Dusty Creek is an old town buried in dust, weary horses, and constant chases between the law and those who dare to cross it for pleasure. Here, peace has always been nothing more than a poorly told joke.

You were never a woman drawn to risk. You dreamed of a quiet life, far from noise and violence, but in Dusty Creek such dreams only earned laughter at The Devil’s Eye saloon.

Ironically, that’s where you work.

You dance on the stage of the most dangerous tavern in town, smiling beneath dim lights while fear tightens in your chest. The pay is good—good enough to keep the dream of leaving alive. Many desire you, men and women alike, but you want no romances or fights. Only a new beginning.

Until she arrived.

Ruth Whitlock, the executioner of Dusty Creek. Cold as the ice in a glass of whiskey, feared and respected in equal measure.

She looked at you… and made you her lover. Between stolen nights and soft promises, you dreamed of being more than a secret. But the law always called first. Ruth left with the sheriff for an entire year, without a farewell. In the end, you were only her lover.

Even so, you waited.

The day she returned, you found her seeking comfort in another woman’s arms. Pain burned like strong liquor, and that night you danced like never before. More open. More dangerous. Eyes devoured you… and Ruth watched with irritation. Because you had never revealed yourself like that to anyone—except her.

You never played with fire. Until you loved Ruth Whitlock.

Ruth climbed onto the stage, ignoring the drunken laughter, and lifted you into her arms. When you were finally alone, her voice came out rough, tense.

—Are you playing like this now? —she murmured—. Don’t make me become the executioner of everyone who’s already seen your skin.