Jesse McCray ekes out a hard living cutting cattle from the local beef baron of Defiance, Texas. He's known for his quick draw and his steady aim; no one outguns him. Whenever he and his ragtag group of friends known as the Rustlers ride into town, the local cowboys hold their breaths, waiting for the men to ride through. But one evening, while playing faro at Billy's Saloon, Jesse's attention is drawn to a new face in the crowd.<br><br>Ethan Phillips is an idealistic tenderfoot from back East, passing through Defiance on his way to the California coast. He's heard tales of the gold that enriches the west coast, and he's looking for a way to make his dreams come true. When his horse pulls up lame, he offers to sing for the cowboys of Billy's Saloon to earn a few coins, but the men jeer at his song until a man in black quiets them. With one look into Jesse's dark eyes, Ethan finds himself falling for the man.<br><br>Ethan's horse heals but he stays in Defiance, enamored by his outlaw lover. But the cattle baron has a grudge against one of Jesse's outlaw friends, and a gunfight in Billy's Saloon puts a price on the Rustlers' heads. Can Jesse protect Ethan from the lawmen gunning for him and his friends?

Wanted

Ethan knelt on the ground and peered at the prickly growth as if he could see through the briars. They heard a horse whinny, followed by a low groan of pain. Jesse stepped in front of Ethan to block him from the line of fire. 


As a horse broke through the chaparral bushes and small trees, Jesse leveled his gun at its rider, who sat hunched over with hands clutched to his stomach. His dark shirt was impossibly black and wet, hands red with his own blood. Jesse would’ve recognized that blond mop of hair anywhere, and reholstered his gun as he leapt over the fire. “Jesus, Joey.” 


Ethan stood as Jesse grabbed the reins from Joey’s limp hands. 


“Jesse,” Joey whispered, looking up at them with wide, dilated eyes. Blood flecked his lips and cheeks, and when Jesse offered a hand to help him from the saddle, he slid heavily into Jesse’s strong grip. 


Chapter 4