The second book in the Black Diamond series.
Happily married Slayde decides his little sister Aurora needs to be married. Ignoring her pleas for independence he betroths her to someone she neither cares about or knows. Aurora rebells and decides to foil her brother's plans by marching into a notorious inn intent on finding someone to ruin her for the ultra-traditional man Slayde has selected. She finds is Julian Bencroft, the Earl of Morland, an infamous mercenary. Recognizing at once that Aurora is anything but a courtesan, Julian is intrigued by her fire and captivated by her beauty. Julian brings Aurora back to his estate. Upon awaking Aurora is delighted to find she accomplished her goal and still remains innocent. She returns home, only to find she achieved her goal only too well and not only is she ruined but her brother and his new wife are feeling the adverse effects also. Julian returns to marry Aurora and the "Ton" is appeased. The newlyweds then embark into the world of smuggling to uncover the hidden mystery of the Black Diamond. During their search passions ignite and danger threatens at every turn but they eventually recover the lost gem and find true love.
