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    Ride Dirty: A Raven Riders Novella


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      Ride Dirty

      A Raven Riders Novella

      By Laura Kaye

      1001 Dark Nights

      Ride Dirty

      A Raven Riders Novella

      By Laura Kaye

      1001 Dark Nights

      Copyright 2018 Laura Kaye

      ISBN: 978-1-948050-28-9

      Foreword: Copyright 2014 M. J. Rose

      Published by Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

      This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or establishments is solely coincidental.

      Book Description

      Ride Dirty

      A Raven Riders Novella

      By Laura Kaye

      From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Kaye comes a new story in her Raven Riders series…

      Caine McKannon is all about rules. As the Raven Riders’ Sergeant-at-Arms, he prizes loyalty to his brothers and protection of his club. As a man, he takes pleasure wherever he can get it but allows no one close—because distance is the only way to ensure people can’t hurt you. And he’s had enough pain for a lifetime.

      But then he rescues a beautiful woman from an attack.

      Kids and school are kindergarten teacher Emma Kerry’s whole life, so she’s stunned to realize she has an enemy—and even more surprised to find a protector in the intimidating man who saved her. Tall, dark, and tattooed, Caine is unlike any man Emma’s ever known, and she’s as uncertain of him as she is attracted. As the danger escalates, Caine is in her house more and more – until one night of passion lands him in her bed.

      But breaking the rules comes at a price, forcing Caine to fight dirty to earn a chance at love.

      **Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

      About Laura Kaye

      Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Raven Riders, Blasphemy, and Hard Ink series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. Laura also writes historical fiction as the NYT bestselling author Laura Kamoie. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

      Learn more at www.LauraKayeAuthor.com

      Join Laura’s Newsletter for Exclusives & Giveaways!

      Also from Laura Kaye

      Click to purchase

      Warrior Fight Club Series

      FIGHTING FOR EVERYTHING (May 22, 2018)

      FIGHTING FOR WHAT’S HIS (August 2018)

      FIGHTING THE FIRE (October 2018)

      Blasphemy Series

      HARD TO SERVE

      BOUND TO SUBMIT

      MASTERING HER SENSES

      EYES ON YOU

      THEIRS TO TAKE

      ON HIS KNEES

      Raven Riders Series

      RIDE HARD

      RIDE ROUGH

      RIDE WILD

      RIDE WILD

      RIDE DIRTY

      Hard Ink Series

      HARD AS IT GETS

      HARD AS YOU CAN

      HARD TO HOLD ON TO

      HARD TO COME BY

      HARD TO BE GOOD

      HARD TO LET GO

      HARD EVER AFTER

      HARD AS STEEL

      HARD EVER AFTER

      HARD TO SERVE

      Hearts in Darkness Duet

      HEARTS IN DARKNESS

      LOVE IN THE LIGHT

      Heroes Series

      HER FORBIDDEN HERO

      ONE NIGHT WITH A HERO

      Stand Alone Titles

      DARE TO RESIST

      JUST GOTTA SAY

      Acknowledgments from the Author

      This book, you guys. This book took me by surprise in so many ways. Caine McKannon had been an incredibly quiet character in my head before I started writing Ride Dirty, so I didn’t know everything about his story until I was in the thick of it. He is one of my most tortured heroes ever, and writing his book was one of my most emotional experiences. I hope you love him as much as I adored writing him.

      As always, I have a number of angels to thank for helping me bring this book to fruition. First and foremost, I must thank Liz Berry and the whole team at 1001 Dark Nights for the amazing support, above-and-beyond work, and incredible encouragement as I was writing this book. Working with Liz has been one of the highlights of my writing career, and I just feel so privileged to be able to do it.

      I also have to thank my best friend, fellow author Lea Nolan, who was, as she always is, an amazing sounding board for the plotting and development of the story. I can always count on Lea to brainstorm with me and push me to figure things out, and I cherish her support so much.

      Next, I absolutely have to thank the readers for having such amazing enthusiasm for another book in this series, which I have enjoyed writing so much. The Raven Riders are very alive in my head and I just love all the characters in this world so much. I appreciate all the readers who voted for this one last Raven Riders book and hope you’ll think I gave Caine his due in Ride Dirty.

      Special thanks to my Original Heroes and LKRG Facebook reader group for the constant excitement and support – you all make it all worthwhile!

      Finally, thanks to you for taking my characters into your heart and allowing them to tell their stories again and again. ~LK

      Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection One

      Click here to explore

      FOREVER WICKED by Shayla Black

      CRIMSON TWILIGHT by Heather Graham

      CAPTURED IN SURRENDER by Liliana Hart

      SILENT BITE: A SCANGUARDS WEDDING by Tina Folsom

      DUNGEON GAMES by Lexi Blake

      AZAGOTH by Larissa Ione

      NEED YOU NOW by Lisa Renee Jones

      SHOW ME, BABY by Cherise Sinclair

      ROPED IN by Lorelei James

      TEMPTED BY MIDNIGHT by Lara Adrian

      THE FLAME by Christopher Rice

      CARESS OF DARKNESS by Julie Kenner

      Also from 1001 Dark Nights

      TAME ME by J. Kenner

      Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection Two

      Click here to explore

      WICKED WOLF by Carrie Ann Ryan

      WHEN IRISH EYES ARE HAUNTING by Heather Graham

      EASY WITH YOU by Kristen Proby

      MASTER OF FREEDOM by Cherise Sinclair

      CARESS OF PLEASURE by Julie Kenner

      ADORED by Lexi Blake

      HADES by Larissa Ione

      RAVAGED by Elisabeth Naughton

      DREAM OF YOU by Jennifer L. Armentrout

      STRIPPED DOWN by Lorelei James

      RAGE/KILLIAN by Alexandra Ivy/Laura Wright

      DRAGON KING by Donna Grant

      PURE WICKED by Shayla Black

      HARD AS STEEL by Laura Kaye

      STROKE OF MIDNIGHT by Lara Adrian

      ALL HALLOWS EVE by Heather Graham

      KISS THE FLAME by Christopher Rice

      DARING HER LOVE by Melissa Foster

      TEASED by Rebecca Zanetti

      THE PROMISE OF SURRENDER by Liliana Hart

      Also from 1001 Dark Nights
    />   THE SURRENDER GATE By Christopher Rice

      SERVICING THE TARGET By Cherise Sinclair

      Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection Three

      Click here to explore

      HIDDEN INK by Carrie Ann Ryan

      BLOOD ON THE BAYOU by Heather Graham

      SEARCHING FOR MINE by Jennifer Probst

      DANCE OF DESIRE by Christopher Rice

      ROUGH RHYTHM by Tessa Bailey

      DEVOTED by Lexi Blake

      Z by Larissa Ione

      FALLING UNDER YOU by Laurelin Paige

      EASY FOR KEEPS by Kristen Proby

      UNCHAINED by Elisabeth Naughton

      HARD TO SERVE by Laura Kaye

      DRAGON FEVER by Donna Grant

      KAYDEN/SIMON by Alexandra Ivy/Laura Wright

      STRUNG UP by Lorelei James

      MIDNIGHT UNTAMED by Lara Adrian

      TRICKED by Rebecca Zanetti

      DIRTY WICKED by Shayla Black

      THE ONLY ONE by Lauren Blakely

      SWEET SURRENDER by Liliana Hart

      Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection Four

      Click here to explore

      ROCK CHICK REAWAKENING by Kristen Ashley

      ADORING INK by Carrie Ann Ryan

      SWEET RIVALRY by K. Bromberg

      SHADE'S LADY by Joanna Wylde

      RAZR by Larissa Ione

      ARRANGED by Lexi Blake

      TANGLED by Rebecca Zanetti

      HOLD ME by J. Kenner

      SOMEHOW, SOME WAY by Jennifer Probst

      TOO CLOSE TO CALL by Tessa Bailey

      HUNTED by Elisabeth Naughton

      EYES ON YOU by Laura Kaye

      BLADE by Alexandra Ivy/Laura Wright

      DRAGON BURN by Donna Grant

      TRIPPED OUT by Lorelei James

      STUD FINDER by Lauren Blakely

      MIDNIGHT UNLEASHED by Lara Adrian

      HALLOW BE THE HAUNT by Heather Graham

      DIRTY FILTHY FIX by Laurelin Paige

      THE BED MATE by Kendall Ryan

      PRINCE ROMAN by CD Reiss

      NO RESERVATIONS by Kristen Proby

      DAWN OF SURRENDER by Liliana Hart

      Also from 1001 Dark Nights

      Tempt Me by J. Kenner

      Sign up for the 1001 Dark Nights Newsletter

      and be entered to win a Tiffany Key necklace.

      There's a contest every month!

      Click here to subscribe.

      As a bonus, all subscribers will receive a free copy of

      Discovery Bundle Three

      Featuring stories by

      Sidney Bristol, Darcy Burke, T. Gephart

      Stacey Kennedy, Adriana Locke

      JB Salsbury, and Erika Wilde

      Table of Contents

      Book Description

      About Laura Kaye

      Also From Laura Kaye

      Acknowledgments from the Author

      Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection One

      Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection Two

      Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection Three

      Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection Four

      Foreword

      Dedication

      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

      A Note from the Author

      Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection Five

      Discover the World of 1001 Dark Nights

      An excerpt from Fighting For Everything by Laura Kaye

      Discover More Laura Kaye

      Special Thanks

      One Thousand and One Dark Nights

      Once upon a time, in the future…

      I was a student fascinated with stories and learning.

      I studied philosophy, poetry, history, the occult, and

      the art and science of love and magic. I had a vast

      library at my father’s home and collected thousands

      of volumes of fantastic tales.

      I learned all about ancient races and bygone

      times. About myths and legends and dreams of all

      people through the millennium. And the more I read

      the stronger my imagination grew until I discovered

      that I was able to travel into the stories... to actually

      become part of them.

      I wish I could say that I listened to my teacher

      and respected my gift, as I ought to have. If I had, I

      would not be telling you this tale now.

      But I was foolhardy and confused, showing off

      with bravery.

      One afternoon, curious about the myth of the

      Arabian Nights, I traveled back to ancient Persia to

      see for myself if it was true that every day Shahryar

      (Persian: شهريار, “king”) married a new virgin, and then

      sent yesterday's wife to be beheaded. It was written

      and I had read, that by the time he met Scheherazade,

      the vizier's daughter, he’d killed one thousand

      women.

      Something went wrong with my efforts. I arrived

      in the midst of the story and somehow exchanged

      places with Scheherazade – a phenomena that had

      never occurred before and that still to this day, I

      cannot explain.

      Now I am trapped in that ancient past. I have

      taken on Scheherazade’s life and the only way I can

      protect myself and stay alive is to do what she did to

      protect herself and stay alive.

      Every night the King calls for me and listens as I spin tales.

      And when the evening ends and dawn breaks, I stop at a

      point that leaves him breathless and yearning for more.

      And so the King spares my life for one more day, so that

      he might hear the rest of my dark tale.

      As soon as I finish a story... I begin a new

      one... like the one that you, dear reader, have before

      you now.

      Dedication

      To you,

      “Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel like you're nothing

      You're fuckin' perfect to me”

      ~ Pink

      Chapter 1

      Caine McKannon eased his naked body off the bed, doing his best not to disturb the couple entangled next to him. He retrieved his jeans from the floor and stepped into them, then repeated the process with his boots, shirt, hoodie, and leather-and-denim Raven Riders cut-off jacket. He’d shower the ménage off of his skin when he got home. Fucking he could always handle. Talking, not so much.

      So it was time to fly.

      Caine had perfected ghosting through his life before his age had hit double digits—silence had been a survival skill given the way he’d grown up—so he was surprised to find a pair of eyes on him when he turned. The man was older than him, early fifties maybe. Elliott was his name, not that it mattered. But he’d been the one to contact Caine about being a third with him and his wife through the message boards, one of the main ways he found partners who wouldn’t have expectations for more.

      Because Caine didn’t do more. Not with women. Or men. Or even with the couples for whom he served as a twisted fucking fantasy fulfillment. Hell, Caine barely had friends, let alone anything more intimate. And he never had. Sometimes, he could hardly believe his brothers in the Raven Riders put up with his anti-social bullshit. Actually, calling him anti-social would’ve been generous.

      But distance made him good at his job. Distance provided perspective, ensured dispassionate reasoning, kept everyone safe. Himself included. And that was his job for the club: Enforce the rules. Keep eve
    ryone safe.

      Punish any sonofabitch who dared cross him or the club.

      Tugging the black beanie down over his shorn hair, Caine gave the man in the bed a last look.

      Elliott met his gaze and acknowledged him with a single nod, before pulling the sheet over his much younger wife’s bare legs and ass like he was done sharing her. Caine had…absolutely no emotional reaction to the gesture at all. Sex wasn’t about finding a place or making a connection. It was about getting off. Fulfilling a need. Scratching an itch. Finding a release. He’d been used and had used in return, and that was fine by him. But now, he’d fulfilled his purpose with these people, and they were as done with him as he was with them.

      He left the McMansion like a whisper in the night and found his Dyna Fat Bob in front of the three-car garage. There wasn’t any moon, so the bike was barely more than a shadow in the darkness. Working with one of his brothers who owned a custom chop shop, Caine had had the bike almost completely murdered out with a mix of black finishes that gave it a lean, brooding industrial feel, like it was more tactical weapon than motorcycle.

      He got astride and heaved a sigh. It wasn’t quite eleven and despite the sex, restlessness rattled through his veins, telling him sleep wouldn’t find him any time soon. No sense going home. And he wasn’t up for the Saturday-night partying no doubt going down at the clubhouse.

      So he’d do what he always did when he couldn’t sleep. Ride a circuit around town – swinging past the Ravens’ big compound, the racetrack the club operated, his brothers’ places, and the homes of the Ravens’ protectees who weren’t currently living in the cabins near their clubhouse. Patrolling wasn’t something he was expected to do, or that anyone even knew he did. Just something that filled his time. Just a routine that gave him something to think about besides the lame-ass woe-is-me bullshit narrative that sometimes filled his head.

     

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