According to rumor, Captain William Hawkins has no heart. But a great fire burns beneath his stone facade. He's determined to protect his family from a dark secret that threatens to tear them apart, and when the former pirate turned gentleman apprehends a lady jewel thief, he takes advantage of the quandary and offers the seductress an unusual proposition.

Lady Madeline Winters is running out of time. Her beloved grandfather is being held captive and the penniless beauty must resort to scandalous measures to pay off his ransom. But when a handsome devil thwarts her plans, all seems lost-until the striking captain makes her a deal: he will save her grandfather if she plays party to his scheme.

As the couple form an uneasy alliance, adventure sweeps them across the sea, while steamy ship-bound nights tempt them with promises of pleasure . . . but can a hardened captain let the wild and stormy ways of love take root? Or will Madeline have to steal the brigand's heart?