Page 18 of Ripper's Redemption

“Deal,” they all agree

“All right then,” I begin, debating how I’m going to really sell me and Ripper as a couple together. “Where do I even start?”

After a few seconds, I tell them about the night a couple of months ago. “I suppose it all happened organically. We tested the waters after we both had a little too much to drink.”

Jordyn furrows her brows, “Is that how it always happens? I know so many stories that start like that.”

I laugh, “Yeah, well, when you’re older you’ll understand why.” Jordyn can’t be older than eighteen or nineteen. She’s barely gone through the shit life puts you through.

Poison pokes fun at Jordyn. “Add on a few years and you’ll need a drink to even look at a man.”

Stiletto pipes up, “Or want to talk to one. They’re so fucking annoying.”

Jordyn raises her brows and looks at the three of us with so much confusion across her face. “What the hell have the three of you been through?”

Poison starts, “Dragged through the mud,”

I add, “Put through the ringer,”

Stiletto pipes up, “I was almost drowned by my ex, so.”

Jordyn stares at us blankly and shakes her head. “I don’t know if I want to date anyone else.”

I force a laugh, “Oh don’t get scared off, we’ve just had our run in with the guys. How’s your dating experience been so far? It can’t be that bad.”

Jordyn gets quiet, “My first boyfriend, he wasn’t the kindest to me, so I broke up with him. Maybe I should swing the other way. All the girls are doing it now.”

I nod, “Yeah, but don’t write all men off because of the actions of one. Look at me and Ripper,” I think I’m selling my feelings for him, and from the looks on their faces, it seems like it.

We change the subject and all stand here chatting about various things. After a while, I start to daydream.

“Earth to Tara!” Stiletto waves a hand in front of my face, snapping me back to reality. Her hazel green eyes are full of mischief, but there’s concern there too. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just... thinking,” I reply, forcing a smile. “Thinking about how much this is going to drive my dad crazy.”

“Well, there’s no father on the face of the Earth that wants their daughter bein’ with a man like Ripper.” Poison chimes in, her tone light but her words weighted with truth.

“You’re not wrong,” I say, shaking my head slightly.

“You obviously must really care about him if you’re willing to risk your father being upset with you.” Jordyn teases, but her smile is genuine.

“It’s too early to say what my feelings are for him, you know?” I say, trying to play it off like someone who cares, yet is still keeping her heart guarded.

“Either way, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Stiletto says, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “Not to change the subject, but your birthday’s coming up soon, right?”

I’m really surprised they even know. “Yeah.”

Poison smiles, “Perfect. We’ll have to do something special.”

I laugh, appreciating how sweet they’re being. “You guys don’t need to go to so much trouble.”

Stiletto jabs me in the side with her elbow. “Nonsense, you’re one of us now. We’ll focus on Bama coming home tonight, but we’ll start planning something for you soon!”

Accepting defeat, I nod. “Fine.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Ripper

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