Elara Vance expected dusty ledgers and forgotten portraits when she accepted a commission at Highmoor Castle. What she didn't expect was the Duke of Marlborough himself - cold, commanding, and utterly unyielding.

John Thorne rules his world with ruthless precision. Power, wealth, and legacy bow to his will. When Elara's sharp intellect and quiet defiance catch his attention, she becomes more than a hired historian. She becomes a presence he cannot ignore-and a temptation he intends to control.

As storms rage beyond the castle walls, the line between duty and desire blurs. Elara is drawn into a world of dominance, expectation, and dangerous intimacy, where every command carries weight and every glance feels like a claim.

But surrendering to a man like the Duke comes with a price. His world demands obedience, loyalty, and strength - and once he decides she belongs at his side, escape is no longer an option.

In a house ruled by power and tradition, one reluctant woman must decide whether submission is her downfall... or her destiny.