A fake engagement.A hidden identity.And a woman who refuses to play by the rules.Lady Nicola Howerty never expected her first London Season to include threats of blackmail—or a hastily invented fiancé. Cornered by a former childhood friend determined to force her into marriage, Nick names the first man who comes to mind.Unfortunately, that man is Gabriel Winter.Known to society for his easy smile and empty-headed charm, Gabriel is hiding far more than he lets on. A former intelligence officer turned discreet investigator, he’s built his life on secrets—and keeping his true self well out of reach. Pretending to be engaged should be simple enough. Until a dangerous truth from his past resurfaces—and the woman posing as his fiancée becomes a liability he cannot afford to risk.But Nick isn’t interested in pretending. She wants answers. She wants honesty. And she wants Gabriel’s help dismantling the threat hanging over her future. The longer they play at being engaged, the harder it becomes for Gabriel to remember why he shouldn’t give her everything she asks for.Because this time, the danger isn’t just scandal.It’s the truth.A Regency romance of fake engagement, hidden identity, and one kiss with consequences.