by Sam Crescent
He stared at her, clearly seeing through her lie.
“I got out of the shower, and I thought I saw him.” She stopped to rub at her neck. Her throat felt swollen shut.
“You’ll feel that way a long time.”
“Did you?”
Chapter Four
Ripper stared at Judi wondering how much he should share with her. His life hadn’t always been sunshine and roses. He learned the hard way no one cared about him. Born to a whore, he’d done everything to earn a living. Killing someone had struck him hard the first time, but now, it was second nature. No one messed with him or the brothers of his club. The one salvation in his life was Chaos Bleeds. He owed them everything.
“Yeah, I felt that way. There’s no stopping it. We’re human, and taking another life still takes its toll.” Killing people had long stopped causing him a problem. If someone needed to die, then he was more than happy to do the deed.
“How did you get over it?” she asked.
Glancing over the table he watched her nibble on a burger. She wasn’t doing her food any justice. No one nibbled on a burger.
“I couldn’t take it back. No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t bring them back to life. They were dead. I was not. That man you put a bullet in his brain, he would have fucked you that night.” He stopped, fisting his hands to try to stop the anger. “That bastard would have forced his dick inside you, Princess. He’d have raped you and probably killed you so you didn’t say a thing.”
She looked around at the diner. “Why are you saying these things?”
“Because they’re true and you need to stop feeling guilty. If it was me, I’d kill him in a heartbeat. You did good to protect yourself.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t tell Devil. Why haven’t you?” she asked. “You don’t have to listen to me.”
“You want to tell him then do so. I doubt he’d let you out after dark, and your windows and doors would be nailed fucking shut.” He raised a brow waiting for her to see what he was saying. “Devil has taken his daddy role with you. You’re his daughter. Don’t test him. Otherwise you’ll be begging for something different.”
He took another bite of his burger waiting for his words to sink in.
“What about you?”
“What about me?” he asked.
Her cheeks went bright red. “Erm, what was all about today at the other diner, talking about sex and orgasms?”
Ripper chuckled. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
There was no denying his attraction to her. He wouldn’t take it too far. If he touched her, Devil would kill him. He figured spending time with her would show it wasn’t attraction at all but friendship.
“Are you going back to college?” he asked.
“Yeah, I think so. I’m not sure. With Lexie struggling with her recent pregnancy I’m thinking of staying around and doing my work online.” She ran fingers through her hair as she spoke.
He’d been counting on her leaving so he could get over this shit that was going on inside him.
“What does Lexie say?”
“She’s determined its only morning sickness. Devil’s worried. I see the way he looks, and he believes it’s something more.” She finally took a large bite out of her burger. “Do you want me to leave?” she asked.
“Why do you ask that?”
“I’ve caused you nothing but trouble. I mean you’re only here with me, and I bet you’d have been with a sweet-butt by now or at the strip club.”
He shook his head. “No, I’m not here for any other reason than I wanted to spend time with you.”
There, he said it.
She stayed silent for the rest of the meal. When they were done he threw down some money then got to his feet.
“Come on, let’s get back to town.”
Judi put the helmet back on climbing onto the back of his bike. He headed back to Piston County but stopped on one of the highest hills looking over the town. It was a small picnic reserve, and he parked up.
“What are you doing?” she asked, following him. Her hair was a mess, but she looked incredibly cute.
The moon was shining high in the sky overlooking the small town. “Sit with me a little while.” He patted the seat beside the bench not wanting their time to end. She took a seat beside him. Her hand lay on the bench between them. Staring at her hand, he returned his gaze back to the view. “I love coming here. We stopped travelling to stay in this town.”
“It’s so small.”
“I know.” Unable to stop himself, Ripper covered her hand with his. Compared to his, her hand was so small, tiny even.
He heard her gasp. “What are you thinking?” she asked.
“That there is nowhere I’d rather be than sitting with you looking over where we live. I’ve been on the road most of my life. I’m not a good man, Judi. In fact, some would say I’m a total fucking bastard, but I can promise you I’d keep you protected and I’ll stick to my promise.”
“Why are you saying this?”
Ripper didn’t respond. He didn’t know why he was saying anything. Locking their fingers together he looked out over the view, wishing things were different.
His cock thickened, and he closed his eyes, wishing it would go away.
“You were right,” she said, capturing his attention once again.
“About what?” The sane part of his brain knew where this conversation was going while another just wanted to get it out in the open.
“I’ve never been kissed before, not by a guy I wanted. You were right about so much.”
What the fuck was he going to do?
Devil’s going to kill you if you continue.
The image of her lips and her full body against his invaded his thoughts. Since the night before he’d pictured her in many different ways. Even Ashley couldn’t replace her beauty. He was fucked.
“Shit, I really shouldn’t be doing this.” Judi got to her feet about to tug her hand out of his. He held onto her refusing to let go. “This is insane.”
Getting to his feet he tugged her close so she had no choice but to fall against him. “I know, but tell me you don’t want this and I’ll leave you the fuck alone. I’m not a rapist, Princess.”
Devil is going to kill you.
Even with the threat running through his mind, he placed a hand on her hip then slid it round to curve over her ass. With Lexie’s cooking Judi had filled out in all the right places. Her tits were lovely and full, her ass ripe and her hips rounded.
His cock pulsed harder, pressing against her stomach.
Tilting her head back, he stared into her eyes before dropping his gaze down to her full lips. Her tongue poked out to wet her lips.
“Well, what do you want to do, Judi?” he asked.
Never had he wanted a woman as much as he wanted her.
“I’m not a virgin.”
“I’m not asking for a virgin.” Ripper wasn’t in the mood for fucking women who hadn’t known a cock before, though Judi didn’t really know a cock; she only thought she did.
“Devil can never know.”
“I’m not going to be telling your daddy what I want to do to you.” He stroked her hair, tugging her head back exposing her neck. Ripper leaned down pressing his lips to her neck, biting down. “What’s it going to be, Princess?”
She stayed silent for several minutes teasing him with a response. Sucking on the flesh of her neck, he made sure not to leave a mark. Devil would spot a hickey a mile away. What was going on between them? Ripper didn’t have an answer. They’d always gravitated toward each other. He remembered more often than not Judi standing with him, talking and cooking while the others mingled.
Don’t think. Feel.
“Yes, I want this, Ripper.”
“Then you better tell me what you want. I’m not going to do anything you don’t want.” Both of his hands went to her hair, tugging on the length so she couldn’t hide her response from him.
“I want
you to kiss me.”
Dropping down, he brushed his lips against her cheek. “Is that what you want, baby?”
“No, on my lips. I want you to kiss me like you mean it.”
Smiling, he pressed his lips to hers, waiting for her response. Her hands landed on his arms, gripping his muscles. “There’s no turning back.”
“I know.”
Gripping her head, he slammed his lips down on hers, plunging his tongue into her waiting mouth. She gasped, opening her lips, and Ripper took full advantage. Judi met his tongue with her own, sliding them against each other.
With his hands on her hand, he only kissed her, not pressing his cock to her stomach.
She moaned, and he didn’t let go. When he was sure she wouldn’t move away, he slid his hands down to cup her fall ass. Judi was his, and part of him knew he was never letting her go.
****
Staring at her reflection Judi wondered if she could see a difference from the kiss alone. He’d dropped her off ten minutes ago, and she’d climbed the wall to get into her room. There was no sign of anyone in her room, and she’d quickly removed her clothes changing into her nightwear of shorts and a vest. Releasing her hair, she turned her face left and right. It was past one, and Ripper had spent a long time simply kissing her lips.
Pressing a finger to her lips she felt she could taste him on her tongue. He didn’t stop kissing her until he was ready to stop. His touch was so demanding yet sweet at the same time.
You’re losing your mind.
Switching the light off, she went to her bed and lay down staring at the ceiling. There was no way she’d be returning to college. She’d talk to Devil soon about changing to online classes rather than leaving him. Thinking about Devil, she did understand what Ripper was talking about. He’d become the father she never had. The club was her family, and no one messed with her. She knew the dynamics of the club. When they had gatherings with family members she saw all the sweet-butts and the men.
Judi refused to think about Ripper as anything other than a friend with benefits. He wasn’t the kind of man who settled down with a woman. She’d heard many of the sweet-butts talking about his needs within the bedroom. His attitude was also well known as being unapproachable. Ripper never treated her like that. They were always friendly with each other.
Rolling to her side she stared out of the window into the darkness. What would it be like to finally give herself to a man she actually wanted? Thumping her pillow she rolled over trying to get the kiss out of mind. Closing her eyes, she felt so tired and just wanted to sleep.
The following morning she woke up hearing Simon screaming. Getting to her feet she walked into the nursery to find Devil trying to change Elizabeth’s diaper while also attempting to entertain Simon.
“Fuck, you stink, girl,” Devil said.
Laughing, Judi walked into the room feeling really happy. “I’ll help you out.”
“Yeah, you take care of Elizabeth, and I’ll get breakfast on,” Devil said.
Picking Simon up, she shook her head. “You’re dear old daddy. You can deal with her … mess.”
Leaving the nursery Judi couldn’t stop laughing all the way to the kitchen. She stopped to give Simon time on the toilet before getting him to wash his hands. “Your daddy is seeing the error of his ways in diapers.”
Putting the kettle on, she placed some porridge in a bowl for Simon then watched as Devil came downstairs looking green.
She handed him a coffee before going back to the stove.
“What’s for breakfast?” he asked.
“I’m making some scrambled eggs. I’m not doing anything with too much of a bad smell,” she said, pointing up at the ceiling.
“I know. She slept all night last night. Everything in the books has said it’s morning sickness and said it should go.”
Judi served them both up breakfast, sitting at the counter staring at him. “Why do you think it’s something different?”
“She didn’t have this kind of illness with the other two.”
“Other one,” she said, pointing at Simon.
“Shit, yeah. I forget at times. She didn’t have it with Elizabeth.”
Simon was not Lexie’s son. Her sister dropped him off within days of him being born to look after. Judi didn’t know what had gone down between Lexie’s sister, Kayla, and Devil, only that Kayla had never returned to take her son.
“No pregnancy is the same. Trust Lexie. She’ll let you know when something is not right.”
She ate her scrambled eggs and tried not to think about last night. Thoughts of Ripper’s lips on her lips going down to her neck were invading her mind constantly.
“What did you do last night?” Devil asked.
“Erm, read a little. There’s something I want to talk to you about actually. I was thinking of finishing my courses online. Lexie could do with the help, and I can learn the same here as I can at college.” She stared into his eyes hoping he didn’t notice the blush she was sure stained her cheeks.
“What’s wrong with college?”
“Nothing. Lexie and Phoebe need me. I also know club business still goes down.” She held her hand up to stop him from interfering. “The Skulls talk, and you do as well. I also notice you lock the door to your office. Don’t lie to me, Devil. I’m not wanting part of it, but you can’t be here twenty-four seven. What will happen if you’re needed to help The Skulls out again?”
A couple of years ago, not long after she’d moved in with Devil and Lexie, he disappeared to help Tiny, the president of The Skulls, when he was under threat. The two clubs had formed some kind of friendship, and Lexie always catered to them when they visited.
“You know too much for your own good.”
“Can I stay home?” she asked.
“You fall behind at college and I’ll ground you,” he said.
Judi burst out laughing. She’d never been grounded in her whole life. “You’re kidding, right? I’m twenty years old.”
“Yeah, I’m bigger, stronger, and pay for your college, Princess. I’ll put you over my knee if I have to. You’re my girl, remember?”
She knew she shouldn’t find the threat of a spanking sweet, but she did. Devil had really taken the role of her father seriously.
“I love you, Devil.”
“Love you, too, Princess.”
There was no sexual love between them. They were like father and daughter.
“What have I missed?” Lexie asked, entering the kitchen. There was a little color in her cheeks for the first time since her pregnancy began.
“Nothing. I’m going to be sticking around for a while,” Judi said, grabbing some plain toast for Lexie.
“Really, why?”
“Mommy,” Simon said, reaching for Lexie.
“Leave her be, son,” Devil said.
“I think it’s best I stick around. You may not think you need me, Lex, but you do.”
“I’m not going to lie. Your presence will be welcome, especially when Devil goes on one of his runs. I know you’ve left it to the boys. They need their leader with them, baby.”
Judi watched the moment between the two without saying anything.
“I’m going to the library and get everything set up. I’ll be back by twelve.” Judi kissed Lexie on the cheek then moved to Devil doing the same. Once she was dressed she saw a text from Ripper waiting for her.
Ripper: What you doing today?
Judi: I’m going to the library.
Hiking her bag onto her shoulder she walked downstairs and said her goodbyes to Devil. She didn’t mind walking into town. Her cell phone buzzed, and she saw it was from Ripper again.
Ripper: Meet me around the back.
What was he doing? Excitement filled every part of her senses. Even as she thought he was crazy, she couldn’t stop the thrill of knowing she was going to see him again so soon. Walking into town she made her way around the back of the library to find Ripper there, smoking. He threw the cigarett
e away when he saw her.
Walking toward him she stopped with enough distance between them so no one would think anything of them being together. “What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I came to see you.”
“I talked with Devil. I’ve got to get back home by twelve.”
“I’m not here to detain you, baby. Come here and give me a kiss.”
Her heart leapt inside her chest. Closing the distance between them, she wrapped her arms around his neck as he held onto her waist. His lips were on hers in the next second, and she felt like she was floating away from the pleasure of his lips alone.
“Fuck, I missed you last night,” he said, muttering the words against her lips.
“We were only apart for a few hours.”
“I couldn’t stop thinking about your fucking lips. They’re going to be the only thing I can think about.”
Drawing him down, she licked along his full lips before plundering her tongue into his mouth. His hands squeezed her ass, and heat swamped her pussy.
“Right, I’m going to leave you to your work,” he said, pulling away and forcing her away from him.
“What? You’re just going to leave?”
“Yep, try and concentrate on your coursework not me.” He stroked a finger down her cheek before leaving.
The bastard. He knew she wouldn’t be able to focus on anything else but him.
Growling in annoyance she stormed into the library. Setting up her work online she sent the college an email then started to arrange for her course books to be sent home. All the time she worked, her lips tingled from the simple contact with Ripper.
Chapter Five
“Anyone know what’s going on with Tiny and The Skulls?” Ripper asked. When he entered the clubhouse twenty minutes ago he’d discovered they were all in church talking. Devil had seemed satisfied with his excuse of needing a ride for not being at the club. He thought about Judi and the way her lips had quivered beneath his as he kissed her. Fuck, he couldn’t get her off his mind.
“Tiny got in touch about a girl called Prue. She was shot and is in the hospital and critical. No one knows he’s phoned me to give me an update,” Devil said, running a finger over his lips.
