Perfect Harmony

By Megan Slayer

Camryn Matthews knows how to make music and dance, but he’s tired of living a lie. Being part of the recording group Low Down is fine, but he can’t be himself. The fans want a fantasy, not a gay man. Besides that, he can’t make the music in his soul. Where’s a man to look when he needs a fresh start?

Rian’s the prince of the mers, and he’s tired of being used. He wants someone to love him for his song. When he hears the sweet, low voice coming from the cruise ship, he knows he’s found his match. But will the human sacrifice everything to live in Paradise, deep in the heart of Lake Erie?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Changeling Press
• Release date: Jan 30, 2020

Megan Slayer

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com. When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.

Book preview

Erie?

Chapter One

Forever in my heart. Camryn sang the line of his solo and stepped out of the spotlight. The setlist only contained two songs featuring him, and one song had been cut. He continued to dance, but his spirits broke. He loved being part of the vocal group, Low Down, but he hated being pushed to the periphery. His voice wasn’t as loud, even with the mic, as his bandmates’. His dance skills were on point, but if the band wanted another dancer, they’d hire a back-up group. He added his harmonies and forced a smile.

Women screamed and grabbed at the group from the edge of the stage. Playing to a packed concert wasn’t bad, but Camryn wasn’t fond of concert tours on cruise ships. He’d never have signed on, but the group needed money.

Camryn enjoyed being part of the band, but the crying and clawing hands from the crowd bothered him. Why did people want to grab him? Some women threw panties or roses, and others threw balled paper with phone numbers and hotel room numbers. They had no idea he wasn’t interested.

He smiled to hide his discomfort. He wasn’t attracted to girls and never had been. He wanted to wear their clothes and hang out, but not sleep with them. The fans of Low Down wouldn’t want him to be gay. They wanted the fantasy.

He finished the song and when the lights dimmed, he ran off stage to catch a breather before the encore.

Good show. Alexander, the moody one, clapped Camryn on the shoulder. You weren’t loud enough again.

He’s never loud enough, but his heart’s in it. Jake, the sporty one, grinned. He whipped his headband off and shot it toward Alexander. Don’t sweat it.

God. If he ever sang loud enough and we had the proper balance, we’d have a fun sound, Alexander said. We might be back on the top of the charts, too.

I sing loud, Camryn said, embarrassed. He thought he’d improved over the four years since the vocal group had been formed.

Clint, the tattooed one, shrugged. We’ve got our roles. He’s the quiet one. Lay off.

Did Clint understand? Camryn hoped so.

Might be better without him, though, Clint said. A foursome might be a better showcase.

Camryn froze. Wait… what? A foursome? They’d leave him behind?

Sani, the cute one, nodded. He touched Camryn’s arm and cocked his head. Clint’s an ass because he’s being blunt, but he’s honest and not wrong. We can’t hear you, you don’t have many leading riffs, the girls love you and you don’t love them… maybe it’s time to move on. You’re not happy. Why not strike out on your own?

The other three members chimed in with, Yeah.

Camryn wanted to shatter. How could they do this to him? He composed himself. They couldn’t see him crack. Not now. So they’d picked a strange time to tell him he should go… A split might be good, but why say something now? You want me to bow out, right? Why would you do it while we’re on a damn cruise ship? I’m stuck here. I have to hide, and that’s nuts. Won’t the fans notice I’m not on stage? Won’t they care I’m not with the band during our publicity stunts? This makes no sense.

Cam, we’ve talked about this a bunch of times, Sani said. We love you, but we’re ready to move on. We want girls, not gays.

Sani. His heart lodged in his throat. He never thought his band mates would be this cruel.

Lay low. Hide. Whatever. Hell, get drunk. It’ll make you more exciting, Clint said. We’re gonna do the encore, and you stay here. We’ll say you’re ill.

His stomach churned. If he wasn’t careful, he’d puke. How could they do this to him? He’d put in his time with the band. It’s cold.

So? The fans won’t think it’s a big deal if they think you’re sick. We’ll survive this, and you’ll fade out. Alexander shrugged. We need a new approach.

Survive? He sank onto the arm of the sofa and bit back bile. The band had been blunt before -- when they fought against Clint having tattooed his arms, chest and throat, when Sani changed his haircut and when Jake lost weight to be sportier -- but nothing like this. Camryn held up both hands. You know what, whatever. He picked up his jacket and shook his head. Enjoy. I hope it goes well. I’m sorry I’ve held you back.

Not back. Jake pinched the bridge of his nose. This got colder and asshole-ier than it should’ve. I’m sorry. He gestured to the other guys, shoving them onto the stage. He turned his attention to Camryn. We know you aren’t happy and you’re anxious on stage. We thought it would be okay if you took a break. I never meant for you to be gone for good. You’re quiet, but you add to the group. They thought it’d be better if we split for a while and tried a four-top. I’m not okay with it, but it’s three against two. I’m sorry, he said. Why don’t you come out with us? One last show for the good times? Right now?

No. He knew when to bow out. Knock ‘em dead. They came for a concert. Give the crowd the best.

Cam. Jake frowned. I’m sorry.

Apparently not enough to rethink this or to fight for me. You all could’ve said something before the tour. Hell, you could’ve said something before we fucking left shore. He swept his gaze over the room. He’d need to clean