Years ago, Adella Lancaster witnessed the brutal murder of her mother and brother by a gang of notorious thieves who claimed revenge on her father. Suddenly responsible for two younger sisters, she narrowly escapes danger and begins a new life in a new town, claiming new identities. Seven years later, a man rides in from the town where her family was killed, bringing back long suppressed memories and emotions. Working as a schoolteacher, Adella has worked hard to create a new life, but every time she encounters the insufferable Gage Grayson, she's haunted by the determination to discover the full truth of what happened to her family.Gage Grayson has always tried to walk the straight and narrow, but now he is feeling punished for some unknown reason when the obstinate schoolteacher is constantly thrust in his path. He repeatedly stumbles across Adella in dangerous situations with no choice but to aid her. Despite a tendency to clash, Gage quickly realizes Adella isn't the only one in danger... for he's in danger of losing his heart... to her.As they battle their feelings for each other, they both try to track down the gang of thieves to put an end to their reign. One way or another, someone is going to end up hurt...or dead.