britt kenley - [guardians of the gray tower 7] - guardian's hope

8/18/2019 Britt Kenley - [Guardians of the Gray Tower 7] - Guardian's Hope

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Guardians of the Gray Tower 7

Guardian’s Hope

King Kelan has ordered his Guardians to assassinate Kalandra, theAngkeshi queen. Figuring their best chance of destroying thesorceress is in her private chambers, Sayer Wils must find the only

person in Emryn who has been in them, a man named Breccan

Sarris. Sayer enlists the aid of bartender Jagger Fin, who has anetwork of sources in Emryn’s criminal underbelly.

Since dragging himself from the gutter to make a good life forhimself, Jagger has had no interest in politics. Unfortunately, whenthe Guardians discover the son of his partner has been arrested,he must agree to help Sayer in exchange for Rolfo’s freedom.

As Sayer and Jagger begin their search, their need for one another

erupts into something that neither has ever experienced before.

When several attempts are made on their lives, the men realizehow deep their feelings have grown, and that their love may be

the only hope they have to survive.

Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Fantasy, Historical

Length: 27,823 words


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GUARDIAN’S HOPE

Guardians of the Gray Tower 7

Britt Kenley

EROTIC ROMANCE

MANLOVE

Siren Publishing, Inc.

www.SirenPublishing.com


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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOKIMPRINT: Erotic Romance ManLove

GUARDIAN’S HOPE Copyright © 2012 by Britt KenleyE-book ISBN: 978-1-62241-496-3

First E-book Publication: October 2012

Cover design by Harris Channing

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GUARDIAN’S HOPE Guardians of the Gray Tower 7

BRITT KENLEYCopyright © 2012

Prologue

In a medieval world very similar to our own lies the rich and

prosperous kingdom of Emryn. Emryn is located in the FarNorth and

is ruled by King Kelan the Wise. Enemies of the kingdom are many,

but most threatening is the neighboring country of Angkesh, whose

queen will stop at nothing to wrest control of Emryn for herself. The

king and the rest of the royal family are guarded by an elite group of

soldiers known as the Guardians of the Gray Tower. Called simply

the Gray by the citizens of Emryn, it is their sworn duty to protect

with their last breath the kingdom of Emryn and its royal family.

Their strength is unyielding. Their loyalty is unquestioning. Their

dedication unswerving.


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Guardian’s Hope 9

The statement jogged Sayer’s memory. “I remember something.”

Everyone turned to look at him. “A couple of years ago, I think it was.

Some tale of a man who had escaped from Angkesh. He was an

Emrynian who had wed an Angkeshi woman. He worked in the

palace as a translator or some such. When his wife and child died, he

tried to come home to Emryn, but the queen wouldn’t let him.”

Javan was slowly nodding his head. “Yes. You’re right. He was

finally able to slip past the guards and make his way back to Emryn.

What was his name?” He tapped his finger against his lips for a

moment. His eyes brightened. “Ah, yes, Sarris. Breccan Sarris. From

what my spies told me, Kalandra valued his language skills greatly. Infact, I believe he is the one who taught her to speak Emrysh.” He

frowned. “But he disappeared after his escape. Even my spies

couldn’t figure out what happened to him.”

“Why would he go into hiding?” Rom asked. “After all, if he was

back in Emryn, he would be safe from Kalandra.”

“Perhaps not. After all we’ve learned over the past few months,

Kalandra has people everywhere,” Brax commented.

“From my understanding, Breccan translated very sensitive

documents for the queen. She wouldn’t be happy that he was no

longer under her control. I think he might have a good reason to

disappear. Think of what he might know,” Javan added.

“The question is, would this man be familiar with the queen’s

quarters?” Sayer reminded everyone.

Rom looked at his bondmate. “Well?”

Javan sat for a few moments, obviously turning over all the

information in his mind. Finally he said, “I think it’s quite possible.

I’d need to check with some of my spies in the palace to refresh my

memory, but I do believe he just might be one who had access to that

area. Supposedly he was one of the few non-Angkeshi who wasallowed on the third floor. I think he even lived in Tar Nesa toward

the end of his time there.”


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10 Britt Kenley

“Not only could he be familiar with the third floor of the palace,

but it sounds like he might know a way in and out. After all, he did

manage to escape,” Lael Monchmart reminded everyone.

“Indeed. He could be our best hope for getting to Kalandra. The

question then is, if he does have the information we need, how do we

find this man who obviously doesn’t wish to be found?” Rom asked

and quirked an eyebrow at the men.

Sayer leaned forward to prop his elbows on the table, and his lips

turned up in a small, knowing smile. “We ask the help of someone

who has access to a network of informants and spies that not even

Javan could hope to match.”Everyone looked at him, and the expressions on their faces ranged

from amazement to skepticism. Javan looked insulted, and Rom just

looked amused.

“And who might that be?” Rom asked.

“Jagger Fin, of course.” Sayer gave them a smug smile.

“Fin? From Madame Lingo’s?” Caid laughed. “He’s a bartender.

What could he possibly find out?”

Brax’s eyes widened. “Jagger. Of course.” He looked at Caid.

“Jagger Fin has connections to almost all the criminal elements in

Winterreach.”

“And that’s supposed to be a recommendation?” Caid grimaced.

“Much as I hate to admit Sayer is right, in this case, I think he just

might be. Jagger doesn’t get involved in the more dirty dealings, like

the Darkleaf trade, but he does skirt the edge of the law in a lot of his

enterprises. You might be surprised at how widespread his reach is in

Winterreach’s black market trade,” Javan told them.

“And you think he might be able to locate this Breccan Sarris?”

Rom asked Sayer.

Sayer nodded. “If anyone can.” “I agree with Sayer.” Brax grinned. “Jagger Fin can find out just

about anything he wants to.”


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Guardian’s Hope 11

Rom looked at Brax. “I know you have a past with Fin. Do you

think you could ask for his help?”

Brax shook his head ruefully. “We didn’t exactly end on the best

of terms. I think you’d have better luck asking someone else if you

want his cooperation. He’d be more likely to laugh in my face.”

Sayer spoke up. “I’d like to try.”

Rom tilted his head to one side. “You think he’d listen to you? Do

you know him well?”

Sayer shrugged. “No more than anyone who goes to Madame

Lingo’s. Still, I’d like to do it if there’s no one else.”

Rom waited a beat, but no one else volunteered. He smiled atSayer. “All right. It was your idea, after all. I’m going to give you this

task. Talk to Fin and see if he would be willing to help us locate

Breccan Sarris. Try to appeal to his loyalty to Emryn to get his

cooperation, but if that doesn’t work, threaten to make his business

dealings suffer. We need this information badly, and I’m not

unwilling to put pressure on the man if it becomes necessary.”

“I don’t believe you’ll have to do that, Rom,” Brax protested.

“And I think it would be the wrong way to approach him. Offering

him something he wants would work much better. He doesn’t take

kindly to threats, but he always repays a debt.”

“What do we have that he wants?” Pike wondered aloud.

“I think I might know something. Or rather, someone,” Brax told

them.

“Well, spit it out, man,” Lael said.

“My bondmate, Jai, recently started working with the prisoners in

The Lashings, trying to rehabilitate the ones he can.” The Lashings

was the name of the largest prison in Emryn, located just outside of

Winterreach. “He told me the other day that one of the inmates he

spoke to, Rolfo Lingo, is the son of Madame Lingo. He was arrestedand imprisoned for attempting to kill a man at one of the Lowtown

dives. He claimed it was self-defense. His trial is in three weeks. Jai

told me that Jagger Fin had been to the prison several times to talk to


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12 Britt Kenley

the boy and was paying a lot of coins to ensure that Rolfo was kept as

comfortable as possible and protected from the prison gangs.”

Rom looked thoughtful. “You think Fin would cooperate if we

were to arrange for the boy’s release?”

Brax nodded. “I do. Fin doesn’t have many close friends, but

Sharise Lingo is one major exception. He considers her family. I’m

sure he’ll do anything he can to help her son.”

Rom and Javan exchanged a quick glance. Sayer saw Javan shrug.

“All right,” Rom said. “Let’s try it.” He turned back to Sayer. “I’d

like for you to meet with Jagger Fin as soon as possible.”

Sayer agreed. “I’ll go tonight as soon as Madame Lingo’s opens.It’s usually pretty slow then, and we’ll be able to talk uninterrupted.”

Rom dismissed everyone, and Sayer stood up to leave with the

rest. Brax stopped him in the hallway.

“Sayer, I just want to caution you to be careful with Jagger. He

can have a pretty short fuse sometimes.”

“Don’t worry, Brax. I’ve seen the man in action a time or two.”

“Just don’t press him too hard. He doesn’t like feeling cornered ,

but he’s a good man at heart. He’ll want to help us, but he’ll need

some incentive to make it seem like it’s not his idea.”

“I understand. And thanks, Brax.”

Brax grinned. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk

so much at one of our meetings.”

Sayer managed a short laugh. “I usually don’t have much to say.”

“Well, you really came through today. Good luck with Jagger.”

Brax clapped him on his shoulder once and then strode off down the

hallway. After a moment, Sayer followed him, his mind already busy

thinking about the night ahead.

* * * *

Jagger enjoyed the mindless task of getting the bar ready for

business. The mundane routine helped to clear his mind and soothed


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14 Britt Kenley

It was only in recent years, since they’d opened Madame Lingo’s

Gambling Den and Brothel, that they’d begun to experience a

measure of success, had not had to count every coin or hide from the

bill collectors. Jagger had been able to quit working the small cons

that had kept them fed, and Sharise had stopped whoring herself out.

That success had grown when Madame Lingo’s had become the

favorite hangout of the Guardians of the Gray Tower, and Jagger had

been able to pull out of some of the more disreputable activities he’d

engaged in to make ends meet.

And now this. Jagger would gladly kill that fool Rolfo himself for

what he had put his mother through. This last escapade was by far theworst, but it wasn’t the first time Rolfo had needed Jagger or his

mother to bail his sorry ass out of some calamity or other. Usually it

was gambling debts, but Sharise had finally put her foot down about

that, otherwise the idiot would have drained his mother ’s bank

account dry. Jagger had convinced her that she wasn’t helping her son

any by giving him more money. She had sworn she wasn’t going to,

and so far she had stuck by that.

He smiled at Sharise. “Hello, my love. How are you feeling?”

She shook her head and slid onto one of the bar stools. “Not good,

Jagger. I hardly slept. I’m so worried about him. What is happening to

my boy in that horrid place?” Tears welled in her eyes.

Jagger reached out a hand to cover hers. “I told you, Rise. I gave

the guards enough money to make sure that Rolfo was comfortable

and kept isolated from the worst of the gangs. He’s fine.”

Sharise managed a trembling smile. “And I thank you for that, my

friend. He’s just so young.”

Young in years maybe, but not in other ways, Jagger thought

cynically. He pushed the thought aside guiltily. He didn’t understand

it, but Sharise never really saw the bad side of her son. Normally shewas the shrewdest person around, suffering no fools. But she had a

blind spot a mile wide when it came to Rolfo. Jagger, however, had

seen the darker side of the boy. There wasn’t much he wouldn’t do if


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he thought he could get away with it. He didn’t care about anything or

anyone but himself. He had no conscience. It was as if something in

him was missing, some moral gauge. Jagger wouldn’t have cared

what happened to the asshole if it weren’t for Sharise.

He walked around the bar and put an arm around her shoulders,

pulling her slender body against his. He looked down into her face. It

was pale, despite the rouged cheeks. She’d used a heavy hand with

her makeup, as usual, but it couldn’t conceal the ravages that time,

worry, and ill-health had stamped on her face. She sure as seven hells

didn’t need to be worrying about her son.

“Come now. You should go back home. I can handle things heretonight. You need to rest. It looks as though you might collapse at any

moment, and that will definitely not be good for business.”

She managed a trembling smile. “If I’m home, all I do is sit and

brood about what is happening to my boy. I’d rather be here.”

Jagger smiled understandingly. “All right, but I want you to stay

in the office. There’s plenty of paperwork to keep you busy.”

“All right.”

Jagger watched as she made her way out of the main barroom.

Most of the people who knew Jagger casually as the jovial bartender

with the slightly dangerous glint in his eyes would have been

surprised at the tender emotions he felt as he watched Sharise as she

exited the room. That was a part of him that few had witnessed and

even fewer had had directed at them.

Jagger heard the door to the bar open, and he turned quickly. It

wasn’t quite time for them to open yet. Everyone knew Madame

Lingo’s opened at dusk. When he saw the tall, gray-cloaked figure of

the Guardian pushing his way through the door, he was surprised.

Sayer Wils was not exactly one of the most frequent visitors to the

den. In fact, he rarely came in. Jagger was actually grateful for that.He’d developed an uncomforta ble fixation on the man, and whenever

he was around him, he had a hard time concentrating on anything

else. It was quite disconcerting to Jagger, who never let himself


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16 Britt Kenley

become too attached to anyone outside of his very select inner circle,

to find himself so obsessed with one man.

He met the other man’s eyes with a lifted brow. “Well, well,

Guardian. What brings you into my humble establishment so early in

the eve?”

Sayer shoved his hood off and walked over until he stood directly

beside Jagger. “I need to speak to you rather urgently on a matter of

great importance. Is there somewhere we can talk privately before

your customers come in?”

Jagger’s brows lifted in surprise. “Of course, Guardian.” He called

out to one of the bouncers sitting at a table nearby talking to thewhores. Barkin often tended bar and filled in when Jagger and Sharise

were unavailable or needed a break. “Barkin, I’m going upstairs for a

bit. Can you finish getting the bar ready and take care of any early

customers that show up until I can get back down?” Barkin nodded,

and Jagger indicated the stairs. “This way,” he said and turned. Sayer

followed him.

The two men didn’t speak as they climbed the stairs, past the

second floor and to Jagger’s private apartments on the third. He

unlocked the door to his rooms and then gestured for Sayer to precede

him into the room. Once inside, he shut the door and turned to face

the Guardian.

“Would you like to sit down?” he asked, curious about why the

man wanted to speak to him.

Sayer nodded and took a seat in a tall, high-backed chair. Jagger

sat opposite him on a comfortable sofa.

“An urgent matter of great importance, you say?” Jagger asked,

leaning back and crossing his legs in a deliberately negligent pose.

Sayer nodded. “Yes.”

“Well, you’ve definitely piqued my interest. I can’t imagine whathelp I could be to the Guardians of the Gray Tower on a matter of any

importance. I’m just a lowly bartender. Surely you have resources

much greater than any I might be able to offer for your assistance.”


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He drawled the words, his eyes roaming suggestively over the slender

but muscled form of the other man. He allowed a gleam of sexual

interest to flare in his eyes as he took in the blond hair Sayer had

pulled back on the sides and tied behind his head. His gaze moved

lower, lingering on the full lower lip, and he almost grinned at the

look of embarrassed discomfort that came over the face of the other

man.


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Chapter Two

Sayer squirmed uncomfortably beneath Jagger’s heated regard. He

felt an unwilling tug of attraction but quickly brushed it aside. He

wasn’t the type to succumb to a passing attraction. He’d been in love,

completely, madly in love, just once in his life. He had lost Ambrey to

the wasting sickness three years before. It had been a devastating

time, but he had not regretted one moment of it because he’d had, for

a short time, a perfect union with another soul. Oh, not that Ambrey

had been perfect. Far from it. But he had been perfect for Sayer.

Fun where Sayer was serious, garrulous where Sayer was quiet,

Ambrey had given him so much. They had balanced each other in a

way that he had never experienced before or since. And having

known such a connection, he knew that he would never be able to

accept anything less. If that meant that he lived the rest of his lifealone, then so be it. Sayer was fine with that. He’d been celibate since

Ambrey had gotten ill, almost four years now. There had been times

he’d been tempted to ease the ache of loneliness and need with some

mindless body, but he’d always stopped himself. It had felt like a

betrayal to all they had once meant to each other.

What he could see Jagger offering in the depths of those amber-

colored eyes was nothing more than a way to scratch an itch. Sayer

could do that himself. And he knew that if he succumbed, he would

awaken the next morning feeling empty and hollow. No, he knew it

was best to resist the enticement that was Jagger Fin.“No need to be modest, sirrah. I am very aware of the vast

network of eyes and ears you have at your disposal.”


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Jagger quirked an eyebrow at Sayer. “I take it that the Guardians

have a need to ferret out some information that they do not have the

means to find. I would think that Javan Weiling would have more

than adequate resources that he would willingly make available to the

Gray.”

Sayer was not surprised that Jagger knew Javan was the

mastermind behind King Kelan’s spy network. After all, what he’d

just said to Jagger was nothing less than the truth. The co-owner of

Madame Lingo’s had access to an inordinate amount of information.

“I think you may have an exaggerated idea of what kind of

information is available to me.” Sayer shrugged. “I don’t think so.”

Jagger leaned forward. “Then perhaps I don’t wish to do any

favors for the Gray. They haven’t done much for me lately.”

“I know many of the Guardians who frequently visit your business

establishment, and several who believe you are, at least to a degree,

friends.”

Jagger laughed. “There are friends, and then there are friends.”

Sayer nodded, and then he leaned forward, holding out a piece of

paper he held clutched in his hand. “Well, one of your friends asked

me to give you this.”

Jagger’s forehead wrinkled in a small frown, but he reached out to

snag the note from Sayer’s outstretched hand. Sayer watched as he

unfolded the missive. When he’d finished, his eyes jerked up to meet

Sayer’s. “Is this legitimate?”

Sayer nodded.

“Do you know what it contains?”

“I do.”

Jagger sat back again, his eyes slid to half-mast, and Sayer could

see that he was considering all of the ramifications of that small pieceof paper. Finally he laughed. “Brax knows me well, I see. Who would

have thought it?”

Sayer said nothing.


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20 Britt Kenley

“It seems I am in your debt, Guardian.”

“Not me. King Kelan.”

He nodded. “Of course. And to pay this debt, I suppose you’re

going to want my help in discovering this mysterious information you

need.”

Sayer nodded. “That is our hope.”

“When will the boy be released?”

“In the morning. I’ll bring him to you here.”

“Then I guess I will see you in the morning, Guardian, and we

shall see if I can help you in this matter of utmost importance.”

“All right.” Sayer rose to his feet and moved toward the door. Hehad accomplished what he’d come to accomplish, Jagger’s agreement

to help. There was no point in lingering. Jagger apparently thought

otherwise.

“You could stay and have a drink with me, Guardian. A toast to

our newfound partnership, however brief it may be.”

Sayer paused and glanced back over his shoulder. “And what

would be the point of that?”

Jagger shrugged. “I’d like to get to know you better, since we’ll

be working together and all.”

“I think you know me well enough for the short time we’ll be in

contact with each other.”

“You know, I am starting to get the idea that you don’t like me

very well, Guardian.”

“I don’t have to like you. I just have to work with you.”

Jagger let out an exasperated sigh. “I find you very attractive,

Sayer. I’d like to spend a little bit more time with you. I’m pretty sure

you’re attracted to me, as well.”

“First, I have a job to do, and I believe it’s never a good idea to

mix business with pleasure. Second, while I am attracted to you, Idon’t plan to do anything about it.”

Jagger’s eyes widened. “Why not?”


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22 Britt Kenley

involved with Jagger Fin, he couldn’t deny, at least to himself, that

several times he’d caught himself staring at that harsh mouth and

wondering what it would feel like pressed against his own. Or what it

would feel like to loosen that braid and free all that long auburn hair.

He shook his head at his own susceptibility.

He was sure that Jagger was aware of how he had felt, too. Those

knowing eyes of his saw way more than they should. Though Sayer

had tried his hardest to keep everything brief and professional, it had

been impossible to completely hide his reaction to the man.

And Jagger was definitely sure of his own attractiveness. It was

there in the way he carried himself, the way he looked at a man, thetilt of his head, the quirk of his mouth. Sayer imagined there was

probably a long line of cast-off lovers strewn all over Winterreach,

brokenhearted after being used and discarded by the dangerous

bartender.

Bartender. Ha, what a joke. Jagger may tend bar, but he was so

much more than a simple bartender. Sayer couldn’t believe he’d tried

to pull that one. He was much too cocky and sure of himself to ever

be mistaken for a lowly employee. Even the first time he saw Jagger

mixing up drinks at Madame Lingo’s, Sayer could tell there was more

to the man than what was apparent on the surface. He saw too much,

knew too much, and made Sayer feel too much.

Probably the best thing was for him to ask one of the other

Guardians to take over for him and meet with Jagger in the morning.

He wasn’t sure how long it would take to find Breccan Sarris, but he

was pretty sure that the more time he spent around Jagger Fin, the

harder it would be to remember why it was best to not get involved.

Yes, he’d find someone else to carry on with the mission. He was sure

he could find someone willing to do so.

Continuing his way down the street, Sayer headed back to theTower, his mind made up.

* * * *


23/98


Standing up, Jagger crossed the room and poured himself a shot of

whiskey. The good stuff from Jael, not the crap they kept down in the

bar. He whirled the golden liquid around in his glass, admiring the

light glinting off the color, before he turned it up and tossed it back in

one swallow. The liquor burned a fire down to his gut and helped to

ease, somewhat, the tension he’d felt ever since he’d looked up and

seen Sayer standing across the bar.

What was it about that man? All he had to do was open his mouth,

and Jagger wanted to strip him naked and throw him down on the

nearest hard surface. Jagger let his mind recall how Sayer had lookedright before he’d left.

Those midnight-blue eyes had held a mixture of annoyance and

determination combined with a hint, just a hint, of reluctant sexual

interest. He was a hard man to read, but Jagger had had plenty of

practice. For some reason, on the rare occasions Sayer came into

Madame Lingo’s, Jagger was hyperaware of him. He’d tried once or

twice to flirt with the man, but Sayer never responded. Jagger had

decided to just leave it alone. Sayer was the type who would want

hells of a lot more than Jagger could give him. He could see that plain

as day. He was a man who was meant for relationships, and Jagger

had learned very young that relationships didn’t work for him. For

one thing, he could never trust anyone enough. Too many betrayals,

too much pain in his past had taught him that lesson over and over.

And without trust, well, he was better off alone.

He supposed most would call him a cynic, but he preferred the

term “realist.” If a person didn’t have too many high expectations, he

couldn’t be disappointed. Also, caring about someone was a weakness

that your enemies could exploit, and in Jagger’s line of work, the

fewer weaknesses you had, the better. Just look at this situation withRolfo. Sharise was one of the few people he actually did care about,

and she loved that snake of a son. That meant that Jagger could be


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24 Britt Kenley

manipulated, although quite skillfully, he had to admit, simply

because of his relationship with a woman.

He headed back down to the bar, eager to get to work and

immerse himself in the sights and sounds of a gambling den and

brothel packed with eager bodies and forget for a while about his

conversation with Sayer.

On his way back to the bar, he stuck his head in his office to

check on Sharise. She was sitting at the battered desk they used when

they were working on their accounts, but she wasn’t working. She

was staring off into space. He shook his head and stepped inside.

When she heard the door close, she looked up. He saw her cheeksflush with guilt at being caught woolgathering.

He crossed over to the desk and pulled the parchment from her

hands, seeing that she’d made no new entries on it. He set the

document aside and rested his hip on the desk next to her. “Sharise,”

he said gently, “go home.”

She bit her lip and looked down. “I don’t want to be alone. All I

do is worry about Rolfo. I know you said he’s fine, but you know how

he can be, Sayer. If there’s trouble to be found, he’ll find it.”

He grunted an agreement. “One day you’re going to have to let

him take the consequences of his actions, Sharise. You know that one

of his problems is that you’re always there to bail him out when his

ass lands in trouble. How’s he ever going to learn to straighten

himself out if you’re always taking care of him?”

She reached out to toy with the quill pen she’d laid on the desk. “I

know you’re right, Jagger, and I am trying, but he was such a sickly

babe. Do you remember? I worried so much that first winter. We had

barely enough to eat, and he had that horrid cough.”

“I remember, Sharise, but Rolfo isn’t a babe anymore. He’s still

acting like a child, but he’s a grown man. You need to treat him likeone.”

“You’re right. I’ve tried, Jagger. I really have, but he’s all I’ve

got.”


25/98


He reached out to touch her shoulder. “That’s not true. You’ve got

me.”

She managed a weak smile. “I know. And I don’t know what I’d

do without you.”

He gave her shoulder a squeeze. “I’ve got some good news.”

“What? About Rolfo?” He could see her features light up. “Tell

me.”

“They’re going to release him in the morning.” Jagger was not

disappointed in her reaction to the news.

“Are you telling me the truth?” Sharise clutched a hand to her

chest, and a smile bloomed across her face.He nodded, his own lips curling up in the face of her obvious joy.

“I just had a talk with Sayer Wils. The Guardians want me to do them

a favor, and to get my cooperation, they’re releasing Rolfo.”

“Oh, thank you, thank you.” Sharise began to cry, a noiseless

weeping that tore at Jagger’s heart. He reached down and drew her up

into his arms, holding her close as she wept out her relief. When she

was done, he held her at arm’s length and tilted her chin up with his

hand.

“I want you to promise me something, Sharise. Promise me that

this is the last time. That from now on, Rolfo is going to have to pay

for his mistakes. No matter what. You can’t keep rescuing him. I want

you to let me talk to him and lay down the law. He needs to work in

the bar and stay away from that bunch of thugs he’s been palling

around with. And he needs to earn the money you’ve been giving

him.”

“I promise, Jagger. I know you’re right.”

Jagger accepted the promise he’d demanded of her . Then he called

one of the bouncers and directed him to help see Sharise home.

Once Sharise left, he thought about what he’d told her. He’d doeverything he could to see to it that she kept that promise. He would

no longer stand by and let Rolfo take advantage of his mother’s

loving nature. When he made his way back into the barroom, the


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26 Britt Kenley

crowd had begun to trickle in. After taking his place behind the bar,

he soon found himself caught up in the routine of filling drink orders

and listening to the customers bend his ear about their problems. The

tables set up for gambling shifted into gear as more and more people

came in. He took a brief break from filling drink orders, letting one of

the other bartenders take over so that he could walk around the room

and chat up some of the regulars and greet several new faces. It

always paid to keep the customers happy.

He saw that Jocko, the man he’d sent home with Sharise, was

back in his place near the door, and he made his way in that direction.

When he got close enough, he caught Jocko’s eye and lifted aquestioning brow. The man smiled and nodded his head, signaling to

Jagger that all was well with Sharise. Relieved, Jagger moved again

into host mode. As he greeted another customer, he made himself a

mental note to stop by Sharise’s place to check on her as soon as he

got a chance. He wasn’t sure how early in the morning Rolfo would

be released, but he wanted to make sure that Sharise was all right.

Several times as he moved around the room, some of the

customers, both male and female, made it quite obvious that they

were available for much more than talking if he was interested. He

was very careful to keep things friendly, but not too friendly. Several

minutes later, when he slid behind the bar once again, he realized

ruefully that the main reason he had not taken anyone up on their

offer was primarily because he couldn’t get the image of a particular

blue-eyed, blond-haired, serious-faced man out of his mind.

He really was going to have to do something about his obsession

with the quiet Guardian. Well, he’d see him again in the morning, and

when he learned what this favor was that Sayer wanted from Jagger,

he might get to see him even more than that. He smiled to himself at

the thought and began planning a strategy to break through the man’sdefenses. Jagger knew that it would require both skill and stealth to

get Sayer where he wanted him, in his bed. Luckily, along with the


27/98


ability to deal off the bottom of a deck and pick the pocket of a mark

without detection, that was something Jagger had mastered long ago.


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28 Britt Kenley

Chapter Three

Standing outside the gates of The Lashings, Sayer huddled into

the cloak he had pulled tightly around him. The weather had turned

even colder than usual for this time of year, and Sayer cursed his need

to be out in the driving wind. Another several inches of snow had

fallen during the night, and Sayer had a feeling there would be even

more snowfall today.

He’d meant to talk to Rom about getting someone else to

complete the assignment, but when he’d gone to check in with Rom

and update him on how things were going, he just hadn’t been able to

speak the words. So here he was, waiting for Rolfo Lingo to be

released from prison, so that he could fulfill his part of the bargain.

He stomped his feet to keep his toes from freezing, narrowing his

eyes against the wind as he gazed at the ga te. If those bastards didn’thurry up and release that little fool, he was going to freeze to death.

At last the gates creaked open, and a trio of men shuffled through.

The smallest one was being pushed forward by the other two. They

stopped a few feet from where Sayer waited.

“Here’s your stinking prisoner, Guardian,” one of them snarled

and shoved the small one forward. Then they turned without another

word and went back inside the gates.

The small man had stumbled forward when he was shoved, barely

managing to keep his feet beneath him. Sayer had expected him to

land face-first in the snow and was surprised when he didn’t.“Rolfo Lingo?” Sayer asked when he was certain the man would

remain upright.

In a barely audible voice, the man said, “Yes. I’m Rolfo Lingo.”


29/98


Sayer merely nodded. “Come with me.” He turned and began to

stride toward the pair of horses he’d brought. After he’d settled into

the saddle of his own mount, he watched as Rolfo struggled up onto

the other one. Then he urged his horse forward, trusting Rolfo to

follow.

He directed his horse down the lane leading from The Lashings

until they reached the main road. He glanced over his shoulder as he

turned onto the road, making sure that his fellow traveler was with

him. Once he’d reassured himself that Rolfo was behind him, he

kicked his horse into a faster speed. Soon they were both galloping

down the road that led back into the city. It wasn’t long before theyreached the outskirts. As they approached the gates, Sayer slowed his

horse, and Rolfo pulled his mount up beside his.

“Who are you?” Rolfo asked after they’d ridden in silence for a

few minutes.

Sayer cast him a wry glance. “I’m a Guardian of the Gray Tower.”

“Yes, yes. I know that. But which Guardian? And why did you

arrange for my release?”

“My name is Sayer Wils, and I’m doing a favor for someone.”

Sayer kept his answer brief, unwilling to give the man too much

information.

“Who? My mother?”

Sayer just gave his head a short shake. “Not your mother.”

He heard the other man release a short, bitter laugh. “Then it must

be for Jagger. No one ever says no to him.”

Sayer turned his head so that he could see Rolfo better, curious at

his reaction.

“You don’t like Jagger Fin?”

“Oh, what’s not to like?” The sarcasm in the man’s voice was

easy to detect. Small beady eyes gleamed at him from beneath thehood of his cloak, and Sayer had to resist the urge to put his hand on

his purse to prevent the other man from stealing it. “According to my


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30 Britt Kenley

mother and just about everyone else that works at the den, he can do

no wrong.”

Sayer didn’t say anything. A few moments of silence stretched out

until Rolfo said, “The great Jagger Fin.” The words came in a

whining sneer. “What a farking joke. He’ll get his one day. Guarantee

it. Always lording it over me and trying to boss me around. And my

own mother lets him.”

“You know, it’s thanks to Jagger that you’re no longer in prison.

I’d think you’d be a little grateful,” Sayer commented.

“Ha! I’m sure he had some other reason for helping me. Jagger

does nothing unless there’s something in it for him.” Sayer began tuning him out as he continued to drone on and on

about how much he despised Jagger Fin. What a little creep. Sayer

was glad when they turned onto the street where Madame Lingo’s

was located. He hoped Jagger was there, so he could turn the little

weasel over to him and could get back to the business at hand.

Luckily, when he pounded on the door, Jagger opened it

immediately. His eyes took in the figure by his side, and he nodded,

stepping to one side so that they could enter. He heard a sharp cry and

saw a woman enveloping Rolfo in her arms. She was crying and

gasping out the words, “My boy. My boy,” over and over.

Sayer looked at Jagger and saw an odd expression on his face as

he took in the pitiful scene. Sayer was trying to figure out exactly

what he was seeing. But before he could examine Jagger’s expression

more closely, Rolfo pulled away from the woman, and Jagger turned

away.

“Salara’s farking bones, Ma, I’m fine. Quit carrying on so.” Rolfo

rolled his eyes and pushed past his mother, heading straight to the bar

to pour himself a drink despite the earliness of the hour and without a

word of thanks to either Jagger or himself. The woman, however,turned to face him.


31/98


“Thank you so much for getting my baby out of prison, Guardian.

I was so worried.” She held out a trembling hand. “I don’t think

we’ve met before. I’m Sharise. Sharise Lingo.”

Sayer just nodded his head and said, “Sayer Wils.” He took her

fragile-boned hand gently in his and gave it a slight squeeze before

releasing it.

Jagger stepped up to put an arm around her shoulders. “Why don’t

you take Rolfo home and fix him a good meal, Rise? I doubt prison

food was very filling.”

The gentle look on Jagger’s face was a revelation to Sayer, and

the coaxing tone of his voice told Sayer more than anything abouthow he felt about this woman. Sayer studied her more closely,

wondering if there was some sort of physical relationship between the

two. Sharise Lingo was at least five and forty, he knew. And she was

beginning to look every year of it and then some. He’d heard rumors

that she was having health issues, and he could see that the rumors

held more than a grain of truth.

Her face was pale, and her eyes, where they weren’t red from

crying, held a yellowish tinge that hinted at illness. Her body was so

slender as to appear sickly. No, if Jagger and Sharise Lingo had ever

been involved in a romantic relationship, that time was long since

passed. The way Jagger treated her now looked more paternal than

lover-like.

Jagger bent down and whispered something to her, and she

managed a weak smile. “All right. I will take him home. But I

promise I will be here tonight to help you out with the business.”

“You know that’s not necessary, R ise,” Sayer heard him say.

“I know, but I want to.” As Sayer watched, she leaned up to kiss

Jagger’s cheek, then she turned to him. “Thank you again, Guardian.

The next time you come in, tell them your drinks are on the house.” Sayer just nodded shortly. Sharise turned and made her way to the

bar. After a short conversation with her son, she picked up a woman’s

cloak that was lying nearby, and they both left the room without


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32 Britt Kenley

looking back. A few moments later, Sayer could hear a door

somewhere in the back slam closed.

Jagger walked to one of the tables gestured to an empty chair.

“Have a seat, Sayer. We have much we need to talk about.”

Sayer did as directed, removing his cloak and hanging it on a hook

near the door before sitting down.

Jagger hovered nearby. “Would you like some red tea? You look

like you need something to warm you up. And unlike Rolfo, I don’t

think you’d like whiskey this early in the morning.”

“No. No whiskey, but red tea sounds good, if you have some

made.” Jagger nodded and then moved toward the fireplace where Sayer

could see he had a pot brewing on the grate. He returned to the table

with two mugs, setting them down before taking the seat across from

Sayer.

He didn’t speak until they’d both taken a drink. Sayer closed his

eyes with pleasure at the feel of the warm liquid settling in his belly

and knocking out some of the chill from his bones.

Jagger leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table, his cup

cradled in both hands. “Well, Sayer, you came through on your end,

now I guess it’s time for you to tell me exactly what it is that you and

the other Guardians want from me.”

* * * *

Sayer took another sip of his tea, and Jagger watched as his eyes

roamed around the room and figured the Guardian was checking for

listening ears. His supposition was confirmed when Sayer asked, “Are

we completely alone here?”

Jagger nodded. “Sharise and Rolfo have a house a few blocksaway. No one else is here.”

Sayer got up and strolled down the passage that Sharise and her

son had taken, and Jagger knew that he was checking each room to be


33/98


sure that the woman and her son had actually left. When he returned,

Jagger smiled at him cynically. “So suspicious, Guardian.” He took a

drink of his tea, keeping his eyes on Sayer. “Well?”

Sayer nodded. “What I’m going to tell you about is very important

and of utmost secrecy. You cannot talk to anyone about this matter

unless it is absolutely vital. Do you understand?”

Jagger was curious, so he agreed, watching Sayer carefully as the

man seemed to be gathering his thoughts.

“I don’t know how much you’ve heard about what’s been going

on in Winterreach lately, but we’ve been under attack , subtle but

definitely hostile, by the forces of Queen Kalandra.” Sayer arched a brow. “Do you know what I’m referring to?”

“I’ve heard some, of course. Everyone knows of the death of

Queen Lyra by an assassin who was subsequently caught and killed

when he tried to escape. Speculation was that it was someone hired by

the queen of Angkesh.”

“Yes. That’s part of it. I’m going to fill you in on the rest.”

Jagger sat listening as Sayer took him step-by-step through the

chain of events that had led up to King Kelan’s confrontation with

Queen Kalandra and subsequent decision that she must die. He’d

thought he was beyond being surprised, but he had to confess that

Sayer’s story had definitely taken him aback. Especially the last part.

“So the queen of Angkesh actually is capable of shape-shifting

into a large cat- beast?”

Sayer nodded, his face even more serious than usual, if that was

possible. “And she has powers of the mind that are beyond what

others are capable of .”

“And Teris Bas Rillian does as well?”

“Yes. As well as another.”

Jagger stood up and crossed to the bar, grabbing a bottle ofwhiskey and a couple of glasses before returning. He set them down

on the table. Removing the cork from the bottle, he poured two

fingers into both of the glasses. He pushed one toward Sayer, who just


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34 Britt Kenley

stared at it for a moment before shaking his head. Picking his own up,

he tossed it back quickly before pouring himself another. Then he

corked the bottle and sat back down again.

Sayer frowned at his actions. Jagger just shrugged. “It seemed

appropriate. It’s not every day that your whole view of the world

takes a drastic shift sideways.”

“So you didn’t know? What about all of your sources?”

“The people I deal with are a superstitious lot. Of course, I’ve

heard the stories, the rumors. But nothing that could be confirmed.”

“Well, I’m confirming for you. She was seen shifting by the king

as well as several others, including my captain. There’s no doubt.” “I believe you. And Kelan wants her killed?”

Sayer nodded. “He tried a diplomatic approach, and it was almost

a catastrophe. She confessed that her goal is to eliminate Kelan and

that she will let nothing stop her. Kelan is willing to go to war, if

necessary. After all, she tried to kill him. But he knows the cost in

Emrynian lives will be high. Sending in an assassin makes much more

sense. However, the difficulty level of taking out the queen has

greatly increased with the new knowledge we have of her powers.

Kelan believes that if he can get one or two men into the queen’s

palace, in her private quarters, their odds will be increased. They may

be able to take her by surprise.”

“Into Tar Nesa? The queen’s private chambers? It can’t be done.”

Jagger stood and began to pace. “This is the favor you want from me?

You have definitely come to the wrong man. Even I cannot smuggle

someone into that palace.”

“No. I need you to help me find a man. Someone who we believe

can get an assassin into the palace and possibly the queen’s

chambers.”

“Who?”“His name is Breccan Sarris. He’s from Emryn but moved to

Angkesh years ago when he married an Angkeshi woman. Rumor has

it that he was close to the queen, worked for her as her private


35/98


translator, until his wife and child died. Then he escaped and has

returned to Emryn. But he has disappeared. We need you to find him

for us.”

Jagger lifted a hand and ran it through his hair, thinking. “I’ve

heard of this man before. Yes. Two years ago, maybe three? I’m not

sure. Someone else was looking for him. I couldn’t help them either .”

Sayer gestured with his hand. “It was probably agents of Queen

Kalandra’s. Apparently this man, Breccan Sarris, was privy to some

highly sensitive documents when he worked for the queen. She

wouldn’t like to have him out of her control.”

“I’m not sure that I’ll be able to find him for you, Sayer. It’s beena long time. The trail is cold.”

“Someone knows where this man is. I believe if anyone can find

him, that man is you.”

“Is that a compliment, Sayer?” He barely repressed a smile at the

discomfort that crossed the Guardian’s face.

“Just a fact, Jagger.” Jagger saw Sayer shrug. “So will you help

us?”

“I’ll try.” Jagger smiled and let his eyes meet Sayers. “I don’t

really have much choice, do I? I think I know someone who may be

able to help. I’ll contact him. If anyone can find this man, he can. So

does that mean that you and I will be working closely together?”

“Yes.”

“Good. We’ll have a chance to get to know each other a lot better,

won’t we?”

“This is not a game, Jagger.” The annoyed tone amused Jagger.

What was it about this man that attracted him so much?

“Everything is a game, Sayer. Don’t you know that? And the best

one of all is the one you and I have just embarked upon.”

“We haven’t embar ked upon anything except for a search for amissing man.” Sayer rose to his feet, and Jagger followed.

“You know that I find your hands-off attitude incredibly

attractive, don’t you?”


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36 Britt Kenley

Sayer shrugged. “I’m not trying to make myself attractive to you,

Jagger.”

“Exactly,” he moved around the table. “That’s what’s so

irresistible.”

“I’m not interested.”

He stopped a few inches away from Sayer. He could see that the

man wanted to step back, but he didn’t. He gave him credit for that.

Of course, he would not have expected anything less. To test him, he

moved even closer, reaching out a hand and letting a finger trace a

path down Sayer’s cheek.

A muscle twitched in Sayer’s jawline, but he didn’t move. “I hateto call anyone a liar, Sayer, but I believe you are interested. I know

you are attracted to me. I don’t know why you continue to deny it. It’s

obvious to anyone with eyes in his head and a brain in his skull.”

He moved his finger so that it circled around the Guardian’s

mouth. Sayer’s lips parted, and his breathing quickened. Jagger

figured the man would step back or push him away, but he didn’t.

When Jagger licked his lips, Sayer’s eyes focused on that quick

movement. Then Jagger raised his eyes to the Guardian’s.

All of a sudden, he completely forgot where they were or what

they had been discussing. All he could think about was how close the

other man was and how much he wanted to taste his mouth. Stepping

forward, his body came into contact with Sayer’s. He heard a harsh

gasp just as he lowered his mouth to meet the Guardian’s in a soft,

tentative kiss.

Sayer held himself very still, and Jagger kept things easy and soft,

not wanting to risk scaring him off. He just let his lips gently explore,

gradually increasing the pressure until Sayer’s mouth parted slightly.

He slipped his tongue past Sayer’s lips slowly, stroking tentatively

against the other man’s tongue in a sweet, gliding caress. He was having a hard time believing this was really happening.

He hadn’t been able to get the Guardian off his mind, and now here he


37/98


was. He lifted his hands and cupped them around Sayer’s face,

angling his mouth against the other man’s and deepening the pressure.

He didn’t think he’d ever enjoyed a kiss as much as this. Sayer’s

hands encircled his waist, and he moved his own hands down Sayer’s

chest, feeling the hard nubs of the other man’s nipples through the

fabric of his tunic.

He broke the kiss, pulling back mere inches. Sayer’s eyes slowly

blinked open, the pupils enlarged, the lids drooping with arousal.

“I want you, Sayer. Come upstairs with me to my room. Let me

make love to you.” He pressed light kisses on the man’s cheek,

leaving a wet trail down to his neck. He felt Sayer’s hands tighten,digging into his waist, before he released him and stepped back,

breaking free of Jagger’s hold.

“We can’t do this, Jagger .” Sayer’s words came in a breathy

whisper.

“Why not?” Jagger clenched his fists at his side to prevent himself

from reaching for the other man and dragging him back against him.

“We both want it. You know it, and I know it. There’s no reason we

shouldn’t be able to satisfy our desire.”

“There’s a very good reason. I don’t want to.” He stepped around

Jagger and reached out for his cloak.

“You’re lying.” Jagger saw Sayer’s hand freeze just before it

grabbed the cloak, and he quickly turned back around to face Jagger.

Sayer’s mouth opened, but before he could speak, Jagger told him,

“You do want to. I may be a lowly bartender, but I sure as seven hells

know an erection when I feel it pressed against my belly.”

Jagger saw Sayer’s cheeks flush. “Do you have to be so crude?”

“Is that what it is? I’m too crude and common for you?” Jagger

tried not to let the thought hurt, but it did.

But Sayer shook his head. “Of course not.” “Then why? Why push me away? I guarantee, if you come

upstairs with me, you won’t be sorry.”


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38 Britt Kenley

“That sounds like a well-rehearsed line, Jagger. I don’t

particularly like the idea of being just another one in a long line of

conquests.”

“That bothers you? I promise you, you’ll never be just another

anything.”


39/98


Chapter Four

He studied Jagger’s face, trying to determine if the other man was

just handing him a line or not. “How can I possibly believe that? I

know what you’re like, Jagger. You never stay with anyone longer

than a night or two. In fact, everyone says you make that plain before

you’ll even invite someone to your room. So why haven’t you made it

plain for me?”

He watched as Jagger rubbed his neck before shrugging. “Because

you’re different.”

His heart leapt in his chest, but he couldn’t let himself believe

what the other man was telling him. “I doubt it.”

“I notice that you didn’t deny that you wanted me.”

Sayer wasn’t sure what to say, so he just remained silent.

“What? Cat got your tongue?” Jagger prodded. “I want more from a man than you’re willing to give, Jagger. It’s

as simple as that. Yes, I’m attracted to you. Am I going to do anything

about it? No.”

“I think you’re afraid, Guardian. Afraid that you won’t be able to

resist this feeling that is between us. Afraid that you might like it

more than you think you should. Is that it? You’re a coward?”

Sayer tightened his lips but didn’t respond.

“Say something, for the Goddess’s sake.”

“I’m not a coward.”

“And you want me.” “For now.”

“That’s enough for me.”

“But not for me.”


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40 Britt Kenley

Jagger stepped toward him, and Sayer took an involuntary step

back and almost cursed aloud at the knowing look in Jagger’s eyes.

“You don’t have to fear me, Sayer.” Jagger moved forward again,

and Sayer felt the wall against his back as he took another step.

“By the Goddess, Jagger. Stop this foolishness. I told you, I’m not

interested in your games.”

Jagger’s hands came out to press against the wall on either side of

Sayer’s head, effectively caging him. “Just one kiss.”

“You’ve had a kiss already, remember?”

Jagger leaned closer, allowing his body to come within a hair’s

breadth of the other man’s. “One more, Sayer. A test. A real kiss thistime.”

He was so close now that Sayer could feel the other man’s breath

against his face. He shouldn’t give in to the blatant manipulation, but

he could feel himself weakening with each passing second. He wanted

to feel the other man’s mouth on his, his tongue probing his own. It

was probably foolish and definitely a mistake, but he couldn’t resist.

“All right, Jagger. One kiss. One kiss, and then I’m out of here, and

you will start your search for Breccan Sarris.”

Sayer saw the other man’s smile of triumph. “Agreed.”

Then Jagger’s mouth was on his.

Sayer was lost. This kiss was nothing like the first. It was an

explosion of hunger and need such as he’d never felt before. Jagger’s

mouth ate at his own. Over and over, Jagger’s tongue pushed into his

mouth, mimicking the act that Sayer was beginning to crave. He

opened his mouth wider, needing Jagger to take control. Jagger’s

tongue swept through his mouth, probing every corner. Sayer groaned

and caught it between his teeth, sucking it and reveling when he felt

Jagger’s hands tighten on his hips where they’d rested.

He’d never known a kiss so darkly erotic, and he leaned intoJagger, needing to feel the hardness of the other man’s body pressed

against his own. His experiences with Ambrey had been gentle and


41/98


sweet, nothing like the lightning-hot passion he was finding in

Jagger’s arms. His blood sang with desire.

He tried to remember why this was such a bad idea, tried to grasp

at the threads of his control, but they slipped from his grasp, burned

into nothingness by the heated carnality of Jagger’s touch.

Jagger’s mouth left his. He forced his eyes open, only to see the

other man drop to his knees before him. He knew what was coming,

what Jagger intended, so when he felt the other man’s hands tearing at

the strings of his breeches, he was not shocked or surprised. He was

aroused, Goddess help him, aroused and aching for the other man’s

touch. And when Jagger pulled his breeches down and wrapped hisfist tightly around his cock, Sayer almost screamed out the pleasure.

Jagger stroked his hand up and down the length of Sayer’s cock

several times, and Sayer’s head fell back, resting against the wall. He

felt the warmth of Jagger’s breath only a moment before the head of

his cock was enveloped in the heated moisture of his mouth. He cried

out at the pleasure.

Jagger began suckling him, taking him deeper into his throat, and

Sayer felt his cock throb and pulse in the tight space. He grabbed

Jagger’s braid, wrapping it around and around his hand, using it to

force the other man’s mouth down on his cock even f arther.

Jagger’s gaze flew up to meet his as he took Sayer as deep as he

could, until his nose was buried in the tight curls at the base of

Sayer’s cock. Sayer couldn’t take his eyes off the other man, feeling

so connected to Jagger that he couldn’t speak .

After a moment, Jagger pulled back, using his tongue to trace the

bulging veins that ran down the length of Sayer’s penis. Then he bent

lower to suckle and caress Sayer’s ball sac, drawing the orbs into his

mouth and sucking them delicately.

Sayer’s eyes closed. “Farking hells, Jagger. Yes. Goddess, thatfeels so good.”

Then Jagger was stroking him again, even as he suckled and

licked his balls. It wasn’t long before Sayer felt a tightening in his


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42 Britt Kenley

guts and a tingling at the base of his spine signaling his approaching

orgasm. “I’m coming, Jagger. Salara’s bones, I’m coming.” With a

last gasp, he orgasmed, his cum spurting over the other man’s hand

and tunic in short bursts until he had emptied himself completely.

Finally, his breath coming harshly from his mouth, he opened his

eyes and gazed down into the smiling face of the man who’d given

him one of the most exciting orgasms of his entire life. As he

watched, Jagger lifted his hand and began licking the milky cum from

his fingers like a child would lick the icing from a feast-day cake.

Then Jagger was rising to his feet, leaning in to kiss Sayer again.

Sayer tasted his own cum on the other man’s mouth and was stunnedat the erotic pleasure it gave him. He couldn’t believe what had just

happened. He didn’t want to think about what a mistake this was.

When Jagger lifted his head and held out his hand, Sayer placed his

own in it.

Then Jagger was leading him out of the barroom and up the stairs

to his private apartments. Sayer hesitated on the threshold for one

moment, his conscience making a last-ditch effort to save him from

further foolishness, but he pushed it aside, taking the final step into

Jagger’s rooms.

When the sound of the closing door penetrated his dazed brain, he

flinched slightly, knowing that there was no turning back.

* * * *

Jagger couldn’t believe that he had the Guardian in his

apartments. Nor could he believe what had just happened. And they

weren’t done yet, that was for damn sure. He pushed Sayer back

against his door, pressing close against him, and felt the other man’s

heart pounding against his chest, like a trapped bird beating against itscage.

The blood pounding in his cock echoed the rhythm of Sayer’s

heart, and he needed to fuck the other man badly. But he couldn’t give


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the Guardian a chance to change his mind, so he took Sayer’s mouth

in another heated kiss, pressing his tongue deep and reclaiming the

territory he’d conquered earlier.

He brushed his erection against Sayer’s abdomen with a firm

pressure and whimpered when Sayer pushed back. Pushing his hands

beneath Sayer’s tunic, he lifted it, breaking his kiss long enough to

toss it to the floor. Then he let his hands explore the other man’s

torso, lingering over the hard nubs of his nipples. He pinched them

lightly in his fingers and felt Sayer’s shiver of response. Bending, he

took one in his mouth, biting down with his teeth and tugging gently.

Then he licked the spot he’d wounded with small, delicate licks.Sayer’s hands grasped him and tugged him back up, leaning close

to capture Jagger’s mouth with surprising command. “Where’s your

bedroom?” the Guardian asked huskily. “If we’re going to do this,

let’s do it right.”

Jagger concealed his astonishment at Sayer’s eager participation

and, instead, turned and led the other man into his bedroom, tugging

his clothes off as he walked. When he finally stood next to his bed, all

he still wore were his breeches and boots. Sayer bent to take off his

own boots and soon was pushing his pants down.

Jagger watched, admiring the lush, masculine form that was being

revealed to him. He watched as Sayer shivered. Luckily the fire he’d

banked earlier had the room still somewhat warm, but Jagger knelt to

stir up the coals, not wanting anything to interfere in Sayer’s

enjoyment of the moment. In the dim light from the slightly parted

curtain, he could see that, while Sayer was deceptively slender when

clothed, nude, he was a work of art. His limbs long and lithe, each

muscle defined and toned. His chest was nearly hairless, with just a

light scattering of pale-blond hair in the center, trailing down to his

cock, which began to stir again at Jagger’s obvious interest.“Better?” he asked, indicating the fire, and Sayer nodded his head,

looking a little uncertain.


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46 Britt Kenley

where it surrounded his, that he was afraid he would explode after a

single stroke if he didn’t get himself under control. He dropped his

head down, biting his lip and clutching Sayer’s hips in his hands so

tightly he knew they would carry the bruise tomorrow.

At last he felt he had regained a measure of his control. Bending

down, he surrounded Sayer, letting his back press down on the other

man and wrapping his arms around his waist. Then he pulled out

slowly before pressing back in. He did it again. Sayer pressed back

hard against him, urging him to a faster pace, and Jagger didn’t

disappoint him. He picked up speed, faster and faster, and before long

he was pounding himself into Sayer’s willing ass. “I’m close, Sayer. So farking close.”

“Come, Jagger, damn it. Come for me,” Sayer gasped out, and at

those words, Jagger exploded, shooting his cum in hard, hot bursts

deep into the other man’s ass. Jagger’s eyes rolled as each spurt of

cum left his body, and his vision darkened. He knew he was on the

verge of passing out from the pleasure it was so intense. He had never

felt anything like it before in his life. He managed to hold on to

consciousness as the last tremors took his body.

He pulled himself out of Sayer’s ass and rolled to one side, not

wanting to crush the other man beneath his limp weight. He threw his

arm across his face, shielding his eyes from any possible probing gaze

that Sayer might shoot him. He needed some time to recoup.

He’d known things would be good between them. The heat they

generated when they were merely in the same room with one another

had told him that. What he hadn’t expected and wasn’t sure how to

handle was the realization that there was a good chance that Sayer

could come to mean more to him than anyone ever had before. Even

Sharise. And that scared the farking hell out of him.


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Chapter Five

Sayer had never felt so relaxed, which was surprising. He’d

thought he would feel regretful about giving in to his physical need

without an emotional involvement, but now he realized the truth. He

was emotionally involved. All this time he’d avoided being around

Jagger, not because he thought the man was incapable of fidelity, but

because he knew that he wouldn’t be able to resist him. He was

teetering on the edge of falling in love with Jagger and probably had

been for a long time.

He turned his head and looked at Jagger where he lay relaxed and

sleeping on the bed beside him. Their lovemaking had definitely been

a revelation to him, but what had it meant to the other man? Was it

just a game to him, as Sayer had accused earlier? Or was there a

chance that it was more. Jagger had said that this was more to himthan a one-time thing. Did he mean it?

Sayer felt a tightening in his chest at the thought of losing Jagger,

but he knew that the odds of him wanting something permanent were

not high. Still, there had been something in his eyes as they’d made

love, something warm and full of promise. Perhaps over the course of

the next few weeks, as they searched for Breccan Sarris, something

would develop into a real, solid connection. He moved, cuddling

closer to the warm body of his lover and smiled.

The next several days were busy ones. Jagger began putting his

feelers out amongst his spies and sources in Winterreach’s underbelly,and Sayer investigated each and every lead that came in. Most of

them turned out to be nothing, but occasionally he stumbled upon a

real clue in helping him locate the man who did not want to be found.


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48 Britt Kenley

Sayer had to give Sarris credit. He’d done a damn good job of

disappearing. Without Jagger’s connections, he knew the task would

have been pretty hopeless.

Jagger’s latest lead had them heading to a small village to the

southwest of Winterreach named Marlen’s Crossing. According to

Jagger’s source, a man matching Sarris’s description had lived in the

village for a short while the year before. No one knew much about

him. He’d kept to himself a lot and made a few extra coins here and

there by offering his reading and translating abilities. Though Queen

Lyra had promoted education for all the children of Winterreach, it

was a sad fact that many, mostly adults, were basically illiterate. Theyfrequently had to seek out the learned for help in understanding

documents or letters that were sent to them for various purposes.

Sayer was hopeful that they would learn whether or not this was

actually the man they were seeking and possibly even where he had

moved after leaving Marlen’s Crossing. Though it was important that

they find the man as soon as possible, Sayer also had to acknowledge

to himself that he was dreading the moment when they did finally

locate Sarris. The reason, of course, rode silent and steady on the

horse next to him. He shot a surreptitious glance at Jagger, unable to

read him or tell what he was thinking. When their search was over,

would Jagger still want to continue seeing him, or would it end

abruptly, as Sayer feared?

The other man was ridiculously difficult to read, and it frustrated

Sayer no end. He had a reputation as being a man who could see

through all the surface dung and get to the heart of a matter. He was

known for his skills of observation and quiet thoughtfulness. Yet he

could not see to the core of Jagger Fin. The man was an enigma, and

despite the fact that they’d spent practically every moment together

for the past week, Sayer still couldn’t say for sure what his feelingswere on the matter of their relationship.

Oh, the sex was still hot as seven hells. He got semi-hard just

thinking about it. And sometimes he thought he caught glimpses of


49/98


real emotion when Jagger looked at him, but it was quickly concealed,

as though Jagger was afraid that Sayer would see it.

“What’s got that frown upon your face, Sayer?” Jagger’s voice

jolted him from his thoughts.

He looked over and saw the other man staring at him curiously.

“You look like you’re trying to solve all the ills of the world from

that saddle. Look around you. It’s a lovely day for a ride into the

country.” Jagger gestured broadly with his hand, and Sayer allowed

his eyes to take in the beautiful vista around them. The weather had

continued to be favorable for several days, and Jagger was right. It

was lovely. A light dusting of snow glistened on the tree branches andcreated a velvety carpet across the surrounding fields. In the distance,

horses cropped lazily at patches of hay that someone had strewn for

that very purpose. In the distance he could even hear the song of a

snowbird trilling through the air.

He looked back and caught Jagger’s eye. “You’re right. It is a

beautiful day, but I have much on my mind.”

“Obviously. But I think we’re nearing the village.”

Sayer agreed, “Yes, it should be just over that next hill.”

“I hope this isn’t a waste of time. I’m starting to get saddle sores

from all the worthless journeys here and there trying to find this

man.”

Sayer nodded. “He’s done a good job covering his tracks. I’ll say

that for him.”

Jagger grunted an agreement and then added, “I guess if you’re

trying to hide yourself from a shape-shifting sorceress who’s out for

your blood, it gives you a bit more incentive than the average guy on

the run.”

“No doubt.”

“It’s almost a shame that we have to find him. He’s certainly goneto a lot of effort, and we’re about to blow all that hard work to the

seven hells.” Jagger tossed his cloak back from his shoulders and

lifted a brow at Sayer.


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50 Britt Kenley

“It’s necessary, unfortunately. If we don’t find some way to

eliminate Kalandra soon, I’m afraid war is inevitable. Ke lan is no

longer willing to put up with Kalandra’s constant harassment. She had

the queen killed, and there’s no question that Kelan will be next. Or

Aric.”

“I know. I know. I only hope this man is willing to cooperate.”

“As do I.” Sayer caught a glimpse of smoke rising from a

chimney. “Look. There is the village.”

As they crested the small hill, the village lay spread out before

them. It was, indeed small, just a few rough houses and a handful of

businesses, a general store and a blacksmith’s shop were easilyidentified. A couple of children played in the street, stopping to stare

at the two strangers as they rode by them. Sayer spotted a tavern and

pointed it out to Jagger, who nodded and guided his horse to a stop in

front of the building. They dismounted and tied their horses to a

nearby post.

When they entered, a few customers turned to look at them.

Spotting Sayer’s gray cloak, the look of suspicion left their faces, and

they turned back to their drinks. Sayer walked toward the bar,

followed closely by Jagger. When the bartender stepped forward, they

ordered a couple of drinks. He quickly poured the small glasses of

whiskey and set them down on the bar.

“That’ll be four coppers.”

Sayer tossed down the coins and took a drink.

Jagger lifted his own glass, examining the pale-brown liquid

before tossing it back. “Not bad,” he told the bartender. “Much better

than I would have expected in such a small village.”

The bartender smiled, revealing a chipped front tooth. “We got

our own brewer. He turns out a damn good whiskey. Damn good.

Almost as good as that stuff from Jael. We even sell some of it to afew of the bars in the capital.”

Jagger looked interested. “Is that a fact? I happen to own a place

in Winterreach myself. Maybe we could work out a deal. I’m always


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52 Britt Kenley

“I’m not saying Arris is your man. He’s just the only one I can

recollect that matches your description,” Alb was saying.

Sayer nodded. “Do you have any idea where we might be able to

find this man?”

Alb shrugged. “Can’t say as I do. Old man Hallsbrook might

know. He’s the one that rented Arris his place while he was here.

They got pretty tight, if I recall correctly.”

“Where might we find Sirrah Hallsbrook?”

“Well, that’s the thing. He’s gone to Averin Province for the

bonding ceremony of his youngest girl. Should be back in a day or

two, though. No more’n a week for sure.” Sayer exchanged a look with Jagger, who shook his head.

“A day or two, you say?” Sayer smiled at Alb. “Well, we really

need to get back to Winterreach to report our findings to King Kelan.

Could you send a messenger to the Gray Tower to let me know when

he has returned? I’ll be glad to pay both you and t he messenger a

silver each.”

Alb readily agreed to the proposition. Another customer entered

the tavern, and Jagger and Sayer stepped away from the bar to

converse where they would not be overheard.

“What do you think?” Sayer asked.

“I think maybe Sirrah Hallsbrook is nonexistent,” Jagger

murmured.

Sayer nodded. “I think you’re probably right. Or if he does exist,

he’s probably just some convenient villager who is currently out of

town. I imagine Alb knows exactly where to find our man.”

“He probably wants to check with this Arris Breelan, if that is

indeed his name and not something Alb made up to throw us off the

scent.”

“That’s what I figured.” “We could hang out here. Follow him when he goes to speak to

the man,” Jagger suggested.


53/98


“No. We don’t want to give them any reason to distrust us.

Remember, if this is Breccan Sarris, he’s got plenty of reason to be

protective of his whereabouts. The last thing we need is to spook him.

He could disappear again, and who knows how long it would take us

to locate him.”

“What then?”

“We head back to the capital. Hopefully we’ll hear something

from Alb in the next few days.”

“All right. This is your quest. I’m just along for the ride.”

Sayer moved to speak to Alb one last time, and Jagger headed for

the door, stepping outside and taking a casual look around the village.A few curious gazes were cast in his direction, but he ignored them.

Suddenly the hairs on the back of his neck rose. He was being

watched. And not the casual interest of the villagers, either. He felt

malevolence in the eyes of the watcher. His instincts told him that

whoever it was had evil intent, and his instincts were never wrong. He

allowed his eyes to move without seeming focused, searching for

anyone or anything that seemed out of order or that caught his

attention, but he saw nothing.

Could it be Breccan Sarris? Or had they unwittingly led some of

Queen Kalandra’s men here in their search for the queen’s former

translator? He had tried to keep the search quiet, but it was impossible

to completely hide the focus of his quest. And not all of his sources

were the most trustworthy individuals. It was possible that someone

had unknowingly triggered interest from the very people Sarris was

hiding from.

Then the feeling was gone. Narrowing his eyes, Jagger considered

the implications of that disturbing feeling. When Sayer joined him, he

leaned over to whisper a warning. “We’re being watched.”

Sayer nodded slightly and then said loudly, “Well, that was awaste of time. I think we’re not going to find what we seek here. Let’s

head back to the city. Maybe we can arrive in time to join s

britt kenley - [guardians of the gray tower 7] - guardian's hope

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