A lifetime spent chasing women, he smiled slyly when they pursued him, fell into their embrace, and then reversed the game's rules until he emerged victorious.

But love is unpredictable, and Michael Sterling experienced a moment so shocking, so intense, when he locked eyes with Francesca Bridgerton. From that moment, he knew his life would never be the same...

The occasion for their meeting was, unfortunately, a dinner celebrating her impending marriage to his cousin. Michael saw his expectations evaporating, and he had to use all means to captivate the blue eyes that enchanted his heart.

Time was counting down; in thirty-six hours, Francesca would marry the Earl of Kilmartin. But that was in the past... Now, Francesca is free, yet she sees Michael as nothing more than a beloved and trusted friend.

He does not dare to express the passionate love that has tormented him all these years, but he does not yet know that his silence may prove fatal...