Dirty Secrets (The Heights #1)

Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

RAVEN

A fter half an hour of waiting, I shuffled my chair closer to Zavier’s. He was fuming, and I was a little bit worried that he’d get his ass hauled straight to prison if he didn't calm down.

He could still end up there anyway since he punched the cop a few times.

My arms were starting to ache, and I leaned on Zavier to get comfortable, relaxing him a fraction.

“I’ll try to cut them some kind of deal. You’ll be home for dinner,” he said confidently, making me scowl.

“Don’t do anything stupid.”

“They’re going to want me over you now anyway since I allegedly assaulted a cop,” he replied dryly, both of us sitting up straighter when the door opened and Rory Donovan stalked in with BG. Half the Ashburn Valley Police Department was on her payroll, so I wasn’t particularly surprised to see him here.

He ran this place.

Rory moved straight towards me, grabbing my chin to inspect my face before running her gaze over Zavier’s.

“Why were they hurt?” Rory spat, turning her attention to BG. “Raven’s obviously been hit in the face. Sounds like excessive force to me.”

“Sorry, I’ll deal with him,” BG said tensely, obviously not happy with the situation.

“Deal with him? I’m taking this higher than your pay grade. This isn’t some kind of father-son scolding. One of your rookie officers assaulted two people while they were in police care!” she snapped, pointing at me. “All over an apparent stealing issue? She wasn’t being hauled in for violence and she didn’t have a weapon, right?”

“Right,” he gritted out, staring at me for a moment before speaking directly to me. “Would you like to tell me what happened?”

“She’s not speaking to you until there’s a lawyer present,” Rory informed him, pulling her phone from her pocket. “Don’t make me fucking sue the department for misconduct. Bring that fucker in here right now so I can talk to him.”

“Donovan, you can’t just?—”

“Now!”

He huffed but did as he was told, turning to leave the room to find the prick who’d brought us in, and Zavier grinned. “He’s in so much trouble. He’s been way too cocky for a rookie.”

“Who is he?”

“Ricky. BG’s son,” Rory said firmly, not looking up as she texted. “I need to know right now what else he fucked up with. That kid’s a terrible cop, so I know there’s more. I want to know what to tell the lawyer.”

“We can’t afford that,” I said in a panic, but she shook her head.

“I’m paying for it. Ricky’s gotten away with a lot since he started patrolling without his father to watch him, and he honestly shouldn’t have been alone while training. He’s a good kid, but he’s on a power trip and needs to be humbled. My lawyer will scare him. Run me through it. The cameras are off so you can talk freely.”

I glanced up, noticing the light on the camera was now off, and I sighed. “He caught me stealing in the Heights grocery store. He didn’t say anything before slamming into me and shoving me to the ground. He punched me in the head.”

“Unnecessary force,” she muttered.

“Zavier saw him hitting me and pushed him off me. He started hitting Ricky, which got him cuffed alongside me,” I winced.

“Then what happened?”

“We got dragged out to the car and tossed in the back seat to come here. We’ve been sitting here for half an hour. Asshole could’ve offered us some water.”

“Did he read either of you your rights?” she questioned, her fingers pausing on her phone when I replied.

“No.”

“Wrongful arrest then. Stand up, we’re leaving,” she snorted, finishing her message before pocketing her phone again, just as BG and Ricky appeared. “Uncuff them both before your son gets his ass handed to him.”

“We were just under investigation for taking bribes from you, we have to play this by the book!” BG hissed.

“I’m so glad you agree, Chief. Considering your young officer here shoved Raven to the ground, hit her in the head multiple times, and then arrested her and Zavier without reading them their rights, I dare say we are playing it by the book. You don’t have a case against either of them right now. So, release them both or I’m suing your son for excessive force and abusing his power, and I’ll take the whole fucking department down with him for allowing him to patrol alone in the first place. He should not be working under you here, and I could have him moved to another department.”

Ricky scowled. “There’s no rule about family working together.”

“Maybe not, but if your father is the one to punish you, I will be calling him out for conflict of interest in the matter.”

Rory was a badass. I kind of wanted to be her when I grew up.

BG snatched the cuff keys from Ricky, snapping at his son as he released my cuffs. “This is the fourth time someone’s accused you of abusing your badge. You didn’t read them their rights?”

“Can’t I just do it now?” Ricky asked, and Zavier snorted.

“I guess anyone can be a cop these days. Fucking idiot.”

“You listen to me, you Heights piece of shit,” Ricky started, but Rory cut him off.

“So because they’re from Hawthorne Heights, they had to be stealing, right?” Rory asked dryly, crossing her arms. “Sounds like some unfair profiling. I should slap some harassment on you too while I’m at it.”

“I fucking saw them!”

“You saw both of them stealing?”

“Check her pants! She has stuff on her!” Ricky barked, getting frustrated as Rory scoffed.

“It's your word against hers. Anything on her person might have been there when she walked into the store. Get me some evidence and I’ll believe you. Your body cam was on, right?”

“No, but?—”

“You’ve got nothing. You need some desk duty to humble you,” she answered, looking at BG who nodded as he uncuffed Zavier, both of us rubbing our tender wrists.

“Desk duty for now. I’ll have a word with the Commissioner to figure out what happens after that.” He looked at me, sincerity in his tone. “I’d like to apologize on behalf of the Ashburn Valley Police Department. It’s obvious I need to train my officers more. Both of you may leave.”

“You’re not charging us?” I asked slowly, watching him glance at Rory who glared at him silently.

“No. There’s been no crime committed.”

Zavier got to his feet, taking my hand to pull me with him, and Rory ushered us out of the room, not speaking until we stepped outside.

“I can sue him for fun, if you want? I get a kick out of making a nuisance of myself,” she offered, and I let a laugh escape.

“No, thank you. You got us out, that’s all that matters.”

“If he bothers you, call me,” she warned.

“He’s always going to bother me. I’m from the Heights,” I deadpanned, almost tripping as she grabbed my bicep to stop me walking, her firm gaze on mine.

“You might think that now, but keep getting up when they knock you down, and fight for what you deserve.”

“That’s easy for you to say, you basically own this entire town.”

“From the age of eight to seventeen, I was a Heights kid. I had to fight like hell to get here. The things I went through I pray you never do. Keep fighting, Raven. An empire isn’t built overnight. Be the monster your monsters will fear,” she murmured, walking off just as I was almost bowled over by Reid, who grabbed my face to look at my lip.

“That piece of shit hit you?” he snarled, making me wince as his fingers pressed against the side of my head.

“Leave it, Rory dealt with it. We’re free to go, no charges,” Zavier said firmly, gently running a hand over my hair. “Let’s go home, we can talk there.”

Reid released me and Logan pulled me under his arm, letting Zavier and Reid walk ahead as he quickly pressed a kiss to my head. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I have cheese in my pants and butter in my pocket that’s probably melted though,” I said with a chuckle, earning a smile.

“I got the meat home in the freezer.”

“Did you leave some out to trade?”

“Yeah. I’ll switch the steaks for some stuff. Don’t worry, I’ve got it handled. Do you know how hard it is to not kiss you right now?” he asked quietly, and I grinned, ignoring the burn in my lip.

“I imagine it’s a little how I’m feeling about having to keep my lips off you.”

We reached the car and Reid silently stared at Logan, making Logan grumble as he climbed into the back with Zavier to let me sit up front. Zavier and I filled them both in on what had gone down, and thankfully, the drive home wasn’t long so I could get everything out of my pants.

Apparently, I’d lost the conditioner at some point too, leaving me with just the cheese and butter.

I carried the items out to the kitchen, Reid taking them from me and patting the counter. “Sit there. Let me look at you.”

“I’m—”

“Raven, sit,” he repeated firmly, putting the items in the fridge before turning to face me.

Doing as I was told, I lifted myself to sit on the counter, letting him move to stand between my legs as he gently took my chin in his hand, his fingers carefully pulling my lip back to inspect the cut my teeth had made. “Do you have a headache or anything? Dizziness?”

He released my lip, moving his fingers to my temple and feeling for bumps on my head.

“No. I’m fine, really,” I answered, but I let him make sure so he didn’t worry.

“Are you sure there’s no concussion?”

“Promise.”

“Are you going to tell me what was wrong this morning?” he asked instead, meeting my gaze as his arms dropped to his sides. “You can talk to me about anything.”

I couldn’t exactly just tell him I let Logan rail me twice and I’d been stuck in my head about it, so I shrugged. “Just girl stuff. I was feeling emotional and thought maybe some alone time would do me some good. We’ve all been up in each other’s shit lately.”

He eyed me for a second before nodding, taking a step back so I could climb off the counter.

“As long as you’re okay. C’mon, I’ll crash with you tonight.”

“Oh, you don’t?—”

“I want to keep an eye on you in case those knocks to the head were more serious than you’re telling me,” he said dryly, hooking an arm around my shoulders to guide me towards my bedroom.

Logan appeared, halting when he saw us. “You guys going to bed?”

“Yeah, it’s getting late,” Reid replied, and I cringed as Logan eyed us. I couldn’t exactly tell Reid I wanted to sleep alone then sneak Logan in later. He’d get suspicious.

“I can crash with her,” Logan offered, but Reid shook his head.

“I’ve got her. Night.”

It was going to be difficult to keep our secrets buried if Logan was going to start getting territorial, but thankfully, he mumbled a good night then went back to his bedroom, not arguing about it.

Reid

I had no idea what was going on, but Raven was lying to me, and it was obvious that Logan knew the truth. She definitely didn’t have her period like they’d claimed, she hadn’t touched the tampons.

I turned so she could change into her sleep shorts and a tank top, then I stripped to my boxers and switched the light off, climbing into bed beside her.

Thankfully, she shuffled back into me when I wrapped an arm around her from behind, any tension leaving her body as she relaxed.

“You’re really pretty, Rae,” I said randomly, holding her tighter when she tried to roll over. “If that’s the kind of stuff that’s still on your mind, I wanted to remind you.”

“I was being silly that night,” she chuckled, but it sounded hollow.

“Well, just in case your worries that night had some truth behind it, I just wanted to remind you now that you’re sober. You’re gorgeous, and you don’t look like a boy,” I answered, finally letting her turn to face me. It was hard to see in the dark, but I could feel her eyes on me.

“Thanks, Reid.”

She flinched back when my hand lifted to the side of her head, but she relaxed into it a moment later. I couldn’t have her, she was Josh’s baby sister, but her goddamn mouth was all I’d thought about since she’d kissed me.

I leaned a little closer, stopping when she spoke quietly. “Don’t.”

She was right, we couldn’t. At least one of us was thinking clearly tonight.

“I’ll be back in a second,” I mumbled, slipping from the bed and leaving the room to get my fucking head on straight.

I blew out a breath, letting myself into Logan’s room to find him sitting in bed on his phone. He glanced up, uneasiness in his gaze. “What’s wrong?”

“She’s got me losing my mind, man. I almost fucking kissed her,” I grunted, raking a hand through my hair.

“You’d better not.”

“I’m trying not to,” I huffed, sitting beside him. “I can’t fuck things up between us. It’s Raven, not some random girl. You want to come out tonight? I need to get fucking laid or something.”

“Nah, I’m tired as fuck. Maybe ask Zav,” he suggested, making me frown.

“Did you just turn down a three-way?”

“I’m just tired, bro. It’s not that deep,” he snorted, putting his phone on the bed beside him. “You go. Raven’s fine.”

Handing the task over to Logan was a smart idea. He’d been besties with her forever, and he didn’t seem to have a problem keeping his lips to himself.

“Fine. Keep an eye on her. I’m worried she has a concussion and won’t tell me,” I grumbled, then I walked across the hall to Zavier’s room and poked my head in. “You want to come get laid?”

“Luring me into your room with the promise of cock? Sold,” he deadpanned from his spot on the bed, and I rolled my eyes.

“I’m going out. Come with?”

I was completely capable of fucking on my own, it was just more fun in a group.

“I’m down,” he answered as he got to his feet, reaching for his jacket that was dropped on the floor. “You might want to get dressed first though, dude.”

I glanced down at myself and cursed, heading back into Raven’s room to grab my clothes.

“Where are you going?” she asked, the lamp now on. She was sitting up with her back against the headboard, watching me as I yanked my clothes on.

“Zavier and I are heading out.”

“What for?”

“To get laid.”

“Oh,” she mumbled. “Is this because I told you not to kiss me?”

“No, it’s because I want to get laid, and I’m sure as shit not fucking you,” I replied, wincing as her face fell. “I just mean?—”

“I know what you mean,” she snapped, getting to her feet. “Is Logan going?”

“No, he’s going to bed.”

“Have fun,” she answered, shoulder checking me on her way past as she headed straight into Logan’s room, slamming the door behind her.

“What’s her problem?” Zavier asked as he appeared in the hallway, and I sighed.

“Beats me, man. There’s a house party two blocks over, so let’s head there.”

“You’re driving,” he grinned, leaving me to find the Challenger keys.

Logan

My bedroom door opened and Raven stormed in, slamming it shut behind her.

“Is he being a prick?” I asked, patting the spot beside me.

She wasn’t the biggest fan of being in our beds, for obvious reasons, but the sheets had been changed since my last visitor, and she knew I’d never let her sleep in a dirty bed.

“He tried to kiss me and when I said not to, he left the room and came back saying he’s going out to get laid,” she spat, sliding into bed beside me. Her body curled against mine instantly, and I tossed my phone aside to draw her closer.

“You’re mad he’s getting laid?”

“I’m mad he just climbed out of my bed to get laid. He was worried and wanted to keep an eye on me, but now pussy’s involved, he’s bailing.”

Genuine hurt coated her tone, and as much as I was a little jealous that him being in her bed had been important to her, frustration on her behalf filled me.

No wonder she thought we didn’t give a shit most of the time.

“I’m glad he’s leaving so I can have you to myself,” I grinned, shuffling down the bed a little more so I could haul her on top of me. Her legs moved to either side of me, and she pressed her face into my neck to get comfortable as my hand stroked up and down her spine. “Sleep in here with me tonight.”

“I’m still too sore, Logan.”

“No sex, just this,” I said seriously, hating that she thought I only wanted her in my bed if I got something out of it. We’d always been able to just snuggle, and sleeping together wasn’t going to change that.

“Maybe you can give me those kisses you promised to stop my pussy from hurting,” she murmured, nipping my earlobe. “As long as you’re gentle.”

“I can do that. Just wait until the guys leave though,” I chuckled, hearing Reid and Zavier walking around the house still. Raven was ridiculously horny now that I’d given her a taste of what sex was like, and she squirmed on top of me until we heard the front door shut and the Challenger start.

“I’m going to go shower. Stay here,” she said quickly, trying to bail off me but failing as I wrapped both arms around her.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I do. I’ve been sweating all day and I’m not comfortable putting it in your face,” she said awkwardly.

“Fine, but I’m coming with you,” I smirked, making her squeal as I stood with her in my arms, giving her no choice but to wrap her legs around my waist as I carried her to the bathroom.

I could barely think straight as I watched her strip naked, giving her a second to feel like she was clean before I kicked my boxers off to join her.

I loved how she reached for me to pull me closer for a kiss, parting her legs instantly as I dropped a hand between us. She was tender, so I toyed with her clit lightly as I forced my tongue into her mouth, her arms sliding around me to keep me close.

It was hard not to kiss her too roughly, but I was trying to be mindful of her lip.

I kissed down her neck and chest, her breath hitching as I dropped to my knees to kiss her stomach and hips. The sound she made when I first teased her clit with my tongue almost had me standing and slamming into her.

One of her hands jerked to my head on instinct, intending on pushing me back, but she didn’t. Instead, her fingers tightened in my hair and she pulled me closer, a breathy moan leaving her as I explored her pussy with my tongue.

She tried to shut her legs the closer she got to release, and I moved closer to block it with my body.

The first shake of her legs started and her breathing increased, her other hand joining the first on my head.

I grabbed the backs of her thighs with my hands to stop her from squirming away from me, rolling my tongue around her clit again and again until a cry left her as she came, trying to push me away but failing.

No one would ever make her feel as good as me, they’d never compare.

When I finally stopped, I got to my feet and didn’t even have time to wipe my mouth before she was kissing me, licking her taste from my lips and hauling me closer.

“Kissed it all better. Now you can fuck me again,” she panted, grasping my cock and stroking it. The tip rubbed against her clit and she shuddered, my plan of not getting anything from her tonight going straight out the window.

There was no way I’d ever tell her no.

“Turn around,” I ordered, pressing her against the cool tiles as I bent my knees slightly, sliding my cock between her legs and nipping her shoulder. “You sure?”

“Stop talking and fuck me,” she whined, a low laugh leaving me as I nudged her entrance. She rose on her tiptoes as if to escape me as I started stretching her open, a curse leaving her as I pushed the rest of the way in.

“Arch your back a little for me. Fuck, like that,” I groaned, grabbing her waist as I started thrusting in and out. Her palms were flat on the wall to stop her face from hitting the tiles, and she arched a little more as I went deeper.

“I need to come,” she gasped, her words turning to gibberish as I reached a hand around to rub her clit, keeping pace until her legs almost collapsed as she cried out.

I gave her a second to recover before going hard and fast, my own release not far away.

My brain was thankfully working, so I remembered to pull out, jerking myself until my cum hit her lower back and ass, her voice tired as she spoke. “We need to decide on contraception.”

I huffed out a laugh, aiming the water at her back to wash the cum away. “What I need to do is put a fucking condom on.”

“I like feeling you,” she murmured, turning to face me.

“Contraceptives can fuck up your hormones.”

“I know. I just think it’s smart to get,” she smiled, kissing my throat lightly. “We’re wasting water.”

“Worth it,” I replied, rinsing my dick and her pussy before shutting it off and climbing out to grab a towel, more than ready to get her back into my bed and sleep.