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

“It’s not magic,” Markle said, breaking Frye’s thoughts. “It’s never been the magic. I was drawn to you and you’ve been drawn to me. That’s love.”


Frye moved closer to Markle, their bodies pressing together once again. He peered into Markle’s eyes, looking for the hesitant youth who’d been there so recently. He was gone. Replaced by this man who knew exactly what he wanted. And he wanted Frye.


Frye leaned in and closed his eyes. His lips found Markle’s and they worked slowly against each other. A slow kiss, but oh, so pure. It was not the heady desire that usually accompanied their physical touches. It was not raging and unquenchable.


Pulling back, Frye gazed at Markle again. “I love you, too.”


Markle smiled then, and some of the innocence returned. Perhaps he wasn’t gone entirely, only matured by the truths Frye and Magana had forced upon him.


Chapter 34