“Why are you avoiding Devil?” Curse asked.
The smile dropped before he could stop. Shit, he thought he’d been doing well to avoid Devil without being noticeable.
“I’m not.”
“Liar. You’ve turned up late to every meeting about The Skulls. You’re always out working, and you just happen to need to leave when he turns up. What’s going on?” Curse asked, folding his arms.
“Nothing.” An image of Judi riding his c**k entered his mind.
Shit, get it under control.
“You’re lying. Devil wants you inside anyway.”
Panic struck him instantly. Wiping his hands on the grease cloth, he gave Curse back the empty cup. Without saying another word he walked toward the clubhouse. Several men and women were cleaning, drinking, and generally having a good time. He saw Pussy trying to convince Ashley to a dirty dance.
Going straight to Devil’s office, he knocked and entered. The door was already open.
“Come in, sit down,” Devil said, looking over a file on his desk.
“What can I do for you?” Ripper asked, wiping his hands, which had gone sweaty the moment he entered the office.
“Just a minute.” Devil ticked something down on the file and looked up. “Why are you avoiding me?”
“I’m not. I’m standing right here.”
“Don’t wise ass me, Ripper. We all agreed to settle down in Piston County. I can’t run this club if any of my boys are keeping shit from me.”
On the road, Devil demanded respect and for him to know everything from the smallest dispute to the biggest business deal.
“Nothing is wrong.”
“Is there anything going on between you and Judi? I noticed the looks going on. I’m not a f**king idiot.”
Tell him. Let the truth be aired. This is your opportunity.
“Nothing is going on. I was helping Judi out. She doesn’t always feel comfortable in her own skin. That morning she found a spider.” He rolled his eyes opening his arms to show he didn’t care. “Women, I’ll never understand them.”
“Why haven’t you been around the club?”
“I’ve needed fresh air. I drive my bike up to the picnic area to overlook the town. It fills the need.” The lies were pouring out, and Ripper hated them. It would be a lot easier for him to come out with the truth, but Judi wasn’t ready for Devil to know.
So many people had lost her respect by not listening to her. He wasn’t going to be one of those people.
“Are you regretting settling down? I can find a spot for you in another club if you’re wanting to go back to the road,” Devil said.
“No, this is where I’m going to stay. What’s happening with Zero? I know shit is hitting the fan for him.” Ripper tried to change the subject diverting Devil’s attention.
For the next couple of minutes he was brought up to speed with everything that was going on in Fort Wills. There was nothing new to report. Zero was still trying to find out about Alan’s whereabouts, but he was keeping a protective vigil over the woman who was shot as well as the rest of the club.
“When we’re called to help, do you want to come?” Devil asked.
“Do you really think it’s going to come to that?”
“Yeah. When a woman is shot it’s not long after when trouble starts.” Devil shrugged. “What do you want to do?”
“I’ll stay behind and keep an eye on the women and the business.” He couldn’t leave Judi behind. The very thought had him breaking out into a sweat.
“Fair enough. Some of the boys want to go on the road. I’ll give them a shot while you stay here.” Devil nodded at him, dismissing him.
Getting up, he went back to his bike to clean it. Later that day Lexie and Judi turned her. He felt her gaze on him, and he forced himself to keep cleaning the other bikes beside his.
Ashley ran out, jumping into his arms. The sun was beating down on him. He wrapped his arms around Ashley, using the moment to look at Judi. The moment he did, he wished he hadn’t. She looked like she’d been kicked in the gut. With Elizabeth on her hip she followed Lexie inside the clubhouse.
“Some of us are going to the strip club tonight. Are you in?” Ashley asked.
“Is Curse going?”
“Yeah, it’s his idea. I’m going, but I’m not dancing or anything. Pussy and Death are also going.” Ashley was a bubbly woman. She always found something to smile about. Some of the other sweet-butts despised her. Ripper actually liked her. From the look of pain in Judi’s eyes, he wished he hadn’t f**ked her.
He couldn’t lie to her, and he got a feeling when they were alone she would ask him.
“I’m going to go and tell Curse,” Ashley said, jumping up and down.
“Tell me what?” The man appeared beside her.
“Ripper’s coming to the club as well.”
Smiling, he looked toward the clubhouse wondering what was going on inside.
“Lexie’s showing off her latest ultrasound picture. The doctor has also confirmed she had morning sickness. She’ll be all right with a good diet and rest. Judi’s sticking beside her like glue,” Curse said. “He’s got a bit of a thing for Lex.” Curse spoke to Ashley.
“No, I don’t.” Ripper disputed his feelings.
Neither of them listened.
An hour later he entered the clubhouse finding Judi sitting in the corner with Elizabeth and Simon. She ignored him as he made his way upstairs to get changed.
On the way down, he saw she was getting ready to leave with Lexie and Devil.
“Where are you going?” Devil asked, before he could leave.
“Some of us are headed to the strip club,” Curse said, speaking up. “We’re going to party in style. It could be one of our last times.”
Glancing toward Judi he saw the very thought had her upset.
“I’m going to wait in the car.” She held Simon’s hand as she walked out of the clubhouse not even looking his way.
He felt Devil’s gaze on him. Shit, he needed to keep his thoughts to himself. Following Curse out of the clubhouse, he waited for Ashley to get on the back of Curse’s bike before riding toward the strip club.
It was too early to be open to the public. Curse had a key as he was looking after the building for Vincent. They all took turns manning the place for the club.
Inside the club he saw the women practicing for their turn on stage. He sat in the corner as some of the men went to the bar or behind to see the women. Ripper sat back, resting his head against the wall.