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

Joseph twirled a finger and she turned slowly until she was facing them again. “It fits as if it was made for you.”


She smiled. “In a way it was. Lyle used me as his mannequin when it was almost finished, to make certain it was doing what he wanted.”


“I remember that. It’s perfect, so what about you settle on it. Please.”


“I…well, okay. You’re right. I will if for no other reason than I’m sure both of you are bored out of your minds with my modeling one dress after another.”


Lyle shook his head. “I’m not. It’s been fun in a strange way and took my mind off of this evening. God, I hope everything goes as planned.”


“Of course it will.” Elaine hugged him before going to change from the dress into her work clothes, muttering as she left them, “I have to find the perfect accessories, and shoes, and…” Her voice faded away.


“Should we let her go shopping, now that she’s finally found something to wear?”


Chapter 55