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

The snow, as light as it was, plus the cold accompanying it, worked to Damien’s advantage. When they turned the corner of the block, he put his arm around Lyle’s shoulders. “I don’t want you freezing to death.”


The fact that Lyle smiled rather than protesting, said it had been the right move.


Then why do I feel so guilty?I shouldn’t. I’m not doing anything that both of us don’t want, if I’m reading things right. I know Ido, so right or wrong I’m not going to back away from it. Will I seduce him? Would it be seduction if he wants what I’m offering? He snorted softly at that idea, getting a curious look from Lyle.


Lyle’s eyebrows went up. “You find us amusing?”


“No, not at all. Curious, maybe, that an ugly bruiser like me might stand a chance with you. I mean, I do, don’t I?”


Chapter 34