Chemistry major Kelly Hendrick has lusted after his analytical chemistry professor Simon Randall for a several semesters. They share common interests in reading, fencing, and, of course, their chosen career field.<br><br>Now several semesters past being Dr. Randall's student, Kelly finally dares to cross the line and pursue his attraction to the professor. He finds the feeling reciprocated, but there are deep, more than human secrets in Kelly's life.<br><br>An assault on Simon forces Kelly to confront the idea that Simon needs to know more if they’re going to be together. Can Kelly own up to non-human genetics and still maintain his growing relationship with Simon?

Prise de Fer

“Are you okay? What happened?” demanded Kelly, forcing the pretense that he didn’t know.


“Some psycho tried to mug me while I was changing a flat tire,” replied Simon. “He cut me pretty bad. I’ve got something like forty stitches.”


“Christ,” Kelly whispered. With all the blood he had seen, he’d suspected it was pretty bad. Simon’s head leaned against Kelly’s shoulder, and Kelly tipped his lover’s face up with a finger and kissed him fervently. When Kelly looked up, he noticed the glance exchanged by the two cops


“I have to ask, sir, do you think the attack could have been a hate crime?” one of the policemen asked carefully.


“I doubt it. I think he just saw a guy alone with a flat tire and thought I would be an easy target, because there wasn’t any way for me to follow him,” answered Simon.


“Okay. We’ll put out a call to be on the lookout for a guy fitting this description, but honestly, I’m not sure how likely it is we’ll find him.”


Chapter 13