Never fall into a trap you've set for yourself. Before her inheritance runs out, Miss Athene Edwards must marry quickly. Athene's dreams of finding a wealthy husband rise when her flirting chaperone gets an invitation to spend the week with an eccentric duke and his friends. Until Viscount Rushbourne, her childhood adversary, comes. He threatens to crush her aspirations in the sand. Rushbourne's reunion with the fiery Athene is a pleasant distraction as he struggles to manage his sick father, a rebellious younger brother, and an enormous earldom. Then he uncovers a plot against him that threatens to destroy him completely. His only chance is to gain Athene's affection... But is he willing to pay the price and embrace her vengeance?