She's done being controlled. He's done being a hero. Falling in love was never part of the plan.

She's done being a pawn.

Lady Georgiana Chadwick has had enough. Enough of her spendthrift father, enough of her indolent brother, and certainly enough of her lecherous fiancé-the ancient Marquess of Henderville. With her escape carefully planned, all Georgie needs is a bit of luck. What she doesn't count on is Lord Jason Pembroke, her brother's friend and the last man she wants shadowing her every move. Except now he's the one helping her-and that brooding jaw and wicked green gaze are becoming a dangerous distraction.

He's sworn off being a hero.

Jason Pemberton, the Earl of Pembroke, is a man haunted by an unforgettable mistake, whose sworn to keep his heart under lock and key. Watching over Georgiana should have been a simple favor. But nothing about the spirited young woman is simple-not her sharp tongue, her too-keen eyes, or the way she fits in his arms like she belongs there.

And neither planned to fall in love.

When Georgie's escape plan puts them both at the center of scandal, Jason must choose: protect her reputation...or claim her as his own.