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

“Leaving so soon?” Radclyffe asked deadpanned, although his eyes sparked with repressed amusement.


“It’s late and I have a man to protect. I know I shouldn’t have left the building to come here, but I needed to have my say, for what little good it did me.”


“Damien, there is nothing wrong with wanting to be involved with him. There are worse things than caring deeply for someone, as long as they care for you in return. Yes, there can be problems, given what you are, but they aren’t insurmountable.”


“Sure feels like it from where I’m standing,” Damien retorted.


“I’m certain it does. If and when the time comes, I’ll do all in my power to help you make him see reason, if it’s needed.”


“I suppose I can’t ask for more than that.” Damien gave him a small bow and left.


Chapter 32