Elen Burnard is determined to reclaim the land that was stolen from her family one hundred years ago by the Forrests of Rancoff Castle. When her sister is kidnapped by her adversary's brother, Lady Dunblane leads her men in heated pursuit—bringing home as her prize the Lord of Rancoff himself. Now all that remains is to barter Forrest Munro's life for her sister's safe return. But first she must overcome her unexpected emotions. Desire stirs Elen's virgin heart as she feels the heat of him. She dreams about him, his sweet touch, his embrace, his tender kiss. Soon it is their feelings for each other, more than his shackles, which keeps Forrest Munro at Dunblane. Having long renounced the longings of love, Elen desires him more than anything and wants what she has never had.

Fearing she is playing with fire, Elen boldly welcomes his advances while carefully guarding her heart. How can she surrender her treasured freedom, as well as her family's future, to her enemy? And even as she struggles to reconcile her duty with the longings of her soul, clansmen seek to destroy her fragile happiness for their own gain . . . no matter what the cost. Like vultures they circle around this man and this woman who are playing with fire. If they want to survive, Elen and Munro must return to their duty and protect what they have—together—or risk losing their very lives.