The curvaceous and sheltered Lulu is a naive girl wrapped in a world of luxury. When her father is suddenly imprisoned and her estate seized, she's forced out onto the streets to fend for herself. Will the dangers of the city swallow her, or will a new ally change everything?
Riley is a fighter and a master thief in a secret guild of grifters. Riley thought her heart had been hardened by her work until she came across the beautiful Lulu in distress. Unable to resist Lulu's beautiful eyes and adorable laugh, Riley finds herself involved in more danger than she's ever encountered. Will Riley's street smarts and Lulu's wiles be enough to save them?
This book includes secret passageways, daring escapes, and a love that can’t be kept behind bars.
“Happy Birthday,” Lulu whispered to her reflection as tears streamed down her face. She grasped the edge of the gold-framed mirror with shaking hands, trying to straighten it on the wall, and only succeeding in leaving it more crooked. She tried to force a smile; a girl’s eighteenth birthday should be a happy day. A cheerful voice brought Lulu back from her thoughts, and she quickly wiped all traces of tears from her face.
“My dear, you look spectacular!” Poppa smiled at Lulu broadly as he strode into the dining room, but his hands were shaking. “Eighteen - such a grown up girl. Where has the time gone?” He handed her a small grey box with a shiny blue ribbon tied around it. “For you, my pet.”
Lulu concentrated on making sure her face looked as excited and happy as her father wanted. He always made such a fuss on her birthday, celebrating with lavish gifts and spectacular outings. She'd given up long ago trying to make him understand how each birthday was as much a reminder of the mother who died giving birth to her as it was a celebration of the past year. She gave her father a peck on the cheek, unfastening the ribbon and looping it around her long blonde hair. She opened the box to reveal a heart-shaped silver locket attached to a delicate silver chain. Lulu's heart flipped in her chest. She knew this necklace.
“It belonged to your mother,” Poppa’s voice was soft and sad. “She often spoke of giving this to you on your eighteenth birthday.”
“It’s wonderful Poppa, thank you!” Lulu grinned, securing the chain around her neck.
