The hero returns to face the woman who betrayed him... Years before, love-struck Reese left his home at Briarwood with a promise from raven-haired Elizabeth Clemens: that she would wait for his return. But mere months later, she married the Earl of Aldridge, whose wealth and status Reese could never match. Elizabeth knows, when she appears on Reese's doorstep, that she is twisting the knife. But fear for her young son's safety overcomes guilt and shame: she begs Reese for his protection. The former lovers forge an uneasy alliance, but Elizabeth still harbours some deep secrets – and Reese knows that protecting her means he is in danger...of losing his heart again.