AMANDA LIVINGSTON's future at Stanford is in jeopardy as she is thrust from the classroom to the courtroom. ABBY RUBIN, her best friend, is pitted against the indomitable Dragon Lady. Abby will have to rely on her considerable legal skills, a creative defense and the newest technology to even stand a fighting chance. ALEX STRYKER and AVI SILVERSTEIN are also waging their war against Quiver Inc. as they try to negotiate a deal. Their elaborate plan involves staying one step ahead of the enemy while keeping foreign spies and felons at bay. The aftermath of Amanda's hearing sets off a shocking chain of events. Alex tries to manage the nuclear fallout to his own advantage including using the foreign agent and his own agents to expand his empire while one of his contractors also has similar designs. As Alex aids Amanda in exploring her sexuality, their erotic journey takes them deeper into the world of BDSM. Ever the romantic, Amanda is looking for the key to unlock his secrets and his heart. But Alex's past and present painfully cross leaving Amanda wondering if she has lost him.