"Sensuality fairly steams from Bernard's writing." -- Sabrina Jeffries, New York Times bestselling author Darius Thorne has learned to use his wit and intelligence to strategize a better life for himself. He is the White Knight amidst the small secret circle of gentlemen known only as The Jaded. The handsome scholar shields his heart by keeping a studied distance from the world...until he rescues a beautiful woman. Isabel Netherton isn't merely a damsel in distress. A highborn lady of quality unwilling to be a pawn, she is defiantly escaping an abusive husband. But under Darius's protection she discovers an unexpected champion--a man who teaches her the power of true desire and what it means to be treated like a queen. However, the law of the land supports her husband's cruel claim. It will take all of Darius's cunning to keep one step ahead of their enemies and protect Isabel. In a deadly game of chess, Darius must defeat the Black Knight and sacrifice himself for his Ivory Queen or forfeit all. An emotional and action-packed chapter in The Jaded Gentlemen series--this one is a keeper!