Yamina froze as a new wave of terror swept over her. Life had become so dangerous.

Caught in Constantinople during the Crimean War, the exquisite young Russian had been forced to seek refuge in a Sultan's harem from a mob that would have torn her apart. And when the harem became too perilous — not to her life but her virtue — Yamina had to flee again.

Hidden in the bottom of an Oriental trunk masquerading as a gift from the Sultan, she was carried aboard a ship in the harbor. Yamina felt she was safe at last. Until she heard the voice of the man accepting the Sultan's gift, Lord Castleford — a man she despised.

She would rather be back in the harem — or dead at the bottom of the Bosporus Straits — than be imprisoned aboard ship with such a monster!