Speak of the duke and he shall appear.

Julia Woodville knew the kiss she'd shared with Lord Cyrus Franklin, known rake, couldn't have meant as much to him as it had to her. And he proved her right by leaving London and marrying another. But now he's back, and this time, she's not about to let him anywhere near her heart.

Leaving Julia behind was one of Cyrus's greatest regrets. But even now, pursuing her is out of the question. As a widower who must re-marry well to safeguard his daughter's future, his own desires must be stifled. Even if pretending to be nothing more than her friend nearly destroys him.

But when Julia is almost compromised by a fortune-seeking suitor, Cyrus must protect her in the only way he knows how—by marrying her. Can their tentative union survive when Cyrus's dark secrets are revealed? And more importantly, will Julia be able to forgive him?