**Calix Valimir has one goal…** Catch the killer terrorizing the galaxy and make it off the planet Emergence faster than anyone can recognize him. Of course, that’s a pipe dream, and he’s identified the very first night he’s there. Fortunately for him, he’s rescued by the resident golden boy, Doctor Aodhan Solace. Cal’s past mistakes keep him from letting anyone in, but there’s something about the charming doctor that has him instinctively letting down his walls, no matter how hard he struggles against doing so. He knows no one in this universe is ever what they seem, that no one can be trusted, and yet with every passing devilish touch, he falls deeper and deeper for the man he knows must be a liar. Because everyone is. Even himself. **Aodhan Solace likes games.** But he doesn’t really have the patience to pull them off for long. What starts out as a passing interest quickly turns to desire when the detective submits to every one of his twisted demands. For a man who claims to be working on the side of good, Cal begs so prettily when he’s restrained. Aodhan has a reputation to uphold, but the more time he spends with the detective, the more certain he is that it’s time to take off the mask and show him who he really is. There’s only one problem. Convincing Mercy to let him. **Mercy is always in control.** This situation is no different. When Aodhan comes to him begging they take a third, he plays hard to get to keep things interesting, but the reality is Mercy knows exactly what he wants. And how to get it.