Resisting (Dirty Cops #1)

Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

Rowan

“ Y ou want to study later, Row?” That’s Hunter’s subtle way of asking if I want to fuck.

Based on the fact that my panties have been soaked all day, I could definitely use a good ride. But I promised myself I was done being Hunter’s booty call. Apparently, a girl from the trailer park isn’t worthy enough to be the star quarterback’s girlfriend, but is good enough to suck his dick. Thankfully, that truth no longer hurts as much as it used to and I’ve managed to finally close off my heart to him.

“Sorry.” I shake my head. “I’m working tonight.”

“You’re always working,” he grumbles, annoyance rolling off those broad rigid shoulders of his. “When are you going to make time for me?”

Just the fact that he’s commenting pisses me off. He knows my situation with my mom and that not all of us have rich daddies paying for every little thing. Some of us actually have to work to get by in this world. Besides, I’m not the one who doesn’t make time. He’s always busy hanging out with his stuck- up friends and acts like I don’t even exist most of the time. When was the last time he asked me to dinner or to a movie, or invited me out with his friends? Oh, right, NEVER. Because he can’t be seen with trailer trash in public.

“Got to run, Hunter.” I step around him, now annoyed myself. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I head to my car, ignoring the snide looks I’m getting from the snobby rich girls. They think I’m Hunter’s tutor and are jealous of the time I spend with him. Little do they know, I’ve been fucking him for the last year. That would really give them something to be jealous over. But that’s done now. They all can have the jerk who only cares about his dick’s needs and doesn’t give a shit about my feelings. If he did, he wouldn’t have brought Janna—his prom date—into the steakhouse where I had the pleasure of waiting on them and all their snooty friends before they all rode off in their long shiny limo to the dance, while I stayed behind and worked all night.

God, I’m an idiot for actually holding out hope that he would ask me to the dance. For thinking for even a minute that I meant more to him than just sex. All I was and will ever be to him is an easy pussy. Just like Rhonda said. “Guys like that don’t end up with trash like you. You’re nothing but his little whore. But maybe if you’re lucky, he’ll keep you around once he settles down with a wife .”

I roll down the window, hoping some fresh air will help clear all the awful thoughts away. Just a few more months and I’ll be free of this place. Free of the witch. Free of the judgement. And free of... oh no ! Shit!

There’s a police cruiser sitting off to the side of the road and as I get close enough to see the officer inside, my stomach drops. The tension in my shoulders quadruples. My knuckles clench the steering wheel so tight they hurt. I look down and check my speed. The speedometer says I’m going three miles below the speed limit which should mean I’m in the clear. But right as I pass the cop, I check my rearview mirror, and sure enough, he pulls out right behind me.

This can’t be happening again. I clutch the steering wheel tighter, keeping my car steady in my lane, mentally going through my check list. I know my registration is up to date. My break lights have been checked and double-checked. And I’m driving a safe distance behind the car in front of me. There’s nothing he can pull me over for today. But as I make my way to work, he stays right on my tail. Every turn I take, he takes. And when I pull into the steakhouse parking lot, he pulls in too.

Good news is: my manager is inside, so if this officer tries anything, I’ll run in for help.

I choose a spot between two other vehicles, buffering myself on both sides. I take a few deep breaths, trying to settle my nerves. I haven’t done anything wrong so there’s nothing he can legally get me on. Though, I’m starting to think that doesn’t matter. I climb out and quickly make my way toward the restaurant entrance, but I’m not fast enough. The cruiser pulls up to my side and the voice that now haunts my nightmares calls out to me.

“I see you got that taillight fixed, Miss Brince.”

I reluctantly turn, and the creepy smile on his face sends a shiver down my spine. There was never anything wrong with my taillight. Myrah double-checked the thing twice and confirmed it was working just fine. There wasn’t even a loose fuse or wire. Which I knew would be the case. After being pulled over so many times by the same officer, I no longer believe a word coming from the man’s mouth. I think all these so-called “warnings” he’s been giving me are leading up to him wanting me to give him something in return. And I’m worried that when I refuse, he’s going to use his power against me.

“Yes, sir.” I force the smile, trying to remain polite. If I cop an attitude or dispute his false charge, he’s liable to slap some cuffs on me and put me in the back of his cruiser, and then I’ll definitely be at a disadvantage.

“You working late tonight?” His eyes roam over my fitted black skirt and bodysuit. This is a fancy restaurant so we’re required to dress nicely. But right now, I’m wishing I had on a muumuu that didn’t reveal all my curves. I swallow down the gulp of nerves, barely getting my head to move up and down in response to his question.

“Ten o’clock is too late for a sexy young thing like you to be out alone.”

A spike of fear runs through my veins. He would only know what time I get off work if he’s been watching me. And did he just call me sexy? “I’ll swing by and follow you home. Make sure you get inside your trailer safe.” He winks. Oh my God! And how does he know I live in a trailer?

No. No. No. This is what I was worried about. He’s going to try to do something. Find a reason to pull me over or come inside my place and force himself on me. And who’s going to believe the word of some eighteen-year-old girl who lives in the trailer park over the word of a police officer? No one.

“Oh, that’s kind of you, sir.” I struggle to keep my voice calm and polite. The smile even harder to force. “But that won’t be necessary. I’m sure you have more important things to do. Criminals to arrest. Besides, everyone here leaves together so I won’t be alone. There will be lots of people around to make sure I’m safe.”

I’m hoping that’s enough to deter him, but judging by the Cheshire smile on his face, I don’t think it worked.

“My most important duty is keeping predators away from pretty, vulnerable girls like you.”

The lump of fear in my throat is hard to swallow down. It sounds like he’s my number one predator.

“Your coworkers may walk you to your car, but who’s going to keep you safe should you get a flat on your way home? ”

Goosebumps trail up my arms, my teeth trying to chatter, though it’s nearly eighty degrees out. I think he’s going to intentionally do something to cause me to have a flat. Make it to where I’m stranded on the side of the road, needing assistance. And guess who’ll be right there, ready to swoop in and offer me help. Just doing his job and protecting me. But who’s going to protect me from this dirty cop?

The radio goes off in his car and I nearly jump from my skin. My nerves are completely unhinged. There’s an officer needed to respond. Something about narcotics, but I’m too rattled to register the dispatcher’s exact words. I’m just praying that it means he needs to go and that whatever’s going down will take all night.

“Duty calls, Miss Brince,” he says right to my breasts, licking his lips. The man’s practically salivating in front of me. “But I’ll see you later.” He puts his lights on and then takes off speeding out of the parking lot as if he’s trying to impress me. But I’m far from impressed. There is something seriously off about him and I’m really worried for my safety now.

“Hey, girl!” Myrah says, as I come rushing into the back room, beyond relieved to be away from the creep. I’m so rattled I barely get a “hi” past my lips.

“What’s wrong, Rowan? You look upset. Did your mom do something?”

Before I can answer any one of Myrah’s questions, she’s standing before me, eyes scanning over my body, most likely checking for signs of bruises. As evil as my mother has been all my life, she hasn’t physically abused me. She’s verbally abusive and has neglected me, but never has she laid a finger on me, probably for fear that she’d actually be found out.

“No.” I shake my head, wishing for once my frazzled state was caused by the witch. She, I know how to handle. I have no clue how to deal with a creeper cop that seems to be stalking me. “The officer tailed me here and offered to follow me home after work. He said a ‘sexy young thing like myself’ shouldn’t be out that late and if I had a flat tire on my way home who would be there to help me.”

“Oh my God, Row,” she gasps, looking as alarmed as I feel. “You need to report him.”

“Really? And say what? A concerned officer offered to escort me home so I get there safely? They’re just going to call me a paranoid kid and go to his defense. You know how they operate, Myr.”

She of all people should know what will happen if I report the officer. Her stepbrother is doing time for a crime he didn’t commit, but everyone in the courtroom believed the dirty cop’s word over his. And the judge who presided over the case sentenced Knox to fifteen years behind bars.

“Yeah. You’re right,” she sighs, shaking her head. “They all stick together. They’ll believe him over you every day of the week.”

“Exactly.” I nod, turning to shove my belongings into my cubby. Going to the police is out of the question.

“Do you have mace, Row? If not, we need to get you some.”

“I don’t, but that’s a good idea.”

Tomorrow I’ll be going to the store and getting some. So, if this guy ever tries anything, I’ll be armed and ready.

“I’m going to follow you home after work,” she states. “That way if you have a flat, I’ll be there to change it for you. And if that rotten bastard tries anything, I’ll have my tire iron ready to give him a sex change.” She smiles a gleaming smile and I can’t help but giggle. My fierce friend, the one who wants to become a mechanic, is more than ready to beat the shit out of a dirty cop. And after what happened to her stepbrother, I can’t say I blame her.