Wrongly accused of murdering her husband, Tessa Belanger is fleeing London when she is attacked by thieves. But when a kindly gentleman offers aid, Tessa finds herself in the home of none other than the prosecution for the Crown, handsome and brooding Reave Alden. Certain her host has no idea he's harbouring a runaway countess wanted for murder, she feels safe. Yet when a growing passion sparks between them, she finds herself tormented by her dark secret.
The last thing Reave wants is a fiery temptress to complicate his life, but thoughts of Tessa consume him day and night. Torn between the memory of his dead wife and his desire to pursue more wordly pleasures with the beautiful Tessa, he realises he is losing his heart to this alluring woman whose past he is determined to uncover - and whose love he is determined to have . . .