Page 43 of Falling for Lucifer
“What’s good, nigga?” Hades asked as he sat on a recliner across from Lucifer and made himself comfortable. Lucifer thought about if he was really about to tell Hades he saw theirfather. He must have taken too long, though, because Hades spoke again, this time in irritation. “You gon’ spit it out or sit there lookin’ ignorant all night?”
Lucifer sighed. It was best to just come out with it. The way Hades’s patience was set up, Lucifer was knew he only had about two point five seconds before Hades snapped.
“I saw Henry.”
Hades’s jaw clenched. “I sure the hell hope Henry is your new pool boy or some shit.”
Lucifer wished he could nod, but the slight shake of his head was the honest thing to do. Hades hopped up. His fists clenched and he looked like a maniac as heh advanced on Lucifer, who remained calm. It was the best thing to do when Hades was like this.
“Where that nigga at? He touch you?” Hades asked, looking over his brother closely as he breathed heavily. Lucifer knew the thought of Henry touching him or Eris was Hades’s worst nightmare. He had given up his entire childhood to avoid that exact scenario, so Lucifer had to be mindful of what he said to avoid a Hades crash out.
“I’m cool, bro. You think after last time we saw that man he was gonna try something stupid with me? Can you please sit down?” Lucifer asked, gesturing toward the recliner.
Hades seemed to lighten up slightly, and Lucifer could tell he remembered the last time they saw their father. It hadn’t been pretty for Henry. Hades’s eyes traveled to the painting hanging up on the wall near the door, and he smiled slightly. Lucifer shook his head with a ghost of a smile dancing on his lips too. Hades really found someone to paint a photo of their father from the last time they saw him. He looked terrified, and Hades’s crazy ass just had to capture the moment.
Finally, Hades sat down and asked, “Stop choppin’ your words and tell me what happened.”
“Mincing,” Lucifer corrected.
Hades’s brows pulled in. “Huh?”
“The phrase is mincing your words.” Lucifer knew he was playing with fire, but as his little brother, sometimes he really couldn’t help messing around with him, even when he knew he shouldn’t.
“Man, if you don’t get the hell on?—”
“Aight, aight. He was at Ellodie’s parents’ house. It was her pop’s birthday, and I guess he works closely with the mayor?—”
Hades stood up abruptly again and cut Lucifer off. “Where that nigga at?”
“Aye, man, chill,” Lucifer said. He would never be able to get through this story if Hades kept reacting like that. “Her pops is cool people. It ain’t seem like he was really feeling Henry like that anyway.”
“Then why the nigga was at his birthday party?” Hades asked. He still stood with his arms crossed.
Lucifer ran a hand down his face. “I have a feeling it was more of a formality. That ain’t why I’m telling you this shit.”
“Hell, then why are you, unless you want a nigga handled?” Hades asked. He stayed ready to go to war for the people he loved.
“Because seeing him ain’t ever a good feeling. That’s why.” Lucifer’s words came out in a whisper. Being vulnerable with Hades was never easy because he believed in putting up a strong front and holding feelings in. Lucifer had never been as good at that as his brother.
It was Hades’s turn to run a hand down his face. He looked up at the ceiling and took a few deep breaths before he moved to the couch where Lucifer sat. “He ain’t say shit to you?”
Lucifer shook his head. “Ain’t really give him the chance. Some other shit popped off with Ellodie and her people?—”
“Her mama, huh? That bitch needs her ass beat. Harley ain’t pregnant no more. She better be careful. I been trainin’ her.”
Lucifer barked out a laugh. “Man, gone. You know damn well you ain’t ‘bout to have Harley’s lil ass fighting nobody’s mama.”
Hades thought about it. “Maybe not, but Eris ain’t ever had a problem handling women for us.”
Lucifer shook his head. “I don’t think she gon’ be in the picture much longer anyway. But check it. You remember when you stepped to him about Harley’s ex and fixing shit with The Obsidian Riders?”
“How could I forget?”
Lucifer nodded. “He kind of offered to help me out like that too. Ellodie’s ex ain’t about shit, and I’m worried I might have to catch a body, if you know what I’m sayin’. Especially since he’s Etta’s real daddy. He has rights, feel me? But he wouldn’t if Henry could somehow make the issue disappear. I threatened her ex once already, but I can’t be too sure he’ll stay away.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“You think I can really trust Henry with helping me?” Lucifer asked.
