For seven years, Emmett Ward has harbored amorous feelings toward his partner, Jack Robison. A chance encounter brought them together -- Emmett slaved in an illegal warehouse run by a Korean criminal known as the Dragon Lady, when Jack, a notorious bounty hunter with his sights set on her son Lin Ji, was captured. Emmett helped Jack escape in return for his own freedom. They've been together ever since, but Emmett aches for so much more than their platonic partnership.<br><br>A new bounty has been placed on Lin Ji's head, sending Emmett and Jack to the wilds of Alaska, where they hope to take out the crime lord during an annual dog-sled race. As they near their target, they run into Monty Becker, another hunter Jack used to know. He takes an interest in Emmett, who is drawn to the sexy, charismatic fellow despite Jack's warnings.<br><br>Emmett is torn between the two men -- Monty is more than willing to show him what he's missing, but Jack is what his heart wants. When the three team up to take out Lin, Emmett learns more of the past Jack and Monty share, and discovers just why his partner has ignored his obvious feelings for so long.

Bounty of the Heart

Other than the guards posted around the pavilion, Emmett saw no others, and no one inside seemed to be armed, though Lin probably carried a small knife on him. That, or he had complete faith in the two guards standing behind his chair. On closer inspection, however, Emmett didn’t see any short swords in theirbelts, which made him think they had pistols hidden in their coats. He glanced at them, turned away, then risked another look as he came around the side of the pavilion. 


Chapter 5