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  UNEXPECTED FORFEIT

  Copyright © 2015 by Sapphire Knight

  Cover Design by Sara Eirew Photography

  Editing by Mitzi Carroll

  Formatting by Max Effect

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the author.

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  CONTENTS

  Acknowledgements

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Coming Soon

  Stay in Touch

  WARNING:

  This novel includes graphic language and adult situations. It may be offensive to some readers and includes situations that may be hotspots for certain individuals. This book is intended for adults 18 and older. This work is fictional. The story is meant to entertain the reader and may not always be completely accurate. Any reproduction of these works without Author Sapphire Knight’s written consent is pirating and will be punished to the fullest extent.

  I hope you enjoy this lighter read compared to my other darker books.

  Dedicated to my husband.

  I’m so proud of the positive changes you’ve made. Your embracing of MMA, after I bugged you over and over to do it, inspired this story. You’ll be happy to know that the male in this story is a badass. You’re welcome.

  I love you and thank you!

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  My husband - I love you.

  My boys - You are my whole world. I love you both.

  Jace and Jaxon – The boys we want but aren’t able to have. Maybe someday things will work out and we’ll get the big family we wish for. Anyone struggling with not being able to have more children, I understand completely.

  The lovely beta readers, thank you - Abbey Neil-Clark, Kelly Emery, Sarah Rogers, Lindsay Lupher, Wendi Stacilaucki-Hunsicker, and Patti Novia West. Each of you stepped up to the plate and gave me very valuable feedback. This book wouldn’t be possible without all of your help. Your feedback means everything to me, especially at two a.m. or the night I finish the book and freak out lol. It was amazing to get your messages declaring I had converted you to this genre or that you couldn’t shake this book. You ladies are my rocks!

  Photographer Eric Battershell - Thank you so much for the amazing support and friendship you have been kind enough to give me. I feel very lucky to have you in my book world!

  Model Robert Simmons - You’re perfect for my muse! Thank you for allowing me to have you on my cover. You’re a sweet guy and I hope to have you on another cover in the future!

  Cover Designer Sara Eirew - Thank you for such a beautiful cover design. I’m grateful for your friendship and willingness to always help me out in a tight time frame!

  Editor Mitzi Carroll - Thank you tremendously! My books wouldn’t be possible without your hard work, and I appreciate it tons. Once I receive the approved seal from you, I breathe easier.

  My Formatter Max Henry - Thank you for making my work look beautiful, you rock!

  My gorgeous PA Abbey Neil-Clark who is also part genius - Your friendship and continued support mean so much to me. I would be lost without you. Love you to pieces! #MyBestestBookFriend

  Sapphire’s Naughty Princesses - Thank you ladies for everything you do to help promote my work, for all of your support and encouragement. You make me want to write even more!

  Leah Joslin - Has suggested I use the name ‘Ground and Pound’ for the series title. Thank you so much; it’s brilliant and fits perfectly. You’re an incredible support, and I’m forever grateful!

  Anne Mercier - My dear sweet friend, thank you for always making me smile. Love ya, banana!

  A special thank you to Natalie Weston – I am amazed that you put my books in your store! Thank you!

  My blogger friends -There are so many to list, and, for that, I am in awe.

  My readers - Thank you tons for making this possible for me. I’m so grateful for your embarking on this new journey with me and for supporting my books in a brand new genre. I wish I could hug each one of you! Hopefully I will meet many of you at my future signings I have planned for 2016.

  I had been thinking of this MMA style book for about a year now. My husband embraced the sport after I bugged him relentlessly about it and has since embraced it. My husband is a Veteran who suffers from PTSD and this sport has helped him relieve frustration and get healthy. Thank you to the trainers and people who dedicate their time to helping soldiers. Any soldiers suffering with PTSD, thank you for your sacrifice, you are way undervalued!

  This story stemmed from another I wrote about three years ago. It was lost when my old computer broke. If I am able to get it fully fixed and recover the story, you will get Gavin and Aria’s book eventually. These are a few characters that I remembered who would not stop without their story being told. I hope you enjoy and please let me know what you think of Unexpected Forfeit and my latest book boyfriend- Jace.

  I did it. I’m here again after I promised myself I wouldn’t. I’m a sucker though. As soon as I heard my friend, Aria, mention that she and her boyfriend, Gavin, were going to go watch Jace fight on Friday night, I knew I’d be here, too.

  Glancing around, I take in the expanse of the auditorium. This grey expo building is big. Not huge like a Vegas fight, but pretty damn big. There are rows of stadium seating and large posters of previous fights hung up all around the huge room.

  My gaze stops on my favorite of them all. Jace. The vice I can’t seem to break myself of. I may possibly be secretly obsessed with Jace “King” Kash. Obsessed with watching his fine, buff, ass fight, that is.

  I’ve been to a total of five of his fights so far and each time it’s beyond exhilarating. I love the atmosphere. The stadium is filled with noisy people, thrumming with excitement to see someone get their ass kicked, and, so far, Jace hasn’t disappointed. He gets in the cage like he’s on a mission—never fucking around—just taking his opponent out.

  I’m drawn away from his gorgeous poster as Avenged Sevenfold’s ‘Hail to the King’ starts blaring loudly throughout the auditorium, and it’s my cue that it’s finally time.

  I squeeze my eyes closed as soon as the song starts to vibrate through my bones, relishing the feeling of everyone’s energy. My heart rate elevates, beating faster, ready to see him. My stomach flutters with flips of anticipation. Taking a deep breath, I peer toward the hall from where he’ll enter. I’m finally going to get my fix of pure muscled beefcake.

  Jace swaggers out of the hall with determined footsteps, moving quickly down the walkway to the cage with his trainers following behind. He always has four guys with him that wear matching shirts. The shirts always have the same logo on them as his fighting shorts. Today he’s wearing black shorts with two giant white fists on each ass cheek.

  He stops and peels off his team shirt. The guys by the cage check him over everywhere, paying close attention to his hands befo
re he’s allowed to get in the cage. They always check them over closely; I’m assuming for hidden weapons. I know a few guys have been busted for fighting dirty, but who knows if that’s the real reason. I’ll have to ask Gavin about it if I remember.

  This one isn’t a highly important fight, but Jace has to win some matches to get to the main fight in about two months. Aria’s given me the scoop on everything from her boyfriend ever since she first found out that I’ve been coming. I’m hoping Jace makes it to Vegas. If he does, I’m going to see if Aria and Gavin will go with me to watch the big fights. I’m sure Gavin will go since he and Jace are such good friends.

  Jace’s body reminds me of a Spartan warrior. He’s pure perfection, weighing in at 250 pounds and six foot four inches tall. I may not be ready for a man, but I can damn sure fantasize about him all day long.

  He enters the cage, not really paying attention to anyone. I cringe a little as some crazy, hard metal music starts pounding through the building to introduce the competition, Ford Johnson.

  Ford’s about the same size as Jace; they’re evenly matched in that way only. Jace appears more focused, like he trains relentlessly. Ford always seems like this is just a big game to him and none of it matters. He reminds me of one of those privileged people, who has basically had everything handed over to them, but couldn’t care less. Not to mention he has such an obnoxious attitude, he seriously needs to be taken down a peg or two.

  The event center people always play the fight interviews prior to their turn in the ring. They show them on big screens mounted throughout, and some of these guys are real cocky pieces of work. I’m sure winning fights must help build up their egos, but it’s very unbecoming.

  Jace stalks around his side of the blue mat, alert that the enemy is near. He reminds me of a caged animal, waiting to pounce on the first person who gets too close to him. He’s usually this way right before he fights.

  I think it gets people even more pumped up, waiting to see what Jace’s first move will be. The other fighters don’t seem to be able to handle his calm pacing. They get pissed and try to rouse him, but he’s like a stone, acting as if the other guys don’t even exist.

  I’ve seen Ford fight before; it was a night right after one of Jace’s fights. I had decided to stay around, hoping there would be more matches with fighters who fought in the same style as Jace. I was sorely disappointed with the other fighters. They were shiesty, doing whatever they could to permanently hurt the opponent rather than participate in a competitive sport.

  Ford tends to fight dirty. He likes to throw illegal elbows. He’s fairly good, but Jace is better and is going to pound him in the ground. I really hope Jace doesn’t get too messed up during the fight though. His face is way too gorgeous to be marred with bruises and cuts.

  I lick my lips in anticipation, watching as Ford enters the cage sneering and barks something over at Jace. The announcer goes through his spiel about it being a clean fight, although we all know it probably won’t be. I mean, what is clean fighting anyhow?

  Jace doesn’t acknowledge Ford at all, taking the high road until it’s time for them to tap hands and get to fighting. When their hands tap though, it’s like Jace disappears into his own world, ignoring everything else but his opponent. He flashes a smile at Ford quickly, and I’m guessing it’s probably something on his mouth piece he wants Ford to see. I imagine you would have to be in ‘the zone’ though in order to focus and not let any doubt creep up on you.

  The crowd’s pretty obnoxious as usual. They’re all yelling at each of their favored contender to kill the other guy. I yell for Jace, cheering him on.

  It smells a little musty in here, like a mix of gym, perfume, sweat, and blood. Gross, but goes with the territory I suppose. I don’t get how anyone can be eating during this though. The event planners probably make a fortune setting these fights up and only taking minimal care of the buildings, not to mention a beer is seven freaking dollars.

  The fights always get me so pumped up, I feel like I could just go and punch some jerk’s face out after I watch one. I usually like to go workout at the gym and do my nighttime cardio blast class after I come here, to work off some leftover adrenaline. I use a small gym right next to an MMA training gym; I should see if they have any cool classes I could take there, too.

  As the fight gets going, I watch the cage. Ford charges at Jace—his arms up, protecting his face. After a moment, Ford throws Jace to the floor, the crowd booing in response. Jace is the favored fighter tonight and the crowd isn’t afraid to let it be known.

  “Chyna! Chyna!” I glance over to see Aria waving at me.

  I’m glad I told her I was coming, so we could sit next to each other. Ever since I came to UT Austin for college, she has easily become one of my favorite people on campus. Considering I’ve already been here for three years I’ve met my fair share of fakes and assholes, so she’s a breath of fresh air.

  “Hey girl, so glad you saved us some good seats!” Aria says excitedly.

  She’s so adorable. I know she’s happy to be here with Gavin. They make such a charming couple. Aria’s really friendly and outgoing, whereas Gavin is quiet but nice. He opens up a little more and jokes once you get to know him. His brother’s a huge football star at the college—like a quarterback or something—and I think he’s used to having his brother be the center of attention.

  Gavin’s the type that doesn’t realize how gorgeous he is. They are typically the type of guy who swoop in and steal your heart before you know it’s happened. Aria is definitely gone for him too.

  “Of course, Aria, it was no problem!” I beam at her and turn to her man, “What’s up, Gavin! Came to support your infatuation with Jace?”

  I love giving him shit; he’s so alpha but a big softie when it comes to Aria. Makes me a little jealous I don’t have someone who’s like that with me, but I know I shouldn’t get serious about one person; they always end up leaving in the end anyhow.

  Gavin and Jace are friends, and once I found that out, I started to grill the poor guy relentlessly about everything that has to do with Jace. I sucked in as much information he would give me, but, unfortunately, it wasn’t very much. I’m still secretly hoping he’ll fess up that he has pictures or something at their apartment. That way I can quietly fangirl stalk when I go over to hang out with Aria.

  “’Sup Chyna, don’t hate.” Gavin grins and fist bumps me as they sit down.

  I’m so jealous of his spar partner status with Jace. It’s like standing outside watching the cool kids play football without you. I want to be a cool kid, too, damn it!

  The crowd cheers and we all quickly turn to the cage. I don’t like to take my eyes off of the fight, but I don’t want to be rude to my friend either. Jace and Ford are done with round one and round two has just begun. I can’t believe I just missed what happened. Shit!

  Aria passes me the Dr. Pepper she bought from concessions and I could seriously just kiss her. “Thank you, beautiful!” I yell over the music and she nods happily.

  “Gavin had training so we had to get here last minute. We’re all going to Club ATX after the fight; do you want to come with us?” Aria screams at me over the ACDC song playing throughout the room. Her eyes are glittery with excitement. She’s finally gotten as addicted to MMA as much as I am. At first she was a wimp about it all, but she’s gotten a lot better. Now she can watch other people fight besides Gavin and no longer feel like she’s going to be sick.

  “I don’t know if I should.” I say quickly, keeping my eye’s glued to the cage, not wanting to miss anymore. “Are many people going with you guys?”

  She has a few friends I really don’t care for, and I don’t feel like dealing with their snarky attitudes, especially after I get to watch my favorite fighter. I may go all kung-fu and try to copy a Jace move. That would get me nowhere but jail. I can already imagine the lecture my father would give me over the phone if I had to ask him for bail money. Yeah, so not happening.

  “Wel
l your crush will be there! Gavin already talked to him yesterday when they were sparring together, so naturally I figured you would be in.”

  At that news, I nod and beam a smile at her. “Hell yeah, you know I’m down to party. I just have to quickly change beforehand and I’ll meet y’all there.”

  Once I hear Jace will be going, it’s on. Any chance of being around him, I want to see how it could possibly play out. I’ll get over any snarky bitches that may go, too, as they won’t even be on my radar anymore.

  “Okay cool! Do you want to ride over with us?”

  “No, I kind of want to get a cab so I can get fucked up.” I shake my head, watching and sucking in a quick breath as Ford hits Jace in the ribs. Ouch! I do tend to be a party girl sometimes, but that’s what happens when you want to forget shit from your past.

  “I figured, since that’s your usual choice and all but still wanted to ask you.” I glance over at her, with a tender smile, she knows me too well. She squeezes my arm affectionately in return.

  We turn to watch the fight, and I’m in heaven to see Jace in his element. He’s even more gorgeous when he’s fighting than on his poster picture. You can tell that it’s his passion and he trains so hard for it. It’s inspiring just to think of the amount of dedication and discipline it must take to do what all he does to actually win the fights. Not to mention all of those muscles are on display and flexed like a snake ready to strike.

  Every time he gets a good hit in, I stand up to scream like a mad woman and cheer for him. My arms flailing in excitement, I probably look like a loon but I couldn’t care less, as he’s going to town on Ford’s stomach, wailing on him over and over.

  The fight is crazy. The guys are trading punches—blow for blow. Jace digs in, throwing hits left and right until finally, he clips Ford in the side of the jaw. Ford falls to the floor in a heap, and Jace wins by knockout. He’s kind of known for his KO’s so you’d think his opponents would guard their face when they’re fighting this guy.