Masquerade balls are notorious for their fun, adventure, and opportunities to anonymously step a toe slightly over the line of societal correctness for an evening, and Lady Anna Ashworth has dreamed of attending her first for years. A chance encounter, a light flirtation, a dance a bit too close, and the next thing Anna knows she is alone with her mysterious knight allowing him far more liberties than she should ever consider. But when the masks come off at midnight, her dream becomes a nightmare as she realizes her admirer is none other than one of her brother's closest friends.

Parker Albany, Viscount Morely, despises society affairs and is known for his wild and rakish ways, but a masked ball provides an opportunity for a chance encounter. However, when he realizes who the mysterious woman is that has caught his attention, he reacts badly by scolding her as only an older brother could.

Something about Lady Anna will not leave his thoughts, and he finds himself torn between what he thinks is right and what he knows he wants. But Anna is not so forgiving at his brutal set down. Can Parker ever make her absolve him of his behavior?