It was supposed to be one night with the marquess...

Everyone loves Lord Julian Batchelor, Marquess of Ormonde. The golden boy of the ton, he knows everyone, and they think they know him, too. But Julian harbors dark secrets, and he's determined not to let anyone discover them-until he meets the one woman immune to him...

But when he meets a lady who's his perfect match...

Lady Tessa Calthorp is everything unexpected in an aristocratic woman. Co-owner of a gaming hell, she sees Julian as simply another rich lord handed everything in life-but Julian surprises Tessa. First with a daring wager, then as a man-a very sensual man with a scandalous hobby that shocks...and delights.

One night could lead to happily ever after...

Their wager becomes more than friendly as desire burns through all their scruples. When reality pierces through their passion, everything changes for Tessa-but Julian knows he can't break free from his past. Until Tessa reveals a secret of her own...