly what James and Micah decide to do when one of them is diagnosed with cancer, and the other discovers a serious heart defect. When the doctor tells them to start working on their bucket lists, the two take a trip in an effort to create some good memories, and forget the ugly truths, while they focus on their time in each other’s arms.

Their vacation turns into much more than they anticipated when they find themselves drawn to a club like sailors to a siren. Several sexy waiters, some unforgettable lap dances, and one whip-wielding stud later, they stumble upon the answer to their prayers. Their sex is wild again, and the pair find themselves living for tomorrow. But with every answer comes questions, and Micah’s search for more may destroy them both.

Will they be able to recover from his thirst for the truth? Or will the men always live walking on the edge of a Razor?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Decadent Publishing
• Release date: Feb 4, 2015
• ISBN: 9781613338001

Jon Keys

Jon Keys’ earliest memories revolve around books; with the first ones he can recall reading himself being “The Warlord of Mars” and anything with Tarzan. (The local library wasn’t particularly up to date.) But as puberty set in, he started sneaking his mother’s romance magazines and added the world of romance and erotica to his mix of science fiction, fantasy, Native American, westerns and comic books. A voracious reader for almost half a century, Jon has only recently begun creating his own flights of fiction for the entertainment of others. Born in the Southwest and now living in the Midwest, Jon has worked as a ranch hand, teacher, computer tech, roughneck, designer, retail clerk, welder, artist, and, yes, pool boy; with interests ranging from kayaking and hunting to painting and cooking, he draws from a wide range of life experiences to create written works that draw the reader in and wrap them in a good story.

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Razor

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2015 by Jon Keys

ISBN: 978-1-613333-800-1

Cover art by Syneca Featherstone

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work, in whole or in part, in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by Decadent Publishing Company, LLC

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www.decadentpublishing.com

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Razor

By

Jon Keys

A Beyond Fairytales Adaptation of The Brothers Grimm’s:

The Little Folks’ Gifts

Chapter One

Once upon a time, God took a huge shit right on top of two decent guys. At least, that was the way James felt as he and his husband Micah listened to the doctor talk about what to expect in the coming months. Micah’s final months.

Surrounded by the sterile white room with its jars of cotton, gauze, and gleaming bits of stainless steel, James lost himself in their shared memories. Who would have guessed a chance meeting almost twenty years ago at the public library where Micah worked would end up here? They’d enjoyed life but, like most people, they always put off their dream vacation—those visits to exotic locations and elegant cities as something they would do when they had more time. Now? Now the love of his life wasn’t going to make it to see thirty-six. Stage IV pancreatic cancer was a death sentence.

Babe, did you have any questions?

James shook his head. They’d already had their private meltdowns. Their love for each other had been shaken to its foundation by their despair. The situation decimated them both. They ached to regain their old lives—days of peace and happiness. He would sprawl in his huge leather recliner reading a novel while Micah watched whatever television show was his latest obsession. That was the simple time of companionship and love that they desperately wanted to regain. Now, their time was a hollow parody of living, with James spending every waking moment trying to fulfill Micah’s slightest wish.

Today’s information wasn’t new. They’d been shattered long ago by Micah’s prognosis. This was just the final drop of hope drained from them as they plotted a finale. They’d both yelled at God, crying while they held each other until their grief was reduced to dry sobs. Their breakdowns still happened several times a day, when the thought of what was coming ripped through them and emptiness filled their souls.

Can the doctor fix it so I live only one minute longer than Micah? Because at this point, that’s my best-case scenario.

James asked the question everyone in their situation wanted to know, and no one could answer. How much longer do we have?

The doctor’s clinical gaze made it apparent that discussing his husband’s death sentence wasn’t easy for her either. Her gaze never faltered, but she addressed her answer to Micah. It’s difficult to tell since we don’t know the rate of progression. But I’d estimate less than six months.

What can he do? asked James.

Do anything you want, she said. As long as you feel up to it, do it.

Micah blurted out, What about sex? Can we still have sex?

For the first time that day, James smiled. His lover was nothing if not driven. He had discovered early in the relationship that Micah liked sex. He liked sex a lot. The doctor even smiled when she replied.

Yes, you can still have sex. Just don’t get crazy. You don’t need a broken bone.

He turned to James with a grin. You heard the doctor. So no more saying you’re afraid of hurting me. You aren’t that hung!

James’s face flashed hot, and he rolled his eyes. Trust Micah to find a way to make him blush. When he turned back to the doctor and his husband, they were both smiling at him. He shook his head as the gravity of the situation settled over him.

Is there anything we should do? Something to help Micah?

The oncologist studied them for a moment then asked, Do you have any special trips you have been putting off for ‘someday’?

The couple glanced at each other before James answered, Yes, we keep saying we should take a trip to Metro.

The doctor nodded. Then do it.

***

James sat playing the latest game he’d downloaded for his smartphone to distract him from the reason he was in yet another doctor’s office. The setting was too familiar. All I fuckin’ do is spend time in doctor’s offices any more. I’m only forty, for God’s sake. I shouldn’t be living in the goddamn doctor’s office. They were all the same. Magazines arranged on a neat rack in the corner. The sailing periodicals with someone’s address blacked out with a marker, and the same regulation fake greenery as every other waiting room he’d been in over the past month. Typical glaring white walls, except this time Micah didn’t know anything about the appointment.

This visit was to get the results of the half day of tests he’d done the week before. He knew it wasn’t good news. They’d called yesterday and asked him to come in today. A doctor wanting to see you immediately was never a good sign. Fortunately, Micah was still working at