Page 13 of Cries of Cassie

"I don't know," I whisper, completely confused about what I’ve gotten myself into.

Another crash, this one sounding like a chair breaking. More shouting ensues, but Ripper moves his hands from my cheeks and covers my ears like I'm too dainty to handle the obvious fight nearby.

I couldn't have flinched that hard. Why is he treating me like a scared little girl? Do I give off that vibe?

Before I can nudge him away to prove I'm fine and just surprised, his eyes widen a fraction, and his body stiffens. I swear I see an apology in his eyes for just a moment before it's gone in a flash as he slams his lips down on mine.

Muffled grumbling penetrates through his hands over my ears, pulling me from the warm feel of Ripper's mouth. A tiny swipe of his tongue against the seam of my lips makes me gasp.

Sadly, he quickly pulls back and snarls over his shoulder. "She's mine right now, fucker."

Without further comment, he drags me through a doorway and slams it behind us. Panting, completely breathless, and absolutely lost for words, I watch Ripper drag a hand through his hair and start pacing.

"Fuck, okay. Here's what's going to happen," he says, not acknowledging our kiss. "I'm going to tell them you're tied up waiting for me because I need to help Maddox and can't babysit you. I'll lock you in, but you aren't our prisoner."

"The fuck did you just say?!" I whisper-shout, taking a step forward. All the heat from our kiss is cooled off by the fact that he's going to lock me in his fucking room.

"Kitty." He sighs, inching toward the door. Oh no, he doesn't. "Stay," is his final command as I fling myself at him, but I'm too slow. He slams the door closed and flips the lock.

"YOU ASS—" Another scream tears through the walls. Stunned and completely losing my patience, I stare at the lock. "Okay. Okay, think. Think."

There's clearly something going on here. Do I really want to draw attention to myself when there's something bad going down a few rooms away? No. Definitely not.

Turning on my heel, I take in Ripper's guest room for the first time. I’m not sure why I thought it would be gross and dark. There's no window, but the sheets are wrinkle-free and a dark green. The walls have a few posters of motorcycles and a floor-length mirror. Honestly, it's a bit scarce, but at least there are no panties and bras on the ground.

Sighing, I drop to my ass beside the door and question what I really know about Maddy's life. And who the hell is Ripper?

Chapter Eight

Maddox (Shade)

Someday I will take my cousin down and show him what it's like to be slapped around and demeaned. He's a slimy, small dicked, fucking abuser, and I can't stand to witness it.

I should be grateful he brings his own club girls when he visits, but I don't like seeing any woman hurt. They aren't under my protection, yet I want to get them as far away from Victor and his disgusting club as possible.

"Come on, Shade, live a little," Victor mocks, nudging my shoulder with his like we're best buds. "I brought one of the thicker ones I know you guys prefer."

Fighting the urge to pull my gun out and shoot him right in the fucking neck, I take a sip of my beer. Glancing at the club girl he's pointing at, my stomach roils. She has a similar hourglass shape as Cassie.

"How do you know what body type I prefer, cousin?"

If he hears the warning in my tone, he ignores it and smirks. "One of my men saw Ripper in the back with a curvy whore."

"When?" I snap, blood boiling. What the fuck is Ripper up to? He hasn't touched a woman in years, and the only one he's into is⁠—

"Shade, can I speak to you for a moment?" Parker grits out, appearing in front of us with a look that sends dread through my bones.

"Excuse me," I mutter to Victor and follow Parker to our office. Wound tighter than a fucking bull ready to charge, I barely wait a moment before I demand he speak.

"Cassidy's here," he states as if my worst fucking fear hasn't come true. "She was at the gate, demanding a meeting with you when Ripley shut her up and brought her in. He locked her in our guest room."

I have to close my eyes for a moment. Having Victor here at the same time as Cassie is literally the worst fucking thing that could happen. "Why? Why would he bring her inside? Why not bring her to our fucking house?"

Parker shrugs and leans against my desk. Fucker looks nonchalant, but I know on the inside he's losing his shit just like I am.

Our weakness is in the same building as our enemy.

"Rip's obsessed with her. He's her fucking stalker. She ends up on his doorstep. What did you think he would do? Send her away?"