Raised behind the walls of Hope Abbey, Rose Lancaster's sheltered upbringing never prepared her for a man like Lord Roxburghe. The fabled "Black Dragon," Ruark Kerr hasn't been seen in his Scottish homeland for more than a decade - and now he has burst into Rose's world to take her hostage, intending to trade her for the life of his young brother. But Rose does not fear this savage, powerful lord ... and she guards a dangerous secret. Villainy called Ruark back to the borderlands, but now that he's claimed his "prize" his path is less certain. If he does not turn her over to his enemy, a boy may die. Yet gentle, lovely Rose soothes his vengeful spirit, and the longer she remains with him, the hotter his passion for her burns.