Page 8 of Ripper
“What’s the matter? Never seen a biker get into a bit of a tussle before?”
“That’s one hell of a tussle.”
“You’re telling me that not a single biker has shown up shitfaced or bloody to Axle’s while you’ve been there?”
“I only just got back into town a few days ago now. I guess I still have a lot to learn about how things work around here,” I said.
“Well, if there’s one thing I can tell you for sure, it’s that there is never a dull moment around here.”
“Yeah, I’m starting to see that,” I murmured.
I offered him some fries and chicken tenders. He smiled, grabbing one and putting it into his mouth. I felt my cheeks grow hotter the longer I was next to him and it dawned on me that no man had ever made me feel this way before.
“So, Uncle Axle tells me you Blazing Rebels have quite the reputation around here,” I began.
“Is that right?”
“I’ve always wanted to know what it’s like being part of a club. Uncle Axle and my father may have been lone bikers, but they were bikers nonetheless.”
“Trust me, Ronnie, a girl like you should steer clear of bikers. Most of ’em aren’t gonna be as nice as me. I’d hate to see you getting hurt.”
“Yeah, well, I’m pretty sure I can handle myself. Besides, I’ve got biker in my blood. That has to count for something,” I said.
He laughed, and I caught sight of that beautiful smile of his.
“You’re damn right it does.”
***
I slung my satchel bag over my body, slipping my cell phone inside before heading out. The sun was starting to set now, the shop was winding down, and as I got into the truck, my stomach started to rumble. I rolled the windows down, turning on the radio while I drove through Mascid looking for somewhere to grab a quick bite on the way home, and that’s when I smelt the delicious aroma wafting from the taco truck on the side of the road. I parked in the small lot, shutting the door behind me as I took in the cool evening breeze and the golden hue of the fairy lights overhead. It was the perfect little spot.
I got in line, furrowing my brow at the man in front of me. I smelt the scent of his cologne, glancing down at his leather jacket and the chain hanging from the pocket of his jeans. My heart started to flutter, the same way it did when I laid eyes on him for the first time.
“Ripper?”
“Ronnie? Damn, back in just a few days and you already know all the good places to eat, huh? Took me forever to track this goddamn truck down,” he said with a chuckle.
“I was actually on my way home when I passed it. It smells incredible.”
“Ah, so you’ve just got yourself some pretty damn good luck I see. Well, what are you in the mood for?”
He grinned at me, pointing to the chalkboard with all the items and prices neatly displayed.
“The Tuesday special sounds great,” I said, reaching for my wallet in my purse, but he stopped me.
I felt his warm fingertips brush against my skin; it felt like a hot spark.
“I got this one,” he murmured.
His voice was warm like honey as he approached the window to order. I caught sight of his muscles bulging while he slipped out of his jacket, slinging it over his shoulder before bringing the two trays of tacos back over to me.
“Thank you,” I said. I found it hard to make eye contact with him, my cheeks getting hotter by the minute. We walked over to the wooden picnic table, and he slid in beside me. I pulled my locks back into a high ponytail, ready to dig into the incredible food, but it was hard with him watching me. I took a small bite, waiting until his eyes were glued to his tray before I scarfed them down quickly.
“I can grab some more,” he offered, wiping his lips with a paper napkin.
I smiled at him with a chuckle.
“No, no. That’s okay. I, uh, I guess I was a little hungrier than I thought.”
