A.F. Henley

Doren was born with a powerful gift -- a gift he's managed to use to put him well on his way to becoming a star. But there is more to that gift than just musical talent, and as careful as Doren is to hide that fact, there are some who know of the power behind the sound, and all the ways they could abuse it.<br><br>August's goal in life is simple: make an impact in the music industry. An opportunity to work as the personal assistant to Doren seems to be exactly the kind of break he needs to accomplish that goal.<br><br>But all too often in life, simple becomes just another complication, especially when there are people whose goal is even simpler: destroy and dominate.

The Gift

He stood at the front desk, annoyed, and waited for the valet service to bring the car around. He clicked the keys against the counter in a steady beat, recalling the drums on the CD. Third track, second verse, he thought. The lyrics go like this…then he noticed the concierge’s attention on his hand.


“What’s your problem?” The words came out a little rougher than Doren meant them to, but too bad. That’s what the jerk got for looking at him like that.


“Nothing, sir. My apologies.” The clerk looked down at his paper and then up again. “Will August be joining you tonight?”


Doren shook his head, narrowing his eyes. For some reason the mention of August’s name made him jumpy. “No. He won’t. Not that it’s any of your business.”


“Of course not, sir.” The man paused, as if dropping the subject, then continued as if he was unable to stop himself. “Great guy though, isn’t he? Sweet, too. One would be very lucky to find someone so complimentary, wouldn’t you say?”


Chapter 50