Service and Sacrifice Page 7
His great strength broke her grip, and he shoved back far enough that she could see his face in the dim light. Alex stared down at her for a moment, his gaze darting from one eye to the other, then dancing across her features before coming to rest on her lips.
“I’ve got you,” she promised, and Alex dipped closer. “I’ve got you.” This was softer, in deference to the proximity of his mouth to hers. “I’ve got you.” The final sounds were lost when he captured her lips in a deep, demanding kiss that seemed to ask everything of her.
She offered the answer he seemed to be looking for, a quiet murmur against his mouth before he rolled on top of her again.
“I’ll always have you.”
Epilogue
Amanda
“Baby, you ready?” Alex’s voice was slightly gruff as he leaned into the car, one hand on the roof.
She smiled at her reflection in the mirror over the visor, then adjusted it slightly to the side. Bright green eyes stared back at her from the back seat.
“Yeah. I’ll be right out.”
It had been three years since the ride that changed both their lives. Two years since they’d stood in front of friends at the courthouse and listened to the driest recital of vows ever conducted, something they still laughed at, making fun of the fussy man with the bowtie. And it had been only three months since she’d watched Alex openly weep as he cradled their newborn daughter in his arms, his expression full of wonder and love.
She’d asked him last night if he would rather she go to the cemetery by herself this year, then laughed when he sounded affronted she’d even make the offer.
“What? Oh, hell no. No, baby. Me and Marty are comin’ with.” He looked up from his position on the floor next to their cooing baby.
“I just know it’s not the most pleasant of days.” She shrugged.
“It’s an important day.” He winked at her, then turned back to Marty and booped her gently on the nose, laughing softly when she squealed. “We’ll be there with you. Gotta see what you’ve added to the book.” His voice rose an octave. “Don’t we, pumpkin? Gotta see what Mommy’s done this time.”
She stepped out of the SUV and turned to face Alex, smiling and shaking her head when she caught him sniffing the baby he’d retrieved from the back seat. He claimed new baby smell was addictive, and if his behavior was any indication, the man was well on his way to being hooked.
Amanda opened the rear door to gather the blanket and scrapbook, which was now overflowing with added pages to document their lives. Alex was right; she was always adding to the book. Her sleeve shifted, and she caught sight of the revised tattoo on her wrist. A year and a half ago, after they’d decided to try for a baby, he’d held her hand as she went back to the tattoo artist who’d done the original. Now, the semicolon made up one edge of a continuous line drawn in the shape of a heart. To her it represented the fact that life—and love—would always go on. She gathered everything and stepped back to close the door, staring across the roof at her husband, her daughter, her family—found and made with so much work and pain and love, and she couldn’t imagine not being here in this moment, right now.
“Alex?” He looked up, one eyebrow quirked at her. “Thank you for your service.”
A shadow flitted across his face, and the muscles of his arms tensed as he held Marty closer. He still had dark days, but he told her they were fewer and fewer, said she was his salvation, redemption at the end of a long, hard fight.
“I love you, Amanda Waterman.”
Part of her heart would always belong to Martin. Their lives had been too long entwined for it to be otherwise, and she wouldn’t give up a moment of the time she’d had with him. Alex, though, had helped her begin a new chapter, in more than one way. She cradled the scrapbook to her chest.
After Martin had died, part of her had gone to sleep—the piece that always demanded more, that wanted to grow and belong—and love had lain dormant for years. Alex had woken her up.
Amanda and Alex were carving their own path, far different from anything she could have dreamed. Her own personal hot, tattooed biker wouldn’t have it any other way. He challenged her every day to look for the good. And when he needed her to, she pushed him, too. Good days or bad, they were all made better just by being together. She looked at him again to find his face still buried in the crook of their daughter’s neck. My bad boy.
~~~
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING
Service and Sacrifice!
This story is book #1 in the Borderline Freaks MC series, and is best enjoyed as a prelude to book #2, More Than Enough. Featuring Blade, that story is one you’re going to want to read to get to know this man better, trust me. He’s a good’un.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Raised in the south, Wall Street Journal & USA TODAY bestselling author MariaLisa learned about the magic of books at an early age. Every summer, she would spend hours in the local library, devouring books of every genre. Self-described as a book-a-holic, she says "I've always loved to read, but then I discovered writing, and found I adored that, too. For reading...if nothing else is available, I've been known to read the back of the cereal box."
Want sneak peeks into what she’s working on, or to chat with other readers about her books? Join the Facebook group! bit.ly/deMora-FB-group
deMora’s got a spam-free newsletter list she’d love to have you join, too: bit.ly/mldemora-newsletter
~~~~~
Borderline Freaks MC series
This series is comprised of four stories, and are best read in order to avoid spoilery situations.
Service and Sacrifice
“Thank you for your service” is what we’re taught to say to military men and women in gratitude for our freedoms won at their expense. Less often do we thank their families, those left behind to hold down the fort, to manage the day-to-day struggle of keeping everything up in the air until their loved one returns.
When you can’t count on anyone else to save you, there’s only one real choice.
Amanda lost her husband to war. Alex lost part of himself. Through a series of glancing encounters, Amanda and Alex find reasons to continue on. And together, they’ll discover hope and peace can be found in the most unexpected of places.
books2read.com/serviceandsacrifice
~~~
More Than Enough
When a man sees himself as damaged, imperfect, and flawed, it's hard to believe there could be love in his future. After a near-fatal accident stripped Blade of his confidence, he didn't hold out much hope … for anything.
Until Jenn—gorgeous, sweet, and kind—dropped into his life.
Where he sees destruction, she sees perfection.
Where he sees helplessness, she sees courage.
Where he sees ruin, she sees strength.
Can he ever believe he's more than enough?
books2read.com/morethanenough
~~~
Lack of In-between
Wolf finds Rose harbors more secrets than he expected, and the deeper he pulls her into his life, the more he likes it.
---
Once a man’s been embedded in the bloody aftermath of battle after battle, with no relief in sight, he’s forever changed.
Wolf came home from overseas to find his world askew. He was no longer a husband, since he and his ex agreed they were better friends than partners. But he still held the coveted position of father, an experience so confusing and rewarding it sometimes left him breathless.
He’s got a lot on his plate personally, and even more with the Borderline Freaks and the challenges he and his club brothers have hit lately.
He just doesn’t have time to make room for a relationship.
Right?
books2read.com/lackofinbetween
~~~
See You in Valhalla
This is Angelo Dobbs’ worst nightmare. A good man lies dead, and with their president and founding member gone, the leadership position within the Border
line Freaks MC falls to him.
It’s not that he can’t manage the easy task of leading a group of good men; he would just have preferred to stay a little farther out of the spotlight. But, when his brothers issue the call, he answers.
Carly Gibson, daughter of his dead friend, is an unexpected—but not unwelcome—complication for his new role. She’s the most intriguing woman he’s ever met, capable and filled with a strength of character. He finds himself instinctively drawn to her. Could he have found the woman meant to complete him, finally?
Over the past couple of years, Dobbs, Neptune to the men of the BFMC, has watched as his closest friends found their soulmates. Now, their women are an integral part of the club, and when they and Carly are threatened, Neptune will do anything to ensure their safety—and just maybe, his future.
books2read.com/seeyouinvalhalla
Other Motorcycle Club
Romance Series
My Rebel Wayfarers MC and the Neither This Nor That MC series do cross over, along with the Occupy Yourself band books, so readers have a couple of choices. The series can be read independently beginning with RWMC, OYBS, and then NTNT without too many spoilers. There’s also a crossover between my RWMC world and Lila Rose’s Hawks MC world. Or they can be read intertwined—in chronological order.
Here’s the recommended reading order if you want to follow according to timing:
Mica, RWMC #1
A Sweet & Merry Christmas, RWMC #1.5
Slate, RWMC #2
Bear, RWMC #3
Born Into Trouble, OYBS #1
Jase, RWMC #4
Gunny, RWMC #5
Mason, RWMC #6
Hoss, RWMC #7
This Is the Route of Twisted Pain, NTNT #1
Harddrive Holidays, RWMC #7.5
Duck, RWMC #8
Biker Chick Campout, RWMC #8.5
Watcher, RWMC #9
Treading the Traitor’s Path: Out Bad, NTNT #2
Living Without, Lila Rose’s Hawks MC: Caroline Springs #4
Shelter My Heart, NTNT #3
A Kiss to Keep You, RWMC #9.25
Gun Totin’ Annie, RWMC #9.5
Secret Santa, RWMC #9.75
Trapped by Fate on Reckless Roads, NTNT #4
Bones, RWMC #10
Gunny’s Pups, RWMC #10.25
Not Even A Mouse, RWMC #10.75
Road Runner’s Ride, RWMC #12.5
Never Settle, RWMC #10.5
Fury, RWMC #11
Christmas Doings, RWMC #11.25
Gypsy’s Lady, RWMC #11.5
Thunderstruck, NTNT #5
Going Down Easy
No Man’s Land
Cassie, RWMC #12
~~~~~
Also by MariaLisa deMora
Neither This Nor That MC romance series
Legends are born from moments like these. Folktales spun around a single point in time so perfect, you can almost hear the click resonating through the universe as things align. Meet Twisted, Po’Boy, Retro, and Ragman, good old boys from southern states who have many things in common. First, is a bone-deep love of the biker lifestyle. Second, would be their love of the brotherhood, and knowing that you trust the man at your back. Finally, these men have the love of a good woman. None of these come without a price, and it is our pleasure to journey along with them as they discover the blessings that can be won, and lost along the way.
This is the Route of Twisted Pain
Treading the Traitor’s Path: Out Bad
Shelter My Heart
Trapped by Fate on Reckless Roads
Thunderstruck
5-Star Reviews for the stories of the NTNT MC series
This is the Route of Twisted Pain
"This is the Route of Twisted Pain is an exhilarating, gripping romance novel contrived of incredible world building, complex yet relatable characters, and a unique, captivating plot.
Gifted storyteller MariaLisa deMora beautifully balances exciting suspense, fast action, intriguing secrets with delicious, blazing hot romance scenes.
Readers will be up all night with this riveting page-turner."
~ NY Literary Magazine
I am completely tickled in my fancy for TWISTED!
First off, let me state that there was one thing I didn't like about this book and that is the LAST PAGE! I hated for it to end. I dearly loved this book and its characters as well as their setting.
~Colleen M.
Gripping tale
Twisted and Penny fit together beautifully. The book covers so much more than just their love story. Great introduction to the Incoherent MC. The tale is gripping and gritty. The journey is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put it down. Cannot wait for the next one.
~Lillmil
Twisted is one of the most original and interesting characters I have read in a long time. Marialisa's character building is setting a high bar for her to follow, she will hopefully continue with Po'Boy's story. The Route of Twisted Pain was pure brilliance, and I highly recommend this read.
~Penny T.
This book obsessed me!
This may be the best book I read all year.
These people...they're not characters, they're real... have stuck in my head from the day I met them.
MariaLisa deMora can throw words down that'll Twist (hehe) your insides up till you can't breathe for waiting to hear what's next!
I'm working my way through her other 'families' and yup....she really is that good.
~DeLane
Treading the Traitor’s Path: Out Bad
"Treading the Traitor's Path: Out Bad is a solidly engrossing, well-written novel by a talented author.
MariaLisa deMora delivers a thrilling ride filled with exciting suspense, deliciously explicit, vivid sex scenes, and gritty, fast-paced action. Her characters are smart, complex, and strong with sharp edges. The settings meticulously detailed.
Fans of Motorcycle Club romance stories will not want to miss this second installment in deMora's exciting series."
~ NY Literary Magazine
What an amazing read! DeMora does not simply wrote a book, she pulls you into a different world. When you read her work, you are very much surrounded by the characters and setting. Prepare for a book hangover because once you finish the book, you will still be stuck with Po Boy.
~KW
THIS WAS AMAZING. Highly recommend for a good story line, interesting characters. I just wish there was more more more.
~Laura
Loved This Book!
What did I just read?! Is my kindle still working? I'm pretty sure it combusted into flames while reading this story. RED HOT READ for 2017. Not what I was expecting at all! I tend to stay away from ménage a trois, because for me it's hard to say there's any kind of conflict except for jealousy, and the ending kind of leaves things unresolved and unrealistic. NOT THIS BOOK! The best one out there guaranteed.
~Linda A
...seriously this series is just WTF so freaking good. Dark, Twisted, harsh, painful and raw. Po'Boy lives for his club, his brothers and his family, there is nothing he wouldn't do for them.
~Fay
I live and breathe for books like this! Fabulously Naughty!...Wickedly Hot! This is my first book by MariaLisa deMora and it will not be my last. MariaLisa delivered a 5 STAR READ! The plot is filled with action, suspense, romance and tons of hot scenes.
~Jenny F
~~~~~
Alace Sweets, a dark romantic suspense standalone
A dark thriller, this book is not a light read. Filled with edge-of-your-seat suspense, this intense story commands the reader's attention as it drives towards the explosive ending. Alace Sweets is a vigilante serial killer, with everything that implies and is sure to trip all your triggers. Be ready.
At seventeen, Alace Sweets turned a corner in her life, taking the wrong shortcut home from school.
Resisting the harsh knowledge her attackers will never be made to pay for their a
ctions, Alace takes a stand. Justice must be served, and if fate’s scales are out of balance, she’s determined to set things right as best she can.
When the laws of men fail, the rules of Alace prevail.
5-Star Reviews for Alace Sweets
“Whatever deep dark trench [deMora] pulled a character like Alace from should be revisited again and often.”
~Confessions of a Serial Reader
“deMora has a superb story-line and exceptional character development. All of her characters have such depth that will intrigue the reader...”
~Turning Another Page
“Hot, sweet, dark thriller.”
~Beth D
“It will keep you on the edge of your seat and give you chills.”
~Escape Reality Book Blog
“Disturbing, haunting, sickly; yet hot, sexy and heart racing!”
~Amanda L
“From the first page [deMora] pulls you into the world she has created and you do not even try to escape...”
~Little Shop of Readers Blog
“A must read for all those dark, gritty romance fans out there.”
~Sweet & Spicy Reads
“You will find yourself so drawn into the story that the outside world is blocked out and your locking the doors and turning on all the lights.”
~Danena F
“Don't judge me for bonding with a vigilante serial killer, she's more than what she does.”
~iScream Books
“Thrilling...chilling...full of suspense, nail biting edge of your seat excitement.”