Ryan doesn’t expect too much from his weekend at the Shadows and Souls fan convention in Tahoe -- he wants to meet his online friends, engage in a few heated debates about the plot for the upcoming season, and maybe shake the hand of the TV show’s star, Johnny Marlowe. But his weekend goes off course almost immediately after his arrival. First, the hotel loses his booking. Then Johnny Marlowe talks to him like they’re actual friends. And while his head is still spinning, a ghost attacks him in the elevator.<br><br>Despite fighting ghosts every week on television, Johnny Marlowe does not believe in the spirit world. However, he does believe he should get to know Ryan better. Fan or not, the man is not only gorgeous, he’s down-to-earth, fun, and makes Johnny forget about the fake life he’s forced to lead and the ex-boyfriend who refused to participate in the charade. Unfortunately, every time Johnny tries to get close to the handsome ginger, something explodes or the earth shakes or lights blink out -- and none of that is as sexy as it sounds.<br><br>Johnny doesn’t believe in ghosts, but he knows he has to get to the bottom of this haunting if he ever wants to get close to his biggest fan.

Between the Shadow and the Soul

“Was I talking to you, cunt?” With a hard shove at the door, Paul pushed Johnny farther into the room and followed him in until he stood toe to toe with Rachel. “You losers are all the same. Sticking up for your queer heroes like they’re something to be proud of. Like the world wouldn’t be better off if they’d just keep their dicks in their pants. Or better yet, cut—”


“That’s enough!” Johnny barked. “Apologize to her right now, and maybe you’ll get off with just losing your job, asshole.”


Paul’s eyes were absolutely glacial. “I don’t think so.”


His arm whipped out as he backhanded Rachel across her cut jaw. She cried out, but as she went down, her head hit the handle on the closet. She ended in a silent heap on the floor.


“What the hell is wrong with you?” Johnny shouted.


Chapter 32