For the first time, Barbara Crossdyke knew the naked power of passion when the fiery young Spaniard, Ramon Ramirez, declared his love and demanded she be his wife. But before the marriage, Barbara had to leave England to meet the aristocratic Ramirez amily in the lusty, brawling city of Barcelona. It was only when Barbara arried, and watched the ship that was her sole link with home disappearing over the horizon, that her misgivings began. The young heiress had been drawn there by passion, but now she was held in the tightening grip of fear. She was being used as a pawn in a diabolical game - and she knew she had only her own beauty and daringto protect her against a man she loved but could not trust, in a land where lies were easy and life was cheap.