London 1586
For Adrian Thorne, every touch is a new hell, revealing the sorrows, the sins, the sadistic crimes of others?except for his one touch of heaven?Lady Claire Darren.
Rescued from the mental and physical torture of Bedlam Asylum, Sir Adrian seeks to regain his stolen birthright. He wants only solitude and peace. His fears run so deep he vows never to drag Claire into the darkness that haunts him.
But Claire knows she's found her heart, her soul, and she means to follow Adrian wherever he goes. Even when he's accused of murder. Even when he's not certain of his own innocence.
The lovers' quest leads them beyond Bedlam to the ancient pillars of Stonehenge and the lavish court of Queen Elizabeth I. Everywhere they turn they're confronted with intrigue and duplicity. Some want Adrian's wealth, some want to seize his secret, and one wants to claim Claire. Can Adrian take strength from Claire's love to conquer the evil that stalks them both?
