Conor has spent his life as a contract killer in the sprawling metropolis of Heavalun. The only thing he cares about is the almighty credit. If a job doesn’t pay, he doesn’t bother. But on a whim, he and a fellow merc make a bet to sabotage another crew’s contract—leading him to save a beautiful Kurlatra from slavery. That little Kurlatra wasn’t just some random local or an unlucky tourist in the wrong part of town. Oh no, no. She was a payday—big enough that he might finally buy his way off this detestable rock.

The only problem? She’s a spoiled princess who has never lifted a finger in her life.

Now, he has to drag a helpless princess through the worst slums and deadliest mercenaries Heavalun has to offer—all so he can cash out. All that stands in his way are rival mercenaries, gangs, corrupt police, bounty hunters—and, of course, the fact that his employer is doing everything in her power to get him in her bed permanently. Eivaley's mother always told her that one day, a brave, bold Kurlatra would come in and sweep her off her feet, making her truly understand how valued she was not just as the Fifth Princess but as a woman and how that man would be a Champion for her to the very end.

But the Brood Mother must have a cruel sense of humor—because her 'Champion' isn’t a Kurlatra at all. He’s a Human. So what if he’s rough around the edges? He saved her, didn’t he? That must mean he’s her Champion—whether he likes it or not. Now, if only he’d stop arguing and accept it already.