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

“Okay, come with me.” Jude said, walking past Harris on his way to another door. He turned the key in the lock and pushed the door open. There were steps there—a gray and dusty staircase leading to another door—this one smaller.


“What are we playing here? Alice in Wonderland?”


Jude started climbing up the narrow steps without a look back at him.


Atop the stairs, Jude pushed the other door open and immediately, the bluest of skies appeared.


Harris stepped up the last stairs and out on the roof. With his mouth hanging open, he looked around. He could see the whole city’s skyline cutting across the majestic Mont Royal Mountain. This view was breathtaking. “Wow,” he said, trying to take all of it in. “This is fucking spectacular.” He walked closer to the ledge. It was a long way down.


“This is where I come when I need to think,” Jude said, close to Harris’s ear. He stood right behind him. “My own little cloud in the sky.”


Chapter 23