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 I could just do a couple of lines and wait for a little while, see if I have any ill effects. I mean, I know what coke would do to me (oh yeah), and if it felt any different, I could just flush the rest.


A couple of lines wouldn’t be enough to hurt me. I mean, I know that there’s at least some cocaine in there. I know that smell, and there’s nothing like it.


I begin assembling the tools of my trade: the dollar bill, the straw, the razor blade, the ballpoint pen. A pack of Marlboro Lights.


Well, as the song goes, I’m still here. The stuff was pretty good. Pretty bad…now that it’s 9:00 a.m. and I haven’t slept, haven’t put anything in the way of sustenance in my body but six Michelob Genuine Drafts since breakfast yesterday.


Oh, it was quite a party. I stare dully at the TV screen, thinking.


Is this how things will be from now on?


Chapter 49