Ryan is a young artist hoping to make a name for himself. When he meets a man who offers to help him advance his career, he accepts. His career takes off when Merrick arranges two shows for Ryan at a local gallery. Ryan is elated, especially when their relationship becomes more personal. What he doesn’t expect is to end up being abused, physically and emotionally, as Merrick tightens his control over the younger artist.<br><br>After a vicious beating, Ryan manages to escape, naked except for a bedspread wrapped around himself. Policeman Shaun Levitt finds him cowering in an alley. Taking the battered young man under his wing, Shaun begins the slow process of helping Ryan come to grips with what happened.<br><br>Will Ryan learn to trust again? Or will he forever look at any man who might be interested in him as another potential abuser ... including Shaun?

In the Name of Love

“It looks good,” Merrick said, joining him, a cup of coffee in one hand. “Now, you get to lay the flagstones.”


“And the sod where the old path was.” He’d had Merrick order some when they realized they needed it. “You can help,” Ryan replied hopefully.


“I would, but I have chores I need to take care of.” Merrick patted Ryan’s shoulder. “Besides, this is your project. I wouldn’t want to interrupt.”


“Uh-huh.” Ryan shook his head then set to work, while Merrick went back into the house. By the time noon rolled around, Ryan’s arms and back were aching. And I’ve only done maybe a tenth of it, if that. Damn.


Merrick came out to tell him lunch was ready. “Are you going to do more this afternoon?” he asked.


“No way. I’d be a basket case by the time I got to work, if I did. I think I’ll start on one of the paintings, instead, unless you want us to do something.”


Chapter 24