Love…or freedom? A Calling of Souls story - this story was also published as part of the A Calling of Souls anthology 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. 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 his suspicions mount that the young man is being forced into an unwanted marriage. Compassion wins out over loneliness, and Brace offers Jag a pearl ring valuable enough to both save his family’s fortunes and give him freedom. There’s just one thing Brace wants in return—twenty-four hours together. Brace can only pray it’s long enough to convince Jag that a life together is worth more than all the pearls in the sea. Product Warnings Explicit M/M content, use of toys, outdoor sex.