Sex can be a dangerous business. So can love. On the worst day of his life, Wren Gallagher wants oblivion when he steps into Tricks for a drink. When a mysterious stranger steps up to pay his tab, he offers Wren the key to fulfilling his dreams of prosperity and true love. But appearances are not always what they seem. His savior owns the escort agency ? Louer, and he wants the young and handsome Wren as part of his stable of men-for-hire. Down on his luck, Wren figures, why not? He needs the money. When he joins, though, he doesn't count on meeting Rufus, another escort with whom he falls hopelessly in love. But their love story will have to overcome the obstacles of not only trading love for money, but ? Louer's dark -- and deadly -- secrets.

A Dangerous Game

Soft music played from an iPod dock on the dresser, muted woodwinds. Candles flickered on almost every available surface, helping to mask the smell of the Pall Malls but also aiding in setting the mood—and making it easy for Wren to imagine he was not here on business, providing carnal eye candy for a paying customer. Instead he could pretend he and Rufus were at the conclusion of their first date. He could go deep into his head and make himself believe that this bedroom, as large as some of the apartments he and Linda had shared, was his own. The room was decorated in antique style, with lots of heavy oak furniture—the bed had a velvet canopy, and its posts were massive and elegantly carved—Tiffany-style lamps, and velvet draperies which seemed to not only shut out the city light outside but the sound as well.


It was as if he and Rufus were cocooned in their own little world.


Chapter 34