Though she is only 32, Julianna Ortiz decided long ago that she would never marry. She does not like herself, her life, or her situation...and could never ask another person to like it either. Her twin brother is in prison awaiting his execution. And though Julianna's heart breaks at the thought of losing him, she will not unlawfully prevent justice, even though she is constantly harrassed by the other members of his gang who intend to do just that. Her father, too, has hopes of saving his son and re-enters Julianna's life after a 20-year absence, complicating things even further. As if that weren't enough, Julianna meets a notorious gunslinger whom she'd rather see dead than talk with again. And yet it soon becomes clear that Julianna needs the help of this enigmatic man if she is going to save her loved one-and her own life.