He was sent to kill her, not fall in love with her. Penrose is prepared to sacrifice her heart to save her kingdom from a cruel curse. But after her betrothed tricks and humiliates her at the altar, she's cursed to sleep but for the touch of true love. One hundred years later, hired mercenary and convicted criminal Malik wakes his target before he can slit her throat. He's never shown mercy before. Yet this frail girl who talks too much of justice and books has cracked his frozen heart. It's too bad her head belongs to the king. What's more, his family's lives and freedom depend on Malik's ability to deliver it to him. Dethroned and stripped of her power in an unfamiliar world, Penrose can't afford to trust a criminal whose specialties are exploitation and murder. That is, until Penrose discovers a disturbing truth. Her abuser lives. And he holds the key to ending the sleeping curse. Can Penrose trust Malik's help against him? Or will Malik choose his freedom over his heart? Perfect for readers who love retold fairy tales, shy heroines, and the ruthless heroes who will do anything to protect them.