Markle Vanrick is cursed by the gods. Nothing in his life has ever worked out. So, when he works up the courage to leave home with only his lute, it’s only natural his money is stolen and he’s stuck without a way to get to his cousin’s farm.<br><br>Enter Frye Indori, a mischievous man who lives life to the fullest -- only because he’s a few steps away from being caught and killed. Blessed with magic from the goddess Magana, Frye fled his hometown to escape the clutches of the corrupt priestess performing evils in the goddess’s name. When he runs into helpless Markle, he feels obligated to show Markle there is some good in the world.<br><br>Like it or not, Markle gets caught up in Frye’s game of fox and hare. When the priestess finally catches them, Markle may have a few surprises of his own.

Music and Magic

The music stopped as Markle’s fingers stilled, and he gripped the lute tightly in his hands.


Frye was right over him now and Markle tipped his head back to look up at him. There was so much open desire in Markle’s eyes, and Frye knew the same reflected in his own.


He reached out and cupped Markle’s chin, tilting his head back farther. The skin felt hot, hotter than it should have been. Maybe it was Frye’s own flesh that burned. He lowered his face


Their lips touched gently and a warmth spread throughout Frye’s body. Markle’s scent filled his nose, not dissimilar from the ocean breeze, of salt and water. Beneath that, though, was something deeper. A musk of his own, with a hint of lavender and herbs.


Frye pulled back, breaking the contact between them. Markle’s eyes were glazed over.


If Frye hadn’t known better, he would have said he’d accidentally activated his magic, putting a lust spell on Markle. But he hadn’t.


Chapter 11