Title: Four
Author: Archer Kay Leah
Publication Date: Sep. 7, 2016
Find: Amazon | Goodreads | B&N | iBooks | Kobo
On the outside, Mayr seems to have it all: a successful career as Head of the Guard for a prominent politician, family and friends who adore him, and the attention of beautiful women. But appearances are a good way to bury secrets, including the fact that while Mayr is a romantic at heart, searching for the one person to share his life with, his lovers keep leaving him.
When his last girlfriend takes him back and suggests an intimate night with Tash, one of her lovers, Mayr reluctantly agrees. The last thing he expects is to fall hard for Tash, who is nothing like Mayr’s previous lovers—and about to undertake the Uldana Trials. If Tash fails, he’ll likely die. If he succeeds, he must give up Mayr, and become the latest to leave Mayr standing alone with a broken heart.
Archer Kay Leah was raised in Canada, growing up in a port town at a time when it was starting to become more diverse, both visibly and vocally. Combined with the variety of interests found in Archer’s family and the never-ending need to be creative, this diversity inspired a love for toying with characters and their relationships, exploring new experiences and difficult situations.
Archer most enjoys writing speculative fiction and is engaged in a very particular love affair with fantasy, especially when it is dark and emotionally charged. When not reading and writing for work or play, Archer is a geek with too many hobbies and keeps busy with other creative endeavors, a music addiction, and whatever else comes along. Archer lives in London, Ontario with a same-sex partner and their cat.
“You asked how I was taking it, what we did, and I didn’t answer. Because I couldn’t.” Mayr sucked in a deep breath. “I didn’t know how to answer you, but I’ve been working it out. I’ve had a lot of time to figure out my exact reply.”
Rising to his knees, Mayr ignored his doubts. Before he lost his courage, he pressed his lips to Tash’s, tugging gently on Tash’s bottom lip before offering his mouth fully. It felt right. Good. He should have done it before.
Tonight, he would not shy away. His fear of rejection would have to wait.
As Tash gripped his arm and pulled him closer, Mayr’s fears dissipated. When Tash’s tongue entered Mayr’s mouth, tasting and teasing, it sparked deep emotions Mayr had missed. Sincere desire, transcending the relationships he had accepted as all he could have.
Slowly, Mayr broke the kiss, satisfied with Tash’s ardent gaze. “Did I tell you that I’m really, really happy you’re here?”
Without waiting for Tash’s answer, Mayr kissed him hard, wishing Tash could feel what he did. He felt lit up, more than he had in a long time. The relationship with Sarene had become a chore. And before her, it wasn’t any different. I felt the same for the other women as I did her. Just going through the motions, telling myself they could be someone I could stay with for the rest of my life so I wouldn’t be alone. Convinced they would stay and he would be happy, he had given them everything.
All of it had been foolish desperation.
But Tash offered the things missing from most of Mayr’s relationships. Joyful intoxication derived from emotion alone. Breathtaking inspiration that made everything else in his life seem lacklustre. The restored hope that someone could consider him enough. Whenever Tash asked about him, his concern sounded genuine. In the smallest action, there was more care and respect than any of Mayr’s girlfriends had shown him. The idea of being with Tash was both thrilling and terrifying, but deep down in his tainted core, he needed it.
“I’m hoping that answers your question,” Mayr murmured. “Otherwise, it’s going to take me a while to convince you, and I still have things to do tonight.”
Tash leaned his forehead against Mayr’s. “No, you’ve made it clear. I won’t ask again.”
“Then I’ve got a question for you.”
“Anything.”
“If I said I wanted to see where this could go, what would you say?”
Lips traveled up Mayr’s jaw and kissed a path to his brow. Arms encircled his waist, holding him upright against Tash’s side. “Yes,” Tash whispered against his temple.
The breathy reply wreaked havoc on Mayr’s body. A shiver shot through him from the back of his neck to his feet. To feel Tash’s interest was one thing; hearing it was another. They were worth every night he had agonized over an apology.
“I have to get back to the feast.” Mayr tilted his head. “Do you have a curfew? Do the other priests lock you up if you come home late?”
Tash chuckled. “No. That’s only for the Metahs. I’m free to do as I please. Why?”
“If you stay, we could spend time together after the feast is over. Maybe finally get around to knowing each other better?”
“Considering I came here mostly for you… there’s no place I’d rather be.”
“Also known as yes.”
“Yes.”
And with one word, hope trounced Mayr’s fear into submission.
Thanks for hosting today, Christine! 🙂
My pleasure, Giselle!!! 🙂
Thanks for being part of the tour! 🙂
Thanks, Archer!! 🙂