Sancha was thrilled with her assignment—to interview the famous author, the Conte Cesare Alberto Venturo di Malatesta.

Entering his palazzo was like stepping back into the Renaissance, its poverty-stricken appearance at odds with his success. The Conte himself—a modern, powerful figure—was dynamite, as Sancha soon realized. And she seemed to have the same effect on him.

But the truth was Cesare was hard up; he did need to marry money. With the glamorous, fabulously rich Janine Rumien in the picture how could Sancha hope to compete?