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

“As you know, personal relationships among my employees, beyond friendships, are expressly forbidden.”


Wren nodded, still feeling kind of numb. He expected he would awaken any minute now, roll over, and see Rufus laughing at some other vintage sitcom. Maybe Frasier? But in real life, that kind of thing didn’t happen. At least in Wren’s experience, he could always discern dreams from reality.


“Well,” Dave said, “I have a few more unfortunate stops to make tonight, delivering this sad news.” He started toward the door.


Rufus asked, “Any idea who did this?”


Dave paused, hand on the doorknob. “Lots of ideas. The sad thing is people in this line of work are often targets.”


Rufus laughed, but there was no mirth in it, only bitterness. “Yeah, especially when you have us doing what we’re doing. Your little extra profit center. That kind of shit makes people mad, mad enough to kill. Or didn’t you think about that?”


Chapter 39