For three years in a row Gil has bought Xan at the Hammer's Christmas Charity Auction. The first two years, they parted ways after their one night of play. This year Gil asked Xan to stay.

Xan wants nothing more than to trust that the third time's the charm, that this time Gil is free and clear, and able to become his Master. The thing is, he's having a little trouble trusting that Gil's sudden desire to keep him is real and is going to last.

Can they make a fresh start for themselves? Or will Xan's doubts sink them before they've even really begun?

New was originally published in 2010 by a different publisher.