As the ruthless owner of a notorious gaming hell, Aaron Chance's fierce reputation commands the ton's respect. Scarred by his tragic past, there is no room in his ordered life for love. Vengeance is his only desire. His interest in Miss Lovelace, the captivating owner of a ladies' club, is strictly business. Something he reminds himself when she invades his thoughts at night, when she's the endless subject of his dreams.

When a peer is found dead at Joanna Lovelace's club, there's only one man she can turn to for help—the dark and dangerous owner of Fortune's Den. But Mr Chance despises her and is barely civil. Her only saving grace is his preoccupation with her safety. Why does he drag drunkards from her door at night? Why do his covert glances make her heart race?

Gwendolyn Caldwell is haunted by the memory of her first love, Simon Garrick, who vanished one fateful night, leaving her heart in tatters. Now, as Christmas approaches, the return of the charming rogue reignites a fire of desire she thought extinguished. Torn between longing to uncover the truth behind his sudden departure and wanting to appear indifferent, Gwen must navigate a web of secrets and buried emotions.

As they are drawn together once more, will Gwen risk her heart to uncover the scandalous reasons for Simons absence, or will the icy walls she's built keep them apart forever?

This short novella was first featured in the Christmas in Cumbria anthology, which is no longer available.

By day, Miss Eleanor Darrow is one of London's finest modistes. By night, she is a trusted confidante and the keeper of the ton's scandalous secrets. But what began as an innocent way to supplement her income has her fearing for her life. Her box of secrets is missing. Fortunately, she knows the identity of the handsome scoundrel who stole it.

As one of London's most notorious men, Theodore Chance has a point to prove. But after being shot outside Miss Darrow's shop, his ruthless reputation is called into question. His quest for vengeance begins with the modiste who deceived him. A woman who stokes the flames of desire and his disdain.

When they clash in a battle of wills, Eleanor and Theo find themselves entangled in a web of deceit. In a world where truth and temptation collide, can they navigate the treacherous path to love when danger lurks on every corner?