Among the infamous Rank of Rakes, Pearce Brinley can seduce without effort, yet a family curse has convinced him that love only takes away everyone he holds dear.
For years he has wanted Clara Poole, his best friend’s much younger sister, and has kept her at a distance to protect them both.
One innocent mistake leaves them compromised, and Pearce breaks the vow he made never to marry by giving Clara his name to save her reputation.
Living under the same roof turns stolen glances and lingering touches into a dangerous temptation, while Clara refuses to be treated as the starry-eyed girl he still tries to shelter.
Fearless, trouble-prone, and determined to stand as his equal, she means to reach the heart he keeps locked away.
Pearce still believes his love would destroy her, even though leaving may cost him the only woman who could save him.
