England, 1814: He is a marquess and a spy with a woman to protect and an assassin to thwart. She is… not nice.
England, 1814: He is a marquess and a spy with a woman to protect and an assassin to thwart. She is… not nice.
The Marquess of Dansbury is a strong, charismatic man living a charmed life, despite interacting with the dregs of society as an agent for the crown. His past isn't without tragedy, but he is too amiable to allow misfortune to mar his positive outlook on life.
Until now… when he finds himself tasked with protecting the one woman in the world he actively disdains, Lady Beatryce Beckett, from a deadly and all too insane assassin. No matter:
He is always:
• Charming—though perhaps not around a certain lady…
• Laid-back—again, maybe not around a certain lady…
• And strong—especially around a certain lady…
• Laid-back—again, maybe not around a certain lady…
• And strong—especially around a certain lady…
And he isn't:
• Irrational—ever. Even around a certain lady… generally speaking… usually…
• Or in love… with a certain lady. Especially not that. Honest…
• Or in love… with a certain lady. Especially not that. Honest…
Lady Beatryce Beckett is mean. She ruins other women on purpose. She lies. She cheats. She even steals. She's fast. And she takes particular pleasure in provoking a certain marquess. In short, she'll do anything to get what she wants: Freedom from her abusive father. Much to everyone's vexation:
She isn't:
• Reserved—with anyone, but especially with a certain marquess…
• Trusting—with anyone. Ever. Even with a certain charming marquess…
• Or a coward—especially around a certain marquess.
• Trusting—with anyone. Ever. Even with a certain charming marquess…
• Or a coward—especially around a certain marquess.
But she is:
• Strong—she's had to be… particularly around… need she really explain?
• Worthy… of love. Possibly.
• And in love… Wait, what?
• Worthy… of love. Possibly.
• And in love… Wait, what?
It will take a special man to see the true woman beneath the surface… and a strong woman to allow him that glimpse.
Is the Marquess of Dansbury up to the task? Can Lady Beatryce learn to rely on anyone other than herself?
Is the Marquess of Dansbury up to the task? Can Lady Beatryce learn to rely on anyone other than herself?
And can she teach him that his ruthless drive to seek justice isn't all that different from her determination to be free?
