Sold to whoremasters by her own husband, Tysha flees into the night with pursuers hot on her trail. For once in her life, the gods show mercy and deliver her to Erik the Tempered, a man as wild as he is noble. With him, Tysha's long-dormant heart awakens, helplessly drawn to the quiet, enigmatic man who seems content to keep his distance. Obligated to choose a bride for himself, Erik has spent weeks in half-hearted pursuit of a woman. Any woman will do, so long as he can easily say good-bye. However, fate brings him an unexpected bride, as nervous as she is lovely. With each passing day, Erik realizes his timid bride conceals the heart of a lion and finds it harder to turn from her sweet touch and haunting green eyes. But loving her comes with a great price: his family, his home, his purpose. Soon, Erik and Tysha will discover both the reward and cost of unconditional love. _This novel plays on the trope of abduction. While Dokiri men won't let anything keep them from the woman they love, even that woman herself, all love scenes between the hero and heroine are consensual. _