Page 28 of Dirty Secrets
“He’s working on it.”
“I can try to reach out to Lavaro for a loan?”
“Don’t bother. Raven would murder all of us if we got into debt with him. He’s not coming back, dude. I know you two got close, but let him go. We’ll figure it out, we always do,” I stated firmly, annoyance flashing across his face.
“I can fix it, and he’ll be back eventually. He said he would.”
“Then why did he cut contact? We promised Rae that we wouldn’t lean on him for money, so don’t piss her off by trying. She’d send you packing.”
“How would she know it came from him? She doesn’t know most of the money we all used to bring in was some kind of dodgy bullshit,” he argued, and I scowled.
“She’s not stupid, she knows. She specifically asked us not to go to Ander though, so don’t.”
“I don’t want her sleeping in a cold house because the heating doesn’t work.”
“You think we want that shit for her?” I snapped, giving him a shove, and he put his hands up to stop me from doing it again.
“I know you don’t. Sorry, I just hate that she has to live like this.”
I considered punching him but calmed down, knowing all of our nerves were shot to shit lately. We were behind on the bills, it was almost the anniversary of Josh’s death, and all this weird shit with Raven was fucking with us too.
Did she actually want Reid? I couldn’t handle watching them be together.
He’d look after her, so I should be grateful for that, but my jealousy wouldn’t allow me to sit back and watch two of my best friends be in love when I loved her too.
“Maybe I should ask Beckett if any of their businesses need bartenders or something,” I mumbled, hating the idea of working late hours and not being home for Raven, but at least she’d have a roof over her head. If I worked hard, then Reid and Zavier would be home more with Raven.
We all made money doing odd jobs like washing cars or mowing lawns, but it was pocket change, not good income. If I had a part-time job, it would pay better for sure.
“They’re not at the moment, I already asked her,” he replied grimly. “I even asked about security work at Wet Dreams for the Reapers, but they handle it themselves.”
There was a reason Wet Dreams was the best strip club in the country. The Reapers didn’t take any shit and saw the girls as family.
“There has to be something around, surely,” I replied as we walked back into the house, and Reid raised an eyebrow as we entered the kitchen.
“What did you say to her now?”
“Nothing. Her period is definitely about to grace us with its presence,” I said dryly, not looking forward to it.
“I need to get milk today, so I’ll grab her tampons and chocolate,” Reid muttered, mentally reminding himself.
“I’ll bring home some ibuprofen tonight, we’re getting low,” Zavier answered, crossing his arms. “Divide and conquer.”
Reid chuckled, relaxing slightly at the joke. “Yeah, teamwork. Should I check on her? She looked upset.”
“Leave her be. Trust me,” I murmured, giving Zavier the side-eye. “She was rubbing on Lopez like a cat in heat. Embarrassed herself when he asked her to stop.”
“Someone needs to buy her a dildo,” Reid muttered under his breath before jiggling his keys. “I’m going out to see Riley. You guys need anything? I’m heading to the track tonight, so let me know if you want me to come and get you.”
“Nope. I’m heading out myself,” Zavier replied, holding his hand out for my keys, knowing I’d hand them over. “Logan can cheer up Rae. I’ll be back late, so he has forever to make her less murderous.”
“Hey, I’m happy to stay home and snuggle with Rae. I’m the real winner here,” I smirked, knowing she wouldn’t flip out on me. “You guys have fun. I’ll see if I can get Rae out of bed so we can go to the track later. I’ll call you if she wants to come.”
We all split up, and I headed to Raven’s room, letting myself in. She glared at me silently from the bed with her pretty honey eyes, but she didn’t argue as I laid down beside her.
“So, you want to burn shit or something? The guys left and won’t be back until late.”
“We can’t. Last time you got caught you were told it was your last warning. You’re too pretty for jail,” she teased, the anger draining from her face. “Want to go shopping?”