Nothing Can Tear Us Apart: Rage!

By Wyatt O' Brian Evans

What would you do after the man of your dreams battered you because he believed you’ve been unfaithful? Could you forgive this man to whom you’ve given every piece of your heart? Desirable, wealthy gay Black celebrity Wesley (Wes) Laurence Kelly, 45, yearns for an enduring, satisfying love. Unfortunately, disastrous relationships have left him shattered and disillusioned. Enter Antonio (‘Tonio) Miguel Rios, Jr., 31, a deliciously muscular gay Puerto Rican whom Wes has hired as his bodyguard. He, too, has failed at love. Soon, Wes and ‘Tonio break down and profess their love! However, tough challenges and obstacles jeopardize their relationship! And, there’s a mysterious individual who makes ‘Tonio believe that Wes is being unfaithful. Taking the bait, the frenzied bodyguard physically brutalizes his soul mate! The final blow is when the couple learns just who is behind the deception. Can Wes and ‘Tonio still vow that “Nothing Can Tear Us Apart???”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Dec 17, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483405780

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WYATT O’BRIAN

EVANS

Copyright © 2013 Wyatt O’BrianEvans .

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of both publisher and author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-0579-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-0578-0 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Nair’Bo Universal rev. date: 12/05/2013

Contents

Acknowledgments

Prologue

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

Twenty-Three

Twenty-Four

Twenty-Five

Twenty-Six

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Writing this book has been one of my most challenging, yet satisfying and rewarding undertakings to date. And, I didn’t do it alone. I’m proud to recognize those special individuals, who, without their unshakable and unbreakable belief in and support of me, Nothing Can Tear Us Apart (NCTUA)—RAGE! would not have come to fruition.

First and foremost, I must thank God and Jesus Christ for providing me with the strength, creativity, wisdom, inspiration, and perseverance to accomplish my goal.

Now, allow me to thank those individuals who helped make Nothing Can Tear Us Apart—RAGE! a reality.

To Jeffrey Arauz (Papi Chulo), Dominique Morgan, and the rest of the gang at PapiChuloRADIO: Papi, I truly appreciate the substantive and cutting-edge PapiChuloRADIO for fully embracing me, Wes, and ‘Tonio—and for your extraordinary support! You are one of my earliest supporters, and I can’t thank you enough! But even more meaningful is your friendship.

To Colin Gunn, Publisher Extraordinaire, of ALL BEAR magazine, which I’ve titled the Gay Playboy of the United Kingdom: Colin, you are another of my earliest supporters, and I cannot thank you enough! You get my vision. And, your invaluable friendship means the world to me! Now Colin, all I can say is…GRrrrrrrrrrrrr…WOOF!!!

To Dan Estabrook of Dannation.org: Dan, thanks so much for being another one of my earliest supporters! Dude, you’ve been so welcoming! That’s all so very important to me.

To Cyrus Webb, creator of the popular and well respected Conversations LIVE!: Cyrus, you are another of my earliest supporters! Thanks for all the support, and for always being so gracious. It means a lot.

To Raymond Duke: Raymond, you, too, are one of my earliest supporters! I appreciate your support and fervent belief in me—and most of all, for your friendship.

To Mary Taylor at the incredible BaltimoreOUTloud: Mary, what you do is indispensable! It’s a privilege to write for B.O.L., and I want to thank you so much for the opportunity—and for the support.

To Noah Michelson, editor, Huffington Post Gay Voices: Noah, thanks so much for giving me the distinct honor and privilege of writing for HUFF PO! It truly is a dream come true—which you made happen.

To Peggy Jones, Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha: Peggy, thanks for allowing the Nothing Can Tear Us Apart series to be part of your course entitled, Intro to Black Studies: Race, Gender and Sexuality in the Media. What an honor! I’m so jazzed about this, and can’t wait to lecture your students! And Ms. Jones—thanks for being a friend!

To Earnest Winborne, creator of NoMoreDownLow.TV: Earnest, I so appreciate your support and guidance! And, I value your friendship.

To James Pickett, my D.C. homeboi: Bro, thanks so much for believing in my talent and me! You’re special.

To Stephanie Campbell: Steph, what can I say? You know how I feel about’cha, and your belief in me! I treasure your exceptional friendship.

To Norman Bird: Norman, I’m so glad we connected! I’m diggin’ your spirit, and thanks for being the greatest web designer evah!

To Cornelius Mabin, creator of the insightful blog Cornelius On Point: Cornelius, you ARE on point—and many thanks for that! I appreciate your wisdom and support.

To famous author Patricia Nell Warren (and yes, you ARE famous!) and the very accomplished John Selig: Patricia and John, thanks for allowing me to pick your brains about stuff! It means one heck of a lot! And guess what: so does your friendship!

To Steve Charing, Maco Faniel, I am Gaytekeeper, Thaddeus T-Time Works, Anthony Carter, and Gavin M L Fletcher: Guys, knowing you very talented individuals inspire me to be my very best! Keep on keepin’ on…

To (the lovely) Janay K. Holland: Gotta give you a Shout-Out, Gurrrrrrrrllllll! You’re beautiful inside and out! Thanks for being you, and for your support.

To the Wyatt O’Brian Evans Official Fan Club on Facebook: Gotta give Bill Bua, Malick AW, Leo Zander, Anthony Jackson, Timm Ennis, Aaron Clemton, Cole Mutahi, Ricky Green, Joe Robinson and the rest of the entire club a special Shout-Out! Guys, thanks so much for following and supporting me! Git ready, ’cause 2014 is gonna be better than ever!

And let’s not forget Black and White Men Together and Big Men Lovers & Friends! Many, many thanks.

And last but not least to Mr. A. W. Gravenor and the rest of my Nair’Bo Universal team! First to you, A. W., Vice President for Publicity and Special Events: Man, you’re the absolute greatest! You’ve always encouraged me to soldier on. I’ll always remember you saying, If you don’t finish this, you’ll be sorry! And you were so right! Thanks for being my best friend, and confidant. And Nair’Bo Team: Thanks so much for doing what you do! Can’t do it without ya.

Now most importantly, to my mother, Mrs. Naomi J. Evans. Mom, you were within and all around me during this entire process! I know you’re always with me. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.

I dedicate Nothing Can Tear Us Apart—RAGE! to all of you who are following the captivating, intriguing and rather delicious saga of Wes and ‘Tonio!

Wyatt O’Brian Evans

Washington, D.C./New York City

November 2013

For Mom

Everybody’s got RAGE! Some folk just don’t realize it.

Sometimes RAGE! just sneaks up on ya—and in the blink of an eye, like some hellish fury, and (almost) without warning—it attacks its designated target…its victim!

But at other times, RAGE! is sitting alone, far back in the corner, barely making a sound or even a hushed whisper, brooding, growing and growing, just waiting for something (or especially someone!) to finally release it…and that RAGE! becomes an erupting volcano that spews and spews, and shoots forth volley after volley of holy fire, brimstone and ash!—not to mention righteous indignation—all of which totally engulfs and consumes its designated target. Its victim!

Beware of RAGE!

’Cause it ain’t NO joke.

Prologue

Greetings, my peeps (people)! This is Wesley (Wes) Laurence Kelly, wealthy African-American celeb and entrepreneur, comin’ atcha!

Last time as you recall, I’d kicked Antonio (‘Tonio) Miguel Rios, Jr., my monogamous partner and Chief of Security, outta the mansion and to the curb! Why did I do that? Because ‘Tonio battered me.

I was the victim of domestic violence and abuse—generally referred to in the LGBTQ Community as Intimate Partner Violence/Abuse (IPV/A). I’d become another statistic.

And why in the world did my soul mate, the love of my life, the man to whom I trusted my very life, violate me in such a horrific and shameful way? You see, some shadowy, nefarious entity with a MAJOR axe to grind and score to settle orchestrated certain circumstances which caused ‘Tonio to actually believe I’d been unfaithful!

But as you know, I was not! I mean, how could I possibly cheat on the man to whom I’d given each and every piece of my heart?

These manufactured incidents caused things to spiral completely out of control! And the coup de gras was the day after my B-Day in early December. That’s when this mysterious, deadly individual had me abducted! Unconscious, I was taken to some hotel room, and it was made to look like I’d been sexing it up!

Next, ‘Tonio barged in, things got beyond overheated…and consequently, he battered me! As a result, I ended our union.

Now, I’m sure you’re wondering if in fact ‘Tonio and I found our way back to one another; if somehow, our deep, passionate and profound love remained intact—if indeed, Nothing Can Tear Us Apart!

Well, here I am in my bedroom, peering out the open French doors overlooking the gardens of my mansion. I won’t tell you how much time has elapsed since I first ended things with Antonio.

However, what I will do is allow you to take a journey inside my mind, so that you can find out what transpired following the breakup. In fact, you’ve got a first-class seat!

But first, let’s travel back in time, to right after my traumatic kidnapping experience.

Are ya ready? ’Cause it’s gonna be one helluva bumpy ride…

One

I didn’t know how long I’d been unconscious, or what time it was. Groggy, utterly disoriented, my head felt like a giant Q-Tip swab and was beating like a drum. My breath tasted of whiskey…that I hated, so therefore never drank! And Geesus Chryst! I didn’t smell so good, either.

In my drugged-out state, I surveyed my surroundings as best I could. I was able to determine that I was in what appeared to be an upscale hotel.

Rolling around on the bed, I found a used jockstrap—which wasn’t mine! I noticed that the sheets were badly soiled with dried cum (semen) and traces of feces. As well, I discovered Black and Latin porn magazines strewn everywhere. And, oh yeah—that damned whiskey bottle!

Without warning, nausea gripped me. A wave of panic overtook me!

What the hell’s goin’ on?

How long have I been here?

And, exactly where is HERE???

All of a sudden, I started to shiver. Big time! My memories, in bits and pieces, began to gel together.

‘Tonio had planned to spirit me away, to celebrate my 45th birthday…but before he could, Brackston, one of my employees, confronted us, accusing me of sleeping with him…Gawd knows I wouldn’t do that!…‘Tonio’s the love of my life…we argued, which resulted in ‘Tonio shoving me…in turn, that caused me to take refuge at the Ritz Carlton, refusing to be with him that night…he came by the next day…we were about to make up when he got that call from yet another guy, claiming he and I’d been sexing it up!…’Tonio stormed out!…then that snake Brackston called, saying that if I’d meet him at the club, he’d come clean with ‘Tonio…I got there but was cornered by two burly guys…one stuck me in the neck with sumthin’, (something) and I blacked out! I’d been set up! Royally.

I put on my tee shirt. Then, a thunderous thumping at the door nearly made me jump outta my skin!

Wes-lee! I know you’re in ‘dere’ (there)! If ya don’t lemme in, I swear ta Gawd I’ll break down dis mufuckin’ door! It was ‘Tonio, my BigGuy!

Although my legs felt like rubber, I managed to stumble to my feet. ’Ton…‘Tonio? Thank heavens…hold…hold on a minnit, I responded, my words slurred.

I opened the door. Thank Gawd you found me! I…

Bursting in, BigGuy swatted me aside like some insignificant gnat. At the top of his lungs, he screamed, Where da fuck is he? In tha bathroom? Where? He was on the hunt! Of course, he found nada.

I didn’t know to whom he was referring. Or for that matter, which end was up!

I stuttered, Baby, what’cha talkin’ ’bout? I’m alone…don’t even know how I got here.

Dammit, Wes! You’re such a liar! Give it up!

Wobbly, I was still totally disoriented. Those goons had shot me up with some real potent shit.

All of a sudden, ‘Tonio shifted his attention to the bed. He observed the putrid, funky sheets, the porno, the empty whiskey bottle. Pointing, he yelled, Lookit all dis shit! Did ya have a good time? I knew he was beyond pissed because his accent became thicker, and much, much more pronounced.

(Pause.) Well…did ya? He was reeling from shock. There was no denying that he was swimming in anguish. Ready to drown in it, to be exact.

Next, his tortured eyes traveled up and down my gym-built body. He noticed the dried cum stains on my thighs and azz. Falsely incriminating, but damning evidence nevertheless.

Dammit, Wes! Y’all probably didn’t even use condoms! You’re jist a high-class ‘HO!’ A slut!

Again, he looked me over. It was such a glare of disdain that my heart shattered—in jagged, little pieces.

"Maybe not even high-class," he added.

That insult cut me to the quick.

Don’t say that, I begged, sobbing uncontrollably.

Still screeching, ‘Tonio was inching towards me. His outrage was building to a fever pitch, threatening to whip completely outta control! He was like a mad bull, seeing red everywhere—on every surface, in every corner.

Jist shut tha fuck up! Spit splattered from his mouth.

We were now face-to-face, my back to a wall. In this explosive situation, we were wayyyyy too close for comfort.

And now, I was officially afraid of this man!

I’d never imagined he’d become this infuriated, this enraged! And in the blink of an eye, my childhood fears of being beat down by school bullies lurched awake, rising to the surface, threatening to punch straight through.

Although frightened, I made another frenzied effort to reason, to reconnect with ‘Tonio. Please think, ‘baybee’ (baby)! Why would I jeopardize our relationship by doing such horrible things? You know I love and need you with every fiber of my being!

‘Tonio yelled, You’re lyin’! Ya NEVAH really loved me! You’ve been usin’ me as yo’ personal sex toy or sumthin’! I ain’t havin’ dat, Wes!

And all at once, he froze.

Then, solemnly, BigGuy said, I don’t know ya anymore…guess I never have.

I was crushed!

I pleaded, ‘Tonio, I’ve proven my love and fidelity to you. Puleeze…

Inflamed, he shouted, BITCH…didn’t I say ta jist shut tha fuck up???

Oh no, he didn’t! He called me THAT word.

And now, unfortunately for me, the fuse was lit which would blow this stack of dynamite sky-high!

Never in my wildest dreams could I ever have imagined what would happen next! ‘Tonio, my bodyguard, my life partner, my soul mate—all 6’4" and 280 pounds of magnificently chiseled muscle— towered over me. And in a heartbeat, in a flash, in less than a blink of an eye, BigGuy jerked me up by my tee, and then slammed me directly into the wall! Gawd, the pain that ripped through my body! At the same time, my head snapped back, also smashing into that surface.

Why’d ya haveta hurt me like dis? I wish we’d nevah gotten ‘tagetha’ (together)! ‘Tonio railed, growling like some rabid dog. He actually seemed to be foaming at the mouth! Next, he smashed me into that wall once again.

Then all of a sudden, the instances of abuse I suffered as a child fast-forwarded through my brain! All of the humiliation, the torment, and the tears were revisited. My body went as limp as a frayed, wet, overused dishrag.

BigGuy had me jacked up and pinned against the wall, his huge, clammy left hand now grasping my neck. I couldn’t move! My brain cells were in overload. I was having difficulty breathing.

He continued yelling, How could ya do dis ta me? How? How? His grimace was undeniably monstrous! He was a man possessed, thoroughly having lost touch with reality.

All the while, the following thoughts played in my head: This cannot be happening! How can my soul mate, the one who’s professed his undying love over and over, be doing this to me? How can this man who’s vowed to protect me, kick my ass like this? HOW???

BigGuy continued to loom over me. When we hooked up, I told ya we had ta be monogamous! And you agreed! (Pause.) What tha FUCK’S wrong wit’cha anyways? Huh? Huh? He repeatedly shoved one of his thick fingers in my face.

Finally, I shook myself from my stupor! My survival instinct had kicked in.

Once more, I tried logic. I…I’ve kept my promise—my solemn vow, ‘Tonio! Please stop this! We promised that no matter what, we wouldn’t physically abuse one another. Remember?

My appeal didn’t faze him! Not one iota. ‘Tonio wasn’t hearing or listening to me because his overwhelming fury and all-consuming wrath were at their peak, their tipping point.

And ya promised you’d NEVAH cheat on me! Rememba dat?

Next, in no time flat, he aimed his thick, steely right hand squarely at me.

My internal alarm blared! I whimpered, ANTONIO! No! Don’t! Wha…what are you doin’? I tried to fend him off.

But that was futile.

Bitch, don’t you…!

And then, IT happened!

‘Tonio smashed his fist into my face! The impact was indescribable.

Blood gushed forth from my nose and the right side of my mouth. Never had I’d been struck with such force.

Actually, never had I felt so violated and betrayed! I just couldn’t wrap my head around the reality that the man whom I loved more than life itself (a cliché, but true) and who made tender, sweet love to me would viciously batter me! Physically, psychologically, emotionally, I was in agony…in pure, unadulterated hell.

And suddenly, ‘Tonio released his grip. It was if somehow, a priest had purged and exorcised every demon from his body! Meanwhile, I slumped to the floor, a bloody heap.

The next thirty seconds or so seemed like an eternity! Antonio didn’t move an inch, a muscle. He simply couldn’t seem to comprehend what he’d done.

And the gravity of it!

He peered down at me. Right away, tears streamed down his grill (face).

‘Tonio realized he’d crossed the line, that he’d inflicted damage that in so many ways, and on so many levels, was (probably) irrevocable.

BigGuy kneeled down. Trying to assist me, he blubbered, Oh my Gawd, Wes-lee! What have I done? Baybee, I really didn’t mean ta hurt’cha! Ya gotta believe me!

In a panic, I backed away from him like some endangered animal, whose instincts screamed out that his life was in imminent danger of being snuffed out by a merciless hunter.

"Stay tha fuck away from me, you bastard! You will NEVAH touch me again," I snarled in a high-pitch voice.

Puleeze, baybee…jist lemme help ya!

Dazed and empty, I somehow managed to stand up on my own two feet. Waves of pain continued to rock my body! My tee was covered with blood and snot.

Since I was nearly ready to upchuck, I hobbled to the bathroom. Crucially though, I needed to put as much distance between ‘Tonio and myself as humanly possible.

As I leaned over the sink, BigGuy filled the doorway. Hysterical and barely coherent, he continued to plead, "Ya gotta lemme help ya, Wes-lee! Puleeze!"

Blood, mucous, and sweat kept on coming! My heart was palpitating like a speeding freight train ready to jump the tracks! My head felt like it would split in two. And all the while, my stomach was churning furiously and ferociously. Last but not least, I started to shake, and rather violently.

And finally, the vomiting began! My aim was off, and much of the muck landed at my feet. Damn! How I hated to throw up. I really did.

Next, but not without warning, I became dizzy, losing my balance! ‘Tonio’s quivering, clammy hands couldn’t reach out fast enough to catch me. As a result, I ended up on the floor—wallowing in a pool of my own foul, slimy mess.

Holy crap.

Two

When I came to, I found myself in bed, with Dr. MacArthur Stanley Chandler sitting next to me. African-American and in his forties, he’s a celebrity physician, one who guarantees the utmost discretion. If you have to be admitted to the hospital, he has ways of keeping everything under the radar and away from the media.

That’s why he demands such