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

Carson tugged the shoes from his feet, then peeled off his socks. Edwin had nice toes. It was a little weird to think so, because most people would never characterize toes as nice, but in Edwin’s case, it was true. They weren’t hairy or knobby. The nails were neatly trimmed. Carson couldn’t be sure, but it looked like Edwin indulged in the occasional pedicure. He moved from Edwin’s feet to his belt, unhooking the buckle. He moved slowly, though he doubted he would disturb Edwin at all.


It almost seemed like he had been drugged.


The thought brought Carson up short, a chill rolling down his spine. He didn’t have a problem with the fact that Edwin had once been an addict. Especially since Edwin had insisted he was living completely clean. But the thought of Edwin—straitlaced, clean-cut, conscientious, funny Edwin—fucked up on drugs made Carson more than a little sick. It didn’t seem right. It seemed like a weakness that Edwin couldn’t—shouldn’t—have.


Chapter 42