Ripper's Torment(16)

This was their time to bring ideas to the table and handle problems within the club.

“I could do with a ride. If Tiny needs us I’d be happy to back you and head to Fort Wills. I love watching The Skulls panic when we arrive,” Curse said, speaking up first.

“The problem I have is Lexie. If shit goes down with her pregnancy or with the Princess I need people here.” Devil looked around at each of them.

“I’ll stay behind,” Ripper said, speaking up.

All of the men turned to him. “I get my shit from driving up to the picnic space. I’m good to stay behind if you all need to get your shit handled.” For an excuse it was a good one. He just couldn’t imagine being away from Judi any time right now. Last night he hadn’t gotten her out of his mind. This morning he couldn’t think of anything else but the feel of her lips against his own.

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure,” Ripper said. “Someone needs to stay behind, and I’ve got nothing pulling me away.”

Curse was staring at him without saying a word.

“Then it’s handled. If The Skulls need us then we go, and, Ripper, you stay with Vincent and a few others.”

“I will.” He nodded his head and the meeting moved on toward a drug deal with Jerry. Jerry was a pimp and drug dealer. He lived not too far from Devil but they struck a bargain two years ago when they moved to Piston County. They worked for each other and the profits were split fairly.

When the meeting was over he left to go to his room. Curse grabbed his arm and led him outside for some privacy.

“What the fuck do you want?” Ripper asked, wanting to get showered.

“We’re friends, Ripper. What the fuck is going on?” Curse had his arms folded and wouldn’t budge an inch.

“I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”

“Shall I go and tell Devil about the guy we buried then, or have you forgotten about him?” Curse turned to go to Devil.

Shit, there was no way he was going to let that happen.

“It was Judi’s kill, okay. She called me for help, not fucking Devil.” Ripper let the words tumble out of his mouth.

“Judi? What the fuck was she doing out?” Curse asked, looking angry.

“I don’t know. She wanted to walk and get some air or some shit. I didn’t ask the bitch too many questions. I took care of it.”

“She killed someone, Ripper. Shit like that doesn’t go away.”

“I’m handling it.”

He fisted his hands, and Curse kept staring at him.

“You better. Judi is precious to all of us.”

Ripper kept his mouth shut. If he said anything more Curse would know the truth of his change of feelings toward the woman they considered a Princess.

“Is there anything else you’re not telling me?” Curse asked.

“Nothing. I’ve got everything handled.” Ripper thought about the passion he experienced from Judi’s lips alone. She felt the same way. He had seen the budding of her nipples at their kiss.

The life she’d led before he turned up didn’t affect him. Judi may have had over one hundred men, but no man ever got into her heart or mind. The fact she’d remained whole throughout her experience was a surprise. Many women would have broken a long time ago. There were strippers at the club who were similar in age but looked years older than Judi’s twenty years.

“If you need anything else, let me know. I’ll do anything for our Princess.”

Nodding, Ripper lit up a cigarette looking for some way to change the conversation away from Judi. “What was wrong with you yesterday at the diner? Mia was taking an order, and you looked like she was begging for your cock.”

Curse took his cigarette from him. “Nothing.”

“Really, nothing. So you weren’t imagining your cock deep inside her cunt?”

The other man shook his head. “Stick to fucking with women. I’m out of here.” Curse left him alone.

Seconds later he heard the sound of Curse’s bike purring to life. Leaning against the back of the wall of the club Ripper tried to gather his thoughts together.

You should put an end to this shit with Judi. The club is far more important than some bitch.

Taking a deep draw on his cigarette he closed his eyes and rubbed them to try to clear his mind.

She’s not yours to have, to touch, or to fuck.

“I appreciate you staying behind if the shit hits the fan,” Devil said.

Opening his eyes, Ripper saw his leader stood beside him. “No problem. I don’t mind sticking around for the girls.” Staring down at his feet, the torment started to build back up inside him. Judi was off limits to men like him.