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

“Sit,” Jax said. Before he could point to the floor, the dog did. “Good boy! How do you feel about getting out of here for a while and keeping me company?” Jax asked him. He knew the dog didn’t actually understand him but if his reaction was any indication—licking his hand while his tail wagged wildly—Andre was more than ready to do whatever Jax wanted him to.


Donovan smiled. “I think you’ve got a dog, Jackson, whether you want one or not.”


“Looks like,” Jax agreed, patting Andre’s head. They believe me. I shouldn’t be surprised, I suppose. I’ve spent a good part of my life convincing the crooks I double-cross that what I say is the truth. He’d never felt guilty about doing that, but now? These are friends who are willing to help me without expecting anything in return. Now I have to make certain they, and I, survive whatever Keegan might try to do in order to destroy me once and for all.“I hope you don’t mind him in your house, Donovan.”


Chapter 28