I am starting to create a RESTful API that is built on Ruby on Rails. I would like my other applications (which are hosted on the same server) to be able to use this API. I had the idea that if the API is only available locally, I won't have to deal with the authentication logic since it won't be publicly accessible. I have never done this sort of thing before, so I don't even know if what I am asking for is possible (or if this is even a good idea).
How can I host this application so that my REST API is only locally accessible?