Page 42 of Ripper's Redemption

“Wait, wait!” the kid pleads, struggling against my hold. “There’s a warehouse out there, right outside of town. That’s where he meets me so we can do the trade-offs.”

“Good,” Zane says, satisfaction creeping into his tone. “Now that’s helpful.”

“Please, let me go,” the kid begs, his voice barely above a whisper. "I won't say anything, I promise. I’ll get the fuck out of the State and as far away as I can go.”

“Too late for that,” Zane replies coldly. “You crossed a line, kid”"

“Prez,” I interject, feeling like this guy might be telling the truth. He might run for the hills. He already told me the Commander would kill him. “He’s just a kid.”

“Not my problem. Killing him sends a message to anyone else who wants to fuck with us.” Zane retorts, turning away. “I want you to be the one to do it. You found him sellin’ shit in our territory, and now he has to pay for that.”

CHAPTER TEN

Tara

I lift my glass and take another sip of the whiskey Poison had handed me earlier.

The warmth spreads through my chest, a small comfort in the present moment.

The light of the bonfires don’t dim down, and the party is getting rowdier by the moment.

They dance with each flicker of the candles on the birthday cake Poison baked for me.

“Happy Birthday, girl!” Poison’s voice rings out as she gives me a playful nudge, her eyes twinkling like stars caught in the night.

“Thanks, Poison.” I grin, feeling the buzz of alcohol and laughter thrumming under my skin. But even while I should be happy and celebrating, I’m missing someone—Ripper.

“What’s with the long face?” Poison asks, leaning in close, her voice low but filled with genuine concern. “You should be happier than ever right now.”

“Just... annoyed,” I confess, letting the truth slip out easier than I expected. “I saw Ripper for maybe three seconds and he hasn’t gotten back yet.”

“Club business,” she says so matter-of-factly, but the knowing look in her eye tells me she understands more than she lets on. “You know how it is.”

“Yeah, well, Zane could’ve picked someone else to handle club business tonight. Ripper’s my boyfriend and he’s not here.” I mutter, taking another sip of my drink.

The sting of the whiskey matches the sting of his absence.

“Men,” Poison chimes in, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Can’t live with ‘em, can’t shoot ‘em without getting blood all over your favorite pair of shoes.”

Poison bursts out into a fit of laughter, “Oh, you know me. I would hate that.”

Poison wears heels every day of her life, or high-heeled boots. I don’t get why she wants to do it. You’d have to pay me to wear heels all day long. My feet would be killing me by the time I went to bed.

We all laugh, the sound mingling with the hum of conversation and clinking glasses around us.

So many of the people in the club are drunk off their asses, which goes to show how much fun everyone is having.

It’s moments like this that make me feel like I’m part of the club, even if I am just Gears’ daughter.

“Hey, Tara!” Roxy hollers, holding up a shot glass. “Happy birthday to you!”

“Thank you so much!” I replied with a wide smile, raising my glass to her.

The room erupts in cheers, and for a brief moment, I let myself forget about Ripper and enjoy the attention and adoration I’m getting from my second family.

“Another round!” I holler, my voice barely carrying over the pounding music. Siren and Poison grin at me from across the table, their faces flushed with the warmth of alcohol and laughter.

“Girl, you’re gonna regret this tomorrow,” Siren teases, her dark eyes sparkling as she clinks her glass against mine.

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