Melissande Deverell knows convent life is the most liberating path for any free-spirited woman. No vainglorious tales of men's battle prowess at meal times, no filthy warrior's bed to share, and the best education available to women. Abandoned to a remote Alpine nunnery since the age of eight, Melissande finds fulfillment supervising the convent's orphans and translating manuscripts. Life is perfect until a wayward knight steals her away from all she holds dear. Lucian Barret never expected to be even mildly attracted to a convent bound novitiate. Then again nothing about vivacious Melissande is what he expected. Honor-bound to deliver her safely into the arms of another, Lucian's dark past leaves no room for attraction to a headstrong would-be nun. Now he has no choice but to protect her on the journey to England, a constant temptation within arm's reach. Even if he manages to keep her honor— and his heart— intact, he begins to wonder if he will ever be able to give her up.