With seven New York Times bestsellers to her credit and nine million copies of her thirteen novels in print, Shirlee Busbee enthralls her followers and wins new fans with every historical romance she publishes. Now she transports readers to the lush, tempestuous setting of old Natchez, Mississippi.

To defend her legacy, Arabella Montgomery would make a pact with the devil himself. Her younger brother has gambled away the family plantation, and only one man can help her reclaim it-the arrogant yet dashing Tony Daggett, the man who had once callously toyed with her affections, the man who today demands she become his mistress, the man who secretly had never stopped loving her. Will their stormy alliance be strong enough to still warring hearts-and overcome the hidden enemy that plots their destruction?

Tony strolled up to her, his movements like a big african cat patrolling his domain...
"Do you know, sweetheart, that there are times that I wonder if your undeniable charms are worth putting up with that waspish tongue of yours?"
"You could always change the terms of our bargain," Arabella suggested demurely. "I shall be happy to oblige you."
"No," Tony said flatly. "The bargain stays." And catching her off guard, he pulled her into his arms. His mouth found hers, and there was nothing gentle or teasing about the kiss he gave her this time. The kiss was hungry and demanding, a man's kiss for a woman he desired, a woman he intended to have.
Arabella could not fight him. In the secret places of her heart, she did not want to fight him. Her entire body rejoiced in the plundering kiss....[p. 143]