Forced to flee her abusive fianc , Cassandra Shay's disappearance into Montana territory is delayed when she discovers her fianc and uncle's plot to murder her illegitimate brother and another innocent cowboy. Ty Bishop hates the Shays, but accompanies Jake Curtis to meet Jake's newfound uncle, Derrick Shay. Ty's suspicions are confirmed when he and Jake are imprisoned and left to drown. After Cassie frees them, the men travel with her for her own protection. When they arrive in Montana, the locals are horrified to discover a Shay in their midst, but Ty is drawn to Cassie like no other and is determined to win her heart. Despite her strong attraction to Ty, Cassie knows she must keep her distance to protect him from the hired guns the Shays send to retrieve her. But their love will not be denied, and they must fight for justice before forging their future together.