Tender Deceptions — Sherry Roseberry

For all outward purposes, Michelle Grant is a sophisticated, San Francisco, society girl. But beneath her exotic beauty lies a daring spirit that leads her into the dark, perilous streets of Chinatown. Masked as a Chinese man, but named Mei Hwa, she's part of a secret alliance that rescues innocent young girls from the brothel cribs. Dirk Andrews is out for revenge. His younger brother died at the hands of Celeste Grant, and he means to make her pay. He's found that the woman has made her fortune on coolie trade, opium, and brothel slavery. Going undercover, he works his way into Celeste's confidences. From the first time Dirk met her, Mei Hwa intrigued him. Why her deception? Why walk the streets at night dressed as a Chinese man? And why was she so intent on rescuing girls from the brothel cribs? It was dangerous work, and not fit for a woman. As Mei Hwa and Dirk work together fighting the slave girl trade, their feelings for each other grow. And he professes his love. One morning Michelle hears a familiar laugh. With trepidation she glances into the drawing room to find her Aunt Celeste with her arms around Dirk. How could he? How could he hold that woman? Had she surrendered her heart to a traitor?