Page 16 of Ripper's Property
“You’re welcome, princess. Sleep tight, baby.”
I close the door behind me and turn, jerking back when I see Raid standing with his arms crossed and his jaw tense.
“The walls are paper thin in this place.”
Goddammit. Hell, I know they are, but I didn’t think they were that thin.
“You gonna rat me out?”
I shouldn’t have taken the risk. As soon as Raid tells King, he’s going to hand me my ass and show me the door.
“As long as you keep putting that look on her face and making her smile like that, my mouth will stay shut.”
I breathe out a sigh of relief. But Raid’s right. I need to be careful. If one of the other guys had heard, I probably wouldn’t be so lucky. But Raid loves Rory like a kid and doesn’t want to see her getting hurt.
“By the way, never seen you so happy either. She’s good for you, Rip. As much as I wasn’t sure I was keen on the idea of her being with someone as old as you, I stand corrected. You two are good together.”
Yeah, I’d have to agree. But happy doesn’t quite describe how I feel. Settled. Calm. And excited about the future. I feel alive for the first time. Alive…and fucking in love.
11
Rory
Ican’t remember the last time I woke up with a smile on my face. I don’t think that’s happened since the night the guys took me from my home and brought me here. But this morning, I woke up feeling light, happy, and so freaking good.
I finish drying off then toss my towel into the hamper. Today, I’m going to wear the black bodysuit with the plaid red skirt I got yesterday. I saw it in Ripper’s eyes when I tried it on. It was the same look he gave me last night when I stripped my top off. His eyes staring at my bra. Hungry and dark. Desperate to put his hands on me. I want him to put his mouth on me again. The pleasure was so intense, it took everything out of me. I fell right asleep as soon as he left my room. And it was the soundest sleep I’ve had in years.
I put a little makeup on and then make my way out of my room, running into Raid who’s at his usual post, waiting for me. Reading the news on his phone.
“Morning, princess.” Raid smiles as soon as he sees me. His eyes slide over my outfit but don’t linger too long. He’s never looked at me as anything other than family, and I love him for that. “You sure do look pretty today.”
“Thank you.” I feel pretty too. I love all the new clothes I got. For once, I’m not trying to fit into something I bought online. I used to envy the sweetbutts for their cute clothes, but now I think my wardrobe is better.
“Do you want some breakfast? Rip’s cookin’ up your favorite.”
He is? That makes me smile. Can’t remember the last time I saw Ripper cook. But when I walk into the kitchen, there he stands, hovering over the stove, making French toast. God, he’s so freaking sexy. He’s wearing a white T-shirt and worn-out jeans, his go-to outfit, but it still has its effect on me every time I see him.
“Wow, that smells good,” I practically groan as I smell the vanilla and syrup in the air.
He turns at the sound of my voice, smiling big. I actually can’t recall a time I’ve ever seen him look so carefree. His stare travels down my body, ever so slowly, and those eyes grow even darker. Heating every place they touch. It’s the reaction I was aiming for.
“You hungry, babe?” His voice is gruffer than usual, nostrils flared.
“Very,” I answer, and my voice almost sounds like a purr.
He turns and makes me a plate, and I take my seat at the table, realizing there are a lot of eyes staring at me. Thankfully, Raid cuts the awkward silence, talking about how they have church after breakfast. Which means I’ll be in my room for theafternoon. I always have to stay close when they handle their business. Maybe I’ll paint my nails to match my outfit.
“Here you go, babe. There’s plenty more if you want.”
“Thanks.”
And now all the eyes are on him. They aren’t used to him being so domestic. Neither am I.
I take a bite, moaning as the flavor hits my tongue. The girls usually do the cooking, and I have to say, they can’t make French toast anywhere near as well. I devour my plate, practically licking it clean. Cage puts a cup of coffee down in front of me and smiles.
“I’ve never seen you eat that much, Rory.”
I sit back and pat my belly. “It was so delicious.” I look over at Ripper, and he gives me a wink. And now my belly isn’t just full, but it’s twisting up with a hunger for something different.
