Page 97 of Broken Promises

“You seem to be doing okay in fixing it,” he observed, nudging my shoulder to draw my attention. “You know you can turn to us for help too, right?”

Discomfort filled me, and I winced. “Thanks.”

“You’re such a guy,” he chuckled, patting my shoulder. “Ask Lavaro though, if you fuck with Raven, I’ll threaten you myself.”

“You didn’t threaten him hard enough since he’s all over her.”

“Only because he’s obviously earned it. Raven doesn’t trust people, but she trusts him. Prove to her that you have her back and she’d let you be all over her too,” he said quietly, giving me a knowing look. “Do you have a problem with sharing?”

“No,” I scoffed, crossing my arms. “I just have a problem sharing with people who don’t deserve it.”

“Right now, you’re the one who doesn’t deserve it. Earn that shit,” he said firmly, and as much as I hated it, he was right.

She was Zavier and Ander’s girl, and I had to work hard to earn her back.

“Do you guys need volunteers?” I asked, changing the subject and seeming to surprise him.

“You want to help out?”

“It helps the locals and looks good on a resume for me,” I shrugged, stumbling when Raven almost bowled me over with a grin.

“C’mon, Diesel. Give him a chance. He’s a hard worker.”

It was a struggle not to tuck my arm around her in return and just kiss the shit out of her.

“We can probably find you something,” Diesel smiled, glancing at his phone and cringing. “Shit, I’m late for a meeting with the council.”

“What’s it for?” Raven asked without hesitation, a chuckle leaving him.

“To guilt them into some funding. They look pretty bad right now leaving us to fund their local education and food issues. We’re hoping they’ll offer to pitch in with upgrades to the school,and to kickstart the soup kitchen plans. I think they should run something, don’t you?”

“I wouldn’t hold my breath,” I sighed.

“They’re scared of my girl, so I’ll take her with me,” he said with amusement, motioning to Marco. “He’s sticking around for a delivery. We managed to get donations from a big toy company. We’re installing a playground outside.”

“Wait, you’re serious? Swings and slides?” I asked slowly.

“Among other things, yes. Council approved it last week since it's not coming out of their pocket. Safety fences and everything,” he answered, saying goodbye before leaving.

Marco showed us the design plans, and I was almost jealous of the kids who got to grow up in this town now. We’d never had anything like this when we were little.

Raven was ecstatic, and I stood back and watched her as she raved about her excitement to Marco, enjoying seeing her this fucking happy.

Reid

My phone startled me when it rang, my morning coffee almost ending up all over the front steps of Riley and Luna’s house. Part of me hoped it was Raven, but it was a little early for her to call unless something was wrong.

It was only nine-thirty.

I pulled it from my pocket and let out a sigh when I saw it was Mom, answering and pressing it to my ear as I placed my coffee on the ground so I could finish my cigarette. “Hey, Mom.”

“Reid, baby. Are you busy today?” she asked, her voice sounding clearer than it had been last time.

“No. Why?”

“Come spend some time with me. Why aren’t you home anymore? Clint told me he hasn’t seen you.”

“Don’t spend time around him, he’s bad news,” I warned, not wanting her dragged into his bullshit. “Did you stop by to see me?”

---