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

“That’s the deal, Jude. I told you, I do love this house, and I’m only willing to sell because of your generous offer. Our oldest has some student loans he’s still paying off and a new baby on the way, and I’d like to help him out. So…that’s the number. Are you still interested?”


All the things he’d done for that house. If only she knew. If only he could tell her he’d paid the highest price a person could pay.


He clutched the phone, and slowly looked over his shoulder at the bedroom door. Harris had received an advance from Aurae…And he’d also told him how he had yet to claim his father’s inheritance money. No, he couldn’t ask Harris to buy him a damn house.


But it wasn’t a damn house. It wasn’t a place. It was so much more than that. It was a new life. Their future. A lab for Harris. Peace. Serenity. Their whole future.


“Can you give me a few days?” he asked in a quiet voice.


“You’ve been harassing us for a year and now you need a few days?”


Chapter 64