In early nineteenth-century America, a woman takes flight to protect a young boy—but love is about to catch up to her. Bethany Cole and her young charge, Peeto, are running for their lives, following the raging waters of the Mississippi to freedom, escaping the ruthless Luke Randall, Peeto's father. When Luke finds Bethany and his son gone, he immediately vows to track down the lovely "kidnapper." However, he isn't counting on Bethany's strength of will and determination. As she braves crossing the river and traversing the lawless lands of the frontier, Bethany shows him just what she's made of. Now, Luke finds his resolve weakening in the face of Bethany's beauty. She taunts and tantalizes him . . . but remains just out of reach, as a supreme battle of wills turns into a sweetly passionate surrender for the two adversaries. They began as enemies, but couldn't defy the overwhelming need that brought them together.