One fateful night . . .

Trapped in a loveless marriage, abducted for ransom, and abandoned to the not-so-tender mercies of her kidnappers, Henrietta Dagliesh, Lady Ernsdale, has only seen the very worst of men. Until Joss Ettinger plucks her from the river, saving her life and showing her that not all men are cut from the same cloth. And Hettie learns exactly why it is that so many women will readily fall from grace.

Joss knows she's not for him. Not for the long haul, anyway. Little better than a street rat, he's got a past that's full of secrets and shadows too dirty to ever touch someone as fine as Hettie. But resisting temptation is never easy, and when it comes in the form of a beautiful and willing woman, he gives in to desire. But after one night of passion, he knows he must put distance between them for her sake, even if it eats him alive.