Strike

by Jennifer Ryder

  I smirk at Spencer and shake my head. Heat prickles beneath my cheeks as I imagine my mouth full again. I just want to get naked and ravish him. It is totally inappropriate feeling this way right now.

  “Very funny,” I say.

  “You girls bein’ nice to Rocco?” Spencer asks.

  “Soph’s gonna show me around,” Rocco says, jutting his chin in her direction.

  Soph scowls.

  Spencer chuckles and shakes his head. “You let me know how that goes, buddy.”

  Spencer runs his hand over my arse, making me yelp as he squeezes tight. God, I’m so desperate for him.

  “I should probably get going, April. Looks like you two need to celebrate in private,” Soph says, putting her empty glass on the bench.

  “Yeah, I’ve got some unpacking to do myself, guys,” Rocco says stretching his arms above his head.

  “No worries, mate,” Spencer says, and shakes his hand. “Maybe you could round everyone up on your way out.”

  Rocco lets out a deep chuckle and nods. “I’ll see what I can do, man.”

  I hug Soph and then Rocco.

  “You want me to walk you out, Suds?” Rocco says nodding in Soph’s direction. Suds? Why the hell did he call her that?

  “I think I can negotiate stairs,” she says and rolls her eyes. “Talk soon, babe.”

  They both stroll off towards the front door.

  A warm body presses against my back and I turn and link my arms around his waist. I look up and grin so hard it hurts my cheeks.

  “This is the best day of my life, pretty boy,” I say, standing on tippy-toes to kiss his lips.

  “And we’re not even married yet,” he says, running his hand through my hair, resting it at the nape of my neck. “I can’t wait for that day.”

  My heart beats out of control, and I moan as I press my body against his. “I love you,” I whisper.

  “Love you too,” he says.

  We both turn our attention to the noise of our guests in the next room, who are progressively getting louder.

  “I don’t think they’re going home anytime soon,” I say with a resigned breath.

  “Nope. Doesn’t look like it.”

  I smooth my hands over his toned arse and grind my hips against him, feeling the semi hard-on in his pants. “Think anyone will notice if we go missing for a bit?”

  Spencer lifts me up and squeezes me hard, as if he wants to crush me. He growls sexily in my ear, sighing loudly. “You asking me to fight for you, beautiful? ‘Cause you know I said I would never stop. It sounded to me, just then, like that’s what you asked me.”

  “Hell yeah. Fight for me, Spencer.”

  He puts me down and grips my hand tight. “Let’s go.”

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I’m in love with April MacIntyre.

  There, I said it.

  Okay, yeah, I’m happily married, but this kick-arse, ballsy girl was a dream to write from the moment she dominated my thoughts.

  I know many of you had your opinions of Jones before reading this book (after his effort at Aidan and Eevie’s wedding), and I hope you have learned to love him as much as I do, even with all his flaws. I wanted to show that despite what front people put on, there is a lot going on in their lives that you don’t see, like obligation to family, desires to follow your heart, and yeah, stress over being sucky at relationships. Of course, I had to have a girl like April knock him on his arse to wake him up from his manwhore ways. I think she did a mighty fine job.

  I was nervous about introducing new characters into the Spark series after receiving so many messages from readers about how much they adored Aidan and Eevie, but the unwavering support from my editor and betas was amazing. I think April and Spencer make an awesome couple.

  The next book in the Spark series, Sting, will be Detective Ryan Clark’s book (I know a lot of you have been holding out for it). Whilst this book won’t be motocross focused, as he is on assignment undercover, there is still contact with the main characters from the series.

  The last book in the Spark series, which will remain unnamed until closer to release in 2015, will bring all the characters together. In this book, you’ll delve into the complicated lives of Sophie and Rocco, and get to celebrate the marriage of April and Jones … if they make it to the altar.

  Okay, so here are the important parts of these acknowledgements.

  A big, big thank you, as always, to my husband, Ben; a fantastic source of inspiration, my number one supporter, and my everything. xxx

  To my two cherubs, I adore you to pieces, and your patience with me (most of the time) is a credit to the beautiful people you are growing up to be. We will always support you in your dreams.

  Thank you to Kelly Hall for her photography for the Strike cover and teasers, and to my beautiful cover model, Brenna Dodds. You both helped me succeed in my vision for the cover, and it’s everything I had hoped for.

  Thank you to Rebecca Berto from Berto Designs for designing a beautiful cover, yet again! I appreciate that it was more of a painful process this time, but I am over the moon with the result.

  Thanks to Max Henry from Max Effect for formatting and design. As always, you are a joy to work with, and you do beautiful things.

  McStellar.

  A huge, heartfelt thanks to my hard-working editor, Lauren McKellar. You are truly a gift, woman, and I’m so lucky to have you. Not only did you beta for me this time around, which made the editing process so much easier, but you again pushed me to get the best out of my characters. P.S. In case you didn’t know yet, you’re my editor for life. Love your face!

  I’d like to make a special mention to my extraordinary beta readers: Julie Asher, Kristine Barakat, Karen Rohde Færgemann, Victoria De Bono and Justine Littleton. Your comments and enthusiasm have made the writing of Strike such an enjoyable experience, and it was a comfort knowing I was on track.

  Thank you to the members of Ryder’s Spark Support Crew. I get a real kick out of sharing stuff with you guys, and every like, share and comment means the world to me. Thank you for your support in helping me share my work, oh, and of course, our shared love of MX boys.

  To my family and friends, bloggers, fellow authors and dedicated fans who have helped me along the way. A special credit goes to Kristine from Glass Paper Ink Bookblog, Karen from The Danish Bookaholic, Angela from Books and Friendz, Tash from Book Lit Love, Becky from Bex ‘n’ Books, and Natalie from Love Between the Sheets, who always go above and beyond to pimp and support me. The spirit in the indie author community is also incredible, and I’m honoured to have the support and friendship of incredible authors Carmen Jenner, Simone Nicole, Nina Levine, Lila Rose, Jani Kay, Belle Aurora, Kirsty Dallas, Becca Lee, Aleya Michelle, Velvet Reed and Kasey Millstead. Thank you for everything you do. I wouldn’t be where I am without all you wonderful people, so thank you for helping a girl reach her dreams.

  Lastly, to you, the reader: I am deeply honoured that you chose my story to read. I hope that if you enjoyed it, you’ll tell a friend. And I’d be forever grateful if you posted a review.

  Jennifer x

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  A sexy imagination, a life-long love of books, and a sucker for romance, Jennifer Ryder couldn’t stifle her creativity any longer. Writing steamy adult romance has become her new focus.

  Living on a rural property in New South Wales, Australia, she enjoys the best of city and country. Her loving husband is ever willing to provide inspiration, and her two young cherubs, and sheep that don’t see fences as barriers, keep life more than interesting.

  For news on my future releases, you can contact me in the following ways. I’d love to hear from you!

  Twitter: @jenniferryder01

  Facebook

  Goodreads

  Pinterest

  Email: jenniferryder01@gmail.com

 

 

/>