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

“It’s generous, Rufus, under the circumstances.”


“Which you still haven’t mentioned. I assume I’m being let go because I’ve missed too many days.”


Sheila nods. “That and one other minor detail.” She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a little pink baggy that has a bit of white powder in the bottom. She throws it on the table. “Pretty careless of you, leaving this in your desk. You’re very lucky you’re getting off as lightly as you are. We could have prosecuted.”


Sheila stands. I don’t know what to say. I giggle and immediately regret it. I say, “Whoa…I usually don’t leave this much lying around.”


But Sheila, if she heard, gives no indication. She’s on her way back to her cube.


I sip coffee gone cold and think how Sheila’s doing more than going back to her cube. She’s going back to the “normal” world, a place from which I’m suddenly excluded.


Chapter 45