Giggling, she wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her through to the bathroom. Judi squealed as they both stood underneath the cold spray.
They held onto each other, and she was reminded of what happened this afternoon with The Skulls.
“Are you going to Fort Wills?” she asked.
“No, I’m staying behind to take care of you and Lexie.”
Jealousy jolted through her at the mention of Lexie’s name. Everyone knew he’d had a thing for her. Judi tensed in his arms at Lexie’s name.
“Hey, I wanted Lexie because she was sexy, and I wanted to fuck her. You’re everything to me, and I wouldn’t give up anything for a chance with her. I would give everything up for you.”
Tears filled her eyes. “I never expected anything like this in my life,” she said.
He tilted her head back. “You’ve got a Chaos Bleeds member to fall in love with you, Princess. There’s no getting away from it.”
She looked up at him as he brushed his lips against hers.
“Devil and some of the boys are going to Fort Wills. I don’t know what they’re going to do as Zero’s in surgery and it’s critical.” Ripper grabbed the soap and started washing her body. “We’re not invincible, and there’s only so much we can do.”
“I’m pleased you’re not going. Angel and Zero got shot that we know of. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” She held him tightly to her.
He held her close. “Baby, I will not be tamed. I’m staying behind to take care of you. Another time, I’ll go and help out my brothers.”
She nodded. Judi understood.
They showered together, and throughout it all, she felt happy. When Devil got home they would let the truth of what they’d done out in the open.
Once they were done, she followed him back to the bedroom. They lay down together. His touch was sweet, beautiful, and there was nowhere else she wanted to be than in his arms.
He loves me.
Even with her happiness, Judi knew it wasn’t going to be long before they faced a far worse opponent. Devil was not going to take their relationship well. She only hoped he listened to her feelings before he did something he’d regret.
Chapter Twelve
Four days later Ripper stood in Lexie’s kitchen watching the women work. They’d gone fruit picking together and were boiling it up for homemade jam. He held onto his cell phone waiting for an update from Devil. Every morning his president phoned to ask about his women and the boys. The first day he phoned, Ripper had been at the club and unable to say what the women were saying. He got earache from the shouting over the line.
He was ordered to stay at the house to keep a constant eye on the women. Ripper felt tormented, knowing his woman was only a few bedrooms down. This was his punishment for not telling Devil what was happening. He stayed in the house and watched his woman every day without being able to touch her.
She was standing at the stove as Lexie added berries to the pot. The whole domestic scene should have terrified him, but it didn’t. In fact, he felt humbled and charmed by the two women. The only one who kept his gaze, though, was Judi. Her smile lit up her whole face, filling him with warmth.
Sipping at his coffee, he glanced at Simon and Elizabeth, who were playing in their high chairs.
I could get used to this.
Staring at Judi he imagined her ripe with his son or daughter. Shit, his cock sprang into action at the thought.
“Right, we need to let that boil for a few minutes and then it should be ready to put into the pots we’ve sterilized,” Lexie said, pushing some hair off her face. Her stomach was growing with each day.
“Are you all right? We can stop if you need to take a rest,” Judi said, touching Lexie’s stomach.
“I’m fine. I’m just worried about Devil. I hate it when he’s away. I miss him all the time.” There was sadness lurking in her eyes.
“He’s fine, Lex. I promise you, Devil will not let anyone kill him,” Ripper said.
Judi sent a smile his way, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
Later that night Judi sneaked into his bedroom, locking the door behind her.
“What are you doing, baby?” he asked.
“Lexie is down for the night, and I couldn’t spend another day away from you.” She climbed into bed beside him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “I love you, Ripper.”
“I love you, too, baby.”
“Are you missing it?” she asked, after being silent for several minutes.
“What?”
“Being with your brothers on the road? Do you miss it?”
Looking up at the ceiling, Ripper thought about it. “Yeah, I miss them. I hate not knowing what’s going on. There’s only so much I can take over the phone. Devil is always careful with what he says.”