Miss Charlotte Hastings may be an innocent, but she is uncommonly prudent, which is why she will settle for nothing less than absolute integrity in a husband. But when James Morgan, the devastatingly seductive Duke of Girard, rescues her from a midnight attacker during a house party -- leaving the two caught tousled in her bedroom -- she goes along with the duke's impulsive proclamation of marriage, for now . Her reputation may be saved, but she will not let her heart be trifled with so quickly. Though he may be the ton's most captivating male, he is definitely hiding something, and Charlotte is determined to uncover the truth -- without falling for the dashing duke's sinful charms. James is certain the beguiling Charlotte holds the key to a traitorous conspiracy, and he will stop at nothing to expose the scheme -- even if it means claiming her for his bride. but his exquisite "fiancée" is decidedly not what she appears. His mind knows it would be madness to fall in love with the vexing creature. Now if only his impulse were to stay away ...