Cashelkerry had a new owner, and Caitlin was horrified to learn that her beloved home now belonged to the enigmatic and ruthless Jake Ferriter, with whom whe had clashed earlier.

Jake wasted no time in stamping his authority over the estate, and Caitlin knew she ought to feel grateful for his offer to employ her as his hostess.

This seemed a generous gesture, designed to end the long-standing feud between their families but privately, Jake made no bones about wanting Caitlin to become his mistress – with no emotional ties.