He's a powerful duke. She's his uncle's ward. They have forever been at war, until one night, one masquerade, and one kiss . . . Lara Ramsay is no stranger to scandal. As the orphaned daughter of a British colonel and his beloved Indian wife, whispers follow her everywhere. Not even the protection of the formidable Duke of Wolverton, a man she can't stand, keeps the gossips at bay. The audacious Lara has driven Tristan Wentworth, The Duke of Wolverton, to distraction since the day his uncle took her in—and he's quite certain doing so is her favorite pastime. After catching her and his younger sister at a salacious masquerade, he's had enough scandal and issues a marriage ultimatum: find a husband within six months or one will be chosen for her. Unfortunately, no one in the ton appeals to her. Except, perhaps, the duke himself. The battle of wills has only just begun, and when Lara kisses him, their fate is sealed. Sometimes even the most proper duke needs to break the rules to win the heart of the woman he loves . . . Contains mature themes.