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

“This man you’re with, what’s he do? Does he know about your issues?”


“You mean Borderline Personality Disorder?” Claim it. Own it. “Yes, he knows.”


“Oh…That’s nice then. Very good. I’m impressed. So when can I meet him?”


“I don’t know, soon I guess.” He could picture Jude and him at the Desmond house, sitting at the endless dining table, while his stepmother asked question after question, causing Jude to recoil further and further into himself and his seat. “I’ll let you know. I have to go now.”


After they’d said good night and hung up, Harris looked around the kitchen, trying to reconnect with his surroundings. He could feel himself slipping away. He hadn’t had an episode of dissociation in a while. He couldn’t let this conversation spoil his mood. Jude would be here any minute. It was Friday night and they finally had a date.


Chapter 50