Desire & Devotion [Carlos Oliveira]

Carlos Oliveira is an acclaimed body modification artist. He knows a thing or two about permanent changes. But when it comes to his heart, Carlos has never been quite as willing to commit.

When things get too serious, he leaves. Always has. It's easier that way. So Carlos travels from state to state, from convention to convention, convincing himself that he likes the freedom, when really, he's just running from the one thing he refuses to give in to.

Then a stupid birthday celebration leads him to Kelly.

She's loud, confident, and always seems to know exactly what to say. She's persistent in a way Carlos has never experienced before, and somehow, she's the first person who makes him wonder if maybe staying somewhere, or with someone, wouldn't be so bad.

But instead of finding out where it could lead, he does what he's always done. He runs. Only this time, distance doesn't make Kelly disappear.

And somewhere between desire, distance, and heartbreak, Carlos begins to wonder if maybe love is worth the risk, even when staying means giving someone the power to hurt him.

(Part 2 of Temptation Series. Can be read as standalone.)