Page 11 of Ripper's Redemption

“Yeah, it is,” I snap, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. “I’m pissed. I thought when I was offered this job it was because the club saw how skilled I was. It turns out that wasn’t the case. I want to get under his skin, make him feel a fraction of anger that I feel. I know that might be childish, but god I’m so pissed about it. You have no idea, Rip, honestly.”

“It’s understandable,” Ripper says, nodding slowly. “But what are you gonna do to get him back?”

An idea hits me out of nowhere, clear and sharp like a bolt of lightning.

I straighten up, looking him dead in the eye. “Nothing would get under his skin like me being with a prospect in the club.”

“Wait, what?” Ripper blinks, clearly taken aback, but a sinister smirk tugs at his lips. “You mean pretend to be with someone?”

“Yep. You’re right on the money,” I say, a wicked smile spreading across my face. “And who better than you?”

“Well, I’m not looking for a relationship. Last thing I want is to get tied down to anybody.” he counters, crossing his arms over his chest.

Oh, Ripper, you’re taking this way too personally.

“Neither am I,” I reply, shrugging. “But we could fake it. Just to piss him off.”

Ripper’s eyes light up at the thought, and I can see the wheels turning in his head.

He’s always been a troublesome bastard, and this kind of chaos is right up his alley.

“All right, I’m in,” he finally says, grinning. “But we gotta commit to this to make it work. Otherwise, he’ll know it’s not legit.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got a plan,” I assure him, already feeling a spark of excitement. “We’ll plant some easter eggs, let it spread like wildfire through the club until it finally gets back to him.”

“I always like stirring up a little trouble,” Ripper chuckles. “Let’s do it.”

“Perfect,” I say, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.

This might just be the perfect revenge.

As one of the part-time employees walks in, I excuse myself, needing to get back in the kitchen to start baking again.

“Appreciate it, Ripper,” I call over my shoulder, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction flood throughout my body.

It might be wrong of me to want to get back at my dad, but he deserves a little karma for lying to me. Two can play at that game.

I don’t know how long I’m back in the kitchen, but after a while, I decide it’s time to take a break.

As I walk out from the back, Ripper’s walking back inside Tart.

I cock a brow in surprise, “You coming here to see me or something?”

Ripper chuckles, “I thought I’d pop in before I go see Bama at the hospital. Might take him a doggie bag or somethin’.”

I glance over my shoulder to one of the part-time high school students we have working here. “Laura, would you mind throwing a few things in a to-go box for one of the boys?”

She smiles brightly, “Sure thing, any allergies I should know about?”

I’m feeling a bit sassy, “Just commitment, but I don’t think we have to worry about that being in the food.”

Ripper and Laura both crack up.

I lick my lips and look back up at Ripper, who’s devilishly handsome today. “You’re really okay with doing this whole thing, right? Like, you didn’t just agree because I want to piss my dad off?”

Ripper smirks and brings his hand over to my face, brushing a stray hair behind my ear. “I’m doing this for my own pleasure and satisfaction. Pissin’ your dad off is just a bonus.”

“Good,” I say, feeling a rush of triumph. “But if we’re going to do this, we need to sell it, Ripper.”

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