Edwin Masters has spent his entire life lusting after one car -- a 1962 Alfa Romeo Spider 2600. When he finally buys one, it changes the entire shape and meaning of his world. The car comes with a guest, and the restless spirit is awakened by Edwin.<br><br>Cooper James, the young man who died behind the wheel forty-seven years earlier, haunts the Spider and he wants a life. He wants Edwin. So he reaches out, sucking Edwin into a deepening abyss by exploiting demons from a past Edwin can't break from.<br><br>Edwin resists, struggling against the phantom in favor of an attractive, exciting young man who wants to be with him, Carson Heston. Carson holds the key to Edwin's salvation, but every time he gets close, Cooper terrorizes him. Edwin knows he'll be lost forever if he submits to Cooper's dark promise of release and relief, but that might be the only way to save Carson's life.

On a Bruised Road

Occasionally, when Edwin was angry, or when he was frightened or sleeping, the pulse in his throat throbbed so hard that Cooper could see it. The rapid tattoo fascinated him. He couldn’t remember what it was like to feel his own heart beat. Had he ever touched fingers to his throat just to count each pulse? Had a lover ever kissed that spot on his throat? Had a lover ever kissed that spot on Edwin’s throat? One should. One should feel the vibrancy of life through the thin membrane of skin, should taste the salt with the faint, sharp taste of soap, should experience the soft moan that would undoubtedly accompany the caress.


Chapter 25