Laney knew she had to get out of there. If she didnA[a–a[t, she was going to end up losing herself, and that wasnA[a–a[t something she was about to do. Escaping at the last moment in her wedding dress, Laney found serenity and a sense of belonging at a mining camp, miles away from her previous life. But trouble wasnA[a–a[t too far behind. If Laney wasnA[a–a[t careful, she would payA[a–awith her life. Alistair knew the moment he saw Laney that he was in trouble. She made him feel again and desire things he hadnA[a–a[t allowed for what felt like a lifetime. Having made a promise to himself years ago to remain alone, Alistair was not about to give that up. He put that aside and took on the strong need he felt to take care of Laney when her past caught up to her. He was there to protect her until Alistair found himself needing her help more than ever.