Unneeded for command of a ship after surviving serious injury, disciplinarian Captain William Ford was ready to face society until he's cornered by a marriage minded miss. He makes a desperate bargain with the maid who saved his life-act the part of a besotted lover in return for financial gain to drive the woman away-only to end up in a very real marriage of convenience with the maid to avoid the scandal of his own making. When Matilda's plans to marry another end abruptly, she reluctantly agrees to Captain Ford's marriage proposal to protect his sister's marriage prospects with his assurance of an eventual annulment and independence. She soon discovers her husband's desire to guide her with a firm hand stirs a shocking passion in her. Does she dare gift William with her secrets and heart…or admit that his desires match her own when they never intended forever?