"Sensuality fairly steams from Bernard's writing." — Sabrina Jeffries, New York Times bestselling authorDarius Thorne has learned to use his wit and intelligence to strategize a better life for himself. He is the White Knight amidst the small secret circle of gentlemen known only as the Jaded. The handsome scholar shields his heart by keeping a studied distance from the world...until he rescues a beautiful woman.Isabel Netherton isn't merely a damsel in distress. A highborn lady of quality unwilling to be a pawn, she is defiantly escaping an abusive husband. But under Darius's protection she discovers an unexpected champion—a man who teaches her the power of true desire and what it means to be treated like a queen.However, the law of the land supports her husband's cruel claims. It will take all of Darius's cunning to keep one step ahead of their enemies and protect Isabel. In a deadly game of chess, Darius must defeat the Black Knight and sacrifice himself for his Ivory Queen or forfeit all.This is an emotionally stunning romance and action-packed as the threat to the Jaded takes a gripping turn.