Tank leaned down, lowering his voice so only I could hear him. “You okay living with Ripper?”
I nodded. “You wouldn’t have brought me here if you didn’t trust these men. Although he may change his mind pretty quick. Sienna isn’t always the easiest baby in the world.”
Tank winked. “It will either be good practice for the future, or excellent birth control.”
I snorted, then laughed outright. He wasn’t wrong. Since having a baby, I’d decided the best way to guarantee kids didn’t do stupid shit was to give them a fake baby that cried at all hours and couldn’t be easily soothed. After a few days, they’d decide they didn’t want kids anytime soon. Then again, most teens thought they were invincible and probably figured all those teen parent statistics could never happen to them.
“I’ll drive your stuff over to Ripper’s house and help you get settled. I’ll be here overnight if you need anything, but I’m heading out first thing tomorrow. If you change your mind and want to go back, let me know.”
I squeezed his arm in gratitude. “I’ll be fine, Tank, but thank you.”
I secured Sienna in her seat and climbed into the passenger seat of the truck. Tank stared me down and I realized he was waiting for me to fasten my seatbelt. Even though we weren’t going far, it seemed he took our safety seriously. Tank drove down the winding road through the compound and stopped at a house with a pretty dogwood tree in the front yard. It didn’t look like the sort of place a single biker would live, but what did I know? The Dixie Reapers all had homes similar to this one. Then again, they were more family-oriented these days. The handful of single men wouldn’t stay that way long, not if the old ladies had any say in the matter. Ridley, Darian, Emmie, and Isabella had fun making the younger guys uncomfortable by trying to set them up.
I eyed Ripper’s house again. It was charming. And rather perfect for a small family. Too bad we weren’t going to be a family. Not if I had any say in the matter.
It took about an hour to unload everything and set up Sienna’s room. Ripper and Tank worked well together, and once the big Dixie Reaper had left, I was alone with a strange man in a strange place.
“My offer still stands to let you have the house,” he said.
And now I felt like shit. He had to feel the tension radiating off me. It wasn’t his fault, and I refused to blame all men for the actions of two assholes. Maybe if they’d caught the men responsible, I’d feel a little less jumpy. Part of me didn’t feel safe knowing they were still out there, all because I hadn’t recognized them. Supposedly none of the cameras in that area of campus were working that night. I personally called bullshit. Not being able to afford a lawyer, I couldn’t fight the school on the issue. To keep me quiet, they’d waved my tuition for that semester, and given me an additional five thousand dollars to help during my “difficult time.” I’d known they were paying me off. I’d taken the money, knowing without a name, or a way to point out my rapists, the police wouldn’t do anything.
I shook off the memories and tried to smile at Ripper. “Not necessary. I appreciate you giving us a place to crash while I figure something out. I know the clinic will be run by volunteers so I’ll need to find a way to pay the bills while I finish my degree. I’ll just have to find something that will work around the hands-on training I’ll be doing.” Assuming I could get anything set up at a local clinic or a nearby hospital. There was a chance I wouldn’t be able to get the clinical portion of my program done as long as I lived in Blackwood Falls, but I felt like I needed to be here.
“Blackwood Falls is on the small side. Might not be too many employment opportunities.” Ripper shrugged. “You can stay as long as you need to.”
Right. It felt a little like he was undressing me with his eyes. He hadn’t done or said anything inappropriate, yet being alone with him, especially with him standing so close, made my skin crawl. I needed to make things as clear as possible. The last thing we needed was to have a misunderstanding, in particular when it came to where I’d sleep. Not just tonight but any night.
“You seem like a nice guy, Ripper, but just to be clear, I don’t want to date. Ever.”
His eyebrows lifted. “That’s a long time to be alone.”
“I won’t be. I’ll have Sienna.” I folded my arms and rubbed my hands up and down my biceps. “Look, I know it’s been over a year since I was raped, but I still don’t do well around men. Being here with you is going to be a challenge for me. If you move too fast or get too close, there’s a chance I’ll flinch. It’s nothing personal.”
A sober expression crossed his face and understanding lit his eyes. “More than one woman here has been assaulted, Glory. You aren’t alone, and not one damn man here will do anything you don’t want us to. You don’t want to date, or fool around, you don’t have to. Just make sure you’re up front with everyone.”
“You’re not pissed?” I asked.
A smile ghosted his lips. “No. Disappointed, maybe. You need to do what’s right for you and Sienna. If that means we can only be roommates, or maybe friends, then I’ll abide by your wishes. I might be an asshole sometimes, but I’m not a monster. Besides, I was hoping we could have a good time, but I’m not ready to be a daddy.”
“Thanks, Ripper.”
Being here just might work after
