Lord Nicholas Monterris is trapped. The only heir to a declining dukedom, Nic is destined for a marriage of convenience. There is no escape, only distraction. He spends his days crafting new automatons and his nights enticing handsome rogues into his bed. But duty is impatient.

His father has selected a bride and it's not long before Lady Leaf Serral and her charmspun elegance sweeps into Monterris Court. Tradition dictates the families be confined together while the marriage contract is crafted, which should be the worst part. Until Nic learns the Serrals' head negotiator is master vowsmith Dashiell sa Vare--beautiful, perfect Dashiell sa Vare--an old flame he has neither forgiven nor forgotten.

Nic isn't sure he'll survive the ordeal, not with scorching stares following him from the library to the drawing room. Then a body turns up. A second death reveals something sinister is unfolding at Monterris Court. As accusations fly, Nic must team up with his former lover and his future bride to uncover the mastermind before they claim another victim.