Ethan Reed has one chance to be free of the poverty-laden life into which he was born. One day, every five years, the lower classes are able to fight for a place in the King's guard and Ethan is determind that he will be one to win.

He hadn't counted on Charlie Fitzwilliam being his opponent though. Noble born and gorgeous, Fitz could be the one weak link in Ethan's plans. Can he fight the lust long enough to win the fight against Fitz or is he destined to lose and stay in the slums forever?