“I’m going to go look for Curse. I look forward to shopping with you,” Ashley said, saying her goodbyes. She smiled at him before looking for Curse.
“Do I even want to know what’s going on between you two?” he asked, keeping his distance. She grabbed a soda from the cooler, rubbing her breasts across his arm as she bent down. Bitch was doing it on purpose if her smile was anything to go by.
“We’re not comparing notes if that’s what you’re worried about,” she said, smiling.
“You’re going to be the death of me.”
They stood together looking out over the garden. Lexie was smiling as Devil talked with Vincent. The men were all together, and he felt humbled to be part of such a large family.
“Do you want to go away with me later?” he asked.
“What do you mean?” She looked at him.
During many barbeques they’d been alone. He stared across the yard knowing he couldn’t go another night without having her in his arms. “The hotel we were in a few weeks back. We can go there and have some fun.” He wanted to sink his fingers into her hair and pull her close.
Holding back the temptation, he sipped at his beer.
“You’re wanting to go to the hotel?”
“I want you alone all to myself.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Devil keeps asking questions.” She sipped more of her drink. He noticed her nipples were hard buds.
“Let him ask. This is not about him. It’s about us.” He grew frustrated at not being able to have her all to himself. “Come with me tonight, and I’ll fuck you in ways you can’t imagine.”
“You’re driving a hard bargain.”
“No, I’m not. You’re just playing hard to get.”
He reached out to touch her but stopped. Glancing over the garden he saw no one was paying attention to them. “Well, will you be there tonight?”
“Yes. What is this?” she asked, stepping in front of him. Anyone looking their way would think they’re having a normal conversation.
“You tell me.”
“Am I your dirty little secret?”
Ripper leaned forward, invading her space. “Baby, it’s more like I’m your dirty little secret. I’d tell Devil any time you’re ready.”
Seeing Curse watching him, he stood up and stepped around her. “Tonight, pack a bag.”
He didn’t give her a chance to argue with him as she went to mingle with some of his brothers. Pussy and Death were arguing over stripper duty at the club.
“I’m not going near them. Their claws are going to be the fucking death of me,” Pussy said.
Trying to get into the conversation, Ripper struggled to tear his gaze away from Judi. She circled the garden talking with everyone. In the last two years she’d come out of her shell. He felt their time together had helped draw her out even further. She really was a beautiful woman. Lexie came out of the kitchen carrying a tray of ice lollies. Ripper watched Judi grab one, peeling off the wrapper before licking it.
Fuck, his cock thickened at the sight of her plump lips wrapped around the tip sucking it into her mouth. This was torture, pure torture.
“Is something going on between you and the Princess?” Curse asked, stepping up close.
“No, nothing.” Tearing his gaze away from the action she was giving the lollie he promised himself he’d make her pay.
His cock was rock hard, and he looked away from his brothers so none of them knew he was struggling with his arousal.
“You’d talk to me if something was bothering you, right?” Curse asked.
“Yeah, sure.” He took in several gulps of his beer as he looked around the garden. Shit, fuck, shit. He needed to get out of here. He watched Lexie disappear inside. The sound of the telephone ringing could be heard even over the buzz of the garden party.
Devil had his arm wrapped around Judi’s shoulders as they talked with Vincent. Phoebe was fingering the bottom of the summer dress she wore. He liked seeing the curve of her legs. She didn’t wear any heels. Her legs didn’t need them.
He gripped his empty beer bottle watching the ease with which Devil touched her. Ripper couldn’t be like that with her. It wasn’t easy for him to claim her. He had to have the patience for Judi to make the first move.
Lexie cried out coming toward the door. Her hand was over her mouth as she looked at Devil.
Silence fell over the garden as they stared at each other.
“Everyone, get the fuck out,” Devil said, shouting the words out for all to hear.
Ripper watched his guests look at each other in shock. They started moving out of the garden leaving them alone.
He watched as Lexie struggled to keep the news inside as people left. This was club business.