In the advertising business, Harris Desmond is notorious for his bad boy attitude, but behind that arrogant front hides a sensitive soul. Weeks away from launching his first perfume for men, Erebus, Harris dreams of success and finally emerging from his painful past. Weeks before the launch party, Harris's friend suggests he contact an escort agency to hire a date for his big night. Of course, Harris has his reservations about the idea, but the last years of casual encounters and failed relationships have left him feeling lonely. He secretly longs for someone special who'd understand him and all of his faults. When the agency sends him his date, Pallas, Harris gets a lot more than he paid for. Sweet and vulnerable, Pallas cuts through Harris's heart like a clean blade. But Pallas is chasing a dream, running on empty and caught in a downward spiral. He wants to give Harris his heart, yet after years of seeing the ugly side of people, he fears there's nothing left of it to give. But Harris knows the secret of scents, and he and Pallas are the perfect accord.

Cling to Me

“I just want everything to go exactly right.” Harris sat up and looked around at his home. Every item in here had been handpicked to fit a certain persona. Those Guerlain flasks he’d purchased through the years spoke of his passion for perfume. Every piece of furniture he’d carefully chosen was meant to show off his appreciation of beauty. Every artwork, vase, rug—all these items he loved—said something about him. But he realized they all said the same thing.


“Do you think I’m an asshole?” he asked. “That I lack empathy? That I’m materialistic?”


Reshone brushed a strand of hair off his forehead. “Stop it, Harris. We talked about this. You have a borderline personality disorder, okay, but behind all that, there’s you. A sweet and really smart guy I wish you’d let people see.”


That felt so good to hear. He’d accepted his diagnostic last year, but it was still hard to live with the idea. That was why he’d stopped seeing his therapist.


Chapter 4