On a dark, lonely stretch of Midwest interstate, Nick Red Shield swerves his pickup and empty horse trailer to avoid a pair of eyes. They belong to a woman—battered, bruised and barely conscious—in desperate need of a lift.Lauren Davis grew up in the high-stakes world of horse racing, a world that took her to fame as a jockey and into a relationship with a dangerous high roller. Life with Raymond Vargas has turned deadly, forcing her on the run, but she can't abandon her son, and now she'll do anything to get him back safe. While Nick's instincts as a loner kick into high gear, Lauren's vulnerability tugs at him in ways he'd shut down long ago. A man more comfortable with horses than people, unable to make peace with a past that's left him scarred, Nick's not sure about secretive Lauren. But he can't just leave her. And he really doesn't want her to go.In the safe haven of his South Dakota ranch, among the magnificent painted horses of Western legend, a bond of trust, truth and passion becomes a lifeline for them both. But soon the danger that shadows Lauren's life and her desperate attempt to save her son will force Nick to confront his own demons. Only then can he fight to save Lauren from hers.

Mystic Warriors Horse Camp, where wayward Lakota youth can connect with the Lakota spirit. He has the land, the horses and the history. Now all he needs is the money—and any help he can get. Dillon's ex-wife, Monica, thinks he could use an ounce of common sense before anything else. But deep down, she feels that Dillon's project might mend their shattered family. And they will need to be united when Monica confesses a painful secret. Ella Champion, television producer extraordinaire, works on a reality show where community projects get an inspiring makeover. Dillon's ranch could be her next show—and she thinks he could be the perfect man for her. Suddenly Dillon has more help than he can handle. …