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

Jag looked away. With a gentle tug, he was free again and roaming through the clearing. Brace didn’t follow, afraid his disappointment would lead him to lash out somehow. How could he not lash out when the disappointment was something that bit into him with rows of sharp fangs? Perhaps Jag had planned this the whole time. He was clearly curious about, and interested in, sex. Experimenting with Brace would have been the safest way to deal with his questions and frustrations. Then he could take the ring, save his family and move into the Temple.


It was logical, but it was cold. Could Jag really be that cold? Brace didn’t think so. The younger man was too open, his eyes too warm, his body too innocent to be used in such a deceitful way.


He didn’t want to let Jag go without a fight, but Brace wasn’t sure what else he could offer. Jag had his flesh, and his ring, could have his heart if he wanted it, and everything else Brace owned.


Chapter 19