He pledged his honor to keep her safe . . . Returning home to Cornwall after an unspeakable tragedy, Sir Gideon Trevithick comes upon a defiant beauty in danger and vows to protect her whatever the cost. He's dismayed to discover that she's none other than Lady Charis Weston, England's wealthiest heiressand that the only way to save her from the violent stepbrothers determined to steal her fortune is to wed her himself! Now Gideon must hide the dark secrets of his life from the bride he desires more with every heartbeat.She promised to show him how to loveand desireagain . . . Charis has heard all about Gideon, the dangerously handsome hero with the mysterious past. She's grateful for his help but utterly unwilling to endure a marriage of convenienceespecially to a man whose touch leaves her breathless. Desperate to drive him mad with passion, she would do anything to make Gideon lose controland fall captive to irresistible, undeniable sin.