Death by boredom is the only fate Duncan MacCoinnich fears. Years as a mercenary fed him the adventure he needed, but now the dull routines of his brother's keep are starving him for excitement. So, he offers his services to the ruthless smuggling lord, the MacDonald of Skye, and all is set-until the woman screams. Independence and adventure are all Tilda Mackenzie wants, a tall order for the only child of the chieftain of Clan Mackenzie. Her duty is to marry and secure an alliance. But she'd rather work at her father's side, helping him build their smuggling empire and outmaneuver the bloody MacDonalds. She's fearless and canny and takes pride in bending her will to no man-until the day the soldiers decide she needs humbling. Tilda's rescue has Duncan headed for the gallows even though she claims him to be her husband to refute the accusations. Both of them wished for adventure. But adventures can weary a soul, especially when deadly enemies appear in unexpected places. That's when wishes change to prayers for nothing more than the safety and love found in each other's arms. Contains mature themes.