Scarred from a terrible accident, Lucas Stanby swore never to return to England. But his brother's murder forces him home ten years later as the new Earl of Berkmond and guardian of his two young nieces.

As the local vicar's daughter and a childhood friend, Moira Dorsey naturally set aside her hopes of a family of her own to care for the earl's daughters. Lucas's return makes it impossible for her to remain since he broke Moira's heart years ago, but the girls have other ideas.

Lucas realizes he needs Moira to keep his personal demons at bay as well as deal with two rambunctious girls. He offers Moira a marriage of convenience, hoping to keep his dark secret, aware he's too broken to be the husband she deserves.

Moira discovers Lucas's cold demeanor hides deep scars but glimpses of the boy she loved give her hope. She counters his proposal, asking for a babe of her own, wanting Lucas to see he's not the monster he believes.

Unable to deny his growing feelings, Lucas agrees, but his past disrupts their second chance at love, dragging Moira and the girls into danger. He soon realizes he must share his terrible secret with Moira and risk losing her forever in order to stop the villain who threatens them all.