Private detective Chris Mason thought he only had to worry about his brother Dylan discovering he was dating Homicide detective James Harris. Dylan and their best friend, Ron Abrams, don’t like James, and Chris has to handle their animosity towards his lover. But then Chris is targeted by a serial killer who leaves snapdragons with his victims.<br><br>James leads the Snapdragon investigation as head detective. As each murder links Dylan and Ron to the killings, James questions Ron’s motives and his connections to Chris. Ron’s pet name for Chris has always been Snapdragon. Could there be more behind Ron’s playful teases than Chris knows?<br><br>When Ron’s attraction to Chris is exposed, their friendship totters. Is a darker side to Ron revealed? Could he be involved with the Snapdragon murders? And will Chris be able to solve the case before he becomes the killer's next victim?

Snapdragon

Chris led him to the kitchen and then set the wine on the island as James put the bag next to it. He pulled the bag closer as James reached over and pushed his collar down. James’s light touch on his neck made him smile.


“That bastard did hurt you,” James said.


Chris rubbed his neck to chase away the feeling of his attacker’s grip. “I’m okay,” he said. “I grew up with three brothers who loved to fight. I learned pretty quick how to defend myself.”


Reaching into the bag, he pulled out one of the five containers, put it on the counter, and then peeked inside, releasing the sweet aroma of the marinara sauce. “This smells wonderful.”


“I got chicken parmesan and salads,” James said. “And, of course, I got their breadsticks, which I know are your favorite.”


“A weakness, really.” Chris smiled as he got two plates from the cabinet.


Chapter 11