Page 24 of Ripper
“Hey, I mean it wasn’t all bad. When I was a mere eighteen years old, Tank found me. He’d just started changing things around for the Blazing Rebels, and he took a chance on me. I owe him and the Rebels so much for that.”
“You all are really like a family, huh?”
“More than you know.”
“Growing up, I never really felt connected to anyone besides my dad. When he passed away, it was like my entire world shattered. Uncle Axle has always made it easier on me though, even when I moved away. He’s always been there for me, and if it wasn’t for him I probably wouldn’t have been able to move back to Mascid anyway. He’s really the only family I have left. I just wish I knew more about what my dad was like when he was out there calling himself Hammerhead,” said Ronnie.
“I’m sure ole Tank has some stories about Hammerhead that he won’t mind sharing sometime. He’s got a knack for good history, especially when it comes to some of the greatest bikers he’s ever known. Things are a little fucked right now, but when it all cools down, I’ll be sure to introduce you sometime.”
“I’d love that, Ripper. Thank you. Thank you for tonight. It was perfect,” she said, with a smile.
***
I dropped Ronnie back off at Axle’s, made sure she got into her truck, and headed home before I decided to do the same. I unlocked the door to my empty, small home, slipping out of my leather jacket and tossing it onto the armchair next to the television. I felt the exhaustion hit the moment I sat down on the couch, and I was out cold in minutes. I had no idea how long I’d been asleep when I heard the sound of my doorbell ringing. It woke me up instantly. I furrowed my brow, wondering who the hell could be out on my front porch at this hour. I was so damn tired that all my fucking problems, every little worry I had went right out the goddamn window, and I’d completely forgotten what I’d been dealing with over the last week alone. I opened it up thinking it would be one of the Rebels standing under my porch light, but it wasn’t.
It was one damn motherfucker I wished I never had to see again.
I didn’t even think twice before trying to slam the door in my face, but like always, she was one step ahead of me. She had that leather boot jammed in the doorway to stop it from closing all the way, and I was ready to lose my damn shit.
“Real nice, Ripper.”
“What the fuck do you want, Anna? Look, I’ve had a long day, and I really don’t feel like dealing with your fucking crazy right now.”
“I’d rather you not call me that since we’re not together anymore, Ripper. You know what my damn name is now. It’s Viper. Now, why do you look so glum? You really that unhappy to see me?”
She had that sultry tone in her voice, the one that I used to go crazy for when I was reckless, young, and stupid.
“Get the fuck off my property, Anna. I don’t need this right now,” I said.
“I was hoping for a much nicer welcome back into town, Ripper. I’ll admit, things might’ve been a little bad between us, but that doesn’t mean that it has to stay that way. I’m back in town for a while and I can’t wait to get reacquainted with everyone. Send Tank my best,” she responded, slowly removing her foot from blocking my front door, and I nodded, closing it.
***
I heard the thunder roar and crackle overhead as I drove down the long, empty streets, taking in the warm air around me. The clouds were thick overhead, and I knew I was probably gonna be drenched real soon. My mind was all over the fucking place after my little visit last night, and the last place I wanted to be was home where Anna could just show up on my doorstep again. I pulled off at a small bar on the side of the road, deciding a drink was exactly what I needed right about now. I was about to head in through the front door when my cell phone buzzed in my pocket.
I pulled it out to see that there was a text message from Ronnie.Uncle Axle went home early tonight. Just me here if you wanted to swing by.I smiled, remembering how good she tasted and how badly I wanted to kiss her again. I didn’t even bother stepping inside for a drink, getting back onto my bike to head straight to Axle’s. The thought of Ronnie, her feisty personality, and that fantastic body of hers took the edge off immediately. I was no longer worrying about Anna’s ridiculous plans or the fact that the Freeway Fucks were back in town. She was the only thing on my mind whenever I was around her. She was my escape from reality, and I was starting to think I was hers too.
I pulled up outside to see that there were two bikes parked out front. One of them still had the keys in the ignition and the headlight was still on. I thought it was strange and as I got closer to the garage door opening, I spotted two fuckers backing Ronnie into a corner while she tried to grab something to defend herself with. One of them was hulking with a beard so long it had to get caught in shit. The other fit, with bulging muscles and a shiny bald head. They both snarled at Ronnie, looking like they were ready to start a motherfucking fight.
“What the fuck’s going on here?” I asked, gritting my teeth.
“Look man, this doesn’t concern you.”
“Like hell it doesn’t.”
I charged straight at one of them, tackling him to the ground while I beat the shit out of him. Blood started pouring from his lips, but I wasn’t done. I grabbed him by the collar, wishing I could bury his ass six feet under for even getting anywhere near Ronnie.
“Ripper! Look out!”
I glanced behind me for a second, trying to get my bearings but the other fucker sucker punched me. I staggered back, but before I could get to my feet, I heard a loud clang! I looked down to see him on the floor with his arms sprawled out, blood collecting in a puddle near his skull. It wasn’t much, and the fucker was still breathing, but I really wished I could’ve just finished the damn job.
I looked up to see Ronnie standing there with a bloody wrench in her hand, dropping it on the floor by her feet.
“Are you okay, Ronnie?” I asked.
She nodded, gulping.
I bent over one of ’em, their dirty blonde hair soaked with blood, slapping them awake so I could deliver a message.
