Defying the Dragon — Julie Parker

Resigned to the fate of marrying her childhood sweetheart, Melanie Worth is wary but also secretly thrilled when an unrivaled warrior, Jamie de Brock, displays interest in her during a tournament. Betrothed to Merick de Balan, the second son of a prominent neighboring estate, Melanie longs to wed a man who does not require constant rescuing. But when the warrior she admires from afar decides to steal her for himself, Melanie finds that she is the one who needs rescuing.Merick might be lacking in strength but is not lacking in pride. He has seen the hot glances his betrothed has been exchanging with Jamie de Brock—the Dragon—and it does not overly surprise him when the two run off together. But after Merick learns his sweet, naive Melanie was no willing companion of the man, he must train to become a warrior, as formidable as Dragon, to win her back.A disguised Merick deceptively integrates himself into Dragon's castle and is trained by none other than the legendary de Brock—the very man he has vowed to challenge. The two forge an unlikely bond while Merick and Melanie secretly plot and plan a way to escape. The reunited couple engages in a dance of deception, with each move bringing them closer and closer to a daring finish. Unbeknownst to them is the fact they have greatly underestimated their opponent. For Dragon, too, plays a game—one that he is determined to win at any cost.