Hard Drive Boxed Set

by Tricia Andersen

  The road to this moment had been a wild one. She hadn’t known that when Rico had asked for his mother’s ring before they broke up, he had also summoned the courage to fly to California to ask her father for his blessing. Her dad certainly hadn’t been pleased that this man who hung drywall and fought in a cage wanted to marry his little girl. Dad must have thought he knew Avery well enough that she would turn down the proposal.

  The whole family had been stunned when they had flown back to San Diego to announce the engagement. It had taken nearly the entire two weeks they were there to warm everyone up to the upcoming wedding. Fortunately, by the time they left, the family too had fallen in love with Rico.

  Lindsay traveled with them against his better judgment. He’d had no desire to see any of his family. They had been at odds ever since he joined the Army Rangers instead of the Marines. Avery was ready for the war to begin. To this day, she wasn’t sure how it happened, but Rico stepped in as an intermediary. He helped each side see the other’s point of view. It wasn’t long before her warrior made peace in her family. She hadn’t thought she could love him more. But after that, she did.

  Through the winter, they made plans for this day. She tried on dresses and tasted cakes. Rico watched her sample the sweets with a frown. He was back in fight camp with Max. They would be heading to Las Vegas, each with a shot at a belt.

  A week before Valentine’s Day, Rico, Avery, Max, Chloe, Mark, and Dan flew to Las Vegas for the fight. The time between their arrival and the fourteenth—when the fight was scheduled—there was appearances, interviews, lots of practice, and finally, the weigh in. Both men were more than ready and willing to walk into the octagon.

  Avery had watched Max’s fight with Dan and Mark from the mouth of the tunnel after they had walked him to the cage. Chloe and Rico had stayed to coach him from the opposite side of the chain link. The fight hadn’t lasted long. Neither man had taken the battle to the mat. It had ended before the conclusion of the first round, when Max had fired a head kick to his opponent, knocking him out. Chloe had kissed him triumphantly as he had held his new belt over his head.

  One fight later, Rico stormed to the octagon, his fingers gently wrapped around Avery’s. Pressing a kiss to his lips for luck, she followed Max to their places. After the announcer had rambled off the long-winded introduction, the fight started.

  Avery watched the men stalk each other around the mat, attacking with jabs, crosses, and a couple of near lethal uppercuts. Rico’s opponent had left a small gash over his eyebrow with a weak head kick. The round had ended before Rico crumbled.

  Not long into round two, the battle went to the mat. Avery caught the wicked glimmer in Rico’s eyes. This was where his strength lied. The fight hadn’t lasted much longer. Before the bell ended round two, Rico locked his opponent in a triangle, causing the man to tap. Avery leapt to her feet and rushed to the cage door. She was in Rico’s arms before the belt was in his hand.

  They returned home to finish their wedding planning. Shortly after they arrived, they found out the venue that they chose was double booked. Avery had been crushed, wondering if that was a sign.

  Dan was the one to come to the rescue. He told them of this resort north of the Twin Cities that he used to go to with his family when he was a child. On a cool, spring day, she and Rico made the drive to take a look. They had fallen in love with it instantly. The gazebo at the lodge was the perfect place for the ceremony. The lake reminded them of their own spot near the college.

  There was going to be a fantastic fireworks display the night of the Fourth of July. And the fact that they could rent a beautiful cabin for a honeymoon getaway less than a mile from the location of their wedding had sealed it. They had booked it immediately then raced home to make the changes. Several wedding showers and a joint bachelor and bachelorette party had led them to the present. Now, here they were, ready to start their forever together.

  Avery startled as she felt a hand on her arm. Chloe smiled at her. She smoothed her own crimson, ankle length gown before she signed. The car is here to take us to the ceremony. Are you ready?

  Can’t wait. Let’s go.

  The two women slipped into the waiting vehicle outside the cabin. Avery’s heart thundered in her chest as they wound along the forest roads to the lodge. Rows of cars appeared then the roof of the building. Hopefully, the love of her life, along with his friends and the minister, would be waiting for her in the gazebo that overlooked the lake.

  Her dad opened the car door, helping Chloe out first then Avery. She saw the tears pooling in his eyes as he glanced her over. Avery, sweetheart. You look beautiful.

  She placed a kiss on his cheek. Thank you, Dad.

  Avery noticed Chloe’s gaze locked on someone approaching them. Avery smiled warmly as her father gave Lindsay a hug. Lindsay looked sharp in his dress uniform.

  Even though he was her brother, Avery had to admit Lindsay was devastatingly handsome. Lindsay beamed at her as he signed. Dad thought since we have been so close over these past few years that I should walk you down the aisle also. If that is all right with you.

  Avery grinned. I think you might like Rico.

  She watched Lindsay laugh. Yes. It has grown on me. Like a fungus.

  All of them chuckled at Lindsay’s comment. Lindsay gently weaved his arm around Chloe’s to escort her up the walk, pressing a cordial kiss to her cheek. Avery’s father did the same with Avery as they followed them behind the lodge toward the gazebo.

  Avery anxiously watched Chloe as she slowly made her way down the aisle to stand beside Max. Lindsay wrapped his arm firmly around her free one before they began a similar journey.

  Avery read the minister’s lips then glanced to her Dad to see him speak. Her father nodded to Lindsay then let her go and sat beside her mother. Lindsay placed her hand in Rico’s then looked Rico in the eye. “Welcome to the family. I’m proud to call you my brother,” Avery saw him say to her future husband.

  Rico’s deep blue eyes misted with tears. It nearly made Avery cry. She knew that this was the first time since he had been a child that Rico had an actual family to claim as his own. Sure, he loved the makeshift family he was a part of at Hard Drive. But it wasn’t the same.

  Lindsay smiled at the both of them then took his spot next to his parents.

  Avery watched intently as the minister spoke his message. Then, Avery recited her vows clearly, as she had practiced. When it was time for Rico to make his vow to her, he pulled his hands from hers. He smiled gently. Then he carefully signed his marriage vows to her. Avery couldn’t stop the tear from slipping down her cheek.

  She understood it all. He, Rico Choate, was promising her forever. She knew each word was full of truth and confidence. He needed her as much as she needed him. Once the rings were exchanged and the minister pronounced them husband and wife, they sealed their marriage with a kiss.

  Then, the party began. A picnic of fried chicken and salads led to conversation and games. Max started a bonfire when the sun set. Avery cuddled with Rico on a blanket laid on the ground as the fireworks began. After she returned from Afghanistan, she avoided these displays. Normally the flash of the explosions terrified her. But being held tight in her husband’s arms made her feel safe enough to enjoy the show.

  Before they were over, he helped her to her feet and led her to his Jeep. The night sky above the trees was filled with bright color as they drove back to the cabin.

  Her heart raced again as they stepped inside, and Rico locked the door. He pulled a long, velvet box from his tuxedo jacket and handed it to her. “My wedding gift to you.”

  She slowly opened the lid. A beautiful, white gold, double heart pendant lined with diamonds held on a fine chain rested on the satin. She gasped as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. “Thank you. I love it. But I didn’t get you anything.”

  Rico’s smile was pure sin as he pulled her back to look at her. His eyes roamed over her. “Actually, I have been waiting all day to
open my gift from you. It has been killing me.”

  “What gift?”

  He ran his tongue along his bottom lip. “I will admit—the wrapping paper is absolutely beautiful. But I am ready to rip off the gift-wrap and get to my present.”

  She felt her face grow hot as she met his hungry eyes. She understood then that she was his present. It was their wedding night, and they had yet to sleep together. Would she be able to compete with his other lovers?

  That thought fled her mind as he tugged her back into his arms and engulfed her lips with a devouring kiss. She gasped softly as he jerked the zipper of her dress down and let the garment pool on the floor. Suddenly, there was no doubt in her mind that this would be the best night of her life.

  »»•««

  Avery squinted her eyes against the bright summer light. As brilliant as it was, it couldn’t be early morning. She glanced over at the digital alarm clock before snuggling again against Rico’s bare shoulder. It was well past noon, which made sense. They had watched the sunrise before they had finally drifted off to sleep.

  Their reception was more than she could have ever dreamed of. Her parents and all her family was there to celebrate with them. Nearly all her friends and classmates came too, along with several of the fighters from Hard Drive. However, none of it compared to being with Rico. They had stolen kisses as they had visited with guests. They had fed each other pieces of cake. He had protected her from the fireworks. Not to mention, he was to-die-for hot in his tux.

  She gently ran her fingertip along his jawline as she gazed at him. She was the luckiest woman in the world. She was married to Rico Choate. He was strong. Sexy. Confident. Gentle. Funny. Puppy dog devoted. And he firmly believed that she was the sexy, courageous one, not him. He hated being away from her, even dragging her to the gym when she wasn’t in school or at work. He trained with her more than the guys. They shared everything like best friends. After her injury, she had thought she would never find love. Now, it was lying here in her arms.

  A rumble in her stomach pulled her from her thoughts. She pressed a kiss to his skin then rose slowly as not to wake him. She pulled on the white, fluffy robe that lay over the back of the chair and shuffled to the cabin’s small kitchen. Chloe had promised to stow away some leftover wedding cake in the refrigerator. It was definitely time to find it.

  She glanced around the cabin, realizing it was the first time she’d had a chance to really take a look at it since the wedding. It was cozy with a modern feel, which was such a huge contrast with the sprawling lake and large deck outside the sliding glass door. The furniture in the living room and the bedroom were made of dark stained wood. Vases of fresh flowers sat on the kitchen table, end tables, and coffee tables. There were splashes of ivory and evergreen in the upholstery and curtains.

  Avery smiled. It was the perfect place for them to start out their lives together.

  Opening the refrigerator door, Avery grinned. Not only did she find the cake, she found a carton of eggs, some bacon, yogurt, fruit, milk, and orange juice, each bearing a sticky note with a heart drawn on it. This certainly wasn’t the resort’s doing. Our family is taking care of us…

  Her smile grew as a pair of arms wrapped around her waist, and she was tugged against a warm, hard body. Feels like someone didn’t bother with his robe, she thought. She lifted her hands and turned. “Breakfast?”

  Rico pinned her between the open refrigerator and his naked body. “It’s almost one o’clock in the afternoon.”

  “Max and Chloe only left us breakfast items. And wedding cake.”

  “Wedding cake sounds good.” He shot her a cocky grin. “So, what do you want to do today?”

  “Stay in bed with you.”

  “That’s it?”

  She bit her lip.

  Rico frowned. “What is it?”

  “I would really like to spar. But there is no equipment. We would have to drive home.”

  She watched him laugh. “I packed gloves and mitts, baby. We can kickbox on the large deck.”

  “And Jiu jitsu?”

  “The bed, of course. We’ll call it foreplay.”

  She laughed as she playfully punched him. “After I make you breakfast.”

  Avery pulled out the carton of eggs and package of bacon then shut the door. She set them on the counter. Before she could hunt for the fry pans, Rico wrapped her in another hug.

  “You are going to starve,” she chided.

  “I don’t care. I want to hold you.”

  She melted against him as she slid her arms around his shoulders. She sighed, content.

  “I love you,” she breathed.

  Rico tilted her face to his. She clearly read his lips, “I love you more.”

  She rose on her tiptoes to press a kiss over the forming words. He nuzzled his nose against hers. Never in her life had she ever wanted to be a princess. She had always wanted to be a Marine. But in the end, she had found her Prince Charming in an MMA fighter. And she couldn’t wait for their happily ever after to start.

  Breaking the Violence by Tricia Andersen

  Finding the woman of his dreams in a burning car, Mark Jacobsen figures he’ll never see her again. As consolation, he buries himself in preparing for his first professional MMA fight. When she shows up in his ER with bruises, he discovers that her ex-husband is abusing her. He helps her find courage as he falls in love with not only her but her son. But how far will her ex go to keep her? Is Mark’s love great enough to put his life in danger?

  Lexi Mills isn’t sure how much she can trust Mark Jacobsen. Years of torture from her ex-husband makes her wary of all relationships. But the gentle teddy bear of a man begins to break down her walls. Can she find love with the full time doctor and part time MMA fighter? Or will her ex end her life before she finds out?

  Dedication

  Thank you to Keoni Koch and my brothers and sisters at Hard Drive Mixed Martial Arts. You’ve helped me through some of the hardest, darkest moments of my life. You’ve been there for me and it means everything to me. Thank you for helping me find the courage to write this book. I love you all.

  This is for Jake and Amanda. Thank you for your encouragement, for the kicks in the butt (both figuratively and literally) and for being such incredible inspirations for Mark and Lexi.

  This book is dedicated to all those who have found themselves in an abusive relationship. I hope it helps you to find courage to get free and find the life you deserve. You have my love.

  Chapter One

  It just didn’t make any sense. Life was completely unfair.

  The reflective paint dotting the dark Minnesota highway was the only thing pulling Mark from his self-pity. He rubbed his unshaven chin as he shook his head. Rico Choate, the Rico Choate, the womanizing MMA bad boy, was now happily and blissfully married. Married. To one woman forever. It wasn’t that Mark didn’t like Avery. He loved Avery like she was his sister. But Rico, who went through women like he went through mouth guards, found love, and Mark couldn’t even get a date.

  Not to mention the tux that was wrapped tight around his large frame was nearly choking him out. It was almost as bad as that rear naked choke Rico… Mark huffed. Life sucked.

  He felt a hand tug violently on the arm of his coat. “Mark, are you awake?”

  Mark looked over at Dan, his best friend. The blond’s green eyes were wide behind his wire rimmed glasses. “Yeah. Why?”

  “You’re weaving all over the road, dude.”

  Mark’s eyes shot up at the road as he yanked the steering wheel to guide his truck back into his lane. “Sorry, man.”

  Mark didn’t have to glance over to know Dan was watching him. Dan and Mark had been inseparable since they were toddlers. They went from preschool to college together. They moved from Iowa to Minnesota together. They joined Hard Drive together. If it weren’t for the stark contrast in their appearance, they could easily be mistaken for brothers. They were closer to each other than any of their blood relatives. And D
an always knew when something was bothering Mark. “Want to talk about it?”

  “No,” Mark snapped.

  “It’s an hour to Minneapolis and I don’t know about you but I’d like to get there alive. So talk.”

  Mark glared at Dan. Typically Dan was quiet and reserved. Where did that outburst come from? Mark sighed. “Rico.”

  “What about him?”

  “I’m a great guy. I’m good looking. How did Rico Choate, Mister-I-hate-commitment-and-must-sleep-with-a-different-female-every-night, get his happily ever after before I did?”

  Dan shrugged. “He found Avery.”

  “I know he found Avery. Duh. I don’t…”

  Something bright in the darkness along the side of the road caught Mark’s eye. He frowned. It looked like fire. He sped up to get a closer look.

  “What is that?” Dan questioned.

  “I don’t know,” Mark puzzled. “It looks like…” His heart slammed in his chest. “A car is on fire.”

  Mark raced down the road and then crossed the other lane to park a safe distance from the flames. He leapt from the truck as it came to the stop and raced to the blazing vehicle. The click of dress shoes on the pavement behind him told him Dan was on his heels. Mark raised his arm over his face to shield himself from the intense heat as he carefully approached, scanning the inside for any occupants. His heart seized again as he flew into his normal role―that of an ER doctor. “Dan, there’s two people inside!”

  “What do you want me to do?” Dan requested.

  Mark glanced briefly behind him at his friend. The question wasn’t a demand for an answer to a hopeless situation. Dan was actually in stance like he was in the octagon. He was ready to fight, waiting for orders, but Mark wasn’t about to put him in danger. “There are less flames over on the passenger side. Get whoever is over there. I’ll get the driver’s side.”

  “But the fire…”