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ALTERED HEART

Kate Steele

www.loose

www.loose-id.com

id.com

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Altered Heart

Kate Steele

This e

This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual

book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual

historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents

book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual

historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents

are either the product of the author

are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and

s imagination or are used fictitiously, and

any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events,

s imagination or are used fictitiously, and

any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events,

or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by

Loose Id LLC

870 Market St, Suite 1301

San Francisco CA

San Francisco CA 94103

94103

94103-2907

2907

www.loose

www.loose-id.com

id.com

October 2008 by Kate Steele

book ONLY.

No part of this e

No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but

book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but

not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written

book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but

not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written

permission from Loose Id LLC.

ISBN 978

ISBN 978-1-59632

822-8

Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

59632

59632-822

822

Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

Printed in the United States of America

Editor: Vanessa Lillie

Cover Artist: Croco Designs

Chapter One

Opening his eyes, Rio let his gaze focus on the pale, luminous orb of the moon. It was

full tonight. That explained the increased tension on the street, the edgier, almost frantic

mood that stalked the darkness. Whether others believed it or not, Rio was sure the full

moon could affect some people. Emotions rose higher and hotter and faster. It could

become a night of unsurpassed passion or pure, unmitigated disaster. All the possibilities in

the world could line up and be subject to the desires and daring of each individual.

Gaze lowering, he noted the passing people. There were a few glances sent his way,

but no one stopped. Not surprising. Everyone followed the unspoken cardinal rule that

governed behavior on the street. Never stick your nose into someone else’s business -- even

if they looked like they needed help. Don’t get involved. Don’t step voluntarily into

anything that had the potential to become unpleasant. He was glad no one stopped. The

last thing he needed now was some well-meaning sap trying to help him out. Strangely

cheered by that thought, he pushed away from the wall and turned to continue his way

home when a large hand curled around his biceps, halting his progress.

“Hey, pretty boy. You looking for a date?”

Rio twisted his head and fixed his gaze on the man who spoke. He was tall, with

shaggy brown hair and shadowed eyes, handsome in a rough, almost brutish way. He

shifted his stance, and light from the blinking neon of a nearby bar whisked the shadows

away. His eyes shone, no, glittered with some need, one that made Rio’s senses tingle in

alarm.

“Sorry. I’m through for the night,” he said.

“That’s too bad. I could make it well worth your while.” The man pulled his hand out

of his pocket to reveal a thick wad of cash. “Three hundred for your ass and half an hour of

your time. What say, pretty?”

Rio eyed the cash and considered the offer. He could definitely use the extra money.

Rent was coming due, not to mention he could go for a really good meal. Ramen noodles

and peanut butter sandwiches were getting old despite the fact that he actually liked them.

A steak would be a welcome change of pace.

“I don’t do bareback,” Rio warned, deciding to take a chance. “And I don’t suck raw

cock or swallow.”

“Not a problem,” the man agreed.

“You got a place?”

“Follow me.”

Squelching his misgivings, Rio followed the stranger. He was broad shouldered and

brawny. No one would dare shout “fag” at this guy. As they walked, a familiar sensation

overtook Rio. He became calm, dispassionate, and uncaring, locking himself and his

emotions away. It was a defense mechanism he’d cultivated to help him cope with the

harsh realities of his life. Selling himself to strangers, letting them use his body for money

was about as harsh as it got, but he had no choice.

A runaway at sixteen, he’d never finished high school and had no plans to do so.

When he thought about it, one question came to mind: what use would a diploma be,

anyway? It wasn’t as though he’d ever be able to afford to go to college. Without any

special skills or education, he couldn’t find a job that paid more than minimum wage.

Flipping burgers under the golden arches wouldn’t pay his rent, let alone provide him with

food and other necessities.

Two streets over, a familiar sight came into view. It was Sander’s, a hotel that was a

favorite haunt for those needing a room by the hour. A slight wave of relief calmed the

small bit of tension he had yet to get under control. This was a known entity. He’d been

here before. At least the sheets on the bed would be clean. No matter the reason the rooms

were rented, the owner actually gave a shit about his place and his reputation.

They turned in at the entrance and Rio waited silently by the elevator doors while the

man negotiated the rental rate with the desk clerk. Keycard in hand, he joined Rio and the

two of them took the elevator to the third floor. The room numbers slid by as they walked

the silent hall, then stopped before 308. After inserting the keycard, a flash of green

indicated the lock had opened. His customer opened the door. Resigned, Rio followed him

inside.

It was a typical hotel room, bland, utilitarian, and in this case, just plain dreary. The

walls were painted a color that might have once been cream but was now borderline gray.

It gave the place a gloomy, closed-in feeling, reminiscent of being under an overcast sky.

The bathroom was to the left by the front door. The fixtures were old-fashioned with the

sink sporting a rust stain under the dripping faucet. Farther inside was a queen-size bed,

covered by a navy blue comforter decorated with garish pink and yellow roses. There was

also a prefab dresser and a table with two chairs pulled up to it.

There was nothing else to see, nor any reason to waste time. Rio wanted to move

forward, do the deed, and be gone before his mind could start screaming at him to get out.

“Strip,” the man growled as he began to peel out of his own clothes.

“My money?” Rio coolly inquired.

Impatiently pulling the money from his pocket, the man dropped the agreed-upon

amount on the dresser in a flutter of fifties and twenties.

“Satisfied?”

Nodding, Rio averted his eyes and complied with his customer’s initial demand. After

toeing off his shoes, he dropped his jacket, T-shirt, jeans, and briefs on one of the chairs,

then pulled off his socks and laid them over his shoes.

“Nice. Just like I pictured. I do like them slender and young. How old are you, kid?”

Kate Steele - Altered Heart.pdf

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