As a youngest son, Jag Martin has eagerly walked a life-long path toward the priesthood. Then his once-great family falters under a mountain of debt. Their only hope -- marry Jag off to an appropriately wealthy suitor.<br><br>Brace Rivers desperately wants more than just a short fling. However, his economic and political reality makes finding an appropriate male partner next to impossible. When the Martin family offers Jag's hand, it's a dream come true. But he fears the young man is being forced into an unwanted marriage.<br><br>Following tradition, Brace offers Jag a pearl ring valuable enough to save his family's fortune. Jag has twenty-four hours to accept the gift and turn his back on Brace, or return the gift and accept Brace's hand. Brace only hopes he will convince Jag that a life together is worth more than all the pearls in the sea.

If All the Sand Were Pearl

And he had a little under a day to continue to prove his worth. 3


The warm water did help soothe his sore muscles. Jag leaned back against the side of the tub, not the least bit self-conscious about his nudity when Brace let himself into the bathroom. Why should he be? Brace clearly adored his body. And if they were to be married, he didn’t have anything to hide.


“Your face.” Brace gestured at his own chin and jaw. “It’s all red. From my beard.” Jag rubbed his skin absently and smiled. “I hadn’t even noticed. Would you let me shave it?”


Brace looked startled by the question. “I guess so. You don’t like it?”


“It’s not that. But I am curious about what you look like without it.”


“You can do whatever you want to me.”


Chapter 13