Discovered starving on a freezing Moscow street by Rusian billionaire, Natasha Leonova has lived for seven years under his protection, immersed in rarefied luxury. Her home is the world, often on one of Vladimir Stanislas's spectacular yachts manned by heavily armed crew members. Natasha's job is to keep Vladimir happy and ask no questions. She feels fortunate, and is careful not to dwell on Vladimir's ruthlessness or the deadly circles he moves in. 
In St. Paul de Vence, at a celebrated restaurant decorated with stunning paintings by the late Lorenzo Luca, Vladimir is captivated by the artwork that Lorenzo's widow refuses to sell. In turn, Lorenzo's son, Theo, an artist in his own right, sees exquisite Natasha for the first time. In an instant, two dangerous obsessions begin. 
Theo finds himself feverishly painting Natasha's image for weeks after their first meeting, longing for a woman he can never have. Vladimir vows to secure a Luca canvas at any price. And Natasha, who cannot make one false move, begins to dream of the impossible...a world of freedom.