Ever since civilization fell apart eight years ago, I've used my body in any way necessary to protect my younger sister and stay alive. Now she's safe and settled, I'm free to travel my own path, never again confined by walls or the demands of any man. Everyone says a woman isn't safe by herself in the dangerous wilderness the world has become, but I'm doing just fine on my own.

My job as a messenger and courier offers me freedom and the means to provide for the people I love. No one is going to take it away from me—especially not clever, cynical Aidan, who insists I'm moving in on his territory. He's starting to compete with me for jobs, but I've never backed down from a challenge. Not when I was young and helpless and certainly not now that I'm not. If he wants a war, he'll get one.

I'll never back down to a man again, even one I'm starting to want.