A surly rake and a desperate lady… Lady Cristina Ducat might not be as clever as her sisters, but she knows when action is required. Her mother seems set on arranging an unwanted marriage for Cristina, but Cristina has plans of her own. She’s got the perfect man all picked out. The problem? The Earl of Clearwood, Sirius Renwall, keeps getting in her way. Not only is Si annoying beyond measure with his dark and brooding demeanor, but he makes her heart beat in the most curious and exhilarating way. Lady Cristina is a spoiled brat. Si wants nothing to do with her, or with the bet he made weeks ago that requires him to collect a kiss from her. So what if she’s stunningly beautiful? Who cares that she’s in trouble? Except...Si does care. For the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her brash façade hides a heart that loves fiercely. The question then becomes, is her love strong enough to fight back the demons that have plagued him since the last time he gave away his heart? Or is he destined to have his heart for the second and final time?