Page 16 of Ripper's Redemption

I look up to see her sauntering over, her eyes sharp and curious.

Kat’s mother reminds me of any other seasoned woman—they can read straight through people, which scares me a little bit.

Roxy isn’t just Kat’s mother, she’s Jordyn and Nova’s too. She’s in a relationship with three men, which honestly is confusing as all hell. I don’t know how the four of them can make it work, but more power to them.

“Roxy,” I reply with a small smile, trying to keep my tone light.

Her presence demands attention, a reminder of the hierarchy within these walls. Roxy’s half-brother was the old President, so she still has a lot of power and respect here.

She leans against the bar, her gaze unwavering. “I’ve been hearing some things,” she starts, her voice tinged with amusement. “About you and Ripper.”

I raise an eyebrow, not bothering to hide my interest. “Oh yeah? Anything interesting?”

Her lips curl into a knowing smirk and she giggles. “Just that you two are more than just... acquaintances.”

“Geeze, word gets around fast here,” I say, shrugging. My heart flutters at the thought of Ripper, his cocky grin flashing in my mind. “It’s new, but...”

Roxy finishes for me, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.“Intense?”

“Yeah, something like that,” I admit, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. The truth is, with Ripper, everything feels magnified—every touch, every glance—and this is supposed to be fake…but my attraction to him isn’t.

“Just be careful,” she says, her tone turning serious. “This life isn’t easy, especially for someone like you.”

“Someone like me?” I echo, tilting my head.

“You’re Gears’ daughter,” she reminds me, her voice softer now. “And that comes with its own set of challenges.”

“Tell me about it,” I mutter, glancing away.

My father might be new to the club, but it’s never a good idea for a daughter to be dating someone within it.

That’s the whole point of doing this with Ripper, because I want to get under my father’s skin.

Roxy adds, placing a hand on my arm. Her touch is warm, filled with unspoken camaraderie. “Just remember, if you ever need to vent I’m all ears. I went through my fair share of trials back in the day.”

“Thanks, Roxy. I really appreciate that,” I say, meeting her gaze again.

Despite the chaos that the club can be, there are good people in here. I think Roxy is one of them.

“Anytime, sweetheart,” she replies, giving me a wink before walking off.

I watch her go, feeling a mix of gratitude and relief.

The rumor is out in the club and my father’s sure to hear about it soon.

But, it makes me wonder if maybe there is a place for me inside the club.

Ever since I’ve discovered the truth, I’ve felt like I don’t belong here, like I haven’t been wanted.

If my father and the club didn’t bring me here under false pretenses I wouldn’t feel this way, and I’m trying not to.

Maybe, just maybe, there’s a place for me in this wild, unpredictable world.

I pick up another glass to dry.

I got here a couple of hours before the Valentine’s Day party is technically supposed to start.

Tonight is sure to promise more noise and chaos.

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