Princess Tatiana needs a groom to help her rule her vulnerable country. So she embarks on a desperate mission -- traveling in disguise to a neighboring land to forge an alliance with the dashing Cairn MacTavish, the fabled "Pirate Lord." But instead of a marriage, a rude welcome awaits the brave, beautiful royal when she is accused of being a common thief -- and is taken captive by the rogue she had meant to wed! Not since his adventurous days on the high seas has MacTavish felt the sort of excitement this gorgeous hellion inspires. He knows she is hiding something -- and each claim of innocence that comes from her lush, inviting lips only inflames his desire for a kiss...and for the passionate night that will inevitably follow. Yet a past betrayal is still fresh in MacTavish's memory, and he dares not trust his heart. Now he vows to learn this mystery woman's secrets...even if he has to seduce her to do it.