Costumes

By Dianne Hartsock

There’s a presence in the attic, malevolent, waiting. When Bennie’s aunt passes away, he’s given the task of sorting her things before the estate sale. But the chore that should have been a pleasant visit to the past becomes a nightmare for him and his longtime lover Jordan as the dark presence in the attic seeks a new home in them.

Their once gentle and sensual love turns to a dark passion, hard and rough and hurtful. Jordan sees the change, but will his love be strong enough to save them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Oct 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781646565771

Dianne Hartsock

Dianne is the author of paranormal, suspense, m/m romance, fantasy, thriller. Also a floral designer.

Book preview

6

Chapter 1

Oh my God! Jordan, you gotta see this.

Jordan chuckled to himself, smiling broadly. Still so impulsive. One of the things he loved the most about his boyfriend. He lowered his lashes, thinking of Bennie’s creativity in bed that morning. It took all his willpower not to moan as he thought of Bennie’s lips on his body, hot mouth sliding over his dick…

Jordan!

Jordan glanced one more time at the stained glass window set high in the oak door facing him. Such an odd door. Placed in the middle of the west wall of the attic, it led nowhere as far as he could tell. He tried the handle again. Locked. But unless there was a balcony he hadn’t noticed from the outside of the house, one would step right into space.

The thought unsettled him, though he couldn’t say why, exactly. He turned, peering across the room through the dust motes dancing in the air, and sucked in a breath as his dread increased. Sunlight streamed through the tinted glass of the octagonal window behind him, splashing a rainbow of color over Bennie’s face: yellow, green, blue, with a slash of blood red across his tender throat. Jordan drew a shaky breath. What is it, hon?

Bennie waved him over, and the movement caused the red to center on his heart. Come see what’s in this trunk! Our old Halloween costumes.

Jordan swallowed the panic tightening his throat and shook off the irrational fear. It was merely the light playing tricks. He’d been reading too many horror stories. Just because Bennie’s aunt had died in the house…He didn’t believe in ghosts. No fucking way. Still, he hurried to Bennie’s side and slipped an arm around his waist.

Which ones? he asked, looking down into the musty trunk.

All of them, as far as I can tell. Bennie started pulling out wigs and hats and scarves, a pirate shirt and werewolf mask. Remember this one? he asked, and giggled as he held up a pink tutu.

Oh God, yes. I thought your father was going to have a seizure. We were what, ten? Jordan rubbed the frilly skirt between his fingers. He’d grown up in the house next to the Ramsey family, and he and Bennie were as close as brothers. Closer, when at fourteen they discovered it was more fun to sleep in the same bed than separate.

Bennie flashed him a look, light blue eyes dancing with mischief. Jordan’s heartbeat quickened. Bennie’s hair fell in reddish blond ringlets around his impish face. A few freckles brushed