Shane has never managed to catch a break. His mother died when he was a teen and his father left home the day he turned eighteen. Then he met a man he thought would fulfill all his dreams. Little does he know that Tyler will plunge him into a nightmare of both physical and verbal abuse.<br><br>With his self-esteem destroyed and no friends to turn to, Shane lives every day in despair. But when they’re invited to a neighbour’s house for dinner, things begin looking up. Michael, their host, is no stranger to Shane, for they have often said hello over the fence.<br><br>But is he the one who will come to Shane’s rescue? Or will Tyler make sure their friendship goes no further than the dinner?

Something from Nothing

He escorted Shane to his car and helped him into the passenger seat. On the way to Mona’s house, they remained in silence. Once inside, Michael made them both a strong drink, then sat beside Shane on the couch.


“Here you go,” he said, handing Shane a whisky.


Shane shrugged. “I don’t know. A lot of things. A bit shaken up.” He felt Michael rest a hand on his thigh. “Numb. It doesn’t seem real. I could’ve died tonight.” He shook his head. “It’s confusing.”


“That’s the shock,” said Michael, pulling Shane to him and gently rubbing his back.


Michael’s arms were comforting. He felt safe in them, as though nothing in the world could touch him. All the bad things, the evil things, were far away and unable to hurt him. He closed his eyes for a moment and lost himself in the embrace. “I’m sorry. It should be such a happy time for you, and I’ve ruined it.”


Chapter 22