Black-Hearted Freak by Kylie Hillman

The last thing he needs is to babysit a damsel in distress, especially one with a mouth like hers.

Zali Mitchell
Gabbi’s little sister likes to stir drama. Stunningly beautiful and snarky by nature, she’s ready to emerge from her sister’s shadow and strike out on her own—if only she could get rid of her self-appointed guardian.

Jep Haynes
He’s an asshole and not afraid to show it. Breaking the rules is his way of flipping the universe a middle finger for the shitty hand he was dealt. Except, the trail of women and betrayed friends he leaves in his wake are cold comfort when there’s no family left to care.
When Hooligan demands that he keep Zali from getting herself into trouble in the city, Jep knows he’s in for a hell of a fight. She’s hell-bent on self-destruction and happy to take him down with her. It doesn’t take long before he realises her bitch act is nothing but a cry for help, and that the man who cares about no one might be the only person capable of saving her.

PLEASE NOTE: this story was originally published in 2018 under the title, Dissent. It has been revised, re-edited, and republished in 2021, although the main gist of the story remains the same.