When Lady Leona Ransley sets eyes upon the bold warrior who enters the tavern room, she recognizes him: Aldwin Treynarde, the earl’s son who almost caused her death twelve years ago--and the only man who has ever kissed her. Shocked, she fights her emotions, determined to hand him the stolen ruby pendant, take the reward, and vanish.Aldwin senses the husky-voiced beauty is more than she seems. She may know the whereabouts of his lord's enemies. She also might be his means to earn what he wants most: knighthood.Taking Leona hostage, he spirits her away. She fights him at every chance. Aldwin desires his captive more than any woman he’s ever met, and when he discovers who she really is, he has one last chance to protect her life. Only by resolving what happened between them years ago and by fighting side by side can Aldwin and Leona defeat the traitors and surrender to their greatest temptation: love.