Gear Heart — Hollis Shiloh

Living with a gear heart made from magic and machinery, Auden knows his lifespan will be shortened.  Now a second-class citizen, he's part of the household of Dr. Gregory -- the man who stitched him back to life years ago during the war.  And now Dr. Gregory is being threatened. 

A friendly (sometimes too friendly) police officer named Owen is assigned to help protect the aging doctor.  Auden could resent the policeman who's come to help with security.  Instead, he finds himself drawn to the attractive, flirtatious Owen, who somehow doesn't let Auden's cold nature scare him away.  And that holds a different kind of danger for Auden's heart.

Length: 23,600 words

Steampunk elements

Steamy: yes

Takes place in the same world as "Like A One-Eyed Cat."  Each story stands alone.