Something was going on between the couple. He didn’t know what it was. Devil only hoped Ripper had his head on straight. Judi was off limits, and he wasn’t going to budge on this.
Chapter Ten
The following week Ripper was doing everything to avoid being alone with Devil. The biggest mistake he could make was thinking Devil didn’t see everything. There was a reason he was named after the ruler of hell. Their president saw everything. Shit, he was making himself feel nervous.
Looking over his bike he started to make sure there were no faults. Devil was inside the clubhouse going over the books that Vincent brought with him from the strip club. The strip club was doing better business than the mechanic shop. Some of the rich folk didn’t like bikers working on their expensive cars.
Ripper didn’t care. He loved working with his hands at every opportunity.
Once he was sure his bike was in the best condition he started to give it a clean, working over the body of the machine. Sweat dotted his back, and it was taking all of his strength not to text Judi. The last time they’d been together was three days ago when he convinced her to go for a ride with him late at night. She was staying around, studying for the most part.
He couldn’t keep stopping by the house as otherwise Devil would think he had a thing for Lexie. In the last couple of weeks he’d come to see it had nothing to do with Lexie. All he’d wanted from her was a fuck. She was a sweet woman, sexy as hell and one fine dancer. Most guys would want to fuck her.
She was taken, and his thoughts were dominated by Judi.
Curse stood over him causing a shadow. The other man was one of his closest friends. “Ashley told me to send you out a coffee,” he said, holding a cup.
“Are you a waitress now?” Ripper asked, standing up.
“She was bouncing on my dick ten minutes ago. I need the break.”
“I’m surprised you’re not at the diner in town lusting after sweet, dark-haired Mia.” Ripper teased his friend. They had both been to the diner, and each time Curse barely said a word to the waitress even though he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her.
“Why are you avoiding Devil?” Curse asked.
The smile dropped before he could stop. Shit, he thought he’d been doing well to avoid Devil without being noticeable.
“I’m not.”
“Liar. You’ve turned up late to every meeting about The Skulls. You’re always out working, and you just happen to need to leave when he turns up. What’s going on?” Curse asked, folding his arms.
“Nothing.” An image of Judi riding his cock entered his mind.
Shit, get it under control.
“You’re lying. Devil wants you inside anyway.”
Panic struck him instantly. Wiping his hands on the grease cloth, he gave Curse back the empty cup. Without saying another word he walked toward the clubhouse. Several men and women were cleaning, drinking, and generally having a good time. He saw Pussy trying to convince Ashley to a dirty dance.
Going straight to Devil’s office, he knocked and entered. The door was already open.
“Come in, sit down,” Devil said, looking over a file on his desk.
“What can I do for you?” Ripper asked, wiping his hands, which had gone sweaty the moment he entered the office.
“Just a minute.” Devil ticked something down on the file and looked up. “Why are you avoiding me?”
“I’m not. I’m standing right here.”
“Don’t wise ass me, Ripper. We all agreed to settle down in Piston County. I can’t run this club if any of my boys are keeping shit from me.”
On the road, Devil demanded respect and for him to know everything from the smallest dispute to the biggest business deal.
“Nothing is wrong.”
“Is there anything going on between you and Judi? I noticed the looks going on. I’m not a fucking idiot.”
Tell him. Let the truth be aired. This is your opportunity.
“Nothing is going on. I was helping Judi out. She doesn’t always feel comfortable in her own skin. That morning she found a spider.” He rolled his eyes opening his arms to show he didn’t care. “Women, I’ll never understand them.”
“Why haven’t you been around the club?”
“I’ve needed fresh air. I drive my bike up to the picnic area to overlook the town. It fills the need.” The lies were pouring out, and Ripper hated them. It would be a lot easier for him to come out with the truth, but Judi wasn’t ready for Devil to know.
So many people had lost her respect by not listening to her. He wasn’t going to be one of those people.
“Are you regretting settling down? I can find a spot for you in another club if you’re wanting to go back to the road,” Devil said.