Houston, Texas, 1882

Cora Lee Walsh. The Angel of the Acre—Hell's Half Acre—never intended to be a professional gambler. But her wealthy grandmother hadn't wanted her, and, at fifteen, she was abandoned by the Tucker family who'd taken her in as their ward. She had no other choice than to make vice her life. Now, the eldest son of the Tucker family is on her doorstep, asking for an audience.

Graham Tucker loved Cora to distraction, and when she ran away, it destroyed him. Twelve years later, he's been ordered by Iona Evans, Cora's grandmother, to bring Cora back to Houston. He'd rather chew glass. But Iona owns half his business, and she's willing to sell her shares to him if he's successful. Graham takes the deal.

When Cora and Graham meet again, they both fight old feelings. And Graham finds himself across the betting table from her, making a wager he can't afford to lose.

But more threatens the pair, and Cora finds herself needing Graham. Can she trust him? The young man who'd abandoned her? Or will she find herself a victim...again?