Lady Phaedra Northampton is a proper English miss—but burdened by a dark secret. She's buried her shame in running her wealthy brother Lord Nash's household while hiding behind a sharp wit and dull wardrobe ... until a reckless village maid's disappearance pulls her into London's seedy underworld. A former mercenary and jaded spy-for-hire, Tristan Talbot, Lord Avoncliffe, does little and manages to do it scandalously. Though Tristan's an out-and-out rogue, when his dying father begs him to delve into the secrets behind a notorious brothel—a perfect task for his talents! — Tristan can't refuse. Is the brothel a front for a notorious Russian spy ring? Tristan is on the hunt—until his path collides with the oh-so-tempting Lady Phae. Soon what should be a simple assignment becomes deliciously complicated ... when deception and desire lead to an explosive passion.