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

Rafael got down on one knee, knowing full well it might irk her. “I’m so sorry, Pearl, for being selfish and scared and…”


“It’s okay. I’ve been scared, too,” she confessed. She sniffled, a light smile returning to her lips. She glanced at Chad. “I’ve been afraid you’d keep yourself closed off forever and never give love another chance. The accident was never your fault, Raf.”


“Yeah, someone else has recently told me that and I think I might finally be willing to listen.”


“This is real touching and all,” the unnamed man piped up, “I got other deliveries to make.”


“Of course,” Chad said. “Let’s get these fine ladies tucked away, shall we?”


Their little group trooped toward the barn, Pearl leading her new pony with a smile the likes of which Rafael hadn’t seen in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, their luck was about to turn around.


Chapter 14