Ripper: MC Biker Romance (Blazing Rebels Motorcycle Club Romance) Book 4

Chapter Six

I washed my hands in the metal sink inside the garage, drying them with a washcloth before I started closing up shop. I was still on edge after the little incident last night, but I felt better knowing that Ripper was just a call away. It felt good closing up a bit early, hoping I wouldn’t run into too much trouble, but now I started to see that all the warnings I’d gotten from Uncle Axle were definitely warranted.

I knew I couldn’t tell him about it because he’d never leave me working alone again. I thought about Ripper rescuing me, about how he practically pummeled those bikers because they got near me. I smiled, feeling the familiar warmth well up inside me, the same one I felt whenever he kissed me.

I felt the Mascid heat rippling through the entire building, making the blonde ends of my dark hair stick to my neck, turning a warm chestnut color. I took a good look at Anna’s bike, studying every inch of it to make sure it was in good condition before she arrived to see it. I heard the sound of a clanky, old car outside and when I peered out the window, I saw the taxicab drop her off. The shop was quiet tonight with everyone deciding to head home early, and Uncle Axle was getting some much-needed rest. I felt better now that I had some company.

“How’s the bike coming along?”

“Come see for yourself,” I said, waving for her to join me.

Her high-heeled boots clacked on the concrete as she approached me. Her perfect blonde hair was pulled back into a low bun with a few strands left out to frame her face. She wore a soft shade of pink lipstick and smelled of roses, just like last time. She glanced down at the bike, taking in the new paint job, how her new wheels and rims were perfectly fit to match the rest of the body. She looked up at me with a warm smile.

“I can’t believe you got all of this done already,” she murmured in disbelief.

“You’ll be back on the road in no time. Trust me. So, how have you been spending your time in Mascid? I know it must not be the same without a bike, huh?”

She rubbed her hands together, and her eyes averted to the other side of the shop like she wasn’t even listening to me. She studied the back workbenches, the door to Uncle Axle’s office, and the bathroom signs closely. She shifted around for a moment, and it was clear to me that there was something on her mind.

“Anna, are you okay?”

“Y-yes, sorry. I just didn’t get a good look at this place when I dropped my bike off. I’ve got to say, it’s one of the nicest garages I’ve come across and I’ve been all over the country,” she said.

“Yeah, it’s pretty great.”

She lifted her chin, her hands folded behind her back, taking another look around the place. I found it strange in the moment because it felt to me like she was looking for something, but I let it go. I knew that I’ve been a little on edge lately, and the last thing I wanted was for it to cost me a friend.

“Hey, so am I your last order of business for today?”

“You sure are. I should have this one all done when I come in tomorrow morning,” I said.

“So, does that mean that your night is free?”

She smirked at me, and I could see the mischievous glint in her eyes like she already had something planned.

“As a matter of fact, it is. What did you have in mind?”

“I just got back into town, and I don’t know many people here anymore. Everyone kinda spread out, so I was thinking it’d be fun if you’d come along with me to get my tattoo touched up. Tattoo shops are a real treat out here. Maybe we could even get something for you too,” she suggested.

“I-I don’t know about that. I have always thought I’d get one eventually, but I don’t know.”

“Oh come on, Ronnie. You’re in biker country. You need at least one tattoo on that smooth skin of yours. Think of it as a rite of passage. You did tell me that you’re learning the ropes around riding your own bike, right?”

“I did.”

“Then it’s settled. You’re coming with me.”

She outstretched her arm with a giggle, and I took it while she led me toward the door. I quickly closed up, grabbing my keys, before betting in the driver’s seat of the truck. I looked over to see Anna chewing the inside of her lip like she was anticipating this for quite some time and that’s when I looked down at her wrist to see the soft fade of her tattoo.

“Is that the one?”

“This old thing? Nah, it’s the one on my ass.”

I stared at the little faded R. wondering what the story behind that one was if she’d let it fade that much. It made me think that she probably had it for a few years at best.

“Wanna see?”

She pulled down her jeans slightly and right under the line of her panties, there was a small little highway sign with the word Free etched into it. My eyes widened as I got a good look at it under the interior truck light.

“What’s the story behind that one?” I asked curiously.