Miss Althea Selwyn, born in England and raised in the West Indies, is quite unlike any lady of Pierson Drake's acquaintance. Outspoken and opinionated, she can curse like a sailor and add up a column of figures in her head. Drake realizes immediately that there is more to her than meets the eye, and he is pleased to have the opportunity to unravel the mystery when she cleverly maneuvers him into taking her back to London on his ship.

Drake is shocked to find himself completely enthralled by Thea's combination of passion and innocence, intelligence and loyalty--and a stubborn recklessness that could put her in harm's way. For Thea is determined to discover who has been embezzling money from the shipping venture she manages with her uncle--and someone is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure she never reaches London alive.

Luckily Drake is no ordinary pampered English gentleman. He was raised under a cloud of scandal, and he's had to scheme and fight to attain his present position of wealth and power. Now it will take every asset at his command to keep Thea out of trouble--and in his arms where she belongs.