Detective Thomas Doyle has been living a lonely, compartmentalized life ever since the death of his life partner, Aiden. He vowed never to let anybody get close to him again -- the pain of losing a loved one is too much to bear. Despite his vow, Thomas is lonely, and has a number of one-night stands, sexual encounters with unnamed men he doesn’t care to remember. Then he meets Elias. Elias Byrne knows the pain of abuse and rejection intimately. Unable to escape the clutches of his older brother, Elias dreams of someone to love, and of being loved in return. He admires Thomas, but the detective never pays him any notice. In a desperate attempt to get closer to him, Elias steals his wallet, then gives it back the next day. Pretty soon, Thomas feels a strong attraction to the fiery, arrogant, younger man. Elias intrigues him, but he resists his growing feelings because he doesn’t want to get hurt again. When Thomas rescues Elias from his abusive brother, can he also rescue them both from the loneliness that threatens to consume them? Can Elias conquer the detective’s hardened heart and find the love he always longed for? Or will Thomas stubbornly refuse to give himself another chance at love?

Elias

“I think you have had and still do have a difficult life. I believe they asked more of you than should be asked of a child. And I think it is time someone made up for all that you have suffered. And I’d like to be that somebody.”


Elias looked at Thomas and remained silent for some time before slightly relaxing his shoulders. “Why?” This time his tone was more resigned but somewhat tender.


Elias started shaking his head. “No. You don’t…no.” He suddenly stood up. “You can’t tell me such a thing. It’s not how it works. You can’t!” Elias moved back when Thomas stretched out a hand to touch him. “I am…you…can’t, okay? We can’t. It’s not right. I’m not right!” Then he ran out of the pub, leaving Thomas speechless. 14


Chapter 33