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

Shit. This will entail a trip to the doctor, and lucky me! No insurance.


I’m sure it’s herpes. What a wonderful life. I’ve lost my job. I don’t know how I’ll pay the rent next month, and now I have herpes.


How could I get herpes? That’s a good one. How could I not get herpes?


So here I sit, watching The Golden Girlson Lifetime (I should probably cancel the cable), remembering when it was funny to think that I identified with Blanche, the “human mattress,” as her elderly roommate Sophia referred to her.


Oh yeah, promiscuity was a real scream.


Which makes me think of the letter I got yesterday. How many guys have been “inside my house” lately?


Lots. Maybe one of them was just trying to be funny, in a sick sort of way, especially if he was one of the few I threw back after seeing how small he was.


Just as the show ends, the doorbell downstairs rings. A visitor? For me?


Chapter 48