The Winning Side

by C. M. Doporto

  My heart lifted at Raven’s words, as if given a pair of wings. I pressed a hand to my chest, completely overcome by the sentiment.

  “I’m glad you got a good girl and dumped those cock-sucking hoes. They were all trouble for you, son.” Mr. Marshall patted Raven’s hand, giving his approval.

  My hand dropped from my chest, the happy-good-feeling completely gone. I didn’t know whether to be happy that Raven had finally left his tramps or worried over what his attorney thought of me. It really didn’t matter. This was about Raven, and I reminded myself that Raven had shared everything with this man. He was here to help him, or at least, I hoped so. I shook my head, stunned at his colloquialisms. The man was no better than my sister. I reasoned with myself to give him a reprieve, otherwise I’d tell the man to shut the hell up because he didn’t know me.

  “Final rule…” Mr. Marshall adjusted his seatbelt, pivoting in my direction, “keep what’s going on with Raven between the two of you. Don’t go telling your family and friends. We don’t need any more gossip spreading. Got it?”

  “Of course.” I nodded and smiled at him. One thing I didn’t like to do was gossip. But if I knew Delaney, she’d be begging to know the scoop on Raven’s situation.

  “You’ve got the parking pass and our badges?” Mr. Marshall asked as Steve pulled into the parking lot in front of the pro-football stadium.

  “Right here.” Steve picked up a gray envelop and laid it on the console. “Raven, not sure if Mr. Marshall told you, but I called and talked to the assistant at the athletic’s office and arranged for us to have a parking pass and media badges.”

  “Yes, he informed me. Thank you for picking them up for us.”

  The parking lot was filled with media vans from local TV stations and different vendors, all supporting PHU and the opposing team. Fans were already arriving from out of town in their bright blue and yellow decorated vehicles, including small and large RVs. Tailgaters claimed their favorite spots, setting up their barbecue grills and large, flat screen TVs sporting PHU’s purple and white flag and the stately dragon. As cars passed by, a group of men with painted torsos were yelling and chanting, “Go Eagles!” These fans were serious when it came to college bowl games.

  “Good afternoon,” a security guard in full tactical gear greeted us as the dark tinted window slid down.

  “Hello. We are here for Park Hill University’s press conference.” He handed the guard the passes.

  The guard studied them for a second before handing them back to him. “Drive to where that man is standing and he’ll direct you where to park.”

  “Thank you.” Steve closed the window and drove forward.

  “Sweet.” Raven’s eyes lit up as we were directed to the front row where all of the VIP and pro-football players parked. His smile quickly turned sour when we passed a group of fans displaying a sign with The Raven — MVP written in big, bold letters.

  Raven wouldn’t be the MVP. At least, not for this game. I unfastened my seatbelt and scooted next to him. “Your time will come,” I whispered in his ear as I rubbed his arm in a soothing manner.

  “But now is my time and I screwed it up.” His jaw tensed and his face hardened. I couldn’t argue against that fact, but I had to believe he would get another chance.

  “It’s not over until it’s over,” I reminded him.

  A half smile escaped his lips. “Where did you hear that from?” He inclined his head in my direction.

  “A really great football player.” I winked.

  He smiled and gave me a quick kiss. Steve opened the door and we got out. Mr. Marshall adjusted his suspenders over his round belly and then Steve helped him into his dark gray suit jacket.

  “Don’t forget this.” Steve handed him a bowtie.

  “Oh yeah, hate those damn neck chokers.” The attorney buttoned his white dress shirt and then gripped the black, white, and gray striped tie with his thick, chubby hands and clipped it on his collar. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his face and then ran a small black comb through the thin strands covering his partially bald head. Steve handed him two small bottles. One he sprayed all over him, and the other he poured in his mouth and then spat. He had a Rico Sauvé primping going on, but it seemed to work for him.

  He grabbed a worn leather briefcase from the front seat and shut the door. “Alright, let’s go.”

  Steve handed us our media badges and we followed him and Mr. Marshall into the stadium.

  A journalist with a cameraman approached us and Mr. Marshall immediately held up his hand. “Save your questions for inside, folks.”

  “Are you representing Raven Davenport?” The journalist bypassed his request, but the stout attorney held his position and ignored her. Refusing to give up, she turned to Raven. “Is it true that you won’t be playing in the bowl?” Her short, red bob bounced as she trekked after us.

  Raven smiled at her politely. “No comment.”

  “Hospital reports indicate you were hospitalized for alcohol poisoning and drug usage.” She extended her hand, holding her phone close to Raven, ready to record his response, but he remained quiet. His jaw worked from side to side and his brows furrowed while his hand tightened around mine. Hearing those statements must have struck a sensitive spot within him. I prayed he’d be able to make it through the press conference.

  Steve stopped in his tracks and stepped in front of the reporter and her cameraman. “You heard Mr. Marshall, save it for inside.”

  “Just trying to do my job.” She brushed her hair away from her face and flashed him a flirtatious smile, as if hoping to convince him for that exclusive story.

  “And I’m just doing mine,” Steve replied with a bit of gusto. The journalist dropped her hands in defeat and then walked off with her cameraman in tow.

  We entered the facility and were directed down a hallway to a private waiting area. Sleek fixtures and shiny railings guided us down a long corridor. We passed through a set of double doors and entered what looked like the behind the scenes passageway for players and coaches. Being in a pro-football stadium was incredible and a little exciting, but I reminded myself that we weren’t here for a joyous occasion. Heaviness settled over me and my body caved inward. Raven was right — it should’ve been his time. Instead of getting ready to explain why he wouldn’t be playing, he should’ve been preparing to explain how they were going to sweep their opponent. This totally sucked.

  We walked past a door marked Press Room, stopping at a door marked Private Offices. Steve opened the door, obviously familiar with where we were going, and presented a lady at a desk with his access badge.

  “Hello. I’m from Marshall Law Firm, representing Raven Davenport. I requested a private office.”

  The young lady fluttered her faux eyelashes at us. “Yes, of course. Let me verify that we have a room reserved for you.” Her long blue and white painted fingernails with blinged out silver stars on the tips danced across the keyboard.

  “Okay. I have the Porter room reserved for you.”

  “Will we be notified when it’s time for the press conference to start?”

  “Yes,” she squinted at the computer screen, “a message will be sent via text to 682-439-0856.”

  “Great. Is Coach Anderson nearby?”

  “Yes, he’s in the Washington room, which connects to the locker rooms and the media room. You will enter the Press Room through those doors,” she said, pointing to a set of doubled doors behind us.

  “Thank you.”

  “Your room is down the hall on the left.”

  Steve retrieved his badge. “Thank you for your assistance.”

  “Let me know if you need anything.” She clasped her hands together and gave us all a big smile.

  We entered a room the size of a small bedroom, equipped with a couch, table and chairs, and a bathroom. I took a seat on the couch facing a large, flat screen TV affixed to the wall and Raven sat next to me. Over the next hour, Mr. Marshall prepared Raven for his
press conference, reviewing the statements that Steve put together. He briefly touched on the option of Raven pressing charges against Jared and Raven quickly informed him they would talk later about his decision. I hoped that he would. To my surprise, I found out that Jared was kicked out of school and off the team last year for misconduct. I made a mental note to find out what he had done. Shortly after that, Coach Anderson entered the room.

  Raven stood up and shook his hand. “Coach.”

  “Raven. You’re looking better today.”

  “I’m feeling better.”

  “Good.” Coach Anderson wrapped an arm around him. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes, sir. Mr. Marshall has prepped me on what to say.”

  “Perfect.” The coach turned to Mr. Marshall and Steve and shook their hands. “I wish we were meeting again under different circumstances, but it is what it is.”

  “I can’t disagree with that.” Mr. Marshall pursed his lips.

  Coach Anderson opened the door. “Let’s go, son. We’ve got a room full of people.”

  Raven stood up and put his jacket on. “Wish me luck.”

  I lifted onto the balls of my feet and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Always.”

  Σ

  Chapter 5

  The entire drive home from the press conference was painfully quiet. Raven sat far away from me, staring out the window. I only hoped he wouldn’t have a change of heart — again — when we got home. It seemed like every time Raven slipped or took a fall, he distanced himself from me — as if he felt he didn’t deserve to be with me. All I could do was assure him that everything would be okay and he’d get past this with me by his side.

  The press conference seemed to go as well as expected. Coach Anderson spoke first, announcing that Raven would not be playing in the bowl game. That had spurred the media into a thirsting-for-answers frenzy, making it the hottest ticket in college football. Raven joined in the discussion once the crowd calmed. The media had shown him no mercy, bombarding him with the touchy and difficult-to-answer questions. Poignancy laced through me as I watched the man I love bare all his shame and disappointment for the world to see. Raven did exceedingly well, though — holding his ground and responding as Mr. Marshall and Steve had advised.

  As soon as Raven opened the door to the apartment, I headed straight to the bathroom. My lower stomach had started cramping during the press conference and I pleaded with my body to wait until I got back to Raven’s place. Although I was hoping my period would start, I had forgotten to grab a tampon before we left. I sighed in relief at the tell-tale sign of Aunt Flo making her appearance.

  “Everything okay?” Raven asked as I exited the bathroom.

  “Oh, yeah. Everything is great.” I smiled and then stopped when our eyes connected. The sparkle in Raven’s beautiful hazel eyes was gone, replaced by a heart-wrenching sadness. I had to be careful with what I said and how I said it. Every emotion I displayed could be interpreted in the wrong manner and I didn’t want him to walk out on me again. I stalled for a moment, not sure what to tell him. Talking about my menstrual cycle wasn’t something I was used to doing, especially with a guy.

  A visceral feeling took over, helping staunch the uncomfortableness when it came to this subject. “I, um… I got my period,” I said in a hushed voice. I had to get past the embarrassment. It wasn’t something that ever came up when I was Collin. Probably because we weren’t having sex and he never planned on it. Discussing it with Raven seemed a little odd, but since we were having sex, I felt compelled to tell him.

  “Oh.” Raven frowned and his shoulders dropped. “That doesn’t sound like fun.” His arms formed a circle around my waist and he pulled me close. “How long does your period usually last?”

  My eyebrows shot up. Raven definitely didn’t have a problem with talking about my menstrual cycle. In fact, he was making it easier for me. “Um, usually four to five days.”

  “That sucks.” His hands slid down my back, resting on my butt. “I’m not sure I can wait that long.” I felt a change in the air. The solemn Raven had vanished, replaced by a predatory calling that told me it wouldn’t stop him from getting what he wanted.

  Breaking eye contact with him, I traced the circumference of the button on his shirt, contemplating whether I should tell him I had been late. Our relationship had reached a different level, especially after spending a week with him, and since I was planning on staying with him for another week before the dorms opened, I thought he should know. I just hoped it wouldn’t scare him off. That was the last thing I needed. “It’s a good thing I did… I was late.”

  Raven leaned back, trying to catch my line of sight. “How late?”

  So much for that thought.

  “Almost a week.” I finally looked at him, searching for any sign that he wasn’t going to freak out. My heart pounded and my legs went limp. “And I’m never late.”

  His hands retreated from my waist and he took a step back. Darkness circled around his pupils as the inner demons released. I leaned against the wall, unable to support my weight. Folding his arms across his body, he remained silent for a moment. What was he thinking? Maybe I shouldn’t have told him. Would he leave me again?

  Dumb ass!

  He’d just left one disappointment, the last thing he needed to hear was that I had been late. I had the worst timing — for everything. I told my mind not to go there, but it did, and horrible thoughts ravaged my head, taking those intimate moments with him that I cherished and discounting them as foolish.

  “Lexi, I would never tell you what to do when it comes to your body, but have you considered getting on the pill? I mean... it wouldn’t be good if you got pregnant.”

  A tiny part of me, deep within my soul, cracked like a mirror that had been dropped. Instead of it shattering into a million pieces, it caused a bad nick, leaving a permanent mark. Hearing those words hit me harder than I had thought. Even though having a baby right now was the last thing I wanted, it still hurt. I pressed my lips together as my throat tightened and my eyes watered. “Yes, I was just thinking that I should probably go to the health center when school starts again.”

  “I think that’s a good idea.”

  “Then I’ll do it. Because the last thing I want—”

  Raven quickly scooped me into his arms, stopping me mid-sentence. My head jutted back like I had whiplash. One moment, he didn’t want to get me pregnant, and the next, he was literally sweeping me off my feet and carrying me toward the bedroom. The tears of pain quickly turned into tears of joy. Hearing that didn’t scare him off after all. Had he successfully battled those demons?

  “Is for me to worry about knocking you up. If you’re on the pill, we don’t have to be cautious.” A devious expression formed on his face and I knew what he wanted.

  Me.

  The Raven was back.

  He laid me on the bed and I kicked off my shoes. I quickly took off Delaney’s jacket and threw it on the chair behind him.

  “Good toss.” He looked over his shoulder, noticing how the jacket caught the edge of the chair.

  “This really sexy football player showed me how to throw.”

  “Did he?” Raven undid his tie and unbuttoned his shirt and I felt the rush of adrenaline from my head to my toes. “I know a few other things he can show you.” He unfastened his pants at lightning speed and whipped off his belt, dropping it to the floor.

  “Sounds fun.” I ogled him and his eyes bored into me, revving my desire for him.

  “Oh, baby, you have no idea.” His pants hit the floor and my stomach did a somersault. He was more than ready for me and God knew I was ready for him. “I plan on making up for lost time.”

  I grabbed his tie and pulled him on top of me. I eased his shirt off and my eyes widened in delight as I took in each section of his body for my viewing pleasure. Every ridge of his chest was well defined and it caused every nerve ending in my body to tingle. My lips dropped to his chest and I traced every line with my tongue
. His fingers tangled through my hair as I covered every inch of his torso. If I weren’t careful, I would end up pregnant, because I honestly couldn’t get enough of Raven Davenport.

  Before I knew it, he had me stripped down to my bra and panties. Raven’s lips devoured my flesh as he kissed and sucked on my neck. My fingers splayed across his broad chest as I kneaded his smooth, tanned skin, unable to get enough of him. His fingers danced across my stomach and my body quivered in excitement. That was when it occurred to me. I was on my period. And he knew it.

  “Um, Raven.” I squirmed underneath his body, unsure whether I wanted to have sex while I was bleeding. “Did you forget that I’m on my period?”

  Slowly, his lips stopped and he took in a long breath. “No. I just thought we could mess around. Unless that makes you uncomfortable.” His hand glided up the inside of my thigh and my back arched into him. The teasing was killing me.

  I wanted him.

  All of him.

  Not tomorrow.

  Not in five days.

  Now.

  “We can do that,” I whimpered in a low voice.

  “I promise I won’t touch you there, unless you want me to.” His hardness pressed against me and I lost all self-control. Raven knew how to supercharge my body and I decided it was time I explore the unknown side of me.

  “How about I pleasure you? Ya know… take some of that stress away that’s been beating you down all week?” I stroked the side of his head, gliding my nails through his hair. With deliberate intent, I licked my lips and prepared myself to do what I had read in my romance books, even though I had no idea how to do it.

  “Only if you want to, baby.” Raven studied my face carefully, as if searching for the true answer.

  “Let me show you how much I want to.” I flipped him on his back and willingly threw myself into The Raven’s trap, diving in headfirst.