"It is your choice," he said, stepping so close to me that our lips were almost touching. "Either do what I say - or get another job." My heart stood still as I gazed up into his deep, dark, dangerous eyes... In a world where women's only role in life is to sit at home and look pretty, Lilly is determined to fight for her freedom. There's only one problem: a powerful man blocking her way.

Jess Knight likes her freedom. Despite being in jail for about sixty-five percent of her teenage life, she is in complete control. But there's only one problem: she doesn't know her purpose. One day, everything changes. Her reputation as the youngest and most connected solo street criminal gets her noticed by the illustrious crime society known as the Maryland Mafia, who offer her the deal she literally can't refuse. That same day, Jess is arrested by a junior officer at the downtown precinct. Something about Nick Bronson transforms the way Jess sees the world and she can't let him go. But is dating a cop the wisest move for a teenage criminal about to commit the dirtiest crime there is? One thing's for sure; life as a jailbird isn't always as free as it seems. AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story is one I've been writing on and off between the Rouge series, and I wanted to share it with you guys. It's a bit rough and still not completely finished, but I felt guilty for delaying Consuming Fire. What's it really about? Think Veronica Mars and the PCH Bikers, only instead of following the law, Jess breaks it. Cover by Isabella Modra