18. Raven
Chapter eighteen
Raven
A week passes by, and I’m still in my routine with Eddie and the guys. I can already tell the little changes it has made. I feel stronger, more confident and my wrists aren’t as noticeable. Time for another coverup tattoo. I’m still on high alert though. I haven’t heard from that unknown number again, and I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing. Naomi and Marco have even started working with us in the mornings, which eases my mind a little when it comes to her. If Eddie doesn’t have me at the gym training, I’m constantly out making runs for them. Zeke has even had the guys busy when we’re not training. But, I just have this gut feeling like something is about to happen. I don’t know what, but I can feel it. My phone buzzing pulls me from my thoughts.
Naomi: Hey, wanna hangout later? Listen, I need a whole girls day. Plusss remember you said you’d teach me to ride??? Well, I need more than 1 lesson ??
This girl, I cannot with her. Chuckling, I shoot her a reply back.
Me: Yes babe, I got you on the lessons. How about later today? I haven’t heard from the guys so I’m all yours boo ??
Naomi: Say less bitch!!! You are all mineeee. See you later.
Sliding my phone back in my pocket, I hop on my bike, start it and take off. Checking the safe houses is something I haven’t done in awhile, so when Eddie asked, I was all over it. I enjoy seeing everyone making a life for themselves and the kids getting to finally enjoy their life. They have all been through so much.
Pulling up to the gated compound Eddie and Zeke had built, the gate guard nods at me.
“Well, hey there stranger. It’s been awhile. They will be excited to see you.” he says with a smile on his face.
“Thanks, I miss coming. Just been caught up with all the other bullshit. How’s it been? No problems right?”
“Nah, it’s been quiet.” He replies, and I give an appreciative nod at him as I pull through the gates.
Pulling up and parking by the little playground, I notice Sierra playing with the kids. Getting off, I start to walk over to them. Before I make it very far, Blakelyn is making a beeline towards me. Squatting down, she runs into my arms and I wrap her up as she squeezes me.
“Where have you been? I miss you.” She exclaims, a little hint of sadness in her voice. Her sweet little voice gets me every time.
“I’m sorry, I had to work.” I give her a small pout and she gives me the biggest grin in return.
“That’s okay. Will you come push me on the swing?” She asks so sweetly. I chuckle as she links our hands and drags me over to the swings, waving at Sierra as I walk by her. She gets on the swing and I start pushing her.
I would never tell anyone this, but Blakelyn has easily become my favorite. Poor girl has been through it and she’s only around five, maybe six. I met her when Eddie and I got called to a job, found her mom beaten and raped, we couldn’t save her. We found Blakelyn hiding in a closet crying. She sat there until she saw me, then she ran right to me. We found someone here who took her in without a second thought. Unfortunately, she couldn’t have kids after all she endured, so she gladly took in Blakelyn. They bonded so easily and I knew right then that she would finally get the life she deserved. Both of them would.
Pulling myself from my thoughts, Sierra walks up to me.
“Hey girl, how have things been?” She questions with a smile on her face. Somehow this place always makes me feel better. Everyone seems to be happy and that’s all I could ask for anyone here.
“Better actually. I needed this today. It’s been a wild week.” I reply while pushing the swing again.
“Good, everyone has missed you. Especially the kids. We need another outdoor movie night. Apparently you bringing a shit ton of candy and popcorn made you their favorite.” She laughs, and I can’t help but laugh with her.
“Hey, I am easily everyone's favorite. With or without candy.” I joke, tossing my hair over my shoulder. We both start full on laughing.
“Raven, can we please do that again.” Blakelyn turns, giving me her sad puppy eyes over her shoulder. Who am I to say no to that?
“Sure kiddo, I will definitely work another movie night in.” She squeals and jumps off the swing coming over and hugging me. Squatting down in front of her, I hug her back.
“Okay, I have some more errands to run, but I’ll come back for that movie night. I promise. I’ll get with Sierra so we can set it up, okay?” She nods her head and takes off towards the other kids to play. My phone begins to ring and I pull it from my pocket. Seeing it’s Naomi, I quickly answer.
“Hey bitch, I was just about to head that way.” I say before she ever even says a word.
“Okay good, I’ll meet you at the old track then.” She replies.
“Sounds good, I’m just telling the kids and Sierra bye.”
“Tell them hey for me. Love you bye, be safe.”
“I will. Love you too.” I end the call and slide my phone back into my pocket.
“Naomi says hi, but I have to go. She wants more lessons on riding.” I say, rolling my eyes as I let out a low chuckle.
“Tell her I said hey back. Oh, make sure she comes when we get this movie night planned. I’ll see you next time.” She pulls me in for a hug and I wrap my arms around her.
“Take care of yourself, and let me know if y’all need anything here.” I state pulling away, she nods her head in return. Walking back towards my bike and getting on, I pull out of the gates.
Pulling up at the track, Naomi is waiting by her car. I pull up beside her and she hops on the back of my bike as I drive us down to the old blacktop.
“Okay, you ready?” I question as I switch places with her. God, why did I decide to let her practice on my bike? She nods as she gets comfortable on the seat, putting her helmet on.
“Fuck yes, and I know what you’re going to say, ‘don’t go past second gear’. I got this.” Slapping her visor closed, she lifts her foot and sets the bike in gear. I stand there watching in slight fear as she slowly takes off. For fucks sake this has me all kinds of nervous. My phone vibrates in my pocket and I hesitate taking my eyes off of her before taking it out to see the guys texting in the group chat.
Reyes: Hey Baby Girl, what are your plans today?
Luis: I’m curious as well, we haven’t seen you all week Princess.
Damien: I bet she’s too busy for us.
Fucking idiots. All of them. I look up at the track at Naomi. Damn, she does catch on fast. Looking back down I type out my reply.
Me: First off, I’m at the track giving Naomi lessons. Secondly, y’all are the ones who have been just as busy as me. Phone works both ways. ??
Reyes: Well I’m not busy now, so I’ll see you in 5.
Luis: Ugh of course you aren't, I’m the one actually working. I’ll see you tonight Bella Ragazza?
Me: Sure. I mean I will be at my own house. If Naomi doesn’t kidnap me from y’all first.
Damien: No one gets to kidnap you but me Angel. I’m caught up at the moment too, but I’ll see you tonight. Mines not a question because I will. I don’t care if I have to hunt you down and find you. ??
Me: Ha whatever! I gotta go. She won’t learn on her own.
Putting my phone back in my pocket, I feel it continue to go off. Looking up, I see Naomi starting to pull up to me.
“How was that? Was it more comfortable this time?” I ask as she lifts her visor and nods.
“Definitely felt better this time. I wasn’t as nervous, but I’m going to do a couple more laps. That okay?” She coaxes, she definitely has that spark of confidence in her eyes.
“Go for it babe, for you, I got nothing but time.” Chuckling, she takes off again, this time with a little more speed. I sit down on the asphalt and watch her. Riding is so freeing. The speed and the wind in your hair. It’s as close to flying as you can get.
Hearing a bike come up behind me, I whip around just as Reyes pulls up and gets off his bike.
“So you’re giving lessons huh? Didn’t think she’d be into riding.” He states, walking up and sitting next to me.
“Meh, I didn’t think it was her thing either, but she said one day of learning wasn’t enough for her to feel confident, so here we are.” Shrugging, I look over at him and he has this devilish grin on his face.
“Well, she has a damn good teacher, I’m just surprised you let her use your bike. Don’t ya think that's a little too much power for her?” He raises an eyebrow in question.
“That’s why she’s not allowed out of second gear.” Smirking, I turn back toward the track and watch Naomi.
“Hmm, guess that makes sense. What are your plans after this? I think you and me are due for a night to ourselves.” He croons, and there’s that damn smirk again.
“Oh yeah? Why is that? What would we do all by ourselves?” I retort playfully. Looking over at him, his eyes spark with lust and I have to bite my bottom lip to stifle the moan that wants to escape.
“Don’t worry, Little Devil, I have a game I wanna play. It’ll also earn you a new secret about me.” He quips, and that piques my interest.
“Hmm, you like to play games, don’t you, Lover Boy?” I chuckle, and he rolls his eyes at the nickname.
Naomi pulls back up to us, lets the kickstand down and gets off, skipping over to where Reyes and I are sitting.
“Listen, I officially want my own! Definitely not a beast like this, but one suited for me.” She laughs, taking her helmet off. Lord, Eddie is definitely going to grill me for this one.
“One day bestie, one day. I’ll take you to pick it out and make sure it’s got all the things for you. Or maybe I’ll just surprise you. Never know.” Chuckling, I shrug and she tries to slap me in the arm.
“Thanks babe. Hey, will I see you later? Or did the guys take you from me again?” She looks over at Reyes and he just shrugs and begins to laugh.
“Wanna come over for dinner later? I don’t know what we can cook, but I’ll figure something out.” She rolls her eyes and laughs.
“Yes, dinner for sure. We will manage it. I’m sure the guys eat more than we ever could, so better buy extra.” She jokes.
“I’ll have the guys pick something up before they head over to your house. We all know how to cook, so I’ll tell them to surprise you.” Reyes chimes in.
“Alright, see you later babe.” Naomi waves and walks towards the parking lot to her car. Reyes grabs my helmet and links our coms before we get on our bikes and take off out of the parking lot, following his lead. Where exactly are we going? I have no idea. But whatever secret he has for me, I'm curious to know about.