DESPERATE1868, Northern Japan.  When her father's forces fall to the imperial army, Tama has no choice but to escape before her enemies find her. Disguised as a peasant boy, she makes her way to the city's pleasure quarter--where anything and anyone is for sale and no request is forbidden. There she finds the one man who can protect her, and she's willing to pay him handsomely, in whatever currency he desires . . .INTRIGUEDTaking on a daimyo's beautiful daughter seemed a fine idea at the time, but now, dodging assassins, spies, and police, Hugh has second thoughts. But once Tama is in his bed, the captain is overcome by his desire to protect her--and ravage her--in equal measure . . .UNCONTROLLEDIn a country teeming with danger, the line between royalty and commoner will melt under passion's heat. Strangers will become lovers, and uninhibited pleasure will offer love's only refuge . . .