Athena offers Steele a night of her undivided attention, only to have him startle her with a confession of love. There's no place for such tender emotions in the dominatrix's life—just passion and pleasure—or so she thinks until she learns that Steele has chosen to pose as a slave at a rival club's notorious auction. Worse, he's done it to catch her old adversary and lover, the Count. Athena knows she has to intervene and buy Steele herself, but how much will she risk to ensure his safety? The future of the Phoenix? Her partnership with Rex? Or even herself?