“Again, I thought that was clear.” He chuckled and stood up. “Let me help you put it on.”
“Do I get a say?” she asked, even as she positioned herself to accept the gift.
“Only if it’s yes.”
She zipped her lips, and Blake broke into a knowing smile as he helped her into the vest. The leather felt like butter against her skin as she slid it on, careful not to pull the stitches lining most of her chest. Closing her eyes, Gabby brought one side up to her nose and inhaled deep. “God, I love that smell.”
“Is that why you’re always sniffing my pillow?”
Gabby’s eyes shot open and she scowled. “I don’t do that.”
Blake’s expression said he knew otherwise…and he liked it. “My name looks good on ya, teach.”
“You know, I didn’t agree to anything. I could run out that door right now with my new present, and then what would you do?”
Moving in, Blake bent down, placing his hands on the edge of the bar on either side of her, crowding her space. His voice husky, he said, “The instant you put my name on your back, you belonged to me. Body, mind, soul. Everything. You’re my property, teach, and that means anywhere you go, I follow. Now tell me you love me.”
Gabby grinned, and told him exactly what he wanted to hear and what her heart screamed to say. “I love you.”
To a round of cheers and shout for someone to break out the booze, Blake leaned in and kissed the breath right out of her.
As they celebrated their union, Gabby reflected on where she’d come from and where she was headed. Meeting Blake had changed her life. Before she’d met him, she had been living life by the minute, and now she was looking ahead, years down the road, and the future was bright. She wasn’t kidding herself anymore. One day, Ricky Cruiz was going to come back, and when that day came, Blake and his men would be ready for him. She would be ready for him, because she had a family now, people who cared enough about her to weather the storm by her side and shield her from it if necessary.
As someone who prided herself on her independence, never had she imagined the idea of being someone’s property would sound so good, but when it came to Blake Mahone, she couldn’t think of anything better than belonging to this man. Their relationship may not be perfect, and her life may still be endangered, but despite all the grit, or maybe because of it, they loved each other, and at the end of the day, Blake had her back and she had his, and that was all that really mattered, wasn’t it?
Read more books by J.C. VALENTINE
The Spartan Riders are just beginning! Be sure to add METTLE to your Goodreads TBR or you can pre-order NOW at Amazon! Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know when it releases!
Mettle: A Spartan Riders Novel
COMING SOON!
Talia McKinnon said goodbye to love the day she signed the divorce papers and moved across the country looking for a fresh start. With work occupying her days and nights, a relationship is the last thing on her mind, until a run-in with a hot-as-Hades, leather clad biker changes her mind. He’s everything she shouldn’t want but has to have. The problem is, he’s not that easy to catch.
Tucker “Country” Abrams believes in two things: brotherhood and women. He takes his job seriously and his women hard, but at the end of the day, the only loyalty he has is to his club. So when a night with a beautiful stranger threatens to change everything, he’s quick to apply the brakes. But when a little detective work reveals that Talia may be much more than a one-night stand, Tucker is tasked with an impossible decision. Will he push her away, or go against every instinct he has and pull her closer?
Note from the Author
If you’re reading this, thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed Gabby and Blake’s story. For me, these two were a departure from what I am used to writing, and the journey wasn’t easy. Not by a longshot. Men like Blake have a way with testing your patience, and Blake definitely did that for me. I struggled to uncover his story from the very start.
Gabby was no exception. She was supposed to be the easy one, but it turned out that she had more darkness in her past than Blake, which surprised me. That’s just one of the many reasons I enjoyed writing GRIT so much, and also why I continue down this career path. Never knowing how things will turn out is such a thrill, and it gives me the opportunity to view it from the same perspective as you, dear reader. If you love books as much as I do, then you’ll probably agree that it’s a true dream job to have, and you make it all possible. There will never be enough words to express my thanks for that.
I’m sure you’re wondering if there will be more to this series, and I am happy to say yes. I have plans for several characters who stood out to me throughout writing GRIT. Who they are…well, you’ll have to wait and see *wink* Until then, please check out my other available titles!
Much love,
JC
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Trilogy. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn't sorry.
J.C. earned her own happily ever after when she married her high school sweetheart. Living in the Northwest, they have three amazing children and far too many pets and spend much of their free time together enjoying movies or the outdoors. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor's in English and when she isn't writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors.
Acknowledgements
I usually don’t make many changes to these things because, well, why mess with perfection? But I do have one person that I have to give a special shout out to: Fellow author AF Crowell. You’re a special lady and someone I am proud to call friend. Thank you so much for your insight into this story for which, without your brainstorming, would not have a title, not to mention Blake “Quick” Mahone would not have such a colorful backstory lol Also, I’m sorry I broke my promise and failed to kill off your character (Ginger, for those who are curious). I guess my heart is softer than I thought. Maybe next time ;)
I can’t forget my usual suspects:
My sister from another mother, Kim- You are the best! It’s been years now, wow. I never could have imagined that I would be friends with such an amazing woman as you. I will be forever grateful for the Internet for bringing us together You read everything I throw at you, you’re my sounding board, and you help keep me sane. I am truly blessed to call you my friend, and I can’t wait for you to write that story we’ve been talking about. Get on it, woman!
Mitzi- What can I say, except you’re such a wonderful woman who is also an unexpected friend and gift in my life. I’ve said it before, and the same is true now: I love our talks, and I love your passion for books, especially mine *grins*. You rock!
Valentine’s Wicked Vixens! You ladies rock my socks off. I love our little family and as always, I am confident in saying that you’re the best team a girl could ask for. You all pimp so hard! Thank you!
To all the people that take the time to connect with me: Every message, every comment truly means the world to me. I read every one, so keep ‘em coming!
To all the amazing bloggers who help spread the word about my books, I wouldn’t be where I am without you either! I am always humbled by your kind and generous words
To my readers: You’re the best. You’ve stuck by me from the beginning, when I wasn’t even sure anyone was paying attention. I am continually blown away by your enthusiasm for my stories and your endless support.
I could never forget my darling hubby. You’re my inspiration behind all of these delectable men. You’re my rock, my one true love. I love you!!
GRIT
A Spartan Riders Novel
By J.C. Valentine
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GRIT: A Spartan Riders Novel by J.C. Valentine
Copyright © 2015 by J.C. Valentine
Photography and Cover design by Sara Eirew
Edited by Mitzi Carroll.
GRIT is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and events portrayed in this book either are from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, establishments, events, or location is purely coincidental and not intended by the author. Please do not take offence to the content, as it is FICTION.
Trademarks: This book identifies product names and services known to be trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective holders. The author acknowledges the trademark status in this work of fiction. The publications and use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
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