Two years after his father's death, Brandon is still grieving, running his father's store, watching his sister grow more depressed. Until Ramon saunters into his life bringing sunshine, blue skies, and an injured hawk. But Ramon has issues of his own to deal with, an abusive lover who won't take no for an answer.<br><br>If Ramon can wriggle free of the ex, can Brandon take a chance on loving again?

Feathers

“Looks like a gunshot wound. Probably some asshole on a boat, popping a twenty-two.” Ramon’s voice went bitter and sharp.


Ramon led the way to the medical clinic on the north side. They stepped inside to a cacophony of bird screeches; it seemed louder to Brandon than any dance club he’d ever cruised. The pitch was nerve-shredding and constant.


Ramon moved to the Dutch door on the left and called in. “Hey, Renee! ?Como esta?”


Renee appeared in the doorway; a pudgy woman with one hand wrapped around a seahawk chick and the other encased in a leather glove, reeking of fish.


“Air kiss,” she said with a smile. Ramon smooched next to her ears. “And who is this? Oh, finally, I get to meet the famous Leslie?”


“Uh, no, this is my friend, Brandon. Brandon, meet Renee. She’s the assistant keeper here. She supervised my internship, graded my papers.” Ramon’s words raced along, his face flushed. 


Chapter 10