Sixteen year old Jacob Smithson has quite a temper. He’s picked on by other kids because he likes boys, and recent fighting has kicked him out of public school. As a last resort, his parents have placed him in the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Boarding School for Boys.<br><br>It’s at his first mass at St. Thomas where he sees Avery Dendritch, a senior who serves as altar boy during the service. When they meet, the attraction between them is hard to deny. The two become fast friends, and as the school year progresses, their friendship deepens into something more. For the first time, Jacob has found a place where he belongs ... and someone with whom he’s falling in love.<br><br>But the other students gossip about their growing relationship, and while Avery can ignore them, Jacob cannot. As the rumors and slurs start up again, can he curb his temper, or will his penchant for fighting get him expelled from St. Thomas, as well?

Without Sin

Jacob turns, baffled. For a moment he just stands there, hands held out, bloodied, beseeching. In his eyes, Avery can see his heart break. He doesn’t understand what’s happening, why Avery is pushing him away. Oh, please,Avery prays. He hopes Jacob can read his love in his face. I can’t say the words right now, Jacob, but I love you. Please just run. Run and stay safe. Run…


“Get out of here!” His voice is sharper than he intends, louder. It echoes through the silent hall.


When Jacob doesn’t move, Avery shoves him again, harder. “Go on,” he hisses. “Get the hell out of here, Jacob.”


“Avery,” he sobs. Tears streak down his cheeks. “I’m sorry.”


It’s torture to hear the ache in his voice. Oh, baby, I know. I’m sorry, too. So damn sorry they’ve done this to you…“Please,” Avery whispers. “Jacob, please. Just leave.”


Chapter 56