He's the protector she never wanted – and the love she can't let go.

Princess Lucia du Charbonneaux loves her life. Afforded a level of autonomy rarely enjoyed by royalty, she lives on her own and chooses staff members who give her the space she needs. But her new bodyguard refuses to play by the rules. His insistence on shadowing her twenty-four/seven is cramping her style—and the sparks flying between them are on the verge of melting her carefully constructed Ice Princess façade. He needs to go—before he takes her heart with him. 

Eric Delmonico would be happy to leave. The infuriating, challenging, whip-smart princess is a royal pain. Not to mention how her sinfully sexy body keeps him up at night—in more ways than one. But her brother the prince gave Eric the job, and he is determined to stay until the threat against her is neutralized.

When an attempt is made on Lucia's life, she and Eric escape to a safe house in the country. The passion between them finally ignites, leaving both of them shaken.  And when they return to the palace, they must work together to find the culprit before Lucia's safety—and the connection between them—are lost forever.

Warning: This book contains hot lovin' and frank language.