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

“I know you’re angry and you should be.”


Bryson snorted. Duke had missed his calling in life. He would have made one hell of an actor. “Well, I guess I should be more appreciative. At least I finally got the sex I’ve been begging you for, hmm?”


Duke shook his head and looked at the sky. “That was a douchebag move, I know—”


“It was a little bit shitty, yeah.” Bryson’s voice dripped with sarcasm.


“Bryson, I swear…I didn’t mean…okay, I did. But that wasn’t right and…” He growled and shook his head. “Look, I have a lot of things to say to you. To apologize for. But this conversation needs to start inside. With everyone else.”


“Pfft.” As gently as he could, but still with hopefully the right amount of indignation, Bryson moved Beau’s head and wiggled out from under him. “I’m going to need more than that if you expect me to listen to a single word you have to—”


Chapter 51