Brus Stone can't recall his life before being rescued at the age of five and brought to live with the Northern Watch. Told his mother abandoned him, he's about as willing to give his trust to a woman as he is to hand his sword to his enemy during battle. When he's tasked with accompanying some highlanders through the treacherous lands he helps patrol, he encounters a bonny lass who proves to be as brave as any warrior he's ever met.

He's surprised and wary by his pull to her and steels himself against lowering his guard. But her open nature bemuses him, and her caring heart entices him. Each time he touches her he's further drawn to her warmth and the possibility that believing in her will not lead to betrayal. But a shocking revelation obliterates everything he holds true and leaves him with a choice give unwavering faith to the daughter of the enemy he didn't know he had or raise his guard once more and secure the ultimate revenge.

Grace MacDonald wonders whether she'll ever meet a man who sees her as an equal and not simply a potential wife to do as he bids. Her father wants her to wed her childhood friend to fortify an important alliance between their clans. She wants to please her beloved father, but her friend does not stir her heart or desire, so she's reluctant to wed him. When the party she's traveling with is attacked and a Scottish warrior rescues her, she's immediately drawn to the powerfully compelling man. He displays a gentle caring side, and seems to value her opinions. His every look, touch, and kiss ignite her as she's longed for. But Brus won't let her in.

There's a barrier between them, and the harder she tries to breach it, the more withdrawn he becomes. She's determined to prove he can count on her, so they can grasp the love awaiting them. Yet when a devastating secret comes to light, she must decide whether her loyalty remains with her beloved father or whether it belongs with the man she's certain is her destiny.