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

I should never have gone back to restoring books. Sometimes a passion can get a man killed. In this case, it could be me unless I can eliminate him first. Do I stay? Can I take Donovan and Noel into my confidence? Not by telling them the truth. That is notan option, no matter what. But if I came up with a reason why someone is after me. A spurned lover? A business rival who resents the fact the fact I’ve taken away his customers because I’m much better than him at what we do? He suddenly had an idea, based on what Noel had said to him soon after they’d met, and nodded. That could work. It definitely could.


Jax and Donovan were almost through with dinner when Jax said, “I do know who it was who called and it wasn’t the guy I mentioned.”


Donovan cocked his head, replying, “Really? Why lie about it?”


Chapter 27