The Picture of Desire

Betrayal tore them apart. Blackmail brought them together. Only love can save them.

Nine years ago, Henry Beaumont broke Louisa Picard’s heart. Now another man’s widow and fiercely independent, she has a secret that could destroy her reputation. But no secrets remain hidden for long, and when a blackmailer threatens to expose her, who should overhear but her former flame and the man she vows to hate?

Henry is haunted by the mistakes of his past. Still hopelessly in love but knowing she will never forgive him for past wrongs, he does his best to make amends by offering her protection. But his father’s reckless gambling puts the family fortune in jeopardy, forcing Henry to seek a hasty marriage. And the only woman he wants despises him.

Torn between her growing feelings and the fear of losing her independence, Louisa finds herself drawn to the one man she swore she would never trust again. And although Henry vowed to save himself for marriage, she is the one exception to his restraint.

As ruin looms and old wounds reopen, Henry must choose between marrying another to save his family or risking everything for the woman he loves. And Louisa must decide if her freedom is worth losing him, this time forever.