Page 29 of Ripper's Redemption

He’s so strong and determined.

Sometimes, I wonder what he’s thinking, if he ever feels the weight of the world like I do.

He glances over at me for a split second. “I don’t know why you’re bein’ so hard on yourself, or why you’re nervous. If anyone can come up with some bangin’ ideas, it’s you.”

I playfully roll my eyes. “Why do I feel like you’re just trying to butter me up?”

Ripper bursts out into a fit of laughter. “Oh sweetheart, I don’t need to butter you up in the least bit.”

God, he’s right. He doesn’t need to butter me up.

The more I’m keeping this up with Ripper, the more I feel like there is something between the two of us.

But, there can’t be.

This was just to get back at my father, and that’s it.

I turn my attention back to the scenery, trying to calm down the flutter in my chest.

Snowflakes catch in the beams of the headlights, adding to the picturesque scene in front of us.

All my life I’ve known how dangerous it can be to be affiliated with a club.

It’s hard to believe we’re part of a world that only shows brutality in some moments.

Lately, I’ve been thinking entirely too much about the dangers that come with being associated with a club.

And, that’s what makes me start to believe my father did pull me up here for my own safety. I just think he could have done it in an entirely different way—a better way.

“Thanks for this, Ripper,” I say softly. “I’m sure I’ll have so much more fun with you by my side.”

“With my sparklin’ personality you’re sure to have a blast,” he replies, but there’s a gentleness in his voice that’s unmistakable. “Just sit back and enjoy the ride.”

And for once, I allow myself to do just that.

“Here we are,” Ripper announces as he cuts the engine.

The cabin stands nestled among tall pines, a cozy refuge against the winter chill.

Snow blankets everything, muffling the world outside, making it feel like we’re the only two people left on Earth.

“Wow, the photos don’t do this place justice,” I breathe out, stepping from the truck.

The cold air bites at my cheeks, but the sight of the cabin instantly warms me.

It’s rustic, with smoke curling lazily from the chimney and light glowing softly through the windows.

It looks like something out of a storybook, or in a Hallmark movie.

“Did they put the wood stove on for us?” Ripper’s voice is casual, but there’s a hint of worry in it.

I lick my lips, “Yeah, the owner said she’d drive out and get the wood stove started so it was nice and toasty when we arrived.”

He grabs our bags from the back and gestures for me to follow. “That’s awfully nice of her.”

Inside, the cabin is even more charming.

A fire crackles in the stone wood stove, casting a golden glow across the room.

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