Page 40 of Ripper's Redemption

“Inside,” he says, nodding toward the building. “Stiletto, Bama, you too.”

“Got it,” Stiletto replies, shooting me a look that says she’s wondering what he needs us for.

Usually, Zane handles a lot of shit by himself with the other members—the ones who actually have rank, or at least patches.

Bama follows silently, his usual banter replaced with a steely resolve.

As we step inside, the noise from the party fades, replaced by the low hum of fluorescent lights.

The familiar whiskey and cinnamon diffuser oil wafts through the air, calming me down a tad.

This place—it’s home, as much as any place could be for someone like me.

“That kid you brought in,” Zane starts, eyes locking onto mine. “He’s got info on the Commander. We’re gonna find out what he knows.”

“Understood,” I say, feeling the weight of the task settling on my shoulders.

The Commander hasn’t just gone after Bama, he’s done other things to the club in the past, and has been a giant pain in the ass from what I know.

One thing the club will never tolerate, is people who want to cause issues on our turf, and the Commander can’t help himself.

“Let's move,” Zane orders, turning toward a side door.

As we follow him, I feel like I’ve accomplished something great today.

This is what I signed up for. Protecting our own, taking down threats, and hoping it helps me find my place in the world.

After Ally died, I felt like the only thing I was good at was being my mom’s caregiver.

We head outside and follow Zane as he cuts through the party.

“Rip!” Tara’s voice cuts through the haze of noise and laughter.

Her eyes light up as she makes her way toward me, weaving through the crowd until she’s right in front of me.

Her smile is bright, and her eyes are warm and inviting. “I was wondering where you were. You gonna join us? It would be nice for my boyfriend to be here,” she murmurs as she runs her fingertips along my forearm.

I shake my head, giving her a look that I hope conveys everything I can’t say right now. “Not now. I’ll be back later.” I murmur, trying to keep my tone gentle.

Her expression falters for a split second, but she nods, understanding flashing in those sage green eyes.

“All right then,” she replies, a hint of sass returning to her voice. “Don’t keep me waiting too long.”

“I’m gonna try like hell not to, baby,” I respond, offering a small, apologetic smile before turning away, following Zane as he leads us toward the back of the property.

I realize I called her baby after I’m already walking away.

The night air is growing colder by the minute, and I wonder when it’s going to actually end up warming up around here.

The gravel crunches beneath our boots, and the distant sounds of the party fade into the background.

“Keep up,” Zane says, his voice a low growl.

He moves with purpose, every step measured and deliberate.

Stiletto and Bama are beside me, all of us keeping up with his increasing pace.

“Where are we headed?” Bama asks, his curiosity breaking the silence.

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