Dante Quevedo has been plotting his revenge for 20 years. The beautiful Princess of Pais Vells, Paloma Vergara, is the very one who has made a deal to release him from prison in exchange for finding the threatening blackmail evidence that will expose her brother and destroy her royal family. Dante has agreed with an ulterior motive of his own; to uncover evidence against the Prince whom he believes murdered his sister, Lucia. Paloma, reported to be a pampered and wild woman, has spent her years protecting her younger brother, Tristan, heir apparent, since the death of her older brother's death. Breaking into the casino owner's suite and discovering him dead puts fear into Dante and Paloma.

At first glance Paloma needs to tamper the testosterone radiated from Dante that threatens to hamper her goal. Cesar Gomez is found in a pool of blood with red demonic eyes and an awful rash. Finding a key sets off the wild and dangerous trek through the casino escaping bullets along the way. Dante is also known as El Tantasma "the Ghost" to the town residents and declared a modern day Robin Hood. Every turn has them being hunted until they realize the only person who knows about them is Tristan. Ebola is the disease they uncover as the culprit with a chance of claiming hundreds or thousands of lives, and the trail leading back to Tristan and his dealings with terrorists. Two battered souls coming together forms a loving link between the unlikely couple. Paloma is infected with the Ebola and refuses to seek the antidote within 48 hours to save her own life but chooses instead to save her countrymen. The disease threatens to rob Dante of the love he has finally found as the disease claims over 300 lives.

HIGH-STAKES AFFAIR is an extremely high paced tale packed full of excitement and drama. The Princess lives with the wild reputation she has imposed on herself caused from guilt. Between Dante and Paloma they can release each other from the guilt and hate they have nurtured for most of their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this short story which carries a great deal of emotional ties between the characters.