A fatally dangerous manand the woman who stands in the way of all he has ever desired . . . Beautiful and ruthless, the elegant assassin Allegreto will stop at nothing to regain his rightful place. And the perfect instrument has just fallen into his hands, in the lovely form of Lady Elenathe long-lost princess of the land he intends to wrest back from his enemies. But she is no mere maiden to be possessed. Even as he forces her to bend to his will, in the heat of desire and fury Elena finds the hidden power in her own soul, a merciless passion and command that will bring her dark lover to his knees. Her mastery may destroy him . . . or build an unexpected future from the bitter ashes of his life and dreams.