While working late in the estate library, Clara feels Lucian’s hands on her waist as he whispers that no European lord will ever steal what belongs to her.

The soft, warm light from the glowing fireplace painted gentle golden shadows across the tall wooden walls of the grand library. Outside the thick glass windows, the chilly London rain continued to fall softly in the dark night, but inside the private room, the air was sweet, quiet, and filled with an intense, burning heat that made Clara's heart race inside her chest.

Lucian held her tightly against his massive chest, his large hands resting firm and warm over the curves of...