A man of cool demeanor and stubborn solitude, Lod Arden Winter was arestless wanderer who kept the passions of his heart well hidden. But now,traveling alone in search of a legendary mare known as String of Pearls, hehas discovered a far more precious gem. For hidden beneath the raggedcostume of a Bedouin boy was a remarkable woman: Zenia Stanhope, daughter ofthe extraordinary English adventuress known as the Queen of the Desert.Zenia wants nothing of the dangerous adventuring that Arden lives for. Shewants only to reach England, far from the blood and sand of the desert. Butin one night of terror, condemned to death, their lives are irrevocablybound by desperate desire.Zenia escapes to an English world of elegance and comfort, forsaking thelonely, fearless man who has changed her life and conquered her heart...Until he returns, to invade her sanctuary -- and demand that she pay theprice of passion.