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

Markle shifted so his back was to Frye. No mark here, either.


“Frye,” Markle began, but silenced himself. He put his fingers under the hem and slid them over his hips. They formed a pool of fabric around his feet.


Frye leaned down to inspect the skin of Markle’s lower thighs and calves—the parts not covered by the underclothes he still wore. Frye placed a hand on Markle’s shoulder and gave him a gentle nudge.


Understanding, Markle turned around again. Nothing on this side, either.


“Sit on the edge of the bed and we can check your feet.”


Markle seemed more hesitant as this continued, but he complied. He lifted his feet and peered at the bottoms.


“Tricky customer,” Frye said when they spied unmarked, pale skin.


“Maybe you’re wrong and I haven’t been called.”


Frye ignored the words. He knew it was here, somewhere. “Do you mind if I touch your hair?”


Chapter 31