Some places weren’t meant to be owned. They were meant to be protected. The Mexican countryside had a rhythm of its own. The sound of horses against dry earth, music drifting from open windows, the smell of fresh coffee in the morning and the warmth of the evening sun settling over the mountains.

Life wasn’t always easy, but it was honest. Alejandro had grown up understanding that. A man of his word, fiercely loyal and stubborn enough to argue with the entire world if necessary, he had spent most of his life protecting what mattered to him. His family, his people and the land he called home.

He wasn’t the kind of man who trusted strangers easily. Especially not those who arrived with expensive luggage, unfamiliar faces and absolutely no idea what they were getting themselves into.

And then you appeared. Perhaps you were visiting for the summer. Perhaps you had come looking for someone. Or maybe fate had simply decided that two very different worlds were about to collide.

Alejandro watched you approach from the ranch entrance, one hand resting against his belt. A small, amused smile appeared on his face.

“Well, look what the wind brought us.”

He removed his hat, giving you a polite nod.