Page 1 of Ripper's Redemption

PROLOGUE

Tara

Three Months Ago…

The rumble of motorcycles fades as I step into the clubhouse, an unknown territory to me. The club might own Tart, but I’ve never visited it.

Sydney invited me to a party she was having at the club, along with Kelsey, so the two of us are strutting right in.

The smell of leather and gasoline mingle with the lingering scent of tobacco and marijuana.

I smoke on occasion, and while it’s normally a calming aroma, right now it feels suffocating.

“Hey, Tara.” Bama nods at me, his eyes flicking to the side. “Zane wants to see you.”

“Sure thing,” I reply, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. “I’ll catch up with you in a bit,” I tell Kelsey, and she walks off.

I make my way through the crowded room, past bikers playing cards and laughing too loudly.

Bama leads me down a long hallway and motions for me to head into the open doorway, so I do.

The only times I’ve ever really seen Zane are when he’s at Tart, or if he happens to be in town when I am.

The door to Zane’s office is slightly ajar, and I push it open without knocking. Inside, the air turns heavy, thick with unspoken words. It makes me wonder why the hell he wants to see me.

Zane looks up from his desk, his face a mask of neutrality. “Tara, would you mind sitting down?”

I nod, taking a seat across from him. “Not to be rude, but what’s this about?” I ask, folding my arms.

There’s no point in beating around the bush, and honestly I’m nervous as all hell.

Zane licks his lips and clears his throat. “I wanted to talk to you about Tart. Specifically, becoming the head baker there. I’ve done some talking with Kelsey and business is better than ever. She and I had a discussion with Sydney, and we’d like you to accept the promotion. You’d be working the morning shift, off Mondays and Sundays, get a pay increase, better benefits.”

I gape at him. “Are you serious?” I blurt out, surprised.

My heart beats erratically in my chest. The offer is tempting—more than tempting. It’s a dream job, a chance to take control, to show what I can do.

Zane nods, his face solemn. “Yeah, we are.”

I swallow hard, trying to keep my joy under control. I love baking, it’s my passion and now... “Why me? Why not someone with more experience?” I ask finally, still in shock.

“We’d rather have someone who loves Tart as much as we do. It’s our business, and since you’ve been there you’ve been busting your ass,” Zane answers simply. His gaze is direct and sincere, making heat rise in my cheeks. “We know you can handle this, Tara.”

A wave of emotion sweeps over me. Flattered, excited and slightly terrified too but mostly grateful. Grateful for this opportunity and for the faith, they have in me.

“I don’t know what to say… thank you,” I finally blurt out when I manage to find my voice again.

Zane smiles softly, “No problem. Sorry to have pulled you away from the party.”

I force a laugh, “If you’re pulling me away to give me news like that, please do it again.”

Zane chuckles lowly and rises from behind his desk, extending a hand to me.

I take it and give it a firm shake. “Thank you so much for this opportunity. I won’t let you down.”

Zane gives me a smile, “I know you won’t. Now, go back out there and enjoy the party.”

With a smile spreading across my face, I head for the door.

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