Sent on a rescue mission, Finn Mac Chaluim is prepared to do his duty, hand over the lass and return home. But fate has other ideas.... In the midst of a Norse invasion, Catriona barely escapes with her life. Masquerading as her sister, she finds herself in the hands of Finn who intends to hand her over to her sister's betrothed, Laird Gillean. In the interests of bringing peace to her home, Catriona is determined to continue the ruse-even if it means going along with the marriage and denying her growing attraction to a man who keeps his hurts hidden behind a quick grin. Can she Finn- who learned the hard way that sharing your life with someone only leads to heartache-get past his doubts? And will the battle-scarred Catriona even accept him into her heart? When Laird Gillean's attentions toward Catriona become dangerous, both of them will find they have an uphill battle on their hands.