Born with the ability to read emotions, Emma Coolidge leads a life of self-imposed seclusion. Until she is saved by Gideon Keel and Jesse Madding, who befriend her and introduce her to people who can help her create a normal life. Everything is great but for one small problem. Emma longs to be more than friends with Gideon and Jesse, and wants to be part of their darker games involving bondage and sadism, but believes her desire can be nothing but a private fantasy. Gideon adores Jesse and wants nothing more than to give him everything he wants. When Gideon realizes Jesse wants Emma, as well, he decides to invite Emma into their games. But first Jesse and Gideon are forced to investigate a string of grave desecrations. They must unravel the mystery of who is stealing Black John's power, why, and how to reverse it before they can devote their time and energy to their mutual desire for a third in their bed.