Page 1 of Broken Promises

CHAPTER ONE

RAVEN

Music thumped from my house as drunken laughter reached my ears, and I sighed as I made my way along the side of the house to my bedroom window. I popped it open and made sure no weirdos were inside before I climbed in and locked it behind me, double-checking the lock I’d installed on my bedroom door.

Something smashed in the house, and I heard Dad fake scolding someone between laughter about breaking the TV. All they’d done since they’d appeared a week ago was destroy the house and party all damn night, making it impossible to sleep.

Anything that hadn’t been broken, the pricks had sold for booze, including all the meat in the fucking freezer that Rory had given me and the guys.

I’d luckily stashed some snacks and my cigarettes under the bed and installed the lock the morning after my rude awakening, or they’d have taken those too.

I got into bed without getting changed out of my old jeans and hoodie, leaving the belt on for extra security. Just because Dad’s buddies hadn’t broken into my room yet, didn’t mean they wouldn’t.

If anyone tried to get my pants off in my sleep, I’d know about it.

It was three in the morning, but my eyes refused to close as I listened to the usual sound of my door handle twisting, clutching my knife under the pillow.

“Raven? Let me in, baby,” someone slurred, and I gripped my knife even tighter. I’d heard them all talking about me more times than I could count, so I knew exactly what they wanted.

My phone buzzed, and I hesitated before reaching for it, knowing exactly who it was.

Logan: Please talk to me.

All the guys had been texting me, but I didn’t answer any of them. They’d tried to talk to me through Beckett too, but she’d just threatened them with violence to make them back off.

Instead of replying to Logan, I texted Beckett, knowing she probably wouldn’t be awake, but wanted to try.

Raven: You awake?

I was surprised when she replied instantly.

Beckett: Annoyingly, yes. Do you need attention? You’re needy.

Raven: I can’t sleep.

Beckett: Have you tried putting your phone down and shutting your eyes?

I snorted.

Raven: Smartass. I was thinking about going out and thought I’d see if you wanted to hang out.

Beckett: I can do that. Want me to pick you up?

I didn’t want people knowing Dad was here just yet, so I quickly told her to meet me at the abandoned school, and got back out of bed. The door handle was still rattling slightly as the drunken prick mumbled to himself, and I shoved my shoes on and unlocked the window, pocketing my knife on the way back out.

I pulled my hood up as I walked along the road, keeping an eye on my surroundings to make sure no one could sneak up on me. You never knew who you’d run into at three in the morning out here.

Once at the school, I lit a cigarette while I waited, and Beckett’s Mustang rumbled into the parking lot a moment later.

“Hey,” she said as she switched off the engine and climbed out, a frown on her face. “Who’s having a party at your house? I drove past on the way here.”

“My dad,” I mumbled, blowing smoke at her. “Don’t mention him to anyone. The guys will kick the damn door in if they know he’s back.”

“Should I go and kick the door in if the guys have that kind of concern about him?”

“I think you out of anyone knows how to mind your own business,” I warned, not surprised when she shrugged.

“Fine. Don’t say I didn’t offer. Why did you want to meet here?” she asked, lighting her own cigarette and locking her car.

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