<p> The Beast . . . </p> <p> Rumor said the powerful Nicolai DeMarco could command the heavens, that the beasts below did his bidding . . . and that he was doomed to destroy the woman he took as wife. It was whispered he was not wholly human?as untamed as his tawny mane and slashing amber eyes. </p> <p> The Beauty . . . </p> <p> Impoverished aristocrat Isabella Vernaducci would defy death itself to rescue her imprisoned brother. She?d even brave the haunted, accursed lair of the lion?the menacing palace of legendary, lethal <i>Don</i> Nicolai DeMarco. </p> <p> The Bargain . . . </p> <p> Then Isabella met a man whose growl was velvet, purring heat, whose eyes held dark, all-consuming desire. And when the <i>don</i> commanded her to become his bride, she went willingly into his muscled arms, praying she?d save his tortured soul . . . not sacrifice her life. </p>