Page 72 of Crush's Fall

Crush was disgusted. She fucking hated it when men acted all big and bad but crumbled when faced with someone tougher. If you’re going to act like a badass, you better own that shit, not cower in the face of true toughness.

“Don’t bother begging for your safety,” she told him, her hand tightening again around his neck. “We will take a pound of flesh for each and every ache you made Halo feel. When we’re done, you’ll beg for us to end you. If I’m feeling charitable, we’ll give you that… But you’re going to suffer first.”

Lucifer

As Lucifer approached the pool table, he heard Dr. Janson say, “You’ll be okay. You gotta take it easy, though, and follow the concussion protocols I gave you. I’ll pass the info on to…” Dr. Janson looked around.

“You can tell me, Dr. Janson. I’ll make sure she gets looked after.”

Dr. Janson looked back at Halo. When Halo gave a nod, her gaze swung back to Lucifer and ran through what needed to be done to take care of Halo. He listened carefully to make sure he could pass the information on to Crush with confidence.

After giving Halo’s hand a squeeze, Dr. Janson walked away. Lucifer gave Halo a smile and tried to figure out a way to break the ice. He wasn’t close to Halo, but he needed to figure out a way to relay that she would be safe with him. When she glanced up at him, she softly returned the smile and started to sit up. He took a couple quick steps toward her and slid his arm around her back to help her.

“Thanks,” she mumbled, and let out a deep breath.

“You thirsty? Hungry? Want help getting to your room?”

“Water would be good. Maybe some crackers.”

Lucifer nodded. “On it.” He looked around for someone to hang with her while he got what she requested.

Siren was a few yards away and started heading for them. “Go. I have her.”

Lucifer nodded and made his way to the cafeteria area of the clubhouse. Nodding at Top, who was sitting at one of the tables, eating a sandwich, he entered the kitchen. He grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and looked in the pantry for something light for her to eat. All he could find were cheese crackers. Shrugging, he grabbed the box and left the room.

Approaching Halo and Siren, he held up the box of crackers. “This is all I could find.”

Halo gave him another smile. “I’ll take it.”

He handed her the bottle of water and began opening the box. “Doc said sip that. Don’t guzzle.”

Siren nodded. “He’s right.”

Halo rolled her eyes, winced, and then nodded. She took an exaggerated sip and looked to them as if she was waiting for their approval of her sipping skills.

“Smartass,” Siren commented with a quiet laugh. “If you need me, I’ll be right over there.” He pointed to a table where Sugar, Trip, and Ranger were sitting.

“Lucy has it covered,” Halo said and patted Siren’s hand.

Siren’s gaze shifted to Lucifer. He stared for a long moment, contemplative, before he nodded and walked away.

”I don’t think they’ll ever trust me,” Lucifer said with a grin.

Halo shook her head. “They already do… well, maybe with the exception of Bullet.”

“You think?” Lucifer knew the Howlers were appreciative of his contribution to the war as well as his efforts in saving Sugar from her ex and the drug lord her ex’s father was in business with. Sure, the Howlers were less watchful of him, especially after Crush mated him, but they weren’t exactly welcoming him into their brotherhood.

Halo nodded. “If they didn’t, things would be a lot more hostile toward you. It’s been months since anyone besides Bullet threatened your death.”

Lucifer chuckled. “That’s true.”

After taking another sip of her water and eating a few crackers, Halo expressed, “I’m happy Crush has you. She may not admit it to you, but you make her happy. You’re good to her. She deserves that.”

“She makes it worth it.” He gave Halo a wink. “Even when she’s threatening to use her claws on my balls, she makes me happy, too.”

“I know things can get tense between the Claws and the Howlers, but honestly, that does a lot for their outlook on you. Axle holds Crush’s opinion of things as fact. If she trusts you, Axle does, too. Give it time.”

Lucifer shrugged. “Either way, I’m not going anywhere.” He grabbed the front of his property cut and gave her a wink.

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