He spent his life chasing women, smiling slyly when they pursued him, surrendering to their embrace, and then reversing the terms of the game until he emerged victorious. But love is unpredictable, and Michael Sterling experienced a moment so overwhelming, so intense, when his gaze caressed Francesca Bridgerton. From that moment, he knew his life would never be the same...

Their acquaintance, unfortunately, began with a dinner celebrating her impending marriage to his cousin.
Michael saw his hopes evaporate and had to use every means to captivate the blue eyes that enchanted his heart. Time was running out; in thirty-six hours, Francesca would marry the Earl of Kilmartin.
But that was in the past... Now Francesca is free, but she still sees Michael as nothing more than a beloved and trusted friend. He dares not express the passionate love that has tormented him all these years, but he does not yet know that his silence may prove fatal...