Ride Dirty: A Raven Riders Novella Read online

  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.