Excerpt R: Golden Dancer by Tara Lain, M/M/M Romantic Suspense

Coming Sept 27 from Loose Id

A reporter and the thief he’s investigating fall for a golden dancer forging a ménage of love and lies that could send one to prison and one to the morgue. Uncovering secrets requires baring more than just the soul.

The big man led him through the crowd with a strong hand. Trelain glanced back to see Allison’s face looking both confused and concerned. She clearly didn’t want to lose control of her donor-bait, but lose control she had. Daniel seemed to be quite certain where he was leading them.

When they reached the other end of the big open space, Trelain pulled back. The guy was much bigger, but Trelain was strong. “Hold up. Where do you think we’re going?”

The man turned and gave Trelain that wolfish grin again. Close up, he really was lovely with those deep, dark eyes, and dark curving brows contrasted with the shock of silver hair. “I thought I’d rescue you.”

Trelain smiled. “And I thought I was getting champagne.”

The man stared at him for a moment then looked up and waggled a finger seemingly into space. Moments later, a waiter appeared out of the crowd carrying a tray packed with bubbly. The man grinned. “Would you like it all?”

Trelain smiled back. Daniel seemed a man who got what he wanted. But then, so was Trelain. He selected a full glass from the tray. “One should be sufficient.”

The man took another one, though he didn’t seem to drink it. “But more is better.”

The waiter left, and Trelain took a sip. “Your philosophy of life, I presume?”

“Totally.”

“So who are you, Daniel?” Trelain noticed that people milled all around them, but no one interfered.

“A child of the universe. A lover of art in its myriad forms. A surfer and diver. Oh, yes, and I dabble in computer software sometimes.”

Trelain glanced at him sideways. “Dabble? Like Bill Gates?”

The guy gave a huge smile. “Yes, precisely like that.”

No doubt richer than Croesus, based on the deference everyone seemed to show him. “So, what exactly does ‘rescuing me’ look like?”

“If you’ll let me, I’ll take you to my home in Laguna Beach. Sun, surf, relaxation.”

“Mr. uh…”

“Terrebone. Daniel.”

“Are you propositioning me?”

The man leaned down so his lips were close to Trelain’s ear. His breath smelled like peppermint. “I am propositioning you at every level, cavalier. You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen on two feet, and I want you near me. Preferably under me for hours at a time.”

Bloody hell. Trelain smoothed a hand down his arm to try and control the goose bumps. The man chuckled. “I think that sounds good to you.”

A little distance was required. Trelain stepped back. “You are more than persuasive, uh, Daniel, but you also impress me as a man who is used to getting what he wants. Perhaps I don’t enjoy being one of a multitude.” Yes, he was being flirtatious, but it was also true. Maybe part of the appeal of the reporter had been that he wasn’t usually attracted to men. Trelain liked being special. Hell, who didn’t?

Daniel very discreetly ran his fingers up Trelain’s arm. Good. He wasn’t trying to make a show of possession. “It’s true, my friend, that I have had many brief encounters in my past. I don’t think you know anything about me; why would you? But others will delight in telling you of my peccadilloes, so I might as well come clean. That was the past, however. I have not been in a relationship of any kind for many months. I am weary of the game. I want someone special in my life, and you, my friend, are very special.”

Trelain smiled. His thoughts had been answered. He opened his mouth to speak, but Terrebone put up a hand. “One more thing. I won’t rush you or crowd you. I would love to have you come to my home as a guest with no strings attached.”

Trelain cleared his throat. “I am dancing three nights this week, and I believe Laguna Beach is some distance from here.”

“About an hour. But you are free on Thursday, I believe?”

“Yes.”

“Why don’t you pack your bathing suit” -- he gave that charming, lecherous grin -- “or not, and I’ll send a car for you after your performance. I’ll have a massage therapist standing by, my chef will prepare all your favorite foods, and you can have a quiet vacation for a few days.”

Suddenly, Trelain was too tired for banter. A vacation sounded like heaven, and if it was with this beautiful man, all the better. He might have a thing for that silly reporter, but it was a stupid, fruitless crush. This man was handsome, rich, and seemed sincere. And he knew he was gay. A huge improvement. “I would love to come.”

Daniel looked surprised, then delighted. “You are a world of surprises, cavalier. I like that in a man.”

Trelain sipped the last of his champagne and glanced at the still-milling crowd of patrons. He sighed. “And now I must continue my role as money-grubber-in-chief.” He bowed slightly. “If you’ll excuse me.”

“Oh, one more thing. Please give this to Allison.” Terrebone handed him a scrap of paper. It said IOU $1,000,000.

“Fucking hell.”

“Not enough? I just wanted Allison to know I hadn’t been wasting your precious time.”

Trelain carefully folded the paper. He laughed all the way back to the group of donors surrounding the anxious program director.

E-mail: tara@taralain.com

Website: http://www.taralain.com

Author blog: http://taralain.blogspot.com

Book blog: http://beautifulboysbooks.blogspot.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4541791.Tara_Lain

Savvy Authors: http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/member.php?2398-Tara-Lain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/taralain

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Tara-Lain/100001514105686

FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Lain/205042046209804