Page 11 of Ruthless Deliverance

This is my job. It shouldn’t piss me off this bad. Only, I didn’t think my first sting would be the result of a blackmail scheme. And as important as it is for me to help clean up the school, I’d be of much more use somewhere else. My time would be better spent on things other than calculus homework and attending underage parties. I’m not that far removed from this scene since I’ve only been out of high school for five years and most of my drinking was done way before I turned twenty-one. So now at twenty-three, the idea of getting drunk and partying reminds me of the nights I took it too far and ended up puking instead of reveling.

All the time I took to style my hair is a bust as I twist it into a messy bun. It’s probably the better decision since I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard. And I am. Trying so fucking hard. But hopefully it doesn’t show in the wrong way. The way that gets my cover blown.

Hurrying downstairs, I’m unable to avoid Philip as I step into the kitchen. He speaks into his phone for a few seconds before clicking it off, his eyes on the key fob in my hand. “Where are you going?”

“To a party.”

“But you didn’t ask permission, dear daughter.”

Great. By his teasing tone, I know he’s in a mood that involves making me even more miserable than normal.

“Cut the crap, Philip. Don’t make this shitshow any more difficult than it already is.”

“Difficult?” he asks, tossing his cell on the counter as he shakes his head. “Difficult is trying to clean up your father’s mess. He didn’t only almost bury himself; he was taking me down with him. Don’t make the same mistake, Danica, because I won’t let you off the hook as easily as I let him off. He was my partner after all. Someone who deserves a handout. Not some bratty wannabe cop fresh out of the academy who doesn’t know her head from her ass.”

“If I’m such a fucking incompetent newbie, why did you blackmail me into this shit? I’m sure there was someone who would’ve gladly dealt with your ass. And it’s not too late if you want to drag someone else into this miserable assignment. Tell the academy it’s my sister or something and I decided to attend public school. Or better yet, that you shipped me off to boarding school.”

His frustrated stare is replaced with a seething smile that makes my stomach roll. “I’d never send my child away; I’d give her a good reprimand about respecting her elders to teach her a lesson before I ever sent her away. So don’t forget that.”

My father might not have been the best, but he never lifted a hand to me or my mom. But he did teach me to defend myself long before I was officially trained in self-defense. “And I won’t back down from any fucker who thinks he has a right to touch me. Don’t forget that, Detective.” Yes. He’s my superior. But he will only get my respect if he earns it. And Detective Dumbass hasn’t earned an ounce. Coming at me from the beginning with distain and contempt, blackmailing me into helping sort out a case that he and my father screwed up. He can blame Dad all he wants, but Philip is going after this like his life is on the line too. So, I have a feeling there’s a lot that went on that I don’t know about.

“That’s right. I’m in charge. You’d do good to remember that.” He moves past me as I stand rigid, my teeth literally biting my tongue. I don’t respond back to him. But what I’d really want to tell him is find someone else, anyone else. I’ll go back to the department and take whatever post they assign that isn’t this one. It’s better than dealing with Philip. “Be sure to be a good girl tonight, Danica. Just because you’re the law, doesn’t mean you’re above it. I’d hate for you to end up in a jam like your daddy.”

“Go to hell.” I might not be able to tell him to shove this job up his ass, but I will tell him to fuck off when he dangles my dad over my head. I know he heard me when he lets out an amused huff. Detective Dickface is enjoying this way more than he should. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he’s getting more bliss out of tormenting me more than anything else.

Damn it. Now I’m really not in a mood to party. But I head out of the house, drop into my car, and head there anyway. Why not? It has to be better than spending the night in my fake bedroom of my pretend house with my bogus dad down the hallway. Right?

12

CREED

“Where is she?” Normally I would tone it down a bit. I usually have enough chill to not reveal myself as a fucked-up chump. Beau accused me of being pussy whipped when I haven’t even glimpsed the pussy. But I don’t give two shits, I’m past caring what anyone thinks of me where Dani is concerned. Luna already knows exactly what I want too.

“Will you chill, dude? Give the girl some breathing room before you pounce on her.” Luna rolls her eyes as she turns up the red plastic cup, empties it, and stumbles a few steps away, heading for a refill.

Reaching out, I clasp her forearm as she stumbles forward. Her eyes drop to where my hand is clutching her arm, and she jerks away from me. “Don’t touch me.”

She bypasses the keg, tosses her cup on the counter, and walks out the back door. The house and patio are packed with people from one end to the other, so it doesn’t take but a few seconds for her to get lost in the crowd. Unfortunately, I easily spot Beau in the boozy crowd with Armani hanging on him. He is all but fucking her on the makeshift dance floor, but everyone is too drunk to give a damn. And for that, I’m jealous. To just not give a damn. That’s what I want. No matter how much I drink, or how many pills I take, I can’t forget. Even when I’m fucked up, it reminds me that Ethan isn’t here getting plastered with me. The last time we got hammered together will always be the worst night of my life. Fuck.

Reaching up, I drag my hand across my face. I’d scratch my own eyes out if it’d take away the memories of that night along with them.

Fuck it. Grabbing a drink, I down it quickly and grab another before walking to Beau. It takes a minute for him to notice me and remove his tongue from Armani’s mouth. “What’s up, bro?”

“Did you get any stock for tonight?”

His laughter morphs to a nervous tick as he peeks around. No one is paying attention, but I know he’s more freaked because we weren’t supposed to be touching the shit yet. “Yes. Why?”

Of course the fucker wouldn’t take the night off even though he’s scared shitless about getting caught. “I need some.”

He discreetly dips into his pocket before reaching out to me. My hand slaps against his, and he gives me a quick pat on the back with his other hand as the small bag is transferred without ever being spotted. “I’ll catch ya later.”

“Yeah.” His way of saying he knows I’ll settle up with the cash later. He dabs into the stash as much as I do. Though I haven’t much since Ethan died. But there’s been a few nights I’ve needed to take the edge off. And tonight is one of those nights.

Heading upstairs, I slip inside the first unlocked door I find. The room is empty, and I’m fucking grateful. Being more discreet than normal, I really just want away from everyone downstairs. I pop a few of the pills into my mouth and chase them with my beer. It’s not enough to knock me completely on my ass but it will be enough to take the sting off. I hope.

Moving to the window, I look out over the back patio filled with partygoers. The bass of the music thumps along with the pounding in my head. I need it to stop. All of it.

13