Chase's anger boiled. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his heart pounded in his ears. He couldn't get there fast enough to keep Clint from smashing his fist into Lauren's beautiful face. His fury toward the man who had dared to put his hands on her again turned red hot.

"You ready to pick on someone your own size now, asshole?" Chase came up swinging and threw the first punch. Clint hit the ground not far from Lauren, but pulled himself up and swung at the rancher. ...