Page 73 of Ripper
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“Now, what can I get you?”
I ordered a martini, watching Charlotte’s impressive bartending skills while I waited patiently for Ripper to arrive. Mid-sip with the glass still to my lips, I felt two warm hands press up against my shoulders. I looked up to see Ripper standing there with his tousled dark hair and growing beard. The scent of his cologne filled my nostrils, making me want to drag him right back home so I could feel every inch of him again.
He leaned down to kiss me softly before stealing the rest of my martini, downing it, and I chuckled.
“It’s a little too early in the day for this, don’t you think?” he teased.
“Oh, no. You’re the notorious day drinker. I’m just trying to keep up,” I said with a wink.
“You ready to head back to the clubhouse? I finished up a small drop for Tank this morning. The guys are working on replacing the shed that got caught in the fire. We never got around to it. We gotta drop the bikes off at Axle’s too,” he said.
“Yeah, I’m ready to go. Has anyone said anything about what we’re going to do about the problem?”
“Problem?”
“The fact that Ray is still out there somewhere and he could be plotting his revenge at this very moment?”
“Ah, yes. That is a job for us after we finish building out the damn thing and getting some new rides. My ass hurts on the back of that prospect’s bike,” he said.
“Uh huh. Must be real hard for you. Not like the prospects who have to walk everywhere now,” I teased.
“Yeah, yeah. Come on, sweet pea.”
We rode down to the clubhouse and it was nice to see everyone out in the front yard again, rushing around getting things done like they used to. It was my first time back since the accident, and just thinking about the pain sent a pang down to where my wound was. I tried my best to ignore it, getting ready to help everyone out.
“Ronnie!”
“Ronnie, it’s good to see you back!” Claymore and Archer yelled.
“It’s good to be back! Now, where can we start?” I asked, nudging Ripper who wasn’t too excited about the job.
I headed into the garage to get a few things when I spotted Jade there, packing away some old parts and searching for something. Ripper had been a dream during my healing period. But I had also been helped by the rest of the guys’ old ladies. Jade, Sam, Rose, and Evelyn were all angels when they came over to help. We all became fast friends. I was hesitant at first, what with Jade’s past with Ray, but loyalty basically oozed from the girl.
“Jade!”
“It’s so good to see that you’re better. You pulled through a lot faster than when Ripper got shot, that’s for sure,” she teased.
“I highly doubt that.”
“I’m serious. He was out for weeks. Crow and I would even catch him out trying to get onto his bike when he thought no one was lookin’. You know what they say, you can’t take the road outta the man.”
I chuckled, hearing the sound of soft coos and gasps coming from behind me. I looked over my shoulder to see Sam, Rose, and Evelyn standing there. Sam was wearing an old pair of overalls, Rose with her hair tied back in a tight braid wore an old T-shirt and jeans, but Evelyn was still sporting her club colors. They all had planks of wood, paintbrushes, and tools in their hands.
“Ronnie!”
They all dropped the things in their hands, rushing over to squeeze me tightly.
Sam loosened her grip first, tucking her hair behind her ear.
“That didn’t hurt, did it?”
“No, no,” I said, beaming.
“I am so glad you’re back. The guys have all been real broody lately,” Evelyn teased.
“That’s because all of their rides have been destroyed. They’ll be back in good spirits soon when they can ride something other than a prospect’s bike,” Rose said.
