He was her father's enemy, and now he was her husband by the king's decree. But that didn't mean Lady Isabel Atherstone planned on honoring James Markham, Earl of Bolton, with her love. She only hoped that her hasty marriage would bring her closer to the revenge she sought adn finally restore her family's name. But then, the willful new bride hadn't counted on what would happen when her handsome husband took her to the marriage bed.

James Markham was thunderstruck. Though an age-old family rivalry kept his new wife at arms against him, she quivered with desire beneath his touch. Now the newly married earl wondered if his passion would be his undoing. For though the lady swore she'd never love him, her eyes told another tale—one that made the earl vow to possess her completely.