Stage actor Tim Gregory finds someone has broken into his dressing room and turned everything upside down. When police detective Brent Sullivan and his partner arrive, Tim thinks it’s because of the vandalism. But it turns out the detectives want to question him about  a missing necklace that was stolen some time ago.<br><br>After seeing the destruction in Tim’s dressing room, Brent is convinced the police aren’t the only ones who want the necklace. Unfortunately, Tim doesn’t remember what happened to it. But someone doesn’t care if he remembers or not. As romance sparks between Tim and Brent, time is ticking. Will Brent be able to solve the mystery – and keep Tim safe, too?

Improvise

Tim flinches when he hears a movement by his side, and sucks in air when a hand caresses his cheek mockingly, followed by a derogatory chuckle. He tries to move away from the touch but this time another hand clamps the back of his head, holding it in place. Tim’s heart begins to thump. He doesn’t want to think of the worse things that can happen to him. This is not worth it. But what should he say when there’s nothing he can tell these men? He opens his mouth.


“I—” The man quiets him with a hush and begins to run a thumb along Tim’s jaw.


“I’m not going to hurt you again. This still hurts?” Tim feels a quiet breeze of the wind as the guy’s hand hovers over his split lips and bruises and he can’t hold back a small whimper. Those fingers stroke his parted lips and Tim freezes.


“Yes.” The man presses on. “I can see now why your dad made you leverage for his not turning us in to the cops.”


Chapter 10