Wounded, dehydrated, and escaping a violent feud with the men of Bob Sutton’s ranch, Trace Jordan is near collapse when he descends from the heat of the desert into a cool, secluded canyon. He wakes tofind a beautiful woman gently caring for his injuries. Maria Cristina and her family have also suffered at the hands of Sutton and his men. The experience has left her hostile and defiant. But Jordan sees another side ofMaria, and the more time they spend together, the greater his concern for her safety becomes. Sutton’s men are watching and waiting for him to show himself. If he escapes, Maria will be left behind to face theirbrutality. But if he convinces her to join him, he will be leading her into a heat-blasted, waterless desert. And if that doesn’t kill them, the Apaches will. From thePaperback edition.