Bryson Merritt may have started life as a broken baby in a basket, but he got lucky with an extraordinary set of circumstances that brought him his adoptive parents. Rich, supportive, and kind, they've given Bryson everything he's ever needed in order to deal with his ongoing recovery issues. If only they could give him some luck when it comes to picking out the right kind of guy.<br><br>When Bryson meets Duke at a horse auction, all he can think about is getting Duke's sweaty hands all over his body. Until he meets Beau -- the beautiful dark horse in Duke's care, who shares Bryson's mobility and pain issues -- and realises exactly where Beau's final destination is. Enraged by what he sees as an unfair, undeserving, and cruel punishment, Bryson decides to buy Beau, problems or not, experience or no, and walks away without looking back.<br><br>However, once again forces have gathered to help Bryson out, and Bryson finds himself working alongside Duke for the sake of Beau. Bryson's attraction is rekindled, but now Duke isn't interested at all. Worse still, it looks like a possible relationship with Duke isn't the only thing that is going to end in tragedy.

Still Standing

Although it felt like two days had passed, it was only two hours later that Amaya leaned into the doorway of the lounge with a fully put-on pout covering up a look of sincere concern. She had a leash in her hand, and whether he was allowed in the building or not, Champ sat at the end of it. His huge puppy dog smile was almost enough to warm Bryson’s heart.


“Hey, you,” she said, exaggerating a frown. “Your mom said I should come by. She said you might need a friend right now.” She slipped into the room, waving away words he didn’t give her. “No, no. Don’t thank me. That’s what friends are for. What’s going on? Is it Duke?” Her expression hardened. “Because if that fucker did something, I swear to all the gods that I can name—”


Chapter 43