Haunted by tragedy and scandal, Thea Garrett guards her wounded heart by playing the role of notorious outcast for all it is worth, never giving a second thought to love. Then London's loveliest, wealthiest social pariah meets the cynical, handsome Patrick Blackburne, a man protecting wounds of his own—until he lays eyes on the remarkable Miss Garrett. Suddenly, Blackburne is willing to forswear his famously wicked ways. But Thea can't take any man at his word, least of all Blackburne. Only when murder and blackmail threaten to destroy them both can she face her hidden passion—and set it free.