A determined woman...
Sydney Whelton is seeking revenge. She has traveled from London to the African desert to find the Crystal Dagger, the only weapon that can destroy Nulkana - the evil, ancient sorceress who killed Sydney's father. To help her, she hires the notorious Raphael Al Qarsan, known as the Pirate. He is reputed to be ruthless, cunning, and dangerous. When she walks into his tent, she discovers he is all those things. And so much more. For he is far too handsome, far too charming, and far too unsettling for Sydney's peace of mind.

A dangerous man...
Raphael Al Qarsan has been cursed his whole life. Only the amulet he wears around his neck keeps him from turning to Shadow. Kidnapped by marauders as a child and sold as a slave, he survived by his wits, and forged a persona both fearsome and independent. Now free and living as a mercenary in the desert, he has no time for love. Until the proper English lady, Miss Sydney Whelton, walks into his tent and hires him to help her find a man with a silly Crystal Dagger. Intrigued, Raphael can't resist the challenge to break through her prim exterior to discover the passionate woman beneath.

A perilous journey...
Both Sydney and Raphel are careful about hiding their secrets as they travel through the Moroccan desert, despite the growing passion between them. But danger lurks and evil stalks them. Will the truth save their lives, or destroy them both?