Desire and distrust combined]] can their strange bargain hold when faced with a deadly threat? Lady Margaret D'Arcy has ruled the manor of Warnmark since her father and brother were killed by a vicious outlaw. After six years of independence, to be told that she must marry someone she's never met offends her pride. Richard Berenger, the bastard son of a nobleman who cruelly rejected him, has risen to the rank of knight through his own skill and courage. The Baron chooses him to become lord of Warnmark through marriage to Warnmark's lady. When these two proud people are ordered to wed, the result is a fierce battle of wills that leads to an uneasy bargain: Margaret must acknowledge Berenger lord and husband in public, but in private, can deny any claim he has on her body or heart. When the rogue knight who destroyed her family returns and Margaret and Berenger must work together to save Warnmark. In the face of such danger, will their strange bargain hold?