Harold Manners-Sutton was abducted and tossed onto an outbound naval ship headed into battle in 1812. Now, years later, Harry has returned, but he has one last thing to do before he can move on with his life—take the treasured belongings of a dead friend to the man’s two sisters, and make sure they are safe and happy.

Phoebe Grenard has just learned that her father sold her and her sister to pay his gambling debt when Harry and his friend walk into the shop that she and her cousin operate. She demands to see this contract her illiterate father supposedly signed, and Harry insists on taking her to London himself.

Phoebe grows more attracted to him each day. Kissing him was a mistake, but one she couldn’t stop herself from making each time he held her. Harry desires his friend’s sister more the longer they’re together.

The money-monger needs young women to work in his brothels and he preyed on men like Grenard to get those young girls. But the man doesn’t count on Phoebe and Lydia’s determination to remain free, nor Harry’s resolve to live up to his deceased friend’s last wishes to keep his sisters safe. And for Harry, keeping Phoebe safe means one thing—her marriage to him.