For two years Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters - a pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges' older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Their constant arguing has masked a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response - and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liaison. Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine's respectable demeanour hides a secret that would destroy her. But to Leo, Cat is intriguing, tempting. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever - unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires...