Deep in the English Countryside, hidden amongst thick, gnarled trees that seem to whisper in the darkness, a motley collection of miscreants and thieves prepare to exact a bit of revenge upon the gentry that have so often rejected them. Half of the members of The Cirque De Straniu are fresh from a prison escape, and the time is ripe for more mischief. So, when the charismatic leader of the cirque announces his plans to kidnap the Duke of Westmire's fiancé and hold her for ransom, Luca plays his part well. However, the so-called 'Heiress' is infuriatingly stubborn, forthright, and nothing like he expected her to be. Before Luca realizes what has happened, the wretched woman has enthralled him. As death and danger stalk in their wake, Luca is left to wonder one thing: Will he be capable of setting her free when the time comes? Or will the heiress that Luca has captured capture his heart instead?