Catherine Ludlow knows the betrayal of family. Left alone, with a sister to support, and no money to run her house or even buy food, she takes matters into her own hands. She demands that the man responsible for her brother's infamous departure to the continent teach her how to be a mistress. After all, she will never choose to give her life into the hands of a husband now. . . But the dark duke arises a shocking passion in her. Not only does he heat her body. . . He awakens her heart. The Duke of Blackwood has known much tragedy. It has twisted him into the sardonic, dangerous duke he is and when Cat steals into his rooms, he is happy to oblige her in her quest for independence. . . Until he realizes, that he wants her for himself. Can he open his heart to love or will his past keep her out and keep him forever alone?