SummaryNever let it be said that a Cynster male can't face up to
the one unassailable truth: that a successful marriage
gives life its fullest meaning. To all of English society,
Simon Frederick Cynster has a perfect life - one of
enormous wealth and impeccable social status. His lean
handsomeness turns the heads of naïve debutantes, while his
sensual allure ensures he never lacks for more
sophisticated partners for a night, or more, of pleasure.
Yet despite all of this, Simon knows that there is
something - or rather someone - missing in his life.
To achieve true contentment, Simon accepts that he must
find a lady accomplished enough to be his wife. Someone who
will spend her days as a member of one of England's most
influential families...and her nights pursuing duties of a
more private - and personal - nature.
But Simon knows what to expect if he reveals his intention
to choose a bride; nothing could be more tiresome than
having every blushing miss on the marriage mart thrust upon
him. So he discreetly begins his search at a house party at
Glossup Hall...and is astonished that the lady who
immediately captures his interest is Portia Ashford.
Simon has never considered Portia as a potential wife. He's
known the raven-haired beauty since childhood; she's
willfully independent and has always claimed to be
uninterested in marriage. But an unexpectedly heated kiss
abruptly alters the rules of their decade-long interaction.
Soon they begin to long for the moments they can spend in
each other's arms.
But all is not as it seems at Glossup Hall. As Simon and
Portia begin to explore the depths of their mutual passion,
a shocking murder is committed...and it appears that the
next
victim will be Portia herself. And even more shocking than
the fact that a murderer secretly walks among them is the
realization that all of Simon's considerable strength and
influence may not be enough to protect Portia - his once
and always perfect lover.
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