Lucas Fides has inherited his Victorian family’s auction house, good looks and a keen, passionate mind. But he has far less control over his body’s desires than his business, hiding an illicit and unspoken love for his boyhood friend and dependent, Valentine. As a result, Lucas suffers recurring, deeply erotic dreams, where a mystery lover demands and guides his sexual responses.<br><br>When the auction house runs into financial difficulty, Valentine introduces a new client to Lucas. Gideon Arnaud is a mysterious and charismatic man who seems to scorn society’s restrictions. He offers Lucas a spectacular collection of jewels for auction and also his intense, seductive attention. He appears to know more about Lucas than any stranger should. Affronted by Gideon’s bold pursuit, Lucas puts up a spirited defence, despite being increasingly exhausted by his dreams. His heart is already committed to Valentine, even if he thinks it’s his secret alone. When Valentine announces his engagement to Lucas’s sister, Lucas’s pain and frustration are almost intolerable.<br><br>Torn between his need for Valentine’s comfort and the determination to avoid Gideon Arnaud’s disturbing presence, Lucas becomes more vulnerable by the day, until his loneliness forces his desire out of his dreams and into the light of day. The consequences will change his life forever.

Precious Possession

I lay in Valentine’s arms,still gently panting.The exhaustion was a caress;satisfaction crept deliciously throughout my strained limbs.Our clothing lay crumpled beneath us,but neither of us needed cover.We were content to be naked and lying on the floor,warmed by each other.He had taken hold of me after I finished andlaid me down.I hadn’t been able to move with any assurance,let alone for both of us.His hands had been as gentle as I’d ever known,and yet they touched me intimately,firm and possessive as well.Then he’d stretched out beside me and sighed into my skin as he also relaxed.His head now nestled against my shoulder,his face hidden again from me.


“Lucas.”Just a whisper.“Was that what you wanted?Was it meyou desired?”


“Yes.”I felt the slippery sweat of his body,shifting against me.Muscle,sinew,smooth young masculine flesh.I breathed raggedly,every bodily function disturbed,every part of me feeling so astonishingly different.“It always has been.”


Chapter 8