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

But Rufus… Where was he? Was he safe? The thought chilled him, knowing that some young man, a man whose picture he had seen so recently, had been stabbed to death—out there, where Rufus was doing God knew what. His mind’s eye conjured up a grisly image—the boy whose picture he had seen, lying in the dirt, a pool of blood black as night spreading out beneath him.


Wren shivered. He would have to stay here, at least until Rufus returned.


Wren lay on his bed for what seemed like hours, waiting for the oblivion of slumber to overtake him. But sleep tonight was elusive, always just out of Wren’s grasp. He did manage to drift off once for a few seconds but awakened with a jerk and a startled scream. He had dreamed of a bloody hunting knife coming toward him.


Chapter 40