Page 71 of Broken Promises

“Huh?” I asked, glancing up from my coffee to realize I’d zoned out. Ander frowned, scooting his chair closer to mine.

“I asked if you have work today. Are you still freaked out about last night?”

I took a mouthful of my coffee before putting it back on the table, meeting his gaze. “You killed him.”

“I killed Michael and Devon too.”

“That felt different. It was an intense situation. Last night was?—”

“You didn’t think I could kill someone silently without a fight breaking out first?” he asked with a raised eyebrow, making me shrug.

“I don’t know what I think.”

“I don’t take chances. Not with you or Zavier. The second he opened his mouth, I knew he was one of Stefano’s guys. They’re not defenseless men that you can talk out of killing you. They’re trained weapons who will do anything for Stefano. Hesitation is what gets people killed.”

“You didn’t even react though. Don’t you feel regret for killing someone who showed no sign of harming you?” I mumbled, my brow creasing as I stared at him.

He cupped my cheek, not shying away from my questions. It was the one thing I’d started to like about him. He was honest, no matter how dark things became.

“I won’t lie to you. I’m a bad person, Raven. I’ve killed a lot of people, and I feel nothing when I end a life. I wouldn’t be alive today if I hadn’t made the choices I have. I’ve clawed my way out of the pits of Hell to be here, and I will do anything to make sure nothing gets in the way of that. No one will hurt you, do you understand me?”

I nodded, leaning forward to rest my forehead on his. “I wish I was more like you. I’ve always been able to hold my own in a fight, but whenever there’s real danger, the guys step in and protect me. I want to know that I can protect myself.”

“You can, you’ve just gotten used to relying on others to keep you safe. I’ve seen you shoot, and I’ve seen you throw hands before. You’re a bad bitch, you just need to remember that,” he replied before pulling back. “You don’t want to become numb to the guilt like me because that’s a whole different kind of survival mode that I’d never wish on anyone.”

“Will you ever tell me why you ended up like this? Is it something to do with your sister? You spoke about her in past tense,” I said carefully, wincing when he looked away from me. “Sorry, I’ll drop it.”

“No, it’s okay. Yeah, what happened to my sister was the start of my survival mode. Maybe one day I’ll be able to talk about it, but I’m just not ready,” he murmured, getting to his feet and running his fingers through my hair. “So, work today? You didn’t answer me.”

I wasn’t going to push him, but I hoped he could confide in me eventually.

“Oh. No, not today. A lot of the kids have been placed in more permanent homes, and the older kids are easier to manage, so they don’t need me.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t go with Zavier to hang out with Logan.”

“Small steps. We’re not exactly best buddies again,” I grumbled, draining my coffee and standing. “What are your plans today?”

“I need to check in with some of my guys to get more info on Stefano. I need to pinpoint his whereabouts. I don’t like the idea of leaving you alone, but in case my men turn on me, I don’t want them near you. It’s unlikely, but all men can break in a torture chamber,” he warned.

The thought of being here alone after being broken into last night made me nervous.

“I’ll check in with Beckett to see if she’s busy. You could drop me off at hers, right?” I asked, relief filling his face.

“That’s a good idea. Call her, I’ll go shower.”

I grabbed my phone and found Beckett’s number, and it barely rang once before she answered.

“Are you being needy again?”

I chuckled, knowing she didn’t mind in the slightest. “Always. Everyone’s leaving me alone, and we had someone break in last night, so I was kind of hoping I could be a burden and hang out with you today. Ander’s leaving soon, so he can drop me off.”

“Who broke in?”

“One of Stefano’s men.”

She was quiet for a moment before answering. “Get Lavaro to drop you off at the Shed. There’s nothing going on here today, so we can talk in private.” Then she hung up before I could object.

She knew I hated the Shed.

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