Rafael Pederos is awakened in the middle of the night by his wheelchair-bound sister Pearl. Someone’s in the barn where they shouldn’t be. Rafael tells her to call the cops as he storms out to chase off the rustlers, but he’s too late. They’re already gone, and they’ve taken four pregnant mares with them. Now the future of the Pederos Ranch is up in the air.<br><br>This is where Chad Masters comes in. As a detective-ranger, he swears to track down the missing mares. But that’s easier said than done when he realizes there’s something about Rafael he can’t resist. Now if he can just get past the gruff exterior and teach Rafael how to love again.

Stolen Hearts

“Why do you blame yourself?” The question was asked softly. Chad forged ahead, erasing any chance Rafael had of replying. “What happened, it was terrible, and yes, it altered the course of things. But you still have Pearl. She seems to have accepted her lot in life so what’s keeping you from doing the same?”


A fresh wave of tears threatened. “I trusted him,” Rafael whispered. “I trusted him and it all fell apart.”


“Sometimes people let us down. That’s a fault in their character, not ours. Though, admittedly sometimes our expectations of them are too high,” he said. “In this case, you have every right to be upset. But Rafael, you can’t let the poor decisions of one man ruin your chances of happiness.”


Bitter laughter erupted from Rafael, catching them both by surprise. “Happiness avoids the Pederos household.”


“Only because you’re too blind and stubborn to see that it never left.” Chad withdrew, breaking all contact.


Chapter 12