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

When Harris caught sight of the chair under the sheet, he furrowed his brow, leaning in closer. “You made this?” He walked around the mind-blowing thing. It was a massive, meticulously carved throne made of bleached wood, and along its legs and seat, Jude had carved those miniature horses Harris had seen before. But what was stunning about the chair was its back, which was created out of polished metal pieces made to look like swords. The chair was elegant and imposing, evoking images of past Byzantium empires now long forgotten. The swords were close to a meter high and caught the light from every angle, creating an illusion of fragmented mirrors. Who’d sit on such a thing?


This throne was regal and lethal all at once.


Harris stared at it, forgetting to breathe. “This is supremely made,” he finally said. He glanced up at Jude, who stood there, waiting for his reaction. “This is so different from your other pieces.”


Chapter 61