by Jamie Begley
His eyes were still glued to hers when hers lifted, looking over his shoulder.
“You have my phone charger, Rider?”
“Yes. I left it in the office at the factory. We can go get it.”
Ginny nodded at Rider, then looked back at him. “It’s been nice meeting you, Gavin.”
She stood, then left with Rider. Unconsciously, Reaper stood to watch her go.
“That’s Ginny,” Train said, sitting down on his bike.
“I fucking know who she is,” he snapped.
“Just wanted you to know whose ass you’re watching.”
“Get off my bike.” Surly, he rubbed the back of his neck, trying to pull himself out of the stupor that she just placed him in. He hadn’t been aware the brothers had pulled into the lot, having come back from returning the kegs from T.A.’s wedding.
Train grinned, getting off, then turning to go up the steps to the clubhouse. “You coming, Shade?”
Shade didn’t move. “I’ll be there in a few.”
Train curiously cocked his head to the side. “What are you waiting for?”
Reaper felt Shade give him a look of anticipation.
“I’m waiting for her to come back out.”
Acknowledgments
My Readers:
Life is a funny, crazy thing. I’ve had to dodge several curve balls during my life, and I’m pretty sure I will be until this crazy life of mine is over.
I never really expected much out of life. I’m not really one who thinks life owes me a darn thing, and I’m good with that philosophy. I never expected so many people to read my books, or that they would take my characters into their hearts the way they have. The really strange part is that I didn’t expect people to actually read my stories. Truthfully, I look back and don’t know what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn’t having thousands of people reading my books. Even if I never write another word, the joy and excitement that has entered my life is more than I ever expected or dreamed about. You may not know it, but this girl has had a lot of help along this crazy ride, and I want to thank each of you to the best of my abilities with my heartfelt love.
Kristin (C&D Editing):
I think this acknowledgement is the most emotional one for me. You see, Kristin doesn’t just take the extra mile for me; she takes the whole freakin’ highway. You guys don’t know this; but my books aren’t easy to edit. This woman is a saint.
I’m going to tell you all a little secret. A few years ago, when I was having some health issues … I had a stroke. It left me with aphasia and the inability to recognize the letters of the alphabet or numbers. The ability to read was gone, much less ability to write. The doctors told me that it could take a year to come back and, if it didn’t, it was gone forever. Thank God that I had a book done ahead of time, so I could just concentrate on focusing on relearning what was lost.
Now, this girl isn’t much in the looks department, but what I was proudest of was my brain. I used to take quizzes on the internet just to see how high I could score. I knew words that most people had to look up for the definition. I had an almost photographic memory and could remember anything I had ever read and the page number it was on. Wow … pride goes before a fall, and I fell hard. I relearned the alphabet on an app on my phone that children play (just so you know, they do work). I spent hours sounding out letters then gradually sounding out words. I spent hours on end reading out loud to help me remember how to talk and learning how to read.
When I started writing again, it was chicken scratch. Truthfully, my writing before wasn’t much better before my stroke, but Kristin didn’t complain; she just edited it, and if she couldn’t figure it out, she would just ask “What is this?” Lord, there were a lot of those. But somehow, someway, she figured it out. Why am I talking about this so long you may ask? Because Kristin gave me back the ability to write again. Any other editor would have said hell to the no. She didn’t. She puts up with me screwing up contractions (was and wasn’t are the main culprits), the inability for me to remember that I’ve used the same freakin’ names (apparently, I really like the name Ginger, Grace and Dalton), and I can’t remember how to spell Ginny. She’s even offered to put my books on a program so I can stop driving her crazy. See what I mean? Kristin is more than an editor; she’s my left hand. I owe her a debt that I can never repay because, while I have mostly recovered from my stroke (unless we’re talking about math, which I really don’t count anyway because I kind of sucked at that before), she was there when I needed her most. She still is, and I pray she always will be.
To my sister and brothers:
We were all blessed to have the parents we were given. They instilled in us values that we have now passed down to our children. There isn’t a day that I don’t think about them, and I know the rest of the family misses them, as well. They would be so proud of each and every one of you and the accomplishments that you all have made. If they were still living, everyone in the small town from where we were born would know about it. Our mother loved to brag about her children and grandchildren. Our father did, too; he just wasn’t as obnoxious about it as she was. I love you all and proud to belong to the same family.
Shannon:
My nephew was the luckiest man on earth when you fell in love with him. The world would be a better place with more of you in it. You’re that special. We shared books together, and it never bothered you that people looked us like we crazy, talking about characters as if they were real. You were the first one who to read Razer’s Ride for me and gave me the confidence I needed to allow it to be published. You gave me courage anytime I was in doubt about giving my characters free rein. Most of all, you had me stepping out of my safe zone with slot machines and taught me how to play blackjack. I don’t have to wonder how your children will turn out. With you guiding them, they cannot fail. Lastly, I would like to thank you for this series as it wouldn’t be a trilogy without you.
Sarah, Daniel, and Alex:
My children already know how much I love them—I tell them every day. I’m willing to bet Daniel wishes I didn’t love him so much or that I didn’t need so many pumpkin spice lattes.
I might be a tad bit overprotective. You had to put up with my dire warnings about speeding to riding motorcycles without giving me too much flack. I tell him all the time that he’ll understand when he has children. I doubt it, though. Truthfully, it probably is excessive. You see, Daniel has always been my rock in the world. Just by being born, you made me a better person. You made me a mother when I was told I would never be one. And as you grew older, I could be proud of the individual you became. Your soul shines anytime you help others, turn the other cheek when others can’t, and show patience and understanding when few others could. Son, you’re a unicorn in a world that can’t see them anymore. I do. That’s why, when I bug you so much about being safe, it’s because my heart couldn’t bear a world without you.
Sarah, every day I look at you, I see more of your grandmother. Not only do you look like her, but you share the same attitude of speaking your mind, of being true to yourself, and treating others as you want to be treated. You don’t say “I can’t” when you want to do something; you work harder to accomplish what goal you have set for yourself and the goals you have set for me. I hope all your dreams come true in life, as you’ve made mine.
Alex, I no longer tell people I have one daughter. I have two. You saw how special Dan was and changed the path you were set out not only to include Dan but Sarah and me. You made sure you didn’t lose your individuality and dreams while helping us to achieve ours. I know I can count on you when I need to, and when the time comes that I’m no longer around, that he’ll have you to keep him out of trouble. The only thing that would make you even more perfect is grandchildren. (hint, hint)
Randie:
OMG, what can I say about you? Jesus, this woman is a thorn in my side when it comes to taking over for the second edit. She makes me keep track of things I don’t want to keep track
of. She always wants more … and more until she finally nudges me over to do what I should have done in the first place but was too stubborn to do. She’s a perfectionist and makes me be one, too. The smart woman plays into my vanity to get what she wants and, like a sucker, I fall for it every time. I’m nothing if not vain. Each book has to be better than the last. Randie could rule the world if she wanted to. She damn sure does me.
Michele:
I’m pretty sure Michele wants to delete me from texting her. She keeps my timetable consistent so I can keep track of my characters’ ages and how long ago something happened. In Gavin’s book, I was texting her numerous times, which anyone else would have told me to go taking a flying leap, but she didn’t. Pouring over my past books until she found the answer I needed, I double-checked mine and generally just made a nuisance of myself. She’s become a friend that I would have never had met if I hadn’t written Razer’s Ride. And even if she gets tired of reading my books, I will always treasure her friendship and the help she has given me.
Sherry:
Thank you for bringing a smile to my lips every day. I forget there is whole world out there when I’m writing, and you bring me back to reality. You’re always there when I need you to read my books and find something that I’ve missed. I can’t imagine my days without your help nor your whacky sense of humor.
Natasha Madison:
You are an author whom I admire and the hardest working woman I know. You are the type of woman there should be more of in the world, as you not only rise to the top but want to bring your fellow authors up with you. Also, you are fucking hilarious, and your say-it-how-it-is attitude makes you the badass that you are.
Jessie Lane:
You are the first author friend whom Sarah and I ever made and a fellow Kentuckian. Thank you for always being our “book google.” If there is something we need to know about the author world, you always know it. You are quite possibly the sharpest tool in our toolbox, and we wouldn’t have the knowledge or be the authors we are today if it wasn’t for you. One thing is for sure, we have made a friend for life.
Lisa:
You are always there to lend a guiding hand. I reached out to you for author services, and it turned out you were a fan of my books. However, that quickly changed, as you have become a true friend. You are a diamond in this world, and Knox is forever yours.
Reading Order
1. Razer's Ride (The Last Riders)
2. Viper's Run (The Last Riders)
3. Knox's Stand (The Last Riders)
4. Sex Piston (Biker Bitches)
5. Teased (The VIP Room)
6. Tainted (The VIP Room)
7. Shade's Fall (The Last Riders)
8. King (The VIP Room)
9. Cash's Fight (The Last Riders)
10. Fat Louise (Biker Bitches)
11. Riot (Predators MC)
12. Shade (The Last Riders)
13. Stand Off (Predators MC)
14. Lucky's Choice (The Last Riders)
15. Keeping What's His: Tate (Porter Brothers Trilogy)
16. Merry Blissmas (Biker Bitches)
17. Hostage (Predators MC)
18. Winter's Touch (The Last Riders)
19. Train's Clash (The Last Riders, Biker Bitches)
20. Standing His Ground: Greer (Porter Brother's Trilogy)
21. Crazy B!tch (Biker Bitches)
22. Rider's Revenge (The Last Riders)
23.Stalked (Predators MC)
24. Claiming the Enemy: Dustin (Porter Brothers Trilogy)
25. T.A. (Biker Bitches)
26. Dangerous Love
27. Gavin’s Song (Road to Salvation: A Last Rider's Trilogy)