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

Tonight, he’d be at Harris’s side. He’d meet Harris’s friends and see his world. Tonight was Harris’s night. His job would be to stand by him, smile, chitchat, and charm people. That would be it. He didn’t exist. He was only an accessory. The jewel glittering on Harris’s shirt sleeve.


Then after the launch party, it would be goodbye and good luck.


Jude swallowed hard, on the brink of a meltdown. He was exhausted. Starved. Frazzled and used up.


Would Harris let him go without an argument tonight? Or would he insist on seeing him again?


He didn’t know which scenario scared him most. How could he let Harris into his heart when there was almost nothing left of it to have?  9


From the moment Harris had climbed down the long, steep staircase leading to the underground of the vacant factory basement, he’d known Mineau had chosen the right place to reveal Erebus.


Chapter 27