The vivid scar that spans Sir Ian MacLagan's cheek is a daily reminder of the wife he lost and of the enemy that still stalks him. Commanded by Scotland's king to remarry in order to unite two powerful border clans, Ian reluctantly weds Islaen MacRoth, a woman whose delicate appearance belies a playful, seductive nature that proves dangerously attractive to a man who has vowed never to jeopardize his heart, or his loved ones, again... Raised with eleven boisterous brothers, Islaen has little time for foolish romantic notions. Even so, she hoped for more than a forced marriage to a man who shares her bed, but not her life. Step by step, Islaen sets out to wear down Ian's defenses. But can her constant love ever be returned? And will the villains that want Ian dead give them a chance at happiness?