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

Jax gave a sharp whistle and ordered Andre to relax. The dog sat back on his haunches, still watching Walton. Jax walked over, saying to Walton, “Sorry. We didn’t mean to scare you. On the other hand, this did answer one question. Andre will let me know if anyone’s around, and then do something about it.”


“If he’d bitten me,” Walton muttered. “But he didn’t. You don’t have to apologize. Donovan told me what’s going on. The more protection you have, the better.” He put his hand down slowly so Andre could sniff it. “Next time, dog, remember I’m his friend. Okay?”


Andre did what he was good at. He licked Walton’s hand. Jax could tell Walton wanted to say “Yuck” and didn’t because, well, good estate managers don’t lower themselves that way. Instead, he shook the slobber off his hand, shot Andre a look of disgust, and headed toward the house


Only then did Jax and Noel laugh, albeit softly.


“The look on his face…” Noel said.


Chapter 29