Page 17 of Ripper
“I’ll have what he’s having.”
“Coming right up,” said the bartender, and he rushed off to get two fresh glasses.
I watched as he filled them straight from the tap, sliding them over to us. The foam was inviting. The cool liquid inside was definitely going to help wash away the heat from the day.
“I never took you for a beer girl.”
“There’s a lot of things you still don’t know about me, Ripper.”
“The more to learn, the more to love, sweet pea,” he said.
He downed half of his beer in one go, and I started sipping mine while we got lost in conversation. I was surprised at how easy it felt talking to him. It was at that moment that I realized… I really am home.
“I would really appreciate it if you didn’t mention this to Uncle Axle. He doesn’t exactly like me spending time around bikers.”
“Is that so? Look at you, little rebel. You’d fit right in with the rest of us,” he said.
“The Blazing Rebels? Uncle Axle told me that you’re the only respectable club around town.”
“He’d be right. We’ve all seen some real shit, but nothing beats the kind of shit your uncle has seen. Hammerhead too.”
“You’re the one that told me to steer clear of bikers, but yet you take me out for a race in the middle of the desert. There has to be something ironic about that, no?”
“Nah, the difference is with me you’ll be safe, Ronnie. I got your back. I can’t say the same about the rest of those fuckers out there,” he said.
“That’s all I’ve been hearing lately, how dangerous all these bikers are. You saying there’s not the slightest bit of danger in you?” I teased.
“There’s plenty of danger in me, sweet pea. I see that look in your eyes. I know you’re looking for trouble, and I can give you a little taste, but I ain’t walking you into no real threat. Axle would never forgive me,” he said.
“Uncle Axle and you both should know I can handle myself.”
Ripper smiled at me, nodding his head as he raised his half-empty beer glass, and I clanked mine up against it.
“Well, if you’re down for a little adventure, there’s somewhere I need to be in about twenty minutes. I think it’ll be just what you’re looking for,” he said.
“And what would that be?”
“It’s a surprise. You trust me, sweet pea?”
“I suppose I do. Don’t you make me regret it,” I teased.
“Oh, I sure as hell won’t.”
***
My hands pressed up against Ripper’s chest as I held on tight, watching him weave in and out of traffic, the engine roaring, popping as we drove. My heartbeat quickened. I watched as Ripper took the back streets. The streetlights were fading, and it was growing darker by the minute. I was strangely calm. The warmth emanating from Ripper made me feel safe, and in that moment, there was no place else I’d rather be.
We pulled up to this long stretch of desert with a single building sitting in the very middle. I squinted, getting a closer look to see that it was a small bar. The place was crawling with bikers. Some of them were checking their engines, others were wiping down their bike handles looking like they were getting ready for something.
“Ripper! It’s good to see you again, man! Where are the rest of the Rebels?” asked a hulking man with a long, thick, salt and pepper beard.
“They couldn’t make it out tonight. Shit’s still real hectic with the club, and I’m supposed to be resting, but I’m here, and I’m definitely not alone.”
“I see that. This your lady?”
I watched Ripper nod, making my heart flutter as he placed his hand on my back, introducing me to the rest of the crowd. I was so intrigued watching everybody clank their beer bottles together. They all seemed so at ease out here in the middle of nowhere, and I was finally starting to understand it.
“What is this place?” I asked.
