Carol was stunned by his proposal. For five years she had stood alone and fought for Teri, but now—now a man offered to share that burden. It was a terrible temptation just to give in and not fight any more.

"How can I be sure you don't want some kind of revenge?" Carol said. "It wouldn't be unnatural, and once I am your wife... well, you're the barone, and no one ever questions your authority."

Rudoph Falcone was a hard man, lean and powerful and lonely. A man armored in pride. She could feel excitement running in her veins.