Talented choreographer Clarissa Milagres Silvera is beautiful, young and widowed - and intensely mistrustful of men. With a violent marriage behind her, she is now fiercely determined to be independent, both emotionally and financially. Leon Rodriguez, hotelier tycoon with less-than-humble beginnings, has been drawn to her since he was a teenager. Now successful, he approaches Clary's family for her hand in marriage. Even as he patiently woos his stoic love, Leon realizes he must protect her from the sadistic mafioso Igor Chekanov, who is eyeing Clary's family estate. Will Clary trust Leon enough to accept his love? Will Leon keep her safe regardless? What is Igor's motive? Is time running out for them?