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

He’d woken up this morning with this sick, but not altogether unpleasant, feeling inside his stomach. Some kind of anxiety. Or more like a feeling of excitement and curiosity about the day and the events to come. He hadn’t felt this wired about anything since he’d started working on Erebus all those years ago.


“Harris,” Reshone said, furrowing her brow. “Wait a minute. Do you have feelingsfor this guy?” She touched his hand over the table. “I know you, you fall fast and hard and then move on to the next one.”


“I think it’s different this time around.” He took a sip of his wine and set his glass down. Falling for an escort could only mean bad news for him. He was insecure, possessive, jealous, slightly paranoid. Sharing his lover with strangers was a recipe for disaster. “I’m interested in him. Actually find him alluring.”


“He’s an escort. It’s his job to be alluring. Note the luringpart in the word. That’s how he makes his living.”


Chapter 14