unDefeated

by J.C. Valentine

  He was dressed in his signature loose fitting jeans and a plain white t-shirt with a crop full of messy brown hair that looked as though he’d just rolled out of bed. To her, he looked better than anything her imagination could have dreamed up.

  A hesitant smile crossed his lips as he moved forward. As the officiant asked Ally and Jami to recite their vows, Spencer moved off to the side, standing a distance away to avoid interrupting the service. She wasn’t sure why he decided to come, but Olivia was so glad he had. Turning her eyes back to the exchange in front of her, Olivia’s attention never strayed far from her heart, which stood no more than ten feet away.

  As the rings were exchanged and the couple shared their first kiss, Olivia’s gaze found Spencer’s. The answer to her silent question was there in his eyes. One day, this would be them.

  Cheers and clapping snapped her back into focus, and then Olivia was hooting along with the rest of the party as Jami bent at the knees and whisked Ally off her feet with a flourish. When they reached the end of the aisle, he set her back on her feet and they shared another tender kiss.

  As the music shifted gears and the volume jumped, several servers appeared handing everyone flutes of champagne—or, what Olivia thought was champagne. Taking a sip, she realized her mistake. Apple juice.

  Leave it to Jami to force everyone into sober partying because his wife was pregnant. The man was impossible not to like.

  Catching Ally’s eye, Olivia lifted her glass in a salute, and then drank it down.

  Spencer made his way to Olivia’s side, his arm going around her waist as he drew her in for a kiss. Tipping her head back, Olivia smiled up at him. “I’m glad you decided to come. What changed your mind?”

  “You.” He shrugged. “I thought about what you’ve been saying. I don’t know what Jami thinks, and I don’t know how he’ll react to me being here, but I needed to be here.

  “I was sitting in the room thinking about you and Jami and Ally. We used to be tight, like family. I don’t know…I guess I kind of miss that. So, I came.”

  Tightening her arm around him, Olivia leaned up to kiss his smooth-shaven cheek. “I think you made the right choice,” she said. Her heart drummed in her chest as she glanced up, catching the exact moment Jami noticed Spencer. “You said you don’t know how Jami will react? I think we’re about to find out.”

  Spencer’s cool blue eyes fastened on Jami’s forward approach, the stiffening of his muscles under her hands the only sign of his unease.

  Jami, looking suave and confident in his black and white tux, stopped a foot away. His blue eyes shown like sapphires in the dusky evening light as he eyed Spencer critically. Ally, appearing as nervous as Olivia felt, stood at his side, and Olivia was glad she was there. Ally was the only person who could calm Jami down if things got out of control, which was a definite possibility.

  Everyone waited, holding their collective breaths to see who would be the first to break the ice. Jami’s gruff voice was the first to speak. “Didn’t think I’d see your face here.”

  Dropping his chin, Spencer cleared his throat, before lifting his head with a little more confidence. “Had to make sure the rumors were true.”

  “And those would be?”

  “That someone was willing to tie herself to your ugly mug for the rest of her life.”

  The tension ratcheted higher as Ally and Olivia darted nervous looks between the two men. They stared at one another with quiet intensity, their jaws locked. This was bad. They were going to fight right here, in the middle of the wedding and—

  Their sudden outburst of laughter startled the hell out of Olivia, making her jump.

  Releasing her, Spencer stepped forward, and then, to her surprise, the men were clapping each other on the back. Their smiles were voluminous and their laughter infectious.

  Olivia and Ally shared a bewildered look, neither of them understanding what just transpired.

  “Congratulations, you two.” Spencer offered Ally a kind smile as he stepped back and collected Olivia under his arm. Jami did the same, pulling his wife to his side and kissing her hair.

  “Thanks, man. So, when are you two tying the knot?”

  Olivia held up her hands. “Wait, wait, wait. What is happening here?”

  “What she said!” Ally peered up at Jami in askance. “I thought you two were mortal enemies now.”

  Jami chuckled. “Not hardly. We still have some things to work out, but it’s all good.”

  “Did I miss something?” Ally asked Olivia. “I feel like I missed something.”

  “Me too.” Olivia couldn’t comprehend what was happening here. First they wouldn’t talk to each other, and now they were hugging and laughing and everything was ‘all good’?

  “It’s not that complicated,” Jami said casually. “He flew all the way here, we ate breakfast together, he came to give us his blessing, and now it’s good.”

  Olivia was getting a headache. His reasoning didn’t even begin to be logical. “You didn’t even talk.”

  “Actions speak louder, remember, babe?”

  She remembered Spencer saying that before, but still…Shaking her head, Olivia sighed. “I give up trying to understand you guys.”

  “That’s fair. We gave up trying to understand you females a long time ago.” Jami grunted when Ally’s fist landed in his gut. “Not even married an hour and she’s already abusing me.” Jami’s smile was full watt as he looked down at her affectionately.

  “I’m really happy for you two,” Spencer said. “But I’m going to go take my girl for a spin on the dance floor.”

  Jami tipped his head. “Enjoy. The party goes until midnight, but we’re probably going to head back to our room soon. The wife can’t hang.”

  “Me? I wasn’t the one who fell asleep before nine last night.”

  “I told you already. I was jetlagged.”

  The two continued their playful bickering and Olivia grinned as Spencer led her away. She loved her friends, and she knew they were going to be very happy together.

  Once they reached the center of the makeshift dance floor covered in rose petals, Spencer drew Olivia into his arms.

  “Gotta hand it to Ally,” Spencer said, scanning the decorations. “She knows how to throw a wedding.”

  Resting her head against his shoulder, Olivia followed his lead as they swayed to the music. “Did you know this is our first dance together?”

  “What? No,” Spencer denied vehemently. “We’ve danced before.” But his voice sounded unsure.

  “Nope, not once.”

  Spencer hummed thoughtfully. “Well, then we’re going to have to remedy that.” Cinching his arm around her, he whirled Olivia in a wide circle. Her skirt caught the breeze, flaring out and wrapping around their legs in a wave of lavender silk.

  Surprised by the move, Olivia belted out a joyful laugh. Bending her back over his arm, Spencer dipped her, following the exposed line of flesh from her clavicle up her neck to her mouth, where he paused.

  His blue eyes shone bright as he stared into her eyes. His smile, full and wide, spread across his face. The look he gave her stole Olivia’s breath away. She knew what was behind it, because she felt it too.

  “You’re perfect for me, Liv,” Spencer breathed.

  With her still bent back, her hair hanging off her neck toward the floor, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a thin silver band. “Neither of us is ready for marriage yet. Until we are, this is my promise to you that I will always be here for you. I’m going to spend the rest of my life making you happy.”

  With tears glittering in her eyes, Olivia watched as Spencer slid the thin piece of metal onto her right hand. Her voice robbed by emotion, Olivia grasped the back of his head and pulled him down. With the promise of forever lingering between them, they sealed the deal with a kiss.

  The end.

  Read more books by J.C. VALENTINE

  From the Author

  Thank you to all the readers who have loved t
his series from the beginning. I know many of you expressed an extreme dislike of Spencer, but I hope I managed to change your mind. He’s really not such a bad guy after all ;)

  When I started writing Spencer and Olivia’s story, I went into it knowing who Spencer was and what he needed to show the world. What I didn’t expect was Olivia. She surprised me as much as she broke my heart. As her personal story unfolded, I had to make sure that I didn’t trivialize her condition. I hope I succeeded in that mission.

  Self-harm is a very real condition that affects many people. It happens for a whole list of reasons that many of us may never be able to fully understand, but my hope is that if even one person reading this is affected by this condition they know they’re not alone and that there is help out there.

  If you or someone you know self-harms, here are a couple resources that will hopefully help you understand and seeking help.

  HelpGuide.org or call 877-995-5247

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  USA Today Bestselling author J.C. Valentine is the alter-ego of Brandi Salazar, whose enjoyment of tales of romance spurred her to branch out and create her own.

  She lives in the Northwest with her husband, their wild children, and far too many pets. As a university student, she studies literature, which goes well with her dream of becoming an editor. Brandi entertains a number of hobbies including reading and photography, but her first love is writing fiction-in all its forms. Connect with JC on Facebook!

  Acknowledgements

  I usually don’t make many changes to these things because, well, why mess with perfection?

  To my usual suspects:

  My sister from another mother, Kim- You are the best! I never could have imagined that I would be friends with such an amazing woman as you. You read everything I throw at you, you’re my sounding board, and you help keep me sane. It is such a pleasure to have you as my assistant and I am truly blessed to call you my friend.

  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!

  My Valentines! 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 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!!

  unDefeated

  Wayward Fighters Series Book Three

  By J.C. Valentine

  All rights reserved. This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook is copyrighted material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any form without the prior permission of the publisher, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s rights, and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.

  unDefeated by J.C. Valentine

  Copyright © 2015 by J.C. Valentine

  Cover design by J.C. Valentine

  Edited by Mitzi Carroll.

  Dance for me 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.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Title Page

  Books by J.C .Valentine

  About this Book

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Epilogue

  Note from the Author

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements

  Copyright Notice

  Connect with J.C. Valentine

  Connect with J.C. VALENTINE

  AMAZON Author Page

  Website | Mailing list | Facebook | Twitter