Lyle Atwood's company is hired to costume a party given by multi-millionaire Warner Radclyffe. As he and his employees begin preparations for the job, Lyle begins to feel as if someone is watching him. Then he meets Damien Sauvage, the newest tenant in the apartment building where he lives. Damien tells Lyle that he's a waiter, and when Lyle confides in him that he thinks he's being stalked, Damien offers to help find out who it is. What he neglects to tell Lyle is he actually works for Radclyffe, who wants him to protect Lyle from a very powerful enemy. As Damien gains Lyle's confidence, he becomes attracted to the younger man -- an attraction that Lyle reciprocates. He fights his feelings, knowing Lyle will hate him when he finds out his secret -- and even more so when he learns what Damien really is. Radclyffe orders Damien to continue the job, as he has a secret of his own involving Lyle. A secret that cannot be revealed until the night of the party. Can Lyle survive what is to come, or will the lies of omission be the death of him -- or worse?

Lies of Omission

He went with black slacks and turtleneck, and a bright blue shirt. When he checked how he looked in the bedroom mirror he decided it worked. A good thing since there was a knock on his door.


“You did it again,” Damien commented as soon as Lyle opened the door.


“Dressed so well you make me look like the evil overlord in a bad action flick.”


“Well…” Lyle checked out what Damien had on under his open black coat. “You might try wearing something other than basic black and gray.”


“True. It’s sort of become my go-to when I’m not in my waiter ‘uniform’.”


“Which is also black and gray,” Lyle pointed out with a grin. “It does suit you, though.”


“Thanks, I think. Are you ready to go?”


“As soon as I get my jacket.” He did, putting it on and then locking up. “Are we walking?”


“Sure. It’s a nice night, for mid-January.”


Chapter 23