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

Leaning his weight on his hands, Jude gazed down into Harris’s face. “You—you loveme? Why?”


“Why?” He pressed his hand to Jude’s lovely face. “Because I love you. That’s all I can say. I loveyou.”


Jude buried his face into Harris’s shoulder and burst into tears.


Harris stroked his hair, closing his eyes. He was not happy. He was not sad. But he was here and alive with Jude. Soon, they both fell asleep with the rain tip-tapping against the window and the sound of the endless flow of traffic on the bridge.Third Part: Base notes, the lasting effect of a fragrance


Chapter 44