Page 5 of Ripper's Property
“I think that girl’s spirit will be lost by the time we make that happen, Rip. Her nineteenth birthday is coming up; I’m going to talk to King about celebrating it proper for her. I think she’d like to go to Disney.”
Disney? What the fuck? She’s not a little girl anymore. And damn if her body doesn’t remind me of the fact every day. Plump, round tits too big for her tiny frame. Hips that were made for bearing babies. And an ass that makes my dick hard as a fucking rock every time it saunters into the room. Then you get to her face and it’s one that has the ability to bring grown-ass men to their knees. I literally grow weak when I look into her crystal blue eyes. And when those pouty pink lips turn up into a smile, the world fades. All the shit we’re dealing with is forgotten and a calmness sweeps in.
There ain’t no way I could handle it if anything were to happen to her. No fucking way.
“I said no. Not until I have Montoya’s head. And if anyone tries to undermine me, I’ll send them to an early grave.”
His eyes sharpen around the edges, scrutinizing me. Raid can disagree all he wants, but she’s mine and I get to decide.
“You better be careful, Ripper. You’re crossing a real fine line. Starting to sound like a man obsessed, and if King even gets a hint of you sniffing around his daughter, he’ll skin you alive.”
King already knows how I feel. Called me in for a meeting right before he left town, and I informed him of the fact. Once I read her little diary and knew that she wanted me as bad as I fucking want her, I decided it was time to make my claim. As soon as the words left my mouth, King pinned me up against the door and held a gun to my head, telling me to say my last words. So, I did. I told him that his pride and joy would never forgive him if he took the life of her favorite person. Whether he likes it or not, I am. I’ve been Rory’s guard for as far back as she remembers. Her protector. And now, I’m the one she has feelings for. I’m the one she wants.
Out of all the men in her life, I’m the one she trusts the most in this world. Her words, not mine. Ever since she was little, she’s confided in me. Telling me all her secrets. All her dreams. Lately though, she’s been acting distant, seeming off whenever I walk into the room, which is why I went snooping through her things. Looking through her internet searches, then searching for the diary she’s always writin’ in. I was hoping it’d give me some insight into what’s going on with her. That’s when I learned the truth of why she’s been so quiet. Her hormones are running wild, and she’s confused about her feelings for me. Thinking it’s wrong that she’s falling for a man twice her age. Wondering if I will ever see her as anything other than a little girl.
I’d like to say I was honorable and only saw her like a daughter or a niece, but my feelings for her have changed. It’s not just the fact that she’s grown into one sexy-as-hell woman, but she’s something special. The girl has a way of calming me down. The world could be on fire, everything turning to shit, and yet, all it takes is seeing her pretty eyes and soft smile, and I can breathe again. There’s something about her that soothes my troubled soul, and I won’t be lettin’ anyone steal her away from me.
“I’m not worried about King.” I shoot back another shot of whiskey. “We have an arrangement. If I bring Montoya’s head back on a stake, I get his blessing to marry her.”
Raid jerks back on his stool, looking like I struck him in the face. He’s pissed. Maybe even jealous. But I’m only stating the facts. He’s the other one who’s been front and center in Rory’s life, her other guard. But their relationship is different. He’s always been like an uncle to her. Her words, not mine. She sees him like a teddy bear, but me, I’m the one her blood runs hot for.
“Like hell you’ll marry her. You’re too fucking old for that girl. She deserves to be with someone her own age. She deserves to be with someone educated and on a path to success, not a one-percenter like us.” That’s bullshit. She deserves to be with someone who will keep her safe. And those little country club shits aren’t capable of protecting her.
“You think any of those fuckers can keep her safe? You think any of them would give their life for her? I’m the one who can protect her. All those little shits care about is gettin’ their dicks wet and having a damn trophy on their arm.”
He grabs the bottle from my hand and chugs back a hefty swig. “It’s not just about keeping her alive, Rip. It’s about making her happy. Giving her the life she deserves. And being strapped to a grumpy old ass like you is a jail sentence. She’syoung and vibrant, and she deserves to choose the one she wants to love.”
But what he doesn’t realize is that I am the person she wants. She’s already chosen me.
“And what makes you say I can’t make her happy? I know every little detail about that girl.” I know her better than she knows herself. “Besides, she has feelings for me.”
Again, he’s shaking his head, not believing a word I’m saying.
“I’m not fucking buying it. And if that girl has feelings for you, it’s only because she doesn’t know any better. She’s not allowed to date, doesn’t get to spend time with kids her own age, so if she’s got a crush, it’s only mere confusion.”
That’s what she told me outside, but I’m not buying it. I know there’s something between us. It’s an uncontrollable feeling that’s growing like wildfire.
“And what if it’s real?” I don’t think she’s confused about her feelings, but I’ll be happy to ensure there’s not a question in her mind that I’m her man.
“So, let’s say it is,” he states. “If you think that girl loves your ass and you want to marry her, then why the fuck were you in here fucking Cherry in the middle of the room where Rory could see? Whether the girl has feelings for you or not, you’re not fucking worthy of her. The man who deserves her would be willing to wait for her. He wouldn’t fuck some slut just to get his rocks off.”
Is he trying to tell me something? Because if he’s hinting to the fact that he’s the one worthy of her and has been waiting all these years, not touching any of the girls in the house, then he and I will have to take things outside. Rory’s mine. Point-blank.
“That was just sex. Cherry doesn’t mean jack shit.” I was trying to work Rory out of my system because I’m not allowed to touch her yet. “King said I can’t touch her until I get Montoya.”
King said there are two stipulations on me claiming his daughter: One being Montoya, the other is that I’m not allowed to touch his girl until she has declared to him that she wants me as her man and I’ve got a ring on her finger. Not sure how the fuck long that could be, so I’ve been turning to the sweetbutts in the meantime. But Raid is right. It’s not about gettin’ my dick off, it’s about being worthy of her love. And after what she just said about my dirty dick, after the look I just saw in her eyes, she doesn’t think I am. I need to quit my messin’ around.
“If you cared about her, you wouldn’t fuck the other girls. How would you feel if you caught her fucking one of the prospects? I bet you’d be pissing blood.”
I look around the room at all the young fuckers. Not one of them better lay a finger on my girl.
“You wouldn’t like it, would you?” He shakes his head. “Love is a two-way street, Rip. If you love that girl, then you need to fucking prove it.”
I bring the bottle up to my lips and toss back another long swig. It looks like I’m gonna have to get reacquainted with my fist from now on. Wish I’d had some sense to do that before I got caught with my pants down tonight. I’d heard Rory moaning through her wall, her heavy gasps as she reached her peak, and I stormed from my room needing to take the edge off before I broke down her door and fucked her into the sheets.
“You know…” He grabs the bottle from my hand, taking a pull for himself. “I should kick your ass for wanting to prey on that girl, but deep down…” He breathes out on a nod. “I fucking get it. She’s such a fucking doll. Pretty as all get out. Smart as a whip. And as charming as a real princess. She has a way of bringing calm to all the men in this club. And everybody is in love with her in their own way.”
I clench my jaw, knowing he’s right. All the guys are infatuated with her. You can see it in their eyes. Every time sheenters a room, they rush to her, wanting her attention. Raid is always spoiling her. Bringing her candy and presents from town. I narrow my eyes on him, and he shakes his head.
