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

Doren snorted and shook his head. “You think I don’t know by now when you’re lying to me, you stupid old man?”


Anton stiffened, pride raging at both adjectives. “Be a boor then. You want to get right to it, let’s get right to it. Do let me get some more wine, though? To ease the conversation? Surely you have a moment for that? Surely you can spare a second of your time to share a drink with me?” He watched Doren from the corner of his eye, and had to keep his lips still as he said the next line, lest a smile give him away. “What do you say, son?”


Every nerve in Doren’s body tensed. “Don’t you dare call me that. Don’t you ever, everfucking call me that.”


Anton lifted his eyebrow. “Why not? Or should I say, shouldI not?” He walked around the altar, dragging his hand across the velvet. “Would you know if it was true? Could you know? You said you knew if I was lying. So, answer this, then: am I lying to you now, Doren?”


Chapter 96