Melissande Deverell knows convent life is the most liberating path for any free-spirited woman. No vainglorious tales of men's battle prowess at meal times, no filthy warrior's bed to share, and the best education available to women. Abandoned to a remote Alpine nunnery since the age of eight, Melissande finds fulfillment supervising the convent's orphans and translating manuscripts. Life is perfect until a wayward knight steals her away from all she holds dear. Lucian Barret never expected to be even mildly attracted to a convent bound novitiate. Then again nothing about vivacious Melissande is what he expected. Honor-bound to deliver her safely into the arms of another, Lucian's dark past leaves no room for attraction to a headstrong would-be nun. Now he has no choice but to protect her on the journey to England, a constant temptation within arm's reach. Even if he manages to keep her honor—and his heart—intact, he begins to wonder if he will ever be able to give her up.