Surrender Love

Every lifetime, Luc breaks the rule: Never fall in love with a mortal. But with this man, it could be forever...

Being dumped broke Luc's heart, but public humiliation crushed it. Online betting programs placed odds on how long it would take the wealthiest man in the Empire to find a new romance. He was betting on never.

When Luc signs to represent Izzorah's band, the desire that flares between himself and the catlike alien is instant and irresistible. But to yield means becoming vulnerable, and sharing secrets far too painful to reveal.

Izzorah's ability to smell every emotion means Luc can hide none of his feelings. The sole thing Izzorah desires is to have a male warrior to love, a forbidden coupling on his homeworld. So he makes a sincere wish that if Luc is his warrior, the man will rescue him.

When an accident occurs, and Luc donates blood to save him, what else can it be but Izzorah's wish coming true? It's clear that Luc is too hurt to surrender his trust, even though he longs to be loved.

So Izzorah decides that no matter what obstacles he faces by coming out, he will put aside his fear and focus on Luc's need. Because as sure as the sun rises each day, Izzorah was made to be the shelter of Luc's heart...

An LGBTQ first time MM Romance featuring an alpha male surviving a bad breakup, and a younger, cinnamon roll hero. This age-gap workplace story offers an opposites-attract couple, and a jaded/innocent vibe.

Excerpt

Luc and Izzorah sit side by side, with Izzorah leaning against Luc's chest while Luc confesses his failures with a previous lover. Izzorah is not only listening, he's also using his gift of kahlah to interpret the scents related to Luc's emotions, because he wants to understand. This snippet is from Izzorah's point of view.

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"You didn't know what to do when he left, did you?" Izzorah played with one of Luc's buttons. "Should you forget him? Try to win him back?"

"I tried making him jealous by having an affair with a Kin male named Jawk." A tinge of lavender and bitter nutmeg sparked, showing Luc's regret. "What a pointless attempt that was. I doubt anything I did would have kept Wulf from leaving. He was already in love and we were finished." Luc faced Izzorah. "Pardon me for rambling. I shouldn't have burdened you with that."

"No, you needed to tell it. You're glad it's over, but it still hurt."

"It did. I tried telling myself it wasn't happening. That I didn't love him anyway, but--" Luc stopped. "I did. Wulf and I lived in the same house but led separate lives. It was pitiful, the way things ended. No final conflict. No big blowup. More like air leaking from a balloon. I let him go. Gave him my blessing. Then moped because I was alone. I was pathetic."

"No. You'd never be that. Breakups are a kind of death. The loss aches. Slowness doesn't make it less painful."

"True." Luc's focus made Izzorah's mouth go dry. But then the man smiled, and it warmed Izzorah's soul. Luc leaned his head against the wall. "You have incredible insight. And you're right about the pain. With you, I'm at peace. Last thing I need is to fall in love with another heartbreaker. I'm hoping you don't turn out to be that, because it's too late."

The truth was in Luc's scent, a faint smell of sweet grass, along with fresh linen, showing respect. The mixture meant what Luc felt surprised him.

"I don't understand." Izzorah understood all right, but Luc needed to admit it to himself. That was in his scent too. And Izzorah wanted to hear the words. "Too late for what?"

"Too late for me to turn back. I've already fallen for you."

Izzorah scooted closer to Luc. "I promise."

Luc shifted a bit, allowing Izzorah to fit against him. "Tell me what you mean by that." He looked down.

Holding Luc's dark gaze, Izzorah smiled. "That I'll be what you need."

"Will you, now?" Patience and amusement eddied through Luc's scent in an appealing mixture. With one hand, Luc stroked Izzorah's hair and then he coiled a strand around one finger. "Suppose you tell me what you think that is."

Izzorah curled up against Luc's chest and wrapped one arm over Luc's waist. "A shelter for your heart."