Page 32 of Ripper's Redemption

“There’s not much to tell,” he says, but then he does.

Bits and pieces of his childhood, growing up tough in a world that didn’t give second chances.

His voice takes on a softer note when he talks about his younger sister, the one person he couldn’t protect.

“She’d have liked you,” he says quietly.

“Really?” I ask, touched.

“Yeah,” he nods. “She was full of fire, just like you.”

The conversation lulls, comfortable silence wrapping around us as we finish our meal.

Ripper stands up and retrieves a small cake from the kitchen counter.

My eyes widen in disbelief.

“Chocolate mousse. I heard that was your favorite,” he announces, placing it in front of me.

“Ripper, this is... amazing,” I say, genuinely moved. “I can’t believe you did all of this for me, and I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t gotta say anything,” he replies, cutting a slice and handing it to me. “Just enjoy.”

The first bite is heaven—rich, velvety chocolate melting on my tongue. “This is incredible,” I murmur, savoring each mouthful.

“Glad you like it,” he says, watching me with an intensity that makes my skin tingle.

“Thank you,” I say again, looking him in the eyes. “Where the hell did you get this?”

Making a dessert like this isn’t easy. "

Ripper snickers, “What kind of man gives away his sources?”

Shaking my head, I laugh and take another bite of this delicious cake.

We sit here, the fire crackling in the background, warmth enveloping us both.

For tonight, I’m going to push back all of the things I’m thinking, all of my worries and fears.

Tonight, I’m going to give into Ripper and whatever it is he has to offer.

We leave the dining area and head in front of the wood stove.

The fire crackles softly, casting a warm glow across the cabin.

I place my fork down, feeling the weight of Ripper’s gaze on me.

His eyes, usually so guarded, are now filled with an emotion I can’t quite name. Maybe it’s hope. Maybe something more.

“Ripper,” I say, voice barely above a whisper. “Why are you really doing this?”

“Because you deserve it, Tara” he answers, simple and direct, just like him.

Before I can overthink it, I lean in, closing the distance between us.

Our lips meet slowly at first, a hesitant brush that quickly deepens into something more urgent.

His stubble scrapes against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

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