Strange, twisted carvings and hideous gargoyles adorn the palazzo of the fantastic Scarletti family. But a more fearful secret lurks within its storm-tossed turrets. For every bride who gets into its forbidding walls is usually doomed to keep inside a casket.

Nicoletta knows all too well the curse that plagues the house of Scarletti. She has always thought her miraculous healing gifts would set her apart and that no man would ever control her. Then she gazes in to the dark, mesmerizing eye of Don Scarletti and she fears for her future-for it really is Scarletti’s historic right to select a bride-to-be from among his people . and he offers chosen her.

Compelled by duty, powered by burning, inescapable desire, Nicoletta surrenders to this powerful, hypnotic guy, giving her body system willingly into his keeping. But will the tormented don end up being her heart’s destiny . . . or her soul’s damage?