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

It was time to face reality. If he was going to keep peddling his ass, then he’d have to let Harris go. There was no two ways about it. Couldn’t mess with Harris’s health anymore: mental or physical. That was notlove. That was not respect.


When Jude stepped out of the washroom, he found Chimera lying on his bed. She was panting a little. In pain? “Hey, Chimmie,” he said, hurrying to her and putting his hand on her side. “What’s wrong?” Exhausted, he collapsed beside her and shut the light off on the night table. “We’ll go see the vet,” he whispered in the darkness, turning to his side to face the dog. “Everything’s gonna be okay.”


But none of this was okay. He was in a downward spiral.


In his pocket, his phone kept vibrating, as Harris sent him text after text.


“Oh, Harris.” He slipped his phone out and stared at the screen. “Don’t do it to yourself.” Harris had sent him five messages already. A feeling of hopelessness washed over Jude as he typed his reply.


Chapter 49