Too Great a Temptation

Chapter One

New York, 1821

Damian needed money. Lots of it. Ironic, really, that he, a duke, with his coffers of gold back home in England, should find himself a virtual beggar on the streets of New York. But when had fate ever been kind to him?

Wending through the bustling city port, the duke passed jeering sailors and vulgar wenches alike, making his way to the nearest gaming hell. A few coins in his pocket, he intended to amass a small fortune. And he could do it, too. Years of debauchery had prepared him for just such an endeavor. But unlike his former besotted self, he was sober now. With all his wits intact, Damian hoped to recoup as much of his wealth as he could. His ship was in dire need of repairs, and the crew would not follow him in exchange for bread crumbs. He needed blunt.

Damian came to a halt.

Neptune's Revenge.

It was aptly named, the shore house, for Damian, too, was seeking revenge at sea. And he was in desperate need of good luck. A shoddy hole christened after the wrathful sea king seemed the perfect place to find it.