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 raised himself up to lean over Harris’s face. “What do I think? I think Aurae got fucking lucky when they snagged you.” He hesitated. “Maybe when I show you more of my work tomorrow, you’ll see that—that I have talent, too.”


A powerful emotion gripped Harris’s throat and he nearly clutched Jude, wishing he could erase all the terrible doubts and memories out of his mind and heart. “Of course you have talent. You’re brilliant.” But it wasn’t enough. “You captivate me.”


“I want you to love my work so badly…I need to impress you.”


“You have. You do.” Harris closed his eyes. “And you will.”  25


The next day, they stood in a paved driveway, on a steep street in Westmount—Montreal’s richest borough.


This morning, after they’d had breakfast at Jude’s lovely kitchen table, Jude had been in a hurry to take Harris to his workshop. Harris had a few days off and was looking forward to stepping deeper into Jude’s world.


Chapter 60