Passionate Conquest

Duchess Elena de Carisenda fears her small but wealthy duchy will be taken from her by force. Her only chance for survival is to hire an army to protect her and her people—and mercenary Marco Rinaldi is the best soldier money can buy.

Marco pledges to fight off all invaders, but one look at the beautiful duchess and he insists he’ll pose even more of a threat if he and Elena wed. Strong and commanding, he awakes the sensual woman deep inside her, but soon it is apparent he harbors a dark secret. Is their marriage part of a plan for revenge?