Christmas was fast approaching, and that meant I actually had to buy presents for someone other than Bianca. I wrote a list, walking around the Rutherglen mall as people rushed around.

Bianca- guitar straps and picks/ More tie dye shirts/ Classic Rock CDs?

Hugh- Clothes. God, the man needed more clothes. All he wore was jeans and polos. 

Seamus- Complete Art set

Slater- Condoms. Blow up doll? 

Ripper- Wait what? Did Ripper even celebrate Christmas? I shook my head but kept his name on the list, deciding to think about it later. Seamus peered over my shoulder, trying to look at what I was getting him.

"Get off boy, go somewhere else for like 30 minutes" I shooed him away, kicking his jean covered leg as he laughed. Girls eyes followed after him, all trying to present themselves in the best way possible.

Too bad he hated women- me being the exception- and I let myself gloat at that fact. Seamus stopped a moment, turning to face me. "Be safe."

Who's older again?

I came out of a store an hour later, carrying so many bags I thought my arms would die. The woman in the shop, Carol, would not stop hounding me about the 'beautiful blonde boy' outside and whether he had a girlfriend. The look I gave her when I was fed up with her constant yabber shut her up straight away. God, her mouth was huge too. Just one of those facial features that you kept looking at, subtly, but still looked at nonetheless. 

My thoughts drifted to Ripper, who had been out on a run with dad outta town. They had been gone for about a week now, and the house was feeling lonelier than ever. Sure, I was a grown woman, but that didn't stop me from feeling alone. Guess you never really knew what you had until it was gone.

Ripper had been a constant presence in our house for the past months, and it surprised my dad a whole lot. "Usually we see him at least once a week, not everyday" Hugh mentioned in passing, eyes flicking to me before shrugging too slowly. 

"Must like the food you cook." I was a good cook for sure, but sometimes I dreamed that Ripper came over to see me. Ha, emphasis on dreamed. 

A wall appeared suddenly in my way, hard and oddly warm for a wall. A yelp sounded from my throat, but two strong arms caught me before I made a fool of myself in the mall. I looked up, knowing who it was from the way my heart beat in my chest.

Ripper angled a blonde eyebrow, pulling me up against his chest. His breath was hot on my face. "Careful there sugar"

Oh lord, why did his voice sound like molten chocolate with that nickname? I stepped back quickly, falling back into my old, confident self. "Judging by the bandages on your hands, I don't think you are in the right to say that" Stupid bikers. 

A smaller, but still strong arm slung around my shoulder, and I immediately leaned into Seamus, palming off some of the bags. What good was a prospect if he didn't carry your things? 

"Hey Ripper" Seamus' voice was less than interested. His eyes were bright as he looked to me, smiling widely. "What did you get me?"

I rolled my eyes, shaking him off and snatching the bags away again. "Greedy boy." Ripper's brows down turned, and he frowned slightly. Face still beyond beautiful though. "What's been going on?"

Shrugging one shoulder I flicked my hair behind my head. "Just getting Christmas gifts. By the way, do you celebrate Christmas?"

Ripper looked slightly affronted, and he stepped back. The movement making countless women stare at his god like physique. Why did I feel a strange urge to growl?

"I celebrate Christmas. Am I really that cold?"

I shrugged, "by celebrating do you mean sitting in a dark corner and brooding over beer?" Ripper gave me a look that would have made me scared save for the slight twitch of his lips. 

Seamus and I grinned at each other before he swiped the bags again, throwing that arm back around my shoulder and walking out of the mall. Ripper came along my other side, close enough that I felt every tendril of his body heat. "Do you know how this looks?" I whispered, both men on both sides of me, too close to be normal. Ripper arched an eyebrow, amusement in his honey eyes. "What do you mean?" Oh he knew what I meant the bastard. 

I paused and started swaying my hips, giving him a sultry look, suggestion clear on my face. "Who cares, it's not like I've never had a threesome before"

Seamus dropped off, cursing as he tripped. 

____________________________________

Hugh was at home when we arrived, nursing bruised knuckles. I shook my head- throwing the bags to the side and exclaiming loudly "Lord, help me have patience with these stupid men" 

Seamus scoffed -assuming he wasn't part of the group, quickly settling back into his frosty exterior, and Ripper assumed his usual position at the table. The bandaging for Hugh took no less than 5 minutes, but I didn't keep my murmurings quiet. It was real danger, and the jokes were only to help me cope. 

"What did you buy?" Dad said, trying to distract my mind from the injuries. I scowled but played along, "Presents. For Christmas."

Dad sat back, surprise bright in his eyes. "You got something for me?" 

I nodded, my expression 'duh.' He smiled then, crinkling his older face. Slapping him on the back- a bit too hard than was necessary- I went outside, sitting on the steps. If they came back with more injuries in the next two weeks I was going to have a hernia. 

The door opened behind me, and Ripper sat down on my left, running a hand through his blonde curls. He turned to me, face serious and slightly closed, leaning closer until I swear he could hear my heart beating.

"You dated men in the past?" His words were gruff, and I sat there surprised. I nodded once, eyes intent on his. Ripper ran another hand through his hair, frowning at himself.

"You...dating. Dating is what you do?"

He was nervous. It was almost cute if he wasn't a 6.5ft giant. I nodded again, hands wringing themselves.

"I've never dated before-shit-never had the need to- fucking hell this is hard" Ripper cursed, voice growing more angry. I placed a hand on his hard shoulder, urging him forward. He exhaled slowly, standing up and coming in front of me.

"If you're into that dating shit, then I'll do it" Ripper murmured, body stiff and coiled. What did he mean? Was he really-no.But his words ignited a warmth in me,

"I want to take you out, really fucking wanna take you out" He breathed, voice hard. My heart was beating so erratically I feared he could see it almost. This was a dream- a real dream coming true. Ripper stood in front of me, clothed completely in black.

"Will you go on a date with me?"

He was asking me on a date. He was asking me on a date. Ripper was still standing there, face closing with every second it took me to answer. I nodded again, struggling to find the words over the sappy happiness that flowered in my body. Standing, I nodded again- seriously, a bad time to be mentally stunted.

"Ripper,of course I'd go on a date with you"

Ripper blinked, a shocked gesture that made me smile. The door opened again, interrupting our slightly heated atmosphere.

Hugh stood at the helm, burly arms folded, light brown hair wild around his face-if he was going for intimidating bushman, then he got it.

"You wanna date my daughter Ripper?" Dad growled, face scrunching. Ripper tore his gaze off my curved lips, folding his muscled arms across a broad chest. "Of course Pres"

Hugh glanced from me to Ripper, then jerked his head at him. "Let's have a chat, boy"

Oh my fucking God. Now was not the time to play manlier male protecting daughter. But, the action made me happier than I would ever admit.

Having a dad was great. Having a great dad was great. And having a hot, intense piece of a biker was better than amazing.