Tonio, an artist of some renown, is in self-imposed hiding after having been attacked and left scarred. Now Tonio’s only contact with the world is his sister Jessie, who is also his agent. She implores him to do more than spend his time at his studio or in the park where he sometimes goes to draw. When his paintings go on display at a gallery, Jessie convinces Tonio he must attend the opening night festivities and a party a few days afterward, thrown by the gallery’s owner. Jonam, the handsome owner of a close protection service, meets Tonio in the park, where he admires his sketches. Tonio rebuffs him, only to see him...and avoid him again at the gallery opening. On the night of the party, Tonio’s attacker calls to threaten him. When Tonio doesn’t appear at the party, his sister and Jonam come to his apartment to find him. After hearing the details of the attack, Jonam reveals he is a bodyguard and offers his services to Tonio. The question then becomes, will Jonam be able to keep Tonio safe and in the process teach him to accept he is not defined by the scars he carries but by what he is inside?
Author
Born and bred Cleveland, I earned a degree in technical theater, later switched to costuming, and headed to NYC. Finally seeing the futility of trying to become rich and famous in the Big Apple, I joined VISTA—Volunteers in Service to America—ending up in Chicago for three years. Then it was on to Denver, where I put down roots and worked as a costume designer until I retired in 2007. I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then I've been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.
