Raised under the watchful eye of a house slave, southern belle Lily has lived a comfortable life on her father’s tobacco plantation. Unaware that her life of luxury comes at a price, she is devastated by the truth about her parentage.

In love with rancher Brock Cunningham, Lily marries him though Angela, his devious former flame, vows to reclaim Brock for herself. And Syrus, an unscrupulous foe, plots revenge after Lily spurns his advances.

Uncovering the secret of her birth, Lily’s enemies enact an insidious ruse to tear her from the life she has known. Abducted into the seedy world of slavery, Lily survives the auction block to find her way home. Has her marriage to Brock survived Angela’s schemes?

When When Syrus exacts his revenge and Lily finds herself in his arms, will her love for Brock prevent her from succumbing to his scandalous demand? Or will Lily make a choice that will leave her with something to hide?

EXCERPT

Syrus stood up and walked to a nearby table that held a flagon and a small glass. He picked up the flagon and poured liquid from flagon into the glass.

"The Klan. Now that's serious stuff," he said after he took a sip. "You must be terrified knowing that Brock is in the same predicament as his father and his father was killed by The Klan."

A sob caught in Lily's throat as she rose to her feet. "Syrus, you're my only hope. You've got to get the money."

Syrus gulped from his glass then remarked, "Honestly Lily, I don't know if I can do that."

Lily walked to where he stood. "You can get the money, can't you?" she questioned.

"Of course I can get the money, Lily. But, what I want to know is, can I get you?"

Lily took a step back. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying you don't have the money to save Brock and you can't go to anyone else to get it or Brock will be harmed. You want thousands of dollars and you want it from me. Well, my dear, I want you." Syrus sat on the edge of the table. "I've gone a long time without getting what I want. I think it's time that changes."

Lily stared at him in determined disbelief.

Syrus shrugged his shoulders in response to her expression.

"You can't be serious!" Lily stated.

Syrus took another gulp from his glass then he locked his gray eyes with her amber ones.

Lily shook her head. "Syrus, I don't understand why you are talking this way."

"Oh yes you do, my pretty." He let his eyes roam over her body. "You knew this day would come. I told you there would be a reckoning if you spurned me."

"Syrus! No!" Lily backed away from him.