To some who know him, Jax -- under the name Jackson Martin -- is a reputable restorer of antiquarian books. To others, in various guises, he's a man who double-crosses thieves, relieving them of what wasn't theirs to begin with ... although he doesn't return the stolen goods to their original owners. That isn't his thing.<br><br>When he's hired by Donovan, a book collector, to restore a damaged atlas, Jax meets the young man who runs Donovan's side interest, a no-kill animal shelter. Noel is wary of Jackson for reasons he can't explain. It doesn't stop him from finding Jax interesting ... an interest Jax returns despite knowing it will go nowhere.<br><br>Then Keegan, Jax's mortal enemy, appears bent on killing him. Will Jax be able to stop him before that happens? And will what he and Noel learn about each other end their budding relationship before it can become something more?

A Man of Many Parts

“And that’s that,” Jax said, after telling Donovan during dinner about his conversation with Noel.


“I can’t believe he thought you might be a thief on the side,” Donovan replied, shaking his head.


Jax bit back a grin. Little do you know, which is just as well. “I convinced him I’m not. I think we’ve reached a truce, or possibly even friendship of sorts.”


“I’m glad.” Donovan eyed Jax in speculation.


“Uh-uh. Don’t even go there. I told you I’ll be leaving as soon as I’ve finished here. I do not plan on getting involved with him, even for a brief fling.”


“You might be surprised how many books I can find which could use your expertise.”


Jax laughed heartedly. “I’m sure you could, but there’s a limit. My other clients might resent my spending weeks or months ignoring what they need me for.”


“I know. At least Noel’s out of his funk, which is a good thing.”


“You seem a bit happier than you’ve been for the last few days,” Susan said as she and Noel fed the dogs.


Chapter 23