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“Still,” I add, my thoughts veering back to Jordyn, “whatever happens, we gotta watch our backs. Especially with this issue. Want to talk to Zane and Blackjack tomorrow?”
“Yeah, we can get them while they’re drinkin’ their coffees,” Ripper agrees, a dark shadow crossing his face. “Probably better that way, honestly.”
“Yeah,” I say, the weight of his words settling in my gut.
There’s a part of me that doesn’t want to tell them, but I don’t have a choice.
I know I need to because my hitting Blake is only going to add fuel to the fire.
“Well,” Ripper says finally, clapping me on the shoulder. “I gotta get goin’. Poison’s at Tart with Tara, and it’s about time for her to get off.”
“Catch ya later,” I reply, my eyes flicking to the door just as it swings open.
And there she is—Jordyn, walking in with that confident stride that makes my heart skip a beat.
My gaze locks on her, and I can barely remember what we were even talking about.
“This is my fuckin’ point,” Ripper says, smirking as he catches me staring. “That stare right there is why you two can’t be a one-time thing. Look how you lose yourself when she walks into a room.”
“Shut the fuck up,” I mutter, but deep down, I know he’s right.
There’s no fucking denying it.
I force myself to blink, dragging my eyes away from Jordyn and back to Ripper.
He’s leaning against the bar, arms crossed, giving me that look—like he knows exactly what I’m thinking.
“Just stating the obvious.” He shrugs, his smirk widening. “You stare at her like she’s the last cold beer on a hot day. Can’t fake that shit.”
“Fuck off,” I mutter, but my eyes drift back to Jordyn despite myself.
She’s talking to her mother, Roxy, now, laughing about something, her smile lighting up the whole damn place.
“See? You’re hooked.” Ripper’s voice pulls me back, but his words sit heavy in my chest.
“Yeah,” I admit, knowing there’s no point in denying it anymore. “I need to talk to her about it.”
“Do it before someone else takes her,” he says, his tone turning serious. “Life’s too fucking short to play games and live with regrets.”
He’s right. Dammit, he’s right.
I can’t keep pretending there’s nothing between us.
I take a deep breath and push off the bar, making my way toward Jordyn.
Each step feels like I’m fighting my way out of quicksand, but there’s no turning back now.
“Hey,” I say as I reach her side.
Her eyes meet mine, and for a moment, everything else fades away.
“Hey yourself,” she replies, a hint of a smile playing at her lips.
“Can we talk?” I ask, jerking my head toward a quieter corner of the room.
CHAPTER FIVE
Jordyn
