A brilliant scientist out to save the world. A jaded agent looking to save the one he lost. And a conspiracy that spans oceans, reaching into the deepest parts of American national security. Lennon is a genius. He’s devoted his energy and his time to designing products to save lives. He’s gotten rich doing it, too. This time he’s created something to revolutionize war, crime, and policing -- a bullet that heals. He’s on top of the world and the one thing he needs is someone to share it with. The one he loved disappeared without a trace years ago, and until he gets closure he can’t commit. Ben is an agent with an agency so secretive for years people didn’t know it existed. He screwed up years ago and fell in love with the man he was supposed to be guarding. Now his lost love is in danger again. He’s developed a product bad actors all over the world will want to get their hands on. When Ben’s superiors order him back to Lennon’s side, he goes without hesitation. There’s only one catch -- Lennon can’t know he’s there. When one of those bad actors strikes, all the rules go out the window. Can Lennon overcome his mistrust once he knows the truth about Ben? When the enemy turns up the heat, will Ben manage to save Lennon from people who want him to kill?

Under His Skin

Ben woke up eight hours later and hopped into the shower. Lennon made dinner, still pensive, and had it ready when Ben was done. This time, the meal was a little more awkward, a little more silent. Lennon felt bad about his part in that silence. He didn’t know how his bodyguard felt. Ben’s stiff back and frequent glances toward him didn’t indicate ease or comfort, but he didn’t seem inclined to bridge the gap either.


After dinner, they retired to the living area. “Maybe I should get a couch.” Lennon looked around the small space and bit his lip. “This isn’t a very comfortable space for anything but a cocktail party, I’m afraid.”


“You don’t have many of those.” Ben scratched at his head, an old nervous tic. “I haven’t been stalking you or anything, but I did look at the dossier. Had to, you know. We were trying to find suspects and everything.”


Lennon had to chuckle at his ex’ discomfiture. “Yeah, I figured. I know you weren’t checking up on me or anything wacky like that.”


Chapter 28