Father Figure, by Shannon Pearce, Beau to Beau books

INTRO:
Lucas got his way, just like he always did. Luke was Janice’s baby brother, and being married to Janice, Jerry just had to accept the fact that Luke was part of a package deal. Jerry didn’t know that the kid thought of him as a big brother, or father figure, and wasn’t thrilled to be either. He wouldn’t have minded being either, except for one slight problem. Jerry was turned on by the kid. Jerry’s wife had known of Jerry’s bisexuality, but Jerry hadn’t been with a man since they had married. When Jerry and Lucas are alone on Saturdays while Janice is working, Luke tells Jerry quite a bit more about himself than Jerry wants to know. At 1Romance ebooks, All Romance ebooks, Amazon.

EXCERPT:
Luke loved to be the center of attention, and strutted around playing his electric guitar, imitating all the moves of his favorite rock star idols. Janice would tell him how great he was, and how all the girls would be throwing themselves on stage to get close to him. Jerry wouldn’t say anything, but was thinking that the kid should grow up and get a real job.

After Luke had been with Jerry and Janice for a few days, and after they had heard all his latest music, Jerry and Lucas had gotten the chance to talk over dinner and stuff, and Jerry realized that Lucas wasn’t such a bad kid, just hadn’t had the chance to be on his own yet and become his own person instead of trying to imitate some movie star or rock star, or whoever was his latest idol.

Jerry and Lucas started becoming friends after awhile, and Jerry thought that maybe Lucas wanted him to be a kind of older brother to him or maybe even a father figure, he wasn’t sure which. Their father hadn’t been around a lot when they were young. He was always on the road on business, and maybe that was a part of Luke that was missing.

Jerry wasn't sure he was comfortable with either of those two roles, big brother or father figure, because he was getting a little turned on just being around the kid. Jerry was bisexual, but hadn’t really thought of himself as gay, and when he married Janice he thought that his feelings for men were no longer a part of him. He realized that those feelings were far from gone when Lucas walked around in his tight jeans that showed a considerable bulge, and Jerry found himself fantasizing about grabbing it.

***

It was pretty obvious that there was nothing worth watching on, and Lucas asked what movies Jerry had. “See for yourself, man.” Jerry pointed to the cabinet by the set. “Take your pick. Just spare me the chick flicks your sister drags out.” Lucas looked at Jerry. He checked out the films in the cabinet. “Looks pretty G rated to me. What I meant was the ‘good movies’.” He winked at Jerry. “Where’s the good shit?”

“Oh, those. It’s been awhile, a long while.” “Well, sis isn’t here, now is she?” Jerry guessed it would be okay. He couldn’t come up with a good reason not to watch his old movies. He used to watch them all the time whenever Janice was out. But Jerry had gay porn as well as straight porn. “What would Luke think if he found one of those?” he wondered. “Well, okay, let me get some of my old stuff.” Jerry just thought that that’s what a couple of straight guys could do together. He could do that with this gorgeous hunk. No problem. “Let me pick,” Luke said, and tagged along, in usual little brother fashion. “Well, let him look,” Jerry thought, opening the cabinet at the back of his closet. Jerry wasn’t sure if Luke knew that he had chosen a gay porn flick, but he had, and it was one of Jerry’s favorites, a real hot one.

The movie was hot enough to make Jerry regret that he hadn't put on a pair of pants, because it wasn't long before he was hard. This movie always made him rock hard. It had been a long time since he had fooled around with a guy, and watching two guys get it on in front of him on a screen was almost too much for Jerry.

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and then, he Kissed Me, by S. Wales, Beau to Beau young adult books

INTRO:
Returning from six months of living with his mom and her new husband in Atlanta, Georgia, Russell can’t wait to see the two new puppies on his dad’s farm in Kansas. Russell finds much more than two new puppies on the farm, however. Pierce is a veterinary science student at Kansas State University and his dad’s best farm hand, and Russell immediately falls in love with the much more mature man. Russell thinks he will just die if he can’t have Pierce for himself, but has a hard time overcoming his youthful ways. Pierce likes Russell, but thinks of him as nothing more than a kid and, of course, the cherished son of his boss. Pierce needs his job, and has a hard time obeying the invisible “Hands Off the Boss’ Son” sign that he has carefully painted in his own mind. All Romance ebooks, 1Romance ebooks, Amazon.

About the unicorn:
The unicorn is the only fabulous beast that does not seem to have been conceived out of human fears. In even the earliest references he is fierce yet good, selfless yet solitary, but always mysteriously beautiful. He could be captured only by unfair means, and his single horn was said to neutralize poison. The young gay male, like the unicorn, is fierce yet good, selfless yet solitary, always mysteriously beautiful, and can be captured only by unfair means.

EXCERPT:
They pulled into the drive around sunset, and Russell hurried inside to see the puppies. “Oh, hi,” he said, when he saw the young man holding one of the puppies. “Oh, hey, are you Russell? I’m Pierce.” Russell looked at Pierce. He was gorgeous. He looked like a real cowboy, with just a little bit of the city in him. His hair was light, his skin slightly tanned from being out in the sun. He had kind eyes, and an even kinder smile. “Russell?” “Oh, I’m sorry. Did you say something?” “I asked if you wanted to hold him,” Pierce said. “Oh, sure.” Russell took the puppy from Pierce. He was asleep, and he curled up in Russell’s arms and continued to sleep. “His sister is over here.” Pierce motioned for Russell to come over and see her. Pierce petted the sleeping dog. “Isn’t she perfect?” Russell just smiled. “Your dad bought this soft bed for them and some toys. They like it here.”

Brian walked in and was glad to see that Pierce hadn’t had any trouble. Brian was a sucker for animals. He had a farm full of them. But these two puppies were the first dogs he had had for over a year now. Pierce stood up and said, “Well, I’d better be heading back, Brian. I’ll be back out here tomorrow. Time to vaccinate.” “See you tomorrow, Russell,” he added, and left the house. “The puppies are getting shots already?” “No, Russell, not the puppies yet, the livestock.”

***

Russell watched as Pierce and his dad talked. The sunlight shone on Pierce’s face like a spotlight. He looked better in the daylight than he had last night. The flannel shirt worn thin and the faded jeans outlined Pierce’s body perfectly and through them, Russell could see the muscles that good old fashioned work on the farm had developed. Pierce didn’t have the muscles of a body builder. Pierce had just the right amount of muscle.

When Pierce turned away from Russell’s view of his face, his faded jeans formed to his butt so well that Russell had to look away for a second. The thin material formed itself over Pierce’s well toned butt, kissed the crease between his butt and thighs, and then outlined his perfectly proportioned thighs.

Russell tried to stop staring, but could not force his feet to move away from the window. Pierce had seemed kind last night, not at all conceited, which he could have easily been with his good looks. He watched as Pierce put his hands on his hips and then slid them into his back pocket. Russell wished his hands were in those back pockets. “Oh, what are you thinking, Russell? Pierce is not gay, you are,” he said to himself.

***

Pierce kissed the back of Russell’s neck while he held him. He kissed lightly at first, from Russell’s neckline to the top of his shirt. Then he kissed his way to the side of Russell’s neck and up to his cheek. He kissed Russell’s earlobe and held it in his mouth before letting it slowly slide out. He did this several times, and his warm breath that made its way into Russell’s ear was causing arousing reactions in Russell. Pierce left Russell’s earlobe wet as he kissed along his cheek, seeking those lips that he had barely gotten a taste of just seconds before. He felt Russell’s body begin to relax with the erotic strokes of his lips.

Pierce wanted Russell now more than he had realized, and brought Russell’s face to meet his lips. He leaned Russell’s head back on the seat of the car and kissed his youthful lips. Russell was his from the moment he saw him, and he melted under Pierce’s touch. Pierce was kissing him like a man, not a boy, and Russell felt his body reacting like the body of a man, not a boy. Pierce leaned Russell’s head back even more and kissed his neck, and then kept going downward.

He unbuttoned first one, and then two buttons at the top of Russell’s shirt, and kissed his chest. Russell had nowhere near the experience that Pierce had, but he knew pleasure when he felt it. His chest was heaving under Pierce’s kisses. Pierce undid two more buttons and opened Russell’s shirt. He leaned up and kissed Russell’s lips once again while his fingers sought out those tender young buds on Russell’s chest that became erect under his touch. Pierce returned to Russell’s chest with a fierce need to have those youthful buds between his lips. He licked around them first, and Russell gasped. Then he took each one between his lips, sucking them to their full potential, nibbling them for arousal. Russell was aroused. He wanted to be naked with Pierce, to feel his body next to his, to feel his lips on his erection that had been present for awhile now.

http://www.beautobeau.com

Anything for Him, by Shannon Pearce, Beau to Beau books

INTRO:
Drinking buddies, David and Carlos always have a lot of fun together. They work together, laugh together, and just seem to “click.” Whenever Carlos can escape the impossible demands of his wife, the two of them spend entire weekends together. Over the years, they have become much more than drinking buddies. They have become true friends. There is absolutely nothing they will not do for the other.

Carlos lacks intimacy in his marriage, but finds it in his friendship with David. He begins to feel more than just friendship toward David, but has no idea what to do with those feelings. If he confides in David his true feelings, he could lose the friendship they now have. His desire for intimacy and the loneliness he feels at home may force Carlos to face his fears if he is to ever have the true happiness which he desires so desperately.

EXCERPT:
David and Carlos were both middle-aged, early middle-aged, tall and slender, with brown hair and brown eyes. Carlos was a little darker than David, having had the benefit of the beautiful skin of his Mexican mother. David thought that Carlos was gorgeous.

Over the years, they had become so much like each other that they could have been mistaken as twins, though not identical ones, of course. They both had somewhat hairy chests and legs, which were very evident in the summer when they wore only cut off jean shorts around the house, whichever house they were at.

David and Carlos had worked for the same company for ten years now. They partied most weekends; that is, when David could persuade Carlos that he didn’t need to listen to his wife yell at him all weekend. They went to bars, and then usually went to David’s afterward for more drinks. David had been with both men and women, but preferred men, and that was a big part of why Carlos’ wife didn’t like him. She didn’t really trust David around Carlos, but mostly she envied them their close friendship. And she certainly did not like it that Carlos preferred to be with David and not her, or at least that was how it seemed.

***

David really wasn’t trying to seduce his friend, but he did think he was the sexiest man he had ever seen. The first photos were with Carlos’ shirt open, with his gorgeous brown chest showing and his large nipples. David couldn’t control his own thoughts when he looked at his friend’s chest. He would love to lick and suck those nipples, but didn't think it would ever happen, so he tried to block out the thought. David kept clicking away, and he got a little more daring as he went, not to mention aroused by looking at this hunk of a man posing for him in his own house. David positioned Carlos continuously for the perfect angles, which meant that he got to touch his beautiful body.

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Tell me what it takes...

Another free read that is not connected to any of my other work. Sometimes I write these little things to amuse myself. This is a story about Asai (a Japanese business man) and Brian (the enticing American youth) and how they meet a year after they've called off their...whatever it was they had.

Don't forget to stop by the GLBT Bookshelf to see what's new!



Blue lights, pulsing music, anonymity. It's just what Asai wanted on a night like this. He didn't have to look left or right, he knew no one was watching, no one cared. Glass raised to his lips, the vodka shot downed in one swallow. Here no one saw, no one judged.

A year had gone by, or was it more? Without changing position he made a sound. He'd lost track of the time. Nothing seemed to matter anymore. The face he showed the world was the same...happy or sad. What point was there in explaining?

And this was happy. Being in the club, the start of a buzz working, alone in the shadows. This was as happy as it got. Here there was nothing at all to remind him of what was, or what wasn't.

It was just a rustling, a light movement. Blonde hair against the otherwise sameness of black. Blue eyes that stood out. A slight turn of his head, and there he was.

Disheveled, unkempt. Not the same self-assured man he had been when he'd blithely said good-bye that year, or was it more, ago. The shot glass set down with an extra thud.

In that frozen moment Asai didn't realize the aura he gave off. The self-assured, self-contained embodiment of all that was, and all that might have been. He oozed sexuality, pleasure. A slight shift was enough to send shivers through Brian...and Asai seemed unaware.

'Asai...'

Brian knew his voice was barely heard above the twisting rhythm of the band. But his eyes were focused on Asai's mouth and he saw it move, felt the words rather than heard them. Now it just remained whether he would respond, open himself up to whatever might still hover between them.

Brian watched as legs uncrossed and he stood, stepped away from the low table, stepped closer. He reached out, laid a sure hand on the trembling arm.

'Brian...'

Funny how in the wink of an eye everything changed. All it took was that simple touch and all was lost. Below the cacophony of noise in the club a voice whispered in his ear that things were great. When Asai tightened his grip a wince appeared. That was all it took, he pulled him away.

'What hurts?'

Brian's voice was halting as he said nothing hurt. Sure hands unbuttoned the cuff and pulled the jacket and sleeve back before reflexes kicked in and stopped him. An ugly bruise had formed on his arm.

'Did he do this?'

There was silence at first, and then with a blush covering his cheek, Brian nodded.

It didn't matter whether he'd meant to or not, the bruise was there, a testament to the truth that things were not always what the seemed. Asai's tight grip turned into a gentle caress, he offered the haven of his home.

And was refused. And as quickly as Brian had appeared, he was gone.

It was done. Over.

The happy face had turned sad once again.

~Rowena Sudbury

Anything for Him, by Shannon Pearce, Beau to Beau books

INTRO:
Drinking buddies, David and Carlos always have a lot of fun together. They work together, laugh together, and just seem to “click.” Whenever Carlos can escape the impossible demands of his wife, the two of them spend entire weekends together. Over the years, they have become much more than drinking buddies. They have become true friends. There is absolutely nothing they will not do for the other.

Carlos lacks intimacy in his marriage, but finds it in his friendship with David. He begins to feel more than just friendship toward David, but has no idea what to do with those feelings. If he confides in David his true feelings, he could lose the friendship they now have. His desire for intimacy and the loneliness he feels at home may force Carlos to face his fears if he is to ever have the true happiness which he desires so desperately. All Romance ebooks, 1Romance ebooks, Amazon.

EXCERPT:
David and Carlos were both middle-aged, early middle-aged, tall and slender, with brown hair and brown eyes. Carlos was a little darker than David, having had the benefit of the beautiful skin of his Mexican mother. David thought that Carlos was gorgeous.

Over the years, they had become so much like each other that they could have been mistaken as twins, though not identical ones, of course. They both had somewhat hairy chests and legs, which were very evident in the summer when they wore only cut off jean shorts around the house, whichever house they were at.

David and Carlos had worked for the same company for ten years now. They partied most weekends; that is, when David could persuade Carlos that he didn’t need to listen to his wife yell at him all weekend. They went to bars, and then usually went to David’s afterward for more drinks. David had been with both men and women, but preferred men, and that was a big part of why Carlos’ wife didn’t like him. She didn’t really trust David around Carlos, but mostly she envied them their close friendship. And she certainly did not like it that Carlos preferred to be with David and not her, or at least that was how it seemed.

David felt sorry for Carlos because his wife would often use sex as punishment or something like that. She would cut him off for little or no reason and think it was funny, just because he forgot to do some idiotic chore she wanted him to do, or something trivial like that. David had tried to tell Carlos that she was trying to control him, but Carlos had begun to blame himself. David could see the damage it was doing to his friend’s self-esteem. David thought that Carlos’ wife would often try to start an argument with Carlos just to avoid having sex with him. She did not like sex much, and had tried to blame that too on Carlos. So, David and Carlos spent a lot of time together and did a lot of drinking.

****

David really wasn’t trying to seduce his friend, but he did think he was the sexiest man he had ever seen. The first photos were with Carlos’ shirt open, with his gorgeous brown chest showing and his large nipples. David couldn’t control his own thoughts when he looked at his friend’s chest. He would love to lick and suck those nipples, but didn't think it would ever happen, so he tried to block out the thought. David kept clicking away, and he got a little more daring as he went, not to mention aroused by looking at this hunk of a man posing for him in his own house. David positioned Carlos continuously for the perfect angles, which meant that he got to touch his beautiful body.

http://www.beautobeau.com

Hard for the Money, by B.J. Scott, Beau to Beau books

Erotic M/M story, XXX rated, Adult Content story, with Multiple Partners, teasingly coercive BDSM, and So Much More

Intro:
Jesse could never get enough sex. His thirst for new and exciting men was never quenched. He never charged for his services, which were expert. He only accepted tips which he considered to be nothing more than gestures of appreciation, and Jesse’s services were very much appreciated. When Jesse has a brief dry spell, he makes a very bold move that opens the door to an even more lucrative business. All Romance ebooks, 1Romance ebooks, 1Erotica ebooks.

EXCERPT:
Jesse never charged for his services, but was no stranger to tips. The men Jesse had been with tipped him very well. Their tips were subtle gestures of their appreciation. Jesse would find money left on the nightstand or in the cookie jar before the men snuck away in the wee hours of the morning to return to their wives, girlfriends, or boyfriends. One time, Jesse had found a fifty dollar bill in his coffee maker and had almost used it as a filter; it had been so well disguised.

Jesse lived in a moderate sized city, but it was still difficult sometimes to maintain anonymity, especially with a “business” like Jesse’s. Jesse never considered what he did a business because he never charged for his services. The tips paid in cash never appeared on an income tax statement. Gratuities were not considered income to Jesse. They were simply a way of saying “thank you.”

Most of the men Jesse had been with were not from his city. He entertained business men from out of town. The people in his city had no idea what Jesse did on the side, and very few knew that he was gay. Jesse’s website gave no indication of what he really did. He entertained by invitation only, through referrals, and he was always referred. Jesse would occasionally place carefully disguised ads on internet sites, but he rarely had to resort to that. Plus, Jesse was a doctor, and could not afford to have his good reputation tarnished. He had met a few good men in his practice and they had become very well established patients, and very good tippers.

The more that Don moved around with his lens, the hotter Jesse became. He wanted Don, and he was already on a bed. “Turn over on your back, Jesse. Let me position you.” Jesse dutifully rolled onto his back. He placed his arms behind his head so that Don could get a good look at his smoking hot body. Jesse was hard now and had a very nice cock. He loved his cock, and so did the men who had had the privilege of touching it or sucking it. “We could do a calendar, Jesse. How ‘bout it? Sex for every month of the year.”

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Carnival, by B.J. Scott, Beau to Beau books

INTRO:
Carnival Week was looked forward to by every young male eager to experience his first “thrill” rides. Lou was eighteen this year and this was his night. The first night of Carnival Week was reserved for young men just like Lou, those who had “come of age” during the past year. Lou knew that every ride was different, and couldn’t wait to see which masked man would claim him for each new ride.

EXCERPT:
Victor left Lou alone just long enough to retreat into the side room and come back dressed like the other non-newbies. He wore the same mask, but wore a black robe instead of the jeans and shirt he had come in. Lou looked around. At least there were others like him, in jeans. “Nice robe, sexy,” Lou said. “You want what’s underneath, don’t you?” Victor teased back. “You know it.” Lou did want Victor. He would love to strip that robe off him right now.

Victor stuck his hand in Lou’s back pocket and pulled him into the room. “Here, have some punch,” Victor said, pouring them both a glass. “I think I’m ready for something stronger than punch, Vic.” “Try it and see.” Lou took a big gulp and then forced it down. “It’s not for kids,” Victor laughed. “Shit, what’s in this?” “The good stuff, trust me.” Lou knew that Victor liked his drink, but damn, this stuff was strong. Lou filled his glass a second time. Victor gulped his third, and took Lou by the hand.

They walked around the room, Lou looking at the masks, and Victor sizing up the newbies. The music was loud, and the dancing was wild. There were lights of all colors dancing around casting shadows on everyone. “This is fantastic, Victor.” Victor smiled at his young prize.

****

The music stopped suddenly. Lou stood still. The lights continued to dance, but otherwise the room was black. Lou shifted his weight from one leg to the other, until he felt someone’s arms on his hips and nice lips on his, forcibly opening his mouth. “Mm,” the man said. Lou liked being kissed by this man, and he opened his mouth more. “Mm,” the man said again, and then withdrew his lips from Lou’s. He shoved his hand between Lou’s legs and slowly brought it forward over Lou’s balls and upward along his newly formed erection.

A moment later the music began again and as Lou’s eyes adjusted to the light, he looked around trying to find the man whose lips had felt so good. The man was gone though, and soon his friend Victor was by his side once again. “Brought you some more punch. How was your first ride?” “Isn’t it obvious?” Lou looked down at his erection that had made a prominent outline in his jeans. Victor looked too, but just for a second. They had their masks back on, so the full effect of their eye expressions could not be seen. “Come on. Let’s join the others and dance.”

http://www.beautobeau.com
All Romance ebooks, 1Erotica ebooks

Do Me Dirty, Hot Gay Sexcapades, Vol. 1, by B.J. Scott, Beau to Beau books

A compilation of the following short stories:
Mansion in the Foliage, Parker’s Dad, The Chair, Welcome Cruise, Super Bowl “Game”, Hearts Desire, BYEM Party, Trey’s Exam, Dominating Brody, Pleasure Island

About the stories:
These stories are fun, adventurous, sexual and sensual stories written to arouse and satisfy, entice and stimulate, while celebrating male/male relations.

EXCERPTS:

Mansion in the Foliage
When Joes takes a wrong turn on a rainy night, he ends up at the Mansion. “This erection does not seem shy. Why were you keeping it hidden?” Joel had no idea how to answer that. “Well, you will get into the bath now and very soon you will be bathed.” The man squeezed Joel’s ass and then smacked it, a little too hard in Joel’s opinion. The man’s hand was on the doorknob and he turned to look at Joel one last time before leaving. “In the bath, Joel.”

Parker’s Dad
Mitch was on his way to a party where he was sure to get laid, or at least that was what he had been told when he accepted the invitation from his friend Parker. What Parker didn’t tell him was that his father would be a very big part of his evening.

The Chair
He hadn’t had a date in a very long time, so when he discovered the card stuck in a dusty old library book Chase decided to check it out. The address had been smeared somewhat but he could still make it out. When he arrived at the address on the card, the old brick house appeared to be abandoned. “What the fuck, I’ll give it a shot,” Chase said to no one in particular. He knocked on the door. No one answered. Chase turned the knob. The door was open. He walked inside. “Is anyone home?” There was a light in a far room, and Chase couldn’t resist.

Welcome Cruise
Matt had never been on what his best friend, Justin, had called a “Welcome Cruise” before. As he and Justin boarded the sparkling champagne colored ship, Matt did indeed feel welcomed, he had to admit. The ship’s captain shook his hand and pulled him close. As they walked on, Matt turned to Justin and said, “The captain is very friendly, don’t you think?” Justin nodded, just as the captain had nodded to Justin in approval after meeting Matt, a gesture which Matt did not see.

Super Bowl “Game”Clay didn’t like football, but Clay loved football players. It was the night of the Super Bowl and Clay was supposed to go to a Super Bowl party at his friend’s house. Clay reluctantly agreed, though Geoff knew he wasn’t excited about it. “Oh, come on, you’ll love it. It’s just us guys.” Geoff knew Clay was gay, but pressured him into going to the party anyway. And what a party! This was one Super Bowl that Clay would never forget!

Hearts Desire
He had waited a long time for this vacation. Jay was going to meet the man of his dreams. The brochure guaranteed it or your money back. The plane landed and they were greeted very cordially. “Welcome to Hearts Desire.” This was the greeting repeated as they were welcomed to the grounds, the mansion, the pool, everywhere they went. Jay was escorted to his room by a very nice young man who informed him that he was there at Jay’s disposal, any time, for anything. What he didn’t tell Jay was the punishment for doing things on his own.

BYEM Party
Greg picked up the book he had just bought and the young man behind the counter said, “I put a new bookmark in your book. Hope you like it.” He smiled his big young smile at Greg, who he had had a crush on for two months now. Hope he looks at the bookmark. Chase watched as Greg walked to his car. Chase would do anything to ride in Greg’s Lexus, anything. Greg sat in his car and looked at the bookmark. A BYEM party Friday night, at a house in the hills.

Trey’s Exam
"You are going to college soon, Trey, the man asked?” Trey sat timidly as the doctor asked him questions. “Your father has asked that I make certain that you are properly prepared for those wonderful things that campus life can offer. “Do you know what that means, Trey?” The doctor looked over his glasses as he spoke. “Um, I guess it means if I’m healthy,” Trey timidly responded. “Yes, that’s right,” the doctor said, looking directly at Trey’s crotch. “Do you have any questions for me before we begin?” Trey shook his head. The doctor gave all the young men a very thorough exam and had waited a long time for Trey.

Pleasure Island
Brett could not resist the opportunity to take a trip to Pleasure Island, which was also known as the Island of Erotic Pleasures. Only a few of his friends had been, and had only reported that it was “good.” Following the carefully placed notes, Brett is led from one erotic adventure to the next, until he is completely sexually satisfied. Only then is he allowed to leave Pleasure Island.

Dominating Brody
Determined to take a picture of the elusive king, Brody easily sneaks inside the palace gate only to be met by one of the king’s servants. Brody not only has his dream fulfilled of seeing the king without his full body covering adornments, but he soon realizes that he will be playing a starring role in the king’s favorite ceremonial ritual.

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Then and Now, by Shannon Pearce, Beau to Beau books

INTRO:
Mike had tried to tell David years ago that he was more than attracted to him, but was not willing to chance losing their friendship. Through the years, however, David looks back on their many shared experiences and begins to wonder about his friend, Mike, and thinks that perhaps he had been trying to tell him something about himself back then. An offer to share a room at a weekend conference gives Mike the opportunity to hopefully be with the man he has always wanted, and gives David the opportunity to find out if his thoughts about his friend’s sexuality are true.

EXCERPT:
David had known gay guys at work and now when he thought about some of the goofy things that he and Mike used to do together, he wondered if Mike might be bi. Sometimes back then Mike would grab David’s crotch, but they were just goofing around, weren’t they? There were always other people around when Mike did this, anyway. However, David recalled very vividly one time when Mike had stopped by his place after a really late night of drinking just to see how David’s date had gone. “She said she doesn’t want to rush into sex, or use it as a tool,” he had told Mike, with a roll of his eyes. Mike had teased with, “Well, if you ever have an itch, I’ll be happy to scratch it for you.” He had grabbed his own crotch when he said this, pulling his balls up so that David wouldn’t miss the fact that he had plenty to offer inside his tight jeans. Mike had asked David more that one night about what kinds of things he liked to do in bed and what really got him going, but David didn’t think anything of it back then.
****
They each looked around at the magazines and the videos for several minutes and then David found Mike in the back looking at the selections for the private peeps. “You want to do it? Come on, my treat,” he said, and headed down the hall. David didn’t know if Mike were teasing him or not, but decided to go along with whatever Mike had planned. “Sure, I’ll go,” he said, and followed his friend into a booth.

The booth was not very big, but the two of them stood there. Mike put in a couple of dollars and began to flip through the channels. David had watched porn with guys before, mostly with Mike, but this stuff was much different. They had always watched straight sex porn, and now they were seeing all kinds of action on the screen. Mike stopped on almost all of the channels to watch the action, but seemed to pause a little longer on the guy/guy or guy/bi action. David was getting hard from watching all the different images. He hadn’t realized how hot gay sex could be, at least to watch, but these images were hot. Mike tapped David on the arm and pointed down the wall at some fingers poking through the wall to a gloryhole. “I think someone wants to suck you off,” he said as he grabbed David’s erection and squeezed. David did not know what to say at this point, but since he did not pull away, Mike broke the ice by adding, “If you want it, I want to be the one to do it.”
****
As soon as they closed the door of their room, Mike dropped to his knees and started tugging at David’s jeans and pulled them down along with his briefs, freeing his seven inches to slap him in the face. “I can’t believe how hot I am just thinking about having my long time friend kneeling before me ready to blow me.” Mike grinned at him. It was only a few moments until Mike had most of David’s cock in his mouth and was groping at his balls. About a minute of this was all David could take before he started to get weak in the knees, so they moved toward the bed, stripped their clothes off, and David sat down on the bed. He watched his long time friend strip down to his briefs and saw that he and Mike were still very similar in build. David was just over six feet while Mike was just under six feet, but they both had a slim but muscular build and bodies that would be considered smooth and toned even for a couple of guys in their thirties.

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Then and Now, by Shannon Pearce

INTRO:
Mike had tried to tell David years ago that he was more than attracted to him, but was not willing to chance losing their friendship. Through the years, however, David looks back on their many shared experiences and begins to wonder about his friend, Mike, and thinks that perhaps he had been trying to tell him something about himself back then. An offer to share a room at a weekend conference gives Mike the opportunity to hopefully be with the man he has always wanted, and gives David the opportunity to find out if his thoughts about his friend’s sexuality are true.

EXCERPT:
David had known gay guys at work and now when he thought about some of the goofy things that he and Mike used to do together, he wondered if Mike might be bi. Sometimes back then Mike would grab David’s crotch, but they were just goofing around, weren’t they? There were always other people around when Mike did this, anyway. However, David recalled very vividly one time when Mike had stopped by his place after a really late night of drinking just to see how David’s date had gone. “She said she doesn’t want to rush into sex, or use it as a tool,” he had told Mike, with a roll of his eyes. Mike had teased with, “Well, if you ever have an itch, I’ll be happy to scratch it for you.” He had grabbed his own crotch when he said this, pulling his balls up so that David wouldn’t miss the fact that he had plenty to offer inside his tight jeans.
****
David had watched porn with guys before, mostly with Mike, but this stuff was much different. They had always watched straight sex porn, and now they were seeing all kinds of action on the screen. Mike stopped on almost all of the channels to watch the action, but seemed to pause a little longer on the guy/guy or guy/bi action. David was getting hard from watching all the different images. He hadn’t realized how hot gay sex could be, at least to watch, but these images were hot. Mike tapped David on the arm and pointed down the wall at some fingers poking through the wall to a gloryhole. “I think someone wants to suck you off,” he said as he grabbed David’s erection and squeezed. David did not know what to say at this point, but since he did not pull away, Mike broke the ice by adding, “If you want it, I want to be the one to do it.” David did not pull away at all so Mike pressed his crotch up against David’s thigh so that David could feel his hard cock. He then began to rub David’s cock and cup his balls through his jeans.
****
David had just had the best blowjob of his life, and it was from a man. Mike had even swallowed his huge load which none of the girls he had ever been with would have done. What have I been missing? Mike started laughing and rolled off of David. “Man, I have wanted to do that to you from the time we first met, but never thought it would happen.” “How many times have you done that?” David asked. “Quite a few, my friend, quite a few. Pretty good, right?” “I’ll say,” David agreed. “I did quite a few guys in college, but always wanted to take you and now I see that I should have taken you back then. I haven’t done a guy in a long time, but knowing that you were going to be here with me brought up all the desires I once had and still do have.”

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When I Look at Him, by Shannon Pearce

Intro:
When Sean is late for a meeting with his divorce attorney, he finds much more than a fellow attorney. He finds a man who understands where he has been, and also where he is going. Over dinner, the two of them realize that they must not let their chance meeting end after dessert. Their feelings for each other, though new and instantaneous, are nonetheless real. A shared kiss ignites in both of them much more than a spark. A passion burning deep inside them surfaces and neither can deny his feelings for the other. Sean fears that by satisfying his own desires, he may be jeopardizing his chances of being granted visitation rights with his son if and when his ex-wife discovers his secret. All Romance ebooks, 1Romance ebooks.

Excerpt:
Craig walked Sean to his office and went over the many issues regarding his son and property in regard to the divorce. Sean told him what he wanted and that it wasn’t his intention to hurt his ex, but she did have him followed secretly instead of coming to him with her concerns. Craig told Sean about his visitation rights and what might be tried by his ex-wife to have them revoked at any time. Craig was a stunningly good looking man, at least to Sean. He was tall and lanky, maybe 5'10" and 160 pounds, with straight brown hair, and as he walked away to get something out of a file drawer, Sean noticed that Craig had what looked to be an incredible ass.
****
It was dark when Sean dropped Craig off at his car. They embraced for a long time, and Sean kissed Craig passionately. Feeling Craig’s slender hard body against his own was intoxicating. Craig said, “I think I had better get out of here before I do something that I don't want to do just yet.” He touched his forehead to Sean’s chest. Sean lifted his chin and gently kissed him. Sean put his hand behind Craig’s neck and drew his head to his chest. “We definitely need to have the time to see if we're right for each other. I'm hoping we are. I need this really bad in my life.”
****
He took Sean’s hand and they walked slowly to his bedroom. “It's been over a year since I had sex with another person. Horny doesn't describe how I am feeling right now,” Craig admitted. He smiled at Sean and wrapped his arms around his neck. Sean pushed Craig down on the bed and lay down on top of him. Sean started pulling his shirt off over his head. With his tee shirt off, for the first time Sean was looking at Craig's naked chest. “You are gorgeous!” Sean lifted himself up and slowly pulled down his pants.

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Memory of Darkness

Dusk was settling in, throwing dirty shadows over the uneven ground. I found refuge on a knife-scarred and graffitied picnic table and watched people leaving the park. A rusted out Pinto rattled by, heading into the park, thirty screaming tweakers hanging out of every portal, leaving a trail of rap obscenities hanging in the fading light. They were too stoned to notice me. The night life was arriving. Soon the park would be alive with a new kind of wildlife.

I kicked off the table and prepared to hike back to Los Feliz where I hoped to pick up a ride into the Valley. With any luck I could get lost there.

I heard him before I saw him. Rather, I heard his dog, snuffling and groaning like life itself was a hardship. It sounded big. When it finally came through the brush it turned out to be a gray-muzzled Bassett Hound shuffling through the ground cover, nose down, huge ears dragging through the dirt.

I faded back into the dense brush behind the picnic table just as the dog's owner came around the bend in the road. He was a tall, lanky man, maybe six foot. His hair was wispy and thinning on top. It was a ginger color. He was clean-shaven. From this distance I couldn't make out the color of his eyes.

He didn't see me.

But his dog did. It shuffled unerringly toward my hiding place, briefly lifting its face toward me, its rheumy eyes staring directly into mine. It circled my frozen legs. Then it cocked its right leg and sent a stream of warm urine over my ankle.

I yelled and jumped back, stumbling and falling on my ass. The dog sat, its massive jaws opening in a canine grin.

Before I could climb to my feet and get out of there, Lanky found us. I scrambled back, shaking piss off my pant leg. My sockless foot inside my high-tops was damp. I grimaced at the sensation.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry. He's never done anything like that before. I'm sorry, so sorry... He's not usually so aggressive."

Both of us looked down at the dog, now lying in a swoon on the cracked earth under a deodar cedar. It snored softly, exhausted from all the energy it had expended.

"Nice to know I can inspire him," I muttered, wanting to split. Needing to find a washroom so I could clean up. "Listen I have to -- "

"No, no, don't go," Lanky said. "Let me make it up to you."

A light bulb flared in my head. I might be on to something here. I'd taken care of my car, now I had to take care of me. I had to lay down a bigger sob story.

"Damn, I was supposed to be meeting my friend for dinner down on the Boulevard." I shook my leg as though I could shake off the piss, hoping he wouldn't see any of the stains on my jacket. They might take a bit more explanation. Fortunately the fading light helped in my defense. I tried another gambit, blinked my baby blues at him and leaned slightly toward him, inviting. I was heartened to see his own eyes -- a nice hazel, I noticed -- darken appreciably. All right, Mary, I had a live one here. Maybe he was doing a bit more than just walking his dog.

I smiled. "I'm Johnny. Johnny Wager." I stuck my hand out.

He took it in a surprisingly strong grip. "Tyler" he said. Tyler Rogers." He looked down affectionately at the dog. "This is Columbo."

Now my first desire had been to drop kick Fido into the next county, but I learned long ago that dog people are usually gaga over their pets and the way to their hearts -- or wallets or dicks -- was through their dogs. I reached down and patted the slobbering thing's head, thankful it didn't try to return the favor.

"Nice dog," I said with all the sincerity my forty years of hustling had taught me to fake.

"Yes, he is. He's smart as a whip and has tons of personality."

I studied the motionless animal and thought he had about as much personality as a door stop, but what did I know? Maybe the thing was a veritable doggy Einstein under that wrinkled brow and slobbering jowls.

"I can tell."

"You own dogs, Johnny?"

I could tell he liked saying my name. I nodded sadly. "Used to. He... passed two months ago. We used to come up here to walk. He loved chasing squirrels." Or was it rabbits you found in Griffith Park?

"What kind was he?"

I scrambled through my brain for some kind of plausible answer. Neither Jolene nor I had been much into pets, and my mother... well, forget her. Her idea of an animal in the house was one of her biker bears. Like the asshole who diddled little Johnny whenever Mommy was out of the house collecting her welfare check. That one had lasted six long months until Mommy caught him drinking her booze.

"Lassie," I said.

"Oh, a collie. Nice dogs. Lot of brushing though, didn't you find?"

"Yeah, lots," I agreed and stepped closer to him. He developed an all-too-familiar tension. I didn't need to look to know his basket was swelling. I kept smiling. "Say, maybe I can come back to your place to clean up. You can tell me all about Columbo."

His tension increased and I knew what he wanted. But caution warred with lust. I had to tip the balance. "I'd love to talk about dogs...I miss Lassie so much."

His doubt melted away and he gestured back up the road toward Western Canyon Road. "I'm parked there." He slapped his thigh and called, "Columbo, come on boy. Time to go home."

Columbo rolled ponderously to his feet and eyed my dry pant leg with keen interest. I stepped adroitly away at the same time following Tyler up the curving road to where a silver BMW sat in the shade of a sycamore tree. Or what would have been shade before the sun went down. Now it was just a massive ghostly trunk.

Buy links and excerpts

Alone With Jay, by Shannon Pearce

INTRO:
Kevin meets Jay by chance or perhaps by fate, one night when Jay comes back to his apartment after being out with a friend. Jay is older than Kevin and much more experienced. Kevin has wanted to be in Jay’s bed since he had first seen him out jogging. His hairy chest and well toned physique glistening with sweat was almost too much to bear, and his manly scent was intoxicating. Kevin has not experienced lovemaking the way he knows he would with Jay, given the opportunity. Kevin will do anything for a chance to be in Jay’s bed. He only hopes that his fantasy becomes reality, and soon. All Romance ebooks, 1Romance ebooks, Amazon.

EXCERPT:
Kevin would go to Jay’s apartment at least twice a week, if not more, for his much needed assistance, and Jay’s manly beauty and hairiness would always arouse Kevin and give him erections. He had not dared to tell Jay about it, though he was certain that he had not missed his budding erection on more than one occasion. They had become good friends, and Kevin would never do anything to jeopardize that friendship. However, Kevin’s balls and dick swung into action whenever he saw Jay without his shirt, exposing his well muscled, hairy chest. Jay would often stop by Kevin’s apartment after his evening jog, and the aroma of his manly sweat made Kevin hungry for his body.
****
Suddenly he took Kevin’s face in his hands and kissed him on the lips. This stunned Kevin, and he quickly pulled away. Jay immediately apologized, and told Kevin that he did not mean to take advantage of him. Kevin assured him that it was all right and that he pulled away because he was taken off guard, not because Jay had done something wrong. “As close as we are as friends, we should feel free to show our feelings,” Kevin assured him. Kevin kissed Jay on the lips then, not to reassure him, but because he wanted to kiss him. Their lips were now locked in a passionate kiss that neither had expected, but that both had wanted. Their tongues played, and the sensation of Jay’s warm mouth exploring Kevin’s caused a stirring in Kevin’s groin and he felt his erection begin to form.

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Only the Beginning, by Shannon Pearce

INTRO:
Tyler’s exercise routine has become a substitute for sex, always ending in a swim and relaxing by the side of the pool after work. In the midst of a crumbling relationship at home, Tyler pays little attention to the man who conveniently comes for a swim at exactly the same time as he, and who cannot take his eyes off of Tyler. Hoping that Tyler will take the hint and join him for a rendezvous in the pool, this mysterious man realizes that making the first move is up to him. All Romance ebooks, 1Romance ebooks, Amazon.

EXCERPT:
Tyler began to notice that this guy at work named Joe frequently came to the pool at about the same time that Tyler was getting out and stretching and relaxing by the side of the pool, his skimpy swim trunks tight against the erection the water always gave him. Once in the water, Joe only had to glance at Tyler slightly to get a full view of his now well toned body, thanks to all the exercise, and Joe would stand by the side of the pool for a long time just watching Tyler as he enjoyed the warming rays of the sun. Through the mask of his shades, Tyler thought he had seen Joe looking at his cock and balls which were well outlined by the wetness of his suit a couple of times, but just thought he had imagined it due to his lack of sex and hunger for it.
****
He was a male dancer in one of those nightclubs for women to come and fantasize about what they were missing at home. Tyler was looking good in his skimpy jockstrap and dancing while the women came up and stuck dollar bills into his waistband. It was kind of wild and slutty and Tyler was having a ball, until a guy he recognized as Joe walked up to the foot of the stage. He didn't offer money. Instead, he reached his hand right into the top of Tyler’s jockstrap and took Tyler’s dick in his hand. It grew stiff almost instantly and Tyler woke up from his dream immediately.
****
"Looks like you're anything but relaxed after your swim," Joe said with a slight chuckle in his voice. He nodded his head in the direction he'd been staring. "Yeah," Tyler answered, trying to shrug it off. "Guess it's just thinking about a big night ahead." He tried to laugh but it didn't sound convincing. "Oh," Joe said, dipping his head under the water and coming back up, the cool water cascading down over his nipples causing them to become as erect as Tyler’s dick. "Sure, what else would it be?" Tyler said, wishing he could suck the words back into his mouth when they were halfway out. Joe got out of the pool then, and started to walk toward Tyler. "I don't know. You tell me," he said in a husky whisper. He smiled, still staring in the direction of Tyler’s full crotch.

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A Piercing Desire, Discovery on Bainbridge Island, by BK Wright

INTRO:
The sudden disappearance of a prominent member of New York society mystified the city and angered the father who was one of two reasons Pierce had left unexpectedly. The other reason Pierce had left was to escape a wife whose thirst for the material could never be quenched, a woman who was having an affair with his father. Wondering how he had become part of such a mixed up world, and more importantly, wondering if he could ever find his way back to himself and to the man he had once loved, Pierce builds a new life for himself on the other side of the country. While he is gone, Pierce not only discovers that his wife has become pregnant by his own father, but also discovers an unexpected love. Pierce is now uncertain if the man from his past truly is the man he once loved, or if the unexpected was meant to be. All Romance ebooks, 1Romance ebooks, Amazon.

EXCERPT:
The ferry brought visitors to Bainbridge from Seattle several times each day, and with every docking Pierce couldn’t wait for his guests to check in to their vacation getaway. Pierce had spent too many years stuck behind a desk in a high stressed, politically motivated, wealth driven corporation not to appreciate the slower paced down-to-earth existence that was now his. The first visitors were as diverse as Bainbridge itself. There was a young couple on their honeymoon, a not-so-young couple on their honeymoon, a family with two young children, same-sex couples, as well as singles who had booked a room every weekend to escape the fast paced city life of Seattle. Pierce talked with every one, and he and his staff provided them the relaxing experience they deserved. Pierce wanted them to leave feeling that they couldn’t have enjoyed a more pleasant experience anywhere else in the world than here at Bainbridge. “Welcome, welcome”, Pierce loved saying to his visitors. “We are here to serve you.” And serve them he did. His staff was more surprised than the guests were with how hard Pierce worked. He was one of them now. He dressed as they did, and did the same work they did, from escorting tourists to antique shops, Eagle Harbor Books, one of the last independent bookstores in the Northwest, to the various arts and crafts shops with which Pierce was very familiar now, or anyplace his guests wished to go.
******
Half an hour later Mitch was at the front desk. “I see the artist, now show me the art.” Pierce smiled that model-esque smile that was so sexy and yet so endearing to Mitch. “It’s very amateur art, if it can be called art. Come on in.” Pierce led Mitch into his room, and closed the door behind them. Mitch looked around. Pierce’s room was sparse, with only a bed, and nothing on the walls. Pierce noticed Mitch’s questioning look. “I thought I would put my own paintings on the wall, but I’m not sure they would look that good,” he said. “Of course they would, it would be your taste. It’s your room.” Mitch obviously didn’t have the inner turmoil that Pierce did. Pierce had been raised to believe that if something wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t worthy of display. “Why not just paint the walls, like a mural?” Mitch offered. “Why limit yourself to the confines of a canvass?” Mitch walked to the window where even in the dark the mountains were beautiful. “Come here, Pierce. Look out there. There are no constraints to nature’s canvass. It’s continuous.” Pierce walked to the window. Mitch was right. Mitch had the ability to see outside of himself. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, either. “It’s beautiful,” Pierce responded. “Paint the walls, Pierce. Make a mural of your past, present and hoped-for future.”
******
Mitch took Pierce’s hand and held it in his as he said this. Then he took Pierce’s empty glass and set both back on the nightstand. He leaned over Pierce and held his face in his hands. Pierce closed his eyes, and offered his mouth to Mitch. Mitch gently touched his lips to Pierce’s and kissed him softly, opening Pierce’s mouth with his own. Then he kissed the side of Pierce’s mouth, then Pierce’s cheek, kissing his neck down to Pierce’s shirt collar, and gently pushing it open to kiss his shoulder. Then he looked at Pierce. His eyes were still shut, and his head was leaned back into the comfort of the pillows. Mitch placed one hand on Pierce’s neck and with the other one he held Pierce’s hand. “Did Jeff kiss you like that, Pierce? Pierce opened his eyes. He was at a loss for words. His heart was beating faster and with the touch of Mitch’s lips on his, he had begun to feel again. Mitch didn’t need an answer. He kissed Pierce again, this time lingering a little longer, and this time holding him in a loving embrace. Pierce placed his arms around Mitch somewhat hesitantly at first, but then holding him tightly. It had been a very long time since Pierce had felt this way. Mitch moved closer to Pierce until their chests were touching. Each could feel the pounding of the other’s heart. The gentleness of Mitch’s kisses was arousing to Pierce. He could feel his jeans tighten in a way he hadn’t felt in a very long time. He had begun to think he might be impotent.
******
Selfishly, Mitch was happy that Pierce had once loved a man, and not a woman. If he loved a man once, then he could love a man again. He wanted to tell Pierce about his past “loves”, but wasn’t proud of the fact that since his father had died six years earlier he had taken the ferry to Seattle almost every weekend for a quick lay, but had remained emotionally detached. Mitch knew that emotional detachment wasn’t an option with Pierce. Mitch was already attached to this wonderful human being who had entered his life at just the right time. One day Mitch would tell him about his past, one day.

BK Wright
http://www.beautobeau.com

The Darkling Thrush by Josh Lanyon

ISBN: 978-1-60737-563-0
GLBT spec fiction romance
Cover Artist: Croco Designs
Price: $5.99



BLURB:
Fed up with his desk duty in the Imperial Arcane Library, book hunter Colin Bliss accepts a private commission to find The Sword’s Shadow, a legendary and dangerous witches’ grimoire. But to find the book, Colin must travel to the remote Western Isles and solve a centuries’ old murder.

It should be nothing more than an academic exercise, so why is dour -- and unreasonably sexy -- Magister Septimus Marx doing his best to keep Colin from accepting this mission -- even going so far as to seduce Colin on their train journey north?

Septimus is not the only problem. Who is the strange fairy woman that keeps appearing at inconvenient times? And who is working behind the scenes with the sinister adventuress Irania Briggs? And why do Colin’s employers at the Museum of the Literary Occult keep accusing Colin of betraying them?

As Colin digs deeper and deeper into the Long Island’s mysterious past, he begins to understand why Septimus is willing to stop him at any price -- but by then, it’s too late to turn back.


Loose Id


EXCERPT:

I set off for the scene of the ambush, slowly driving along the old coast road, keeping an eye out for the stone shaped like a druid or a chess piece. The wind was blowing so hard, the old coupe shook as though we would be knocked into the sea. Electricity crackled in the air.

The land was mostly flat along here. It seemed to me that Mago would have had plenty of time to realize a detail had been sent from the castle. Would he have recognized them as a danger? If he had had time to realize what was happening, would he have tried to prevent the grimoire from falling into the wrong hands?

The coupe crested the small hill, and I saw the stone. It was indeed shaped like a bent and hooded man -- very like one of the chess pieces that Mrs. Morrison had set out for Septimus and me two nights ago.

I pulled to the side of the road, got out, and walked the rest of the way. I could see no place along here that Mago might have hidden a book. Unless he had thrown it into the bog nearby. Had he determined that the book was better destroyed than falling into the wrong hands? If so, he had had a lot in common with Septimus and the Vox Pessimires.

I stood for a moment, visualizing it -- visualizing Mago as he realized he was being pursued: the distant thunder of horse’s hooves, then the scrape and whisper of footsteps on sand, climbing closer, ever closer, the whip of torches in the wind, a smear of yellow in the blackness.

He would know almost at once he was trapped. What would he do? I looked around and spotted a track leading down to the beach.

I followed it until I came to a graveyard in the machair.

Here, there were no fancy, sculpted tombstones or markers as had been in the churchyard on the cliffs. These were plain granite markers. The graves of poor people. Fisherfolk and crofters. I walked among them, studying the inscriptions that had been protected from the relentless Leodhas wind and elements by Old Magick.

The majority of the dates were from around the same era -- and no date of death was noted later than 1388.

I stood still, trying to absorb this.

Very well. So the graveyard had fallen out of use after 1388. Not so odd, was it? The girl in the tobacconist shop had said it herself. Young people moved away, and old people died. Villages were abandoned. So, then, would be their graveyards, correct?

I began to examine the gravestones more closely. As the evidence accumulated, the hair rose on the back of my neck. Whole families had died the same year. Man, woman, child. Grandparents and babies. Seventy people all dead the same year.

Was it a plague? A massacre?

The final grave I found was set some distance from the others. There was no name, no inscription. It was a simple stone carved with a crude seven-point star.

I stared at it for some time, suspecting that I was viewing the grave of Ivan Mago.
Or whatever had been left of him after the eagles had finished.

At last I turned and walked back to the sandy track. I followed it down the wildflower-covered hillside to the beach, until I came to what looked to be an abandoned village.

The lost village of Marbost?

I gazed at the crumble of white crofts and broken seawall. A broken chimney rose from the grass and wildflowers.

The graveyard would likely belong to this village -- this village that had apparently died in 1388. The same year as Swanhild Somerhairle.

It seemed too great a coincidence.

What connection could this village have to Swanhild? Had the people here tried to offer aid to Ivan Mago? Had they been punished for it? That was the sheerest speculation. Why had Mago come this way, though? Why not the road from Steering Bay? That was the direct route.

I stared out at the little harbor. Mago could have landed here, could have chosen this roundabout way to approach Urquhart’s castle, but the only reason for it that I could see would be to conceal his presence on the island.

To conceal his presence from Agro Urquhart.

Success would require the complicity of this village. Why should he have expected that?

But what could have wiped out this entire village if not violent retaliation of some kind? Punishment for a betrayal? Who was better positioned on the island to bring death and destruction to a lot of people at once than the chieftain himself?
I climbed over a broken, blackened wall and dropped down to the spongy ground below, crunching my way over gravel and shell.

Slowly I wandered among the ruins of the lost village. My uneasy suspicion was confirmed. No natural disaster had broken and blackened these stone walls.

I continued down the road until I came to what had clearly been a place of worship. It looked like the ruins of any chapel, but chiseled into the stone threshold was the seven-point star.

So the village of Marbost, like Swanhild, had followed the old religion. Not so surprising. In the fourteenth century, it was Christianity that had been the anomaly. The conversion in Scotland, as in most of the European Alliance states, had been mostly peaceful.

I circled the building, looking for access. I discovered a break in the wall and climbed awkwardly through. The roof was gone, and sunlight shifted across the sand and seaweed-strewn stone floor.

Otherwise the building seemed empty. I was put in mind of the castle chapel. Two places of worship picked clean to the bones of their faith -- though the faiths were very different. At least as far as any faith differed one from the other.

Traversing the long room, I heard a whisper behind me -- a sound like the scrape of a shoe on a sandy floor. Remembering the alarm of the muniment room the day before, I whirled and saw a shadow standing outlined against the wall. Someone was watching me from just inside the fissure in the wall -- someone had climbed in after me.
“Who’s there?” I called sharply.

The silhouette moved into the sunlight.

Septimus.

I hadn’t realized how alarmed I’d been till I felt the rush of relief.

“You startled me.”

“Did I?” Half his face was still in shadow. He seemed unnaturally still.

“Mrs. Morrison said you’d gone back to the mainland.”

“I returned this morning.”

“Are you following me?” I didn’t think he was, so his silence threw me. “Are you following me?”

“Yes,” he said at last.

“Why?”

“Because I think you’re going to find the Faileas a’ Chlaidheimh.”

Well, that made one of us. I wasn’t nearly as hopeful. “I thought you didn’t want me to find it.”

“It doesn’t matter what I want. It’s too late now.”

He sounded grim. I walked toward him, saying, “Look, Septimus, I don’t think I’m as close as you believe, but if I was…do you really think I’m so irresponsible that I’d let it go to the highest bidder? If I do find it, I’ll take it to the Societas Magicke first. I know the Arcane Services would have to have a say in the disposition of such a powerful grimoire.”

He shook his head.

There was something at work here I didn’t understand. Something that turned his eyes black with an emotion alarmingly like grief. I put my hand out to him, resting it on his sleeve. “What’s wrong?”

He pulled me into his arms, half crushing me, and his mouth found mine. Shockingly I could taste tears on his lips.

I pushed away, staring at him. He was crying. His face was wet, though he made no sound. “What is it? Septimus? What in the name of All is wrong?”

His hands grasped my shoulders hard, then seemed to gentle, sliding down my arms to hold my hands. He gazed gravely into my eyes. His tears had stopped.

“I have to kill you,” he said.

Loose Id

The Year Of Us, by BK Wright

INTRO:Tanner’s life had all been planned for him, and falling in love with his boss was not a part of that plan. Tanner is new to country life, and a stranger to country living. He is not new, however, to love. During his summer in the countryside of upstate New York, Tanner falls in love with the man he has come to work for and learn from. Tanner knows he must leave at the end of the summer and return to medical school, but cannot imagine life now without his boss, Mr. Knight. Tanner must decide for himself if he will follow the predetermined plan for his life, or follow his heart and stay with the man he loves. All Romance ebooks, 1Romance ebooks.

EXCERPT:
As Tanner entered the station, there was only one man waiting. Braden Knight was a tall man who Tanner guessed to be about six feet tall, with dark hair, a slight build, and a very kind face with the bluest eyes he had ever seen. As Braden stood up, Tanner slowly walked toward him. “Hi, Braden Knight,” the nice man said with a kind voice to match his kind face. He reached for Tanner’s hand and Tanner took it in welcome relief. This man seemed genuinely kind, not just as a pretense as he had seen in so many of his fellow students. “Here, let me take your bag,” Braden offered. “Thanks. I’m Tanner, but I’m sure you already know that from the picture I sent.” “I was pretty sure it was you, at least you looked just like the picture you sent.” Braden’s smile lit up his entire face, and immediately put Tanner at ease. “We have about a five mile drive to my clinic, and then about another five miles north of town to the old homestead I call home. It’s been in the family for years.
****
They parted at the top of the staircase, and as Braden walked toward his bedroom he turned around to get one last look at Tanner before he retreated into what he knew would not be restful slumber. As Braden turned around for this last look, Tanner was stripping off his shirt on his way to a much needed sleep. Braden stopped and stared. He couldn’t stop himself from staring at this young man’s perfectly sculpted physique. Even the muscles of his back were in perfect form, and as the door closed behind Tanner, Braden found himself staring at the door to the room that had just swallowed his new friend, and he envision the entirety of Tanner’s body naked in the bed at the end of the hall.
****
Braden was worried now. He waited for approximately ten minutes before going to Tanner’s bedroom. The door was shut, so he politely tapped on the door. A sniffling Tanner said, “yes, come in”, in a seemingly shaky voice. Braden walked in slowly, and went over to sit on the side of the bed beside Tanner. Tanner kept his eyes closed, even as Braden took one of his hands in both of his own. “Something’s not right, Tanner. Can you tell me what it is? You know you can trust me. Whatever you tell me will go no further.” At these sincere and gentle words, Tanner could feel the warmth of his own tears as they began seeping continuously out from underneath his closed eyes. His voice was shaky as he began to speak. “It’s really stupid, Braden. I don’t why it bothered me. I was so touched by your concern and care for your patients, and even though they were animals, you treated them with the utmost respect.” Braden reached for Tanner’s other hand and simply whispered, “yes.”
****
The day dragged on endlessly. Finally, at around 6:00 p.m. the clinic phone rang. Braden was alone, still sitting at his desk finishing the paperwork of the day. His mind was far away, and it didn’t register with him that the phone was ringing until the third ring. He picked it up quickly, and said hello twice. His nerves were frayed, and he couldn’t hide it. At the other end of the line was a very feeble sounding voice which Braden barely recognized as that of Tanner. “Braden, is it okay if I come back?” Dumbfounded by the question and the unbelievable sadness with which it was asked, Braden could barely speak. “Tanner, I have been so worried about you. I’ve been sick with worry not knowing where you were. You absolutely can come back. Baby, I want you with me forever.” His words sounded so sincere that Tanner wanted to believe them. Braden didn’t know what to think or what to say, but felt that he needed to keep talking so that Tanner would not hang up the phone for any reason. “Let me come and get you, Tanner. Just tell me where you are, and I’ll be there as fast as I can.” Tanner couldn’t do this. He couldn’t let Braden see him like this. “How about this, Tanner, get a cab and tell the driver that I will pay him when you get here, please,” Braden said, a little more commandingly. Braden had done so much for him that Tanner hated to do this, but he needed to be somewhere safe. He just wanted to put this entire week out of his mind forever. “Okay,” Tanner heard himself say. “So, you’ll get a cab and tell him exactly how to get here. Do you remember how to get here, Tanner? If you forget, have the taxi driver call me, okay? They all have a phone with them.” Braden had no idea where Tanner was calling from. It certainly wasn’t the cell phone number. “Tanner, I’ll see you soon, then, right?” Tanner was so tired he just wanted to lie down somewhere on the streets of New York and sleep. “I’ll try, I’ll try.”

B.K. Wright
http://www.beautobeau.com

An Unexpected Vintage - Excerpt

Available April 5, 2010

from Dreamspinner Press

Blurb: Gary Keller is enjoying a cruise with new friends when he meets Scott Haworth, and unexpected attraction flares between them. But Scott has a past he's trying to leave behind; nine months earlier he was released from prison after almost a decade. The Innocence Project and DNA evidence exonerated of the crime, but the victim’s brother still holds him responsible.Gary finds himself drawn to Scott for many reasons, not least of which is that the big, physically strong exterior hides a vulnerable, unsure man trying to restart his life. But it's only a seven-day cruise, and when it ends, they both have to go back to their lives in different parts of the country. Is a week long enough to build a relationship that will stand the strain of separation? Or will the cruise just fade to a happy vacation memory?

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Excerpt:
Gary got out of his babied, older car and stepped onto the curb, reaching back inside to retrieve the bottle of wine from the passenger seat. Shutting the door, he checked the address on the mailbox and confirmed that he’d found the right house before letting his eyes wander to the front door. His mouth dropped open, and he looked again. This was the right place, wasn’t it?

He looked up and down the sidewalk and almost got back into his car and drove away. He shouldn’t have come. The house was a beautiful Victorian with a turret and meticulously maintained yard. Where he’d been happy a few minutes earlier just to have been invited to a party, his first one in years, now he felt self-conscious about his clothes, which were old, but the nicest he had, and the grocery store bottle of wine he’d brought. Maybe he should just leave and go back to his tiny apartment and drink the entire bottle himself. Life had done a good job of beating him down: a series of jobs that always seemed to evaporate just when he’d get comfortable, and a few boyfriends who turned out to be frogs rather than princes. Unlucky and unremarkable, that was him. As he stood on the sidewalk, he saw the front door open, and he knew it was too late. He’d been seen.

“Gary, come on in.” Tyler smiled and waved. “I see you found the place.”

Gary forced his feet to move forward and gave himself a quick “what the hell” pep talk. Tyler was a client, a very good client, and he’d invited him to a party at his home. So screwing up his courage, Gary smiled and walked toward the front door.

As soon as he reached the front porch, his hand was clasped in a firm handshake, and he was greeted with a warm smile. “I’m so glad you could make it.” Tyler ushered him into the imposing entrance hall with its rich woodwork and impressive furnishings. If Gary hadn’t known already, it would be quite obvious from the furnishings that Tyler was a very successful antiques dealer. “Can I take your coat?”

“Thank you.” Gary handed Tyler the bottle of wine and then slipped off his fall jacket and handed it to Tyler as well. “I wasn’t sure what to bring,” he said softly, a little embarrassed at his meager offering.

Tyler smiled brightly, taking the bottle. “You didn’t need to bring anything, but thank you.” Tyler turned the bottle in his hand looking at the label. “You got one, huh?”

Gary had no idea what Tyler was talking about, and it must have showed on his face.

“Sommelier Wines had already sold out before I could get a bottle,” Tyler explained.

“One of what?” Gary asked as he suppressed a smile. He’d obviously gotten lucky with the wine.

“According to Sean, this is one of those unexpected vintages where the bottle costs ten or fifteen bucks and tastes like a hundred dollar bottle of wine. I’ve been hoping to try this since he sold out.” The smile stayed in place as Tyler went on to explain, “Drinks are in the kitchen, food’s in the dining room. Please make yourself comfortable.”

Gary followed Tyler through to the kitchen where a large assortment of wine, liquor, and mixers were set out. A small crowd was standing near the bar, and a handsome older man was mixing drinks. “What would you like?” he asked as he looked at Gary.

“I’m not sure.” He never knew what to order. Most people thought what he liked was too fruity. “What seems to be popular?”

“I have a pitcher of daiquiris if you’d like one, white and red wine, or I can mix you a cocktail. Just name your poison.” The man smiled, and Gary realized that for an older man, he was a real hunk. Gary watched as another older hunk approached and slipped his arm around the bartender’s waist.

“A daiquiri would be nice, thank you.” Gary watched as his drink was poured and handed to him.

“By the way, I’m Bill Janssens, and this is my partner, Tom Carter.” He held out his hand.

“Gary Keller.” He shook both men’s hands and smiled nervously.

“How do you know Tyler and Mark, Gary?” Bill poured himself a drink and stepped from behind the counter-slash-bar, Tom’s arm still around his waist.

“I’m the Milwaukee representative for Gregory Martin Fabrics, and Tyler uses a lot of my fabrics when he reupholsters the antiques for the store.” He took a sip of his drink, pulling his eyes momentarily away from the attractive men.

“Do you sell to individuals?” Tom asked, as Bill kissed him softly and then moved away.

“No, I’m a wholesaler, but anything you need could be gotten through Tyler.” Gary took another sip and felt the alcohol start to warm his stomach. God, this was strong stuff.

“I need new curtains for the house. I made the last ones years ago, but I just don’t have the time anymore.”

Gary reached into his back pocket and pulled out a business card. “Give me a call, and I could meet you at Tyler’s if he’s willing. I’ve got a car full of books, and we make all different styles of curtains and draperies.”

Tom raised his glass a little. “Gary, you’re a lifesaver. I’ll call you next week and set something up. I’m sure Tyler won’t have a problem.” Gary saw Bill motioning for Tom, and Gary expected him to move away, but Tom seemed to pull Gary along with him as he joined his partner, entering a circle of people who obviously knew each other.

“Gary, this is Sean and Sam, and their son Bobby and his partner Kenny.” Gary shook hands with each of them.

“Haven’t I seen you at Tyler’s?” Bobby smiled as he took a gulp of his beer.

“I’ve seen you a few times. You’re usually working with Mark. You’re an artist, right?”

“Yeah. Mark and I are working on a project together.” Bobby was obviously proud and pleased to be working with Mark.

“Tom, we were just talking about the cruise next month, and Sean told me that Phillip needs a roommate. He had one but the guy backed out because of a family issue, and now he’s stuck.” Bill looked truly disappointed for his friend.

“A cruise, wow. Where are you going?” Gary let his excitement overrule his usual reticence.

“We leave out of Puerto Rico and stop in Barbados, Antigua, St. Croix, St. Maarten, and St. Lucia. It should be a lot of fun,” Tom said, with a little excitement of his own.

Gary looked at Bobby and Kenny. “Are you going too?” He sipped the strong drink, careful not to overdo it on an empty stomach.

Kenny answered for the two of them. “Bobby’s watching the antique store for Tyler and I’m watching the wine store for Sean.”

Tom set his empty glass on a coaster. “Is Phillip going to be here tonight?”

“Tyler told me he’d been invited.” Sean looked around the room. “Speak of the devil.” A tall, handsome, blond man in his early thirties approached the group. Hugs were exchanged and introductions made.

“I understand you don’t have a roommate for the cruise,” Tom commented.

“Yeah, Craig backed out at the last minute. I can’t blame him, though. His mother’s having health issues, and he can’t be away for too long. Cost him enough, anyway. He’d already paid for half the cruise and they won’t refund it. So he’s out that, but if I still want to go, I have to pay for my passage plus the other half of his.”

“When’s the deadline?” Tyler asked as he joined the group.

“The travel agent said I have to let her know by Monday. I figure I’ll go and pay the extra, but I’d be able to do more on the islands if a roommate freed up the extra cash, you know?”

“Gary, why don’t you go?” Tyler asked, and all heads in the group turned to him.

Gary didn’t know what to say or how to react. He’d love to go on a cruise—he hadn’t had a vacation in at least two years, but he wasn’t sure he had the money to spare, and he’d be rooming with a complete stranger. “I don’t know if I can afford it,” he said softly, regretting the words as soon as they crossed his lips.

“It’s not very expensive,” Phillip supplied, looking a little excited. And Gary had to admit, as he looked into those deep blue eyes, he wouldn’t mind sharing a room for a week with a guy like that. He could feel heat settle in his groin, and he had to force his mind back to the topic at hand and off his starved libido. “Craig already paid for half the fare. So you’d just need to pay the other half and the airfare. The food’s included on the ship.”

Gary thought about it. It sounded like a lot of fun and maybe it wouldn’t cost too much. He’d been working hard for years, making ends meet and making do. He deserved a little excitement and some fun. November was a slow month for him anyway, and so far October had been pretty good. “Can I think about it?”

Phillip beamed back at him, and he almost said he’d go just to see that smile again. “Sure, would you like to meet for lunch tomorrow? We could get to know each other, and I could go over things with you.” Gary found himself agreeing before he could think twice about it.

Gary saw Tyler smile as he stepped away from the group. He followed, looking at all the incredible works of art as Tyler wandered through the house making sure his guests were happy. Gary noticed that Tyler kept checking his watch. “Where are you, Mark?” he heard Tyler whisper as he peeked out the front window from the office. Gary was about to go to him, until he saw Bill coming over.

“Is something wrong?”

Startled, Tyler jumped a little as Bill approached.

“No. I’m just wondering what’s keeping Mark.” He’d been doing that a lot lately. Tyler turned away from the window and faced his close friend.

“Is there something wrong?” Bill asked, obviously concerned for his friend.

“I don’t want to think there is, but I’m really starting to wonder.” The patter of scampering feet on the wood interrupted them as a miniature dachshund began jumping around Tyler’s leg. He picked her up and she kissed him before settling in his arms. “We used to go into the store together most mornings, and when the store closed, we’d ride home together. Now Mark sleeps in, gets to his studio at noon, and doesn’t leave till late. He never says what he’s doing, and when I ask, he’s evasive.”

“You think Mark’s having an affair?” Bill’s tone said that he didn’t believe it. “Mark loves you more than life itself. You know that. There’s no way he’d have an affair.”

“Then what other explanation is there?”

“Lots. Thousands. Maybe he’s just working.”

Tyler set down the dog down, and she scampered around the room, doing a doggie vacuum cleaner routine. Then she jumped around Gary’s legs looking for attention. Sitting in one of the hall chairs, he picked her up and set her on his lap. Tyler’s voice carried to where he was sitting, but he didn’t mean to overhear. “I’ve checked his studio a few times, and I can’t see anything that would take up that kind of time.”

“There’s an explanation Tyler. You just have to trust him.”

“I do trust him; that’s what’s beginning to hurt. I hate this feeling of helplessness and doubt. Mark’s my whole world, and if anything ever happened to him, to us, I don’t know what I’d do. I just don’t know how to deal with this.” Gary saw the front door open, and the dog jumped down from his lap, running across the hall, jumping around Mark’s legs.

“Jolie, how’s my girl?” Mark looked so happy to be home.

“Talk to him, Tyler. Tell him how you feel.” The words drifted from the office, and Bill walked out of the office door, Gary watching him head toward the back of the house. Mark walked into the office, carrying Jolie.

“I’m sorry, Ty. I got caught up and lost track of time.” Gary got up from the chair and walked in front of the open office door. He saw Mark kiss Tyler and then put Jolie down before kissing Tyler again, hard. Tyler almost backed away in surprise, but returned the kiss, his passion for this man evident.

“I’m sorry I’ve been so tired lately,” Mark said softly.

Gary turned away to leave them alone. It sounded like they needed the privacy. He hoped there wasn’t something going on. Gary really liked Tyler, and he’d seen him and Mark together for as long as Tyler had been a client. They were an inspiration to him. Whatever was wrong, he hoped they worked it out.

“We should join our guests.” Tyler began to walk toward the door, but he felt Mark’s tug at his arm.

“They’ll wait a few minutes.”

Gary couldn’t help turning around. The two of them were so loving to each other. He watched Mark pull Tyler to him and kiss him again as Jolie bounded around their feet. “Once this is over, I intend to take you upstairs and make up for all the time I haven’t been around lately. I love you, Ty.”

Gary turned away and left the room, not wanting to tempt himself to watch any more. It wasn’t right, but what he’d seen warmed his heart. He wanted that so badly: someone to love who would love him back, someone who actually saw him. And Gary thought, not for the first time, that maybe that was the problem. Gary walked through the magnificent house and wandered into what he guessed was the family room, where he saw Bill and Sean talking together in the corner.

“I hope things are okay with them.” The concern on Bill’s face was plainly evident. “I did notice as I left that Mark gave Tyler quite a lip-lock. I hope he’s mistaken.”

“I’m sure he is,” Sean said, as Gary made his way to them, hoping they’d welcome him into their conversation.

“Does Tom know?” Sean asked, obviously being cagey.

Bill turned, staring into Sean’s eyes. “No, he has no idea at all.” Bill smiled conspiratorially. “Can we meet this week? I really need to make sure everything is absolutely perfect.”

“It will be, don’t worry. Tom will never see this coming.” Sean sipped his wine and returned Bill’s look as Gary stood next to them.

“See what coming?” Tom asked.

Gary saw Tom’s arms slip around Bill’s waist as he nuzzled Bill’s neck and ear. He loved that they weren’t afraid to demonstrate their love for one another.

“Nothing.” Bill looked momentarily flustered and then recovered, like he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t. “We were just trying to decide which excursions we might like to take during the cruise. There’s a snorkeling package on Barbados with a catamaran that includes the chance to snorkel in Turtle Bay. The guide says we may even see some sea turtles. Sean was telling me that without your glasses, one could come up right behind you and you’d never see it coming.”

Gary knew that wasn’t at all what they’d been saying. It had sounded to him like they were planning some sort of surprise for Tom, and he didn’t want to spoil it. Tom didn’t look like he was buying it, but then Bill began pressing back against Tom, and Gary almost laughed at the far-away, lustful look that passed over Tom’s face. Gary noticed that the subject died, just like Bill was probably hoping it would.

“If you’ll excuse me, I need to see what Sam is up to.” Sean made a hasty retreat, and Gary retrieved his drink from the table, intending to follow.

“Bill, what are you up to?” Gary saw Tom’s hand graze over Bill’s pants. “Plenty, I guess.”

Gary hastened his retreat. He was starting to feel like a voyeur, and it was making him a little uncomfortable. Bill turned in Tom’s embrace. “We’re at a party, remember?” The rest of what was said faded away as Gary left them alone in the room and headed to the dining room, where Phillip was filling a plate. Gary joined him and Phillip smiled and began talking. Gary made up a plate and followed Phillip into the living room, where they sat down and talked… and talked. It had been a long time since he’d sat down and really talked to someone, and it felt good.

As the evening wore on, people began getting their coats and leaving. Gary got up from the chair he’d occupied for the last few hours. “I should get going as well.”

Phillip stood up and, to Gary’s surprise, gave him a hug. “I’ll see you for lunch tomorrow. I hope you decide to go on the cruise. We’ll have so much fun.” Phillip hugged him again, and Gary found he was really looking forward to that lunch.

A MATTER OF TRUST by AC Katt

EXCERPT – Drawer 67

Antonio thought he was clever, but was in truth foolish, gullible and vain. He left Trenton and Bear for the bright lights of the Big Apple. Six months later, Bear received a call from the Sixth Precinct of the NYPD to come to the city and identify the body. The police found Bear’s address clutched in the hand of a boy dumped in an alleyway off Seventh Avenue behind Weng-Feng Wok, a local Chinese restaurant. The owners, Misters Weng and Feng, discovered the body when they took the kitchen garbage out to the dumpster after a 3:00 a.m. closing. Bear vividly remembered the scene.

A Detective Sergeant by the name of Patrick O’Malley, a wiry Irishman from Homicide, brought Bear into the squad room.

“Take a seat, Mr. Drummond. As I explained to you on the telephone, we found your address clutched in the victim’s hand.

“Have you ever seen this before Sergeant O’Malley?”

“Unfortunately, this young man is not the first found in that condition in this precinct.” O’Malley responded. The Detective Sergeant laconically pointed to the pictures of young men pinned to a corkboard on a wall of the room, visible from every desk.

“All of their faces were beaten and cut to a point beyond recognition.” O’Malley continued.

Bear grimaced.

“You can make the ID from a photo.” O’Malley suggested sympathetically.

“No, I’d rather see him and be certain.” Bear said as he silently prayed the man in the photo was not his former sub.

They took a Squad Car for the silent ride to the City Offices of the Chief Medical Examiner. Bear was in a fog of guilt and remorse. O’Malley ushered him into the cold room followed by one of the assistant coroners.

Bear shivered. The bodies of the victims were stacked in drawers that were piled four high and consumed the entire back wall of the room.

O’Malley spoke, “Drawer sixty-seven.”

The assistant opened the drawer and slowly drew the sheet from the body.

Bear gasped, and then gagged. O’Malley grabbed his arm.

“Do you recognize the victim?”

“Yes, it is Antonio Rialto.” It was Antonio, but an Antonio Bear would not have been able to identify save for a birthmark on his lower left abdomen.

O’Malley spoke again, “You’re sure.”

“Yes I am sure, I remember the crescent shaped birthmark, it was unique.” Bear gazed at his former sub. The dark Botticelli angel’s face was riddled with deep cuts made by a serrated knife. Both eyes were black and even after time in the cold drawer, swollen shut.”

The assistant coroner spoke, “The autopsy showed every rib was broken and the lung perforated. They shot out his kneecaps and his whole body is covered in welts. He was whipped.”

Bear was lost in thought, tears coursed down his face; more poignant for his silence. He did not notice his wet cheeks. The beautiful boy in drawer sixty-seven was provocative, mischievous and so very alive in his memory. He was just twenty-six. The toy had failed to please.

O’Malley grabbed Bear’s arm and ushered him out of the room handing Bear his handkerchief. Bear was thirty-two years old and had not cried since he was sixteen. He made a silent vow, I will never cry again.

Bear turned to O’Malley, “You’ll get this bastard?”

“With your cooperation…” O’Malley countered.

“Anything you need,” Bear replied between clenched teeth.

On the ride back to Trenton, the tears coursed down his cheeks as he repeated his mantra, I will never cry again, I will never cry again, I will never…

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