The only man she ever wanted¿ was the man sworn to betray her. Lady Carice believes she has only a few weeks left to live. Promised to a cruel king she cannot bear to wed, she flees the court, wanting to live her last days to the fullest¿ until a fierce Norman warrior looks at her as though she is something precious. Raine de Garenne cannot afford distractions. If he fails to assassinate the king, his sisters will suffer the consequences. Helping Carice escape was never part of his mission¿but every mile they travel together deepens their desire. But when the moment comes to strike, Raine must choose between protecting his family¿or the only woman who has ever set his soul on fire.