A man some would call dangerous. A woman many have scorned. A blistering tale of two outcasts finding each other—and losing themselves in passion...A penniless rake with a penchant for gambling, Rutherford Hawksley has friends in both high places and low—perfect for trying to discover who murdered his brother. Ruthless in his quest, he discovers the nobleman he suspects plans on killing a woman traveling to London. A woman with information Hawksley would very much like to know.But his simple plan of abduction goes awry when he plucks the not-so-simple Miss Clara Dawson from her coach. Hawksley is used to his startling blue eyes charming ladies into submission, yet Clara’s spirit and intelligence prove quite the match for him. And soon he can think of nothing more pleasurable than keeping this rare bird in his not-so-gilded cage, where he can pick her most intriguing mind, enjoy her exquisite body—and teach her more about desire than she ever dreamed possible…