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

“Okay, Mister Church, so this is your dirtymoney, right?” Harris took the box over to the bed. Then he grabbed his wallet on the dresser. “And this is my money.” He slipped a few bills out of his wallet and dropped them into the pile of cash in the box and then mixed the bills up.


“No! You put your money in there. Why?”


“Why?” Harris gave him a long and tender look. “Don’t you think it’s time we put everything we have, everything we’ve achieved, together? Don’t you wanna get out of this city? Can’t we try to make a life together, away from here?” Harris sat by him, his face turning sad. “I want it so bad, Jude…Please give in to me.”


“I always thought I’d do it on my own,” Jude said, staring down at the cash, every bill a memory he wished to erase. “All those nights. All those people.”


“Julian, baby, do you want this box to hold regret? Or do you want it to hold your future?”


Chapter 65