After several years of taking care of the unruly Deverell children, Phoebe had had enough! She would go to their guardian, the reclusive Sebastian Deverell, and resign. But no sooner had she met the wealthy Sebastian Deverell than the rogue made an assumption of the most scandalous kind! Phoebe was both shocked and fascinated when Sebastian mistook her provocative innocence for an offer to be his mistress. And what was worse, for one moment she even contemplated herself in the role! It was no use. With a past such as hers, there was nothing to be done but give up her charges and retire quietly to the country. So why then did Sebastian refuse to let her go..?