Page 26 of Ripper's Property
“I’m not sorry, Rip. This club is my family, and I would never have changed a thing. Although…” I smile. “I might’ve gone shopping more often, and to the movies, and I would’ve wanted to go to Disney World. But as for the rest, I think I’m truly lucky.”
He pulls me tight to his chest, running the tip of his nose across mine. Gently. “I’ll take you to Disney, babe. I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”
“Right now, how about you take me for a spin on the dance floor?”
“Gladly.” He takes my hand and leads me into the center of the floor. The music plays and he dances with me from one song to the next. When a slow song comes on, I wrap my arms around his shoulders and rest my head against his chest. His heart is beating, steady and strong. I watch the guys as we sway. Some are dancing with the sweetbutts, while others are just drinking on the side, shootin’ the shit. It feels like a real prom.
I notice Skeeter moving toward Shiloh, looking like a man on a mission. I think the guy finally woke up and realized what was staring him in the face all along. But when he asks Shy to dance, she shakes her head, turning him down and then turning away from him. Looks like he’s a little too late. If he wants her now, he’s going to have to work for it. He should take a page fromRipper’s book, because Rip has not only earned my trust, but his past doesn’t even bother me anymore.
I look up toward my man, seeing his eyes locked on me. Looking at me like I’m his whole world.
“So, are you going to give me the entire prom experience tonight?” I ask.
His brow cocks. “You want me to crown a queen? Because that title will always be yours, princess.”
I smile at knowing the truth in those words. But that’s not what I’m talking about.
“I was talking about a different crown.” I reach down and rub over his hard bulge. He never disappoints, always hard and ready for me. “I’m wondering if you’re going to take my virginity.”
His nostrils flare as his jaw locks tight. It’s the reaction I was hoping for.
“You definitely won’t be waking up an innocent little girl anymore.” His head dips to my ear, his warm breath sending a shiver down my spine. “Going to fuck you until the sun comes up. Teach my little girl every single position.”
And now I’m ready for the dance to be over. My panties are soaked. But…I’m going to be patient. This is a special night, and I don’t want to miss a single moment of it. I feel like a true fairy-tale princess at her very own ball.
“Need to ask you something, baby.”I turn from the girls, my hips still swaying to the music, but they start to slow when I see the serious look on Ripper’s face. It’s not just him. All the guys are standing behind him. Lined up like soldiers at theirSergeant’s back. All eyes are locked on me. And then the music suddenly comes to a stop. Something’s going on.
Ripper drops to one knee and the air leaves my lungs on a gasp. Butterflies launch a riot inside my stomach. I think he’s about to propose.Please let that be happening.
“Rory.” He takes my hand, and the tears are already stinging my eyes. My heart is racing a mile a minute. “I want you to be my old lady, baby. You’re the heart of this club. You’re the one who has made us all want to do better. You’re my strength and my sweetness. And the only one who has ever made my damn heart pound in my chest. I can’t imagine anyone else by my side, princess? Will you marry me?”
He holds up a diamond ring and the sob breaks from my chest. I never imagined this would happen. I wished upon a star once, but I never thought it would actually come true. Along with so many other wishes he’s made come true. This prom, taking me shopping, falling in love with me. And now…I’m being crowned his queen. It’s a true fairy tale.
“Yes,” I sob. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He slides the ring onto my finger then stands, scooping me up. “You hear that?” He lifts me in the air. “She’s mine!”
Everyone breaks out into a roaring applause of hoots and hollers, proving they’re all excited for us. Even Skeeter. And even my dad, who’s smiling big. I see it in his eyes. His approval. And his love.
I mouthI love youto him, and he gives me a wink, pounding his fist on the left side of his chest.
“We’re heading out, princess. Hope you had your fill because I can’t wait any longer.”
He carries me right out the front door, and I don’t understand where he’s taking me.
“Aren’t you supposed to be taking me to my room?”
“Not a chance in hell I’m lettin’ those bastards hear my girl lose her virginity. I’m taking you to the cabin. Your dad told me we could use it until I get our house built.”
“House built?”
“Yeah, babe. I’m building you a house right on the lake. Figure you still want to be close to your pops and the guys, but I want us to have our own space. Don’t want to have to share you all the time.”
He’s the most amazing man. Never knew that underneath all that dark dominance there was a big old teddy bear inside.
“Thank you, Ripper.”
“You ain’t gotta thank me, baby. You just have to love me.”
