Change comes to all of us. For Theo Bascopolis, the first time is when he's fifteen. He finds his life falling apart when his father discovers Theo is gay and orders him to become straight or leave. Having no choice, in spite of what his father might think, Theo leaves. But where can a fifteen-year-old go? Especially when it starts to rain. He thinks things are looking up when he meets a striking man named Franky, who seems very attracted to him. However, once again Theo's life changes when he learns all Franky wants is for him to hustle. And so Theo becomes the rent boy Sweetcheeks. However, Franky underestimates Sweetcheeks, and the results of the ensuing fight sees Sweetcheeks fleeing to Washington DC, where he crosses paths with a group of rent boys who take him in. Finally Sweetcheeks has a family, a home, and an additional source of income in the form of apartments they're able to rent out. His life changes again a few years later when a mysterious tenant by the name of Mark Vincent becomes the reason behind the assault on one of Sweetcheeks's boys. Vincent visits the boy in the hospital, bringing with him his equally enigmatic trainee, William Matheson. The instant attraction blindsides Sweetcheeks. In spite of knowing love isn't for rent boys, he hopes Matheson can see beyond the body he's offered to so many. But Matheson has secrets of his own. Can Sweetcheeks overcome his insecurities enough to believe in the quiet man who's come into his life? Can Matheson keep his actual occupation a secret without it jeopardizing their budding relationship?

Pick Up the Pieces

Spike crawled onto the bed and put his arms around Paul, easing his grip when Paul winced.


“I’ll be okay,” he mumbled just before the drugs took effect and he fell asleep.


Vince checked for messages on his phone, then settled down to wait, tapping his fingers restlessly against his thigh.


“Hey, I’ve got a deck of cards.” I pulled them from my pocket, and he and I played two-handed solitaire while we waited for a room to be found for Paul and for a call from the lab.


His cell phone rang. “Vincent.” He looked surprised at first. “I’m visiting with a sick friend. Contrary to popular belief, Matheson, I do have friends.” There was a pause. “What’s the damage?” His expression became cold, colder, coldest, and I shivered. When thecall was finished, he flipped his phone shut without saying “goodbye” and leaned over the bed. “I have to go, baby.”


Paul was too doped up to object this time, but he gripped Vincent’s sleeve, refusing to let go.


Chapter 44