Phil's job is full of danger and excitement most of the time, and he trusts his partner with his life. Until Ryan kisses him. It's a diversion tactic to convince the heavies they're two harmless gays, but that kiss shakes Phil's world to its foundations. He doesn't do commitment, doesn't need or want a long-term lover, but that's what his heart is reaching for. Drifting in and out of a dream-haunted coma, trapped in his wrecked car waiting for rescue, he's sharing a parallel life. Many centuries ago, someone is trying to kill Caius Marcellus Niger. Phil must find out who and why before they succeed. But where is Ryan, the man he trusts with his life on a regular basis? Phil is alone in the dream, no partner, no backup, and nothing is the way it seems.