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

Edwin didn’t stop moving until he felt a certain weight against his back. He froze, his heart clenching with fear. Carson whimpered in protest, a sound he felt vibrate through him. Cooper must have felt it too, because he whispered in Edwin’s ear, “Don’t stop moving. Don’t let on that I’m here. Don’t say anything either. You know he’ll freak out if you start talking to me. Then he won’t let you come back.”


“Don’t…please…” Edwin whispered desperately. Carson gave no sign of hearing him, but neither did Cooper. Fingers trailed down his spine and then dipped between his cheeks, a thumb pressing against his hole—a promise and a warning.


“Edwin?” Carson gasped, pushing back. “Please.”


“Look at him,” Cooper murmured. The words were embedded in his brain, burrowing deeper and deeper. “He wants you. Don’t leave him waiting.”


Chapter 68