What happens when fate, love, and passion collide?

The #1 New York Timesbestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns to Scotland with a tale of twolovers irrevocably linked by destiny and passion.

Thomas Carrick is a gentleman driven to control all aspectsof his life. As the wealthy owner of Carrick Enterprises, located in bustlingGlasgow, he is one of that city's most eligible bachelors and fully intends toselect an appropriate wife from the many young ladies paraded before him. Hewants to take that necessary next step along his self-determined path, yet noyoung lady captures his eye, much less his attention—not in the way LucillaCynster does, even though she lives miles away.

For over two years, Thomas has avoided his clan's estatebecause it borders Lucilla's home, but disturbing reports from his clansmenforce him to return to the countryside—only to discover that his uncle, thelaird, is ailing, a clan family is desperately ill, and the clan healer isunconscious and dying. Duty to the clan leaves Thomas no choice but to seekhelp from the last woman he wants to face.

Strong-willed and passionate, Lucilla has beenwaiting—increasingly impatient—for Thomas to return and claim his rightful placeby her side. She knows he is hers—her fated lover, husband, protector, andmate. He is the only man for her, just as she is his one true love. And, atlast, he's back. Even though his returning wasn't on her account, Lucilla iswilling to seize whatever chance fate hands her.

Thomas can never forget Lucilla, much less the connectionthat seethes between them, but to marry her would mean embracing a life he'sadamant he does not want.

Lucilla sees that Thomas has yet to accept the inevitabilityof their union. But how can he ignore a bond such as theirs—one so muchstronger than reason? Despite several unnerving attacks mounted against them,despite the uncertainty racking his clan, Lucilla remains as determined as onlya Cynster can be to fight for the future she knows can be theirs. And while shecannot command him, she has powerful enticements she's willing to wield in thecause of tempting Thomas Carrick.