Page 51 of Spinner's Luck

Before I could respond, Devil shut it down.

“Lucy.” His voice was hard, absolute. “Your ass stays here. Mystic and a crew will be on-site. If Dragon Fire has a plan, we’re not leaving the clubhouse unprotected. Now step down.”

Her eyes flicked to Devil, then back to me.

She didn’t look happy, but at least she didn’t argue.

Thank fuck she had some self-preservation.

“Fine,” she muttered, turning to Mystic. “But don’t expect me to sit around and do nothing if that piece of shit shows up.”

Mystic smirked. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

The guys started scattering to gear up, friction still buzzing in the air. I stayed where I was, my eyes locked on Lucy.

She caught my gaze, and for a second, her expression softened.

A reminder of why this mattered so damn much.

I stepped forward and caught her arm.

“Lucy.” My voice had lost its earlier edge, quiet but firm.

She turned to me, searching my face. “What?”

“I mean it.” My grip tightened just slightly. “Be careful. Listen to Mystic. Don’t try anythin’ stupid. I need you in one piece.”

She hesitated, jaw tightening like she was deciding whether or not to fight me on this. Then, finally, she nodded. “I will. But I’m telling you now, I can’t keep doing this. I have a mission of my own, Spinner, and I can’t hang around here forever.”

Her words punched through me at the thought of her leaving.

A cold knot twisted in my gut, but now wasn’t the time for that fight.

“We’ll deal with it later.”

She gave me a look—half frustration, half something softer.

I let go of her arm, watching her step back.

But this wasn’t over.

This was just another fuse waiting to be lit.

And when it blew?

Neither of us would walk away unscathed.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

ZEYNEP WAS FINALLYasleep, her breathing softand even, and I slipped out of the room as quietly as I could. Mystic was waiting outside, leaning against the wall like he had all the time in the world. He slipped inside without a word, his movements silent and deliberate.

I still wasn’t sure what to make of him. Mystic had this air about him—closed off, intense, and just plain scary. But Zeynep didn’t seem to mind. In fact, she seemed to need him there, like his presence grounded her in a way no one else could.

I let out a slow breath, running a hand through my hair. I hated feeling idle, like I wasn’t doing enough. Honestly, I should have bailed the moment I knew Zeynep was okay. But I didn’t.

Dammit, Spinner. He was the reason I was still here. I wasn’t lying to myself about that.

I turned toward the common room, ready to find Brenda—or maybe just a stiff drink—but I didn’t get far.

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