Standing on the cliffs above the sea, Evelyn Waye jumps, willing to end her life rather than marry the sadistic man her alcoholic father has chosen. Her mother's death drove her father to drink and he continued his decline ignoring the pain he's brought to Evelyn. She could tolerate the poverty but not the abuse. Her proposed marriage to a Russian prince who enjoys inflicting pain makes a future so bleak life becomes hopeless. However, Evelyn's suicide goes awry when a man rescues her from the sea.

Adam Westmore hides from his family as he mourns his wife's death. Unable to contain his grief, Adam lashes out at the pirates who attack their ship before it capsized from a storm. With intensity, he hunts the brigands believing their death will bring him peace of mind. Adam interrupts his pursuit when he saves a beautiful woman from drowning. For the first time since his wife's death, Adam's focus changes. Evelyn's anguish strikes a chord in his heart. His new goal is to keep her safe.

Evelyn believes in no one as Adam tries to gain her trust in slow increments. He makes progress until the prince and his allies track them down. In order to save Evelyn, Adam must join forces with his enemies to fulfill the vow he made to Evelyn.

Ms. Benedict spins a tender love story between two dispirited souls. Watching the lovers evolve and gain inner strength before they can commit to each other makes this an entertaining and touching story.

Book Summary

His embrace will be her escape . . .

Lonely and overcome with grief after a painful loss in his past, Adam Westmore walks the ocean's edge in solitude.

Forced to marry a depraved prince, a desperate Evelyn Waye believes she has no choice but to throw herself from the jagged cliffs into the crashing surf below.

When Adam sees the enchanting woman in terrible danger, he rescues her from death and brings her back to his humble cottage. Hesitant to reveal his true identity as a distinguished lord, he nonetheless offers to protect her. And she needs protection, for the prince will find her—and harm her.

Evelyn wants to trust the handsome stranger who saved her life, but her cursed beauty has made her suspicious of all men . . . even one whose kindness disarms her, whose gentle touch inspires passion within her.

Soon Adam and Evelyn are consumed by desire . . . a dangerous desire that puts their very lives in peril.