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

Jude slowly turned his eyes to the front door. “I have to.”


“It’s my love that scares you.” Harris bent to Jude’s face, brushing his lips with his mouth. “So don’t tell me you don’t want me. You want me so bad it’s got you running. You love me so much, you almost hate me.”


Those words knocked the air of Jude and all he could do was flee. They were so true. He jerked the door open and ran up the front steps to the street.


“Jude, no, please!” Behind him, Harris’s voice was thick with tears.


“Take Erebus to the top, Harris!” Jude screamed, slipping into the backseat of the cab he’d paid to wait for him—no matter how long it took. “Get me out of here,” he said, to the driver. “Hurry.”


“Same place you picked me up.” Everything was quiet inside him. Jude watched the streets. Traffic lights changing. Then, in what felt like five minutes, the car was in front of his building. He watched himself pay the driver. Heard himself say a few words.


Chapter 52