Headlong into sin . . . A well-practiced rake, weary of easy conquests and empty pleasures, Tarquin Vale, Earl of Ashcroft, knows womenand his every instinct warns him to beware of this one. Diana Carrick's brazen overtures have thrown the haunted, sinfully handsome lord completely off his guard. Why, the exquisite temptress stated outright that she wishes to be his lover. But it is neither Diana's boldness nor her beauty that intrigues him soit is the innocence he senses behind her worldly mask.Intent upon the seduction that will finally free her, Diana has set her sights on the notorious Ashcroftnever dreaming that there is much more to the enigmatic rogue than sin and deviltry. His kiss is bewitching, his caress intoxicatingand even the dangerous secret Diana must protect cannot shield her from Ashcroft's dark allure.Unwittingly yet most willingly, they are playing with fire. Now the fuse has been lit and there is no escape . . . except surrender.