Page 31 of Broken Promises

I went to toss my phone onto the passenger seat, but he texted again.

Cruz: Dude, chill. I’m only playing. She’s at the Pit. What’s wrong, lost her already?

Ander: Something like that. Thanks.

I tossed the phone aside and drove towards the Pit, keeping my eyes peeled for psycho mafia men on the way.

At least she didn’t have to worry about Devon bothering her now, and he’d been one of the only problems she’d had when I’d left.

I parked and made my way to the hole in the fence, stepping through it and spotting Raven instantly. She was angrily painting the wall in the corner, her bags by her feet.

I heard people talking about me as I moved towards her, and despite her not acknowledging me, her body language told me she was aware of my presence.

“You can’t just wander off alone,” I said when it was obvious that she wasn’t going to talk to me. She didn’t turn, continuing to spray her emotions onto the wall as she spoke.

“So, what? You expect me to be a good girl and glue myself to your side for the rest of my life? News flash, Ander. I want nothing to do with you.”

“Come back to the house.”

“No.”

“You’re just going to crash here?” I asked dryly, and she nodded silently. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“Am I?” she huffed, finally turning to glare at me. “I’m no safer with you. This all startedbecauseof you.”

“You are, actually. No one’s going to touch you without your permission at my house,” I grunted, her shoulders tensing. I didn’t care if I was making her uncomfortable from memories of last night.

If it made her use her brain, I’d do it.

“I doubt that. You’ve always wanted to fuck me,” she said bluntly, and I couldn’t help the huff of laughter that left me.

“No shit? It’s only satisfying if you’re begging me for it though. Trust me, you’re safe. Besides, I’d much rather let you dominate me.”

Her eyes flickered with interest before she caught herself thinking about it, and she scowled as she turned back to her artwork.

I got comfortable and made it obvious that I wasn’t going anywhere, letting her work in silence while I kept my eyes on everyone else. Most people here weren’t a threat, but that didn’t mean one wouldn’t slip through the cracks.

Heights locals were desperate for money most of the time, so Stefano’s men could easily convince someone to hurt Raven for a price.

I wasn’t surprised when after an hour, Zavier appeared through the hole in the fence.

He leaned against the wall beside me, silently assessing Raven before speaking to me. “The more I think about her staying with you, the more annoyed I’m getting. I don’t trust you, so you can leave. She can stay at the compound, the guys have offered her a room.”

It stung, even though he had every reason not to trust me to keep her safe. I could tell it had taken a lot for him to come to that conclusion too from the way he couldn’t look me in the eye.

“I’m not staying with you either. I have a home, and I’m quite capable of looking out for myself. I’ve been a little distracted lately, but I’m fine now,” Raven answered sharply, not seeming surprised by Zavier’s appearance either.

I felt better knowing she was aware of her surroundings.

“I’m not letting you back in that house alone. You’re going to get assaulted,” I said, knowing Zavier was watching me for an explanation. Raven didn’t answer, so I kept talking, needing to convince her to stay with me. “Your dad could somehow drug you and let people pay to fuck you while you’re out cold. Do you understand? His friends haven’t exactly hidden their interest in you.”

“You need to back off. I have it handled.”

“I’d never force you into anything, but if you think you’re staying in that house alone, you have another thing coming. I will one hundred percent chain you up in my house if I have to,” I warned, not expecting Zavier to move towards her and literally toss her over his shoulder.

“Zavier!” she bit out as she thrashed, but he just tightened his grip on her and nodded to me.

“Grab her things.”

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