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

Outside, they walked away from the door, and stood by the nearly-empty parking lot. The factory was in the east-end of the city and surrounded by residential streets. They whispered so as not to disturb anyone. “So…what is it?” Harris leaned back on the side wall, watching Jude’s expression darken.


“I’ve been—I wanna say something to you.”


“I wanna say something to you too,” Harris replied.


Jude looked straight at him. “Harris, I won’t deny it, there’s a part of me that wants to jump into this with both feet, but I haven’t come this far to stop now. I haven’t put myself through what I put myself through every day for nothing. I couldn’t live with myself if that were the case.”


“Okay. Okay. But I wouldn’t ask you to stop. Do you understand what I mean? You do what you do. I do what I do. No judgments. No questions asked. And—”


Chapter 30