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

“I don’t think you’ve got a choice, because I’m not going anywhere any time soon. Or ever, unless you push me away.”


“I don’t see that happening.” Lyle straightened up so he could look at Damien. “I’ve already told you, you’ve become a very important part of my life in the last couple of weeks, and I don’t mean because you make me feel safe when you’re around.”


“Your own personal bodyguard.” Damien laughed, although something in his expression told Lyle he didn’t really find it amusing.


“It’s not funny, although in a way I suppose you are, but it’s more than that. I care about you more than I ever cared about anyone. There, I said it. Take it for what it’s worth.”


“A hell of a lot because it tells me this isn’t just a fling for you. Or the result of some misplaced hero worship, which I don’t deserve, by the way.”


“I’d debate that, but believe me it’s not. I like you for you, warts and all as you put it a while ago.”


Chapter 46