It’s not easy being a gay man in Utah, but it’s even more difficult when you’re young and overweight. Jay has never fit in with the general “club culture” and he knows he’d never be attractive enough to catch a one-night stand, much less a boyfriend. Losing himself in books and school alleviates his loneliness, and he doesn’t waste time dreaming about what he can’t have. Until he meets the new director of the GLBT Center on campus and promptly falls in love -- against all common sense and logic.<br><br>Hoping to catch a few glimpses of Stephen outside of the Center, Jay decides to start working out at the university gym. The plan turns out to be too successful as Stephen volunteers to be his workout buddy, then invites Jay out to lunch, and finally, kisses him. Jay wants Stephen more than anything, but he can’t bring himself to trust Stephen’s intentions. Not when he knows he’s disgusting and Stephen is so perfect ...

From Behind that Locked Door

They stayed inside for the better part of an hour before a familiar voice came through the intercom. It was Rapunzel, and the message was grim. “All occupants of the Educator, please return to your rooms unless you are an essential worker in engineering or food production. Shelter in place and lock the doors. Conner Whalen has escaped after killing Gabby. He is on the loose in the ship and is incredibly dangerous. If you see him, do not engage. Find the nearest lockable room and shelter there. Report his location to me via the intercom system. I repeat: do not engage him. We are working to track him down and arrest him. Thank you.”


Rapunzel quickly translated the speech into its own language.


Cillian felt a chill creep up his spine. Everyone on the ship was at risk now. Whalen could and would kill anyone that got in his way, and that could very well include children, the ship’s leaders, Rapunzel, and of course Cillian and his family.


Chapter 63