Lady Verity Grainger is distraught when she learns that not only has her abusive and violent father sold her beloved home out from under her just before his death, but she is also included in the sale.

As part of the deal, she is to be married to Elliott Thorne, Duke of Rydale, the man who broke her heart seven years earlier. For his part, Elliott is equally furious at being tricked into a betrothal by the dead earl and his treacherous daughter, with the threat of court if he refuses.

Elliott proposes a marriage of convenience, he loved her once, but he will be damned if he will allow her into his heart again. Verity will be provided with a comfortable home and she will provide him with an heir. Verity has little choice, life is not kind to single women without money.

Elliot makes it clear that all he wants from her is a healthy heir, beyond that he will have little more to do with her. When she meets Audra Kingsley, Elliott’s lover, she knows her life is going to be unhappy, but she has no idea of the danger she is in, both from someone who wants her dead and losing her heart once again to Elliott.