Bull’s back was to me as he talked to Lucifer and a huge Bald man with tattoo’s all over his head trailing down his neck. He had a few ear piercings from what I could see, and he looked like one of those bouncers you would be afraid to show a fake ID to. I tapped him on the shoulder quickly as I bounced on the balls of my feet. He spun around quickly with a frown that instantly faded when he caught sight of me.
“Hey sugar.” He cocked his head to the side and put his hands on his hips. “You breaking the rules again?” he asked with a smirk.
I blushed and nodded. “I uh…” I cleared my throat. “I just wanted to give you something.”
H turned his body to face me fully and crossed his arms across his chest. “Oh yea? And what’s that?” he asked curiously eyeing my hands behind my back.
I clumsily removed the items from behind my back and accidentally dropped the shirt. I shoved the pants into his hands and scooped up the shirt thrusting it at him. He watched me in shock then looked at the items balled up in his hands. He began to open it up to inspect them when I clasped my hands over his. “No, go try them on. I hope it fits.”
His eyebrow arched. “You want me to put these on… now?” he asked.
I bobbed my head up and down my ponytail flying all over the place. “Well how can I say no to a babe like you? Wait here…” he trailed off and made his way to his room. I had learned they all had rooms here for when they wanted to stay or were here too late or drunk to go home. Plus, they never took the club girls home so they only did their deeds with them here. I chanced a glance at Lucifer who was watching me with narrowed eyes and if his breathing was any indication, he was none too happy about my presence. I averted my eyes to the floor as I waited anxiously twisting my hands.
“How’d I look? Am I sexy?” Bull’s voice finally bellowed from the hall.
My head snapped up as the guys hooted. Bull strutted out into the main area like he was a female model and I couldn’t help but laugh. Thankfully the pants seem to fit and the shirt was a bit snug, but it didn’t look bad… not at all.
One of the guys threw a twenty at him and he scooped it up shoving it into the waistband of his pants. “I’m giving private dances later sugar, just keep ‘em coming.” He threw at the man with a wink. Everyone roared with laughter at his antics. He came to a stop right in front of me throwing out his arms and doing a spin before striking a pose with one hand on his knee. I couldn’t help it, I exploded with laughter. “How do I look sugar?” he asked.
I gave him a thumbs up. “You look good!” I exclaimed proud of myself.
His eyes flew to Lucifer and the bald man. “Prez, Cutter – can I be a club bitch now? Do you wanna ogle my goodies?” he asked shaking his chest like he had breast.
The guy – Cutter – rolled his eyes. “Not a chance.”
Lucifer grunted.
I eyed him. “Seriously, do you like it?” I asked.
He stood tall and his expression became serious. He looked down at the clothes and nodded slowly. “Hell yea, these are awesome babe. Why’d you do it?” he asked.
I blushed furiously. “Other than wanting to try something new? I just wanted you to know that I was really grateful for you putting up with my mindless chatter all the time and for the phone and you know…” I trailed off.
He pulled me into a hug and kissed the top of my hair. “Thanks sugar, feel free to make me a whole wardrobe. I’ll wear anything you give me.” He promised.
I looked up at him and smiled. “You mean it?” I asked.
I felt his chuckle. “Yes.”
Cutter chimed in. “You made that?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yes, I make clothes.” I admitted.
He nodded. “You’ve got other stuff? My sister owns a shop and is always looking for new shit to sell. Get me some pictures and I’d give it to her. She sells regular shit, biker shit, all that. That outfit looks pretty good, I’d wear it.”
I must’ve been red from head to toe. I have never received such compliments, outside of my dad and random people not knowing I did it myself. I was excited and a bit scared. I wondered how I would feel if she said my work was horrible and wouldn’t dream of selling it. My heart and dreams would be crushed, was I ready for that?
Lucifer cleared his throat. “Show’s over, want to go back to your room?” he asked but it was more a hint to do so.
I nodded. Bull kept his arm wrapped around my shoulder and led me back to my room. “Cutter was right; you should give it a go. What else do you have to do around here?” he asked.
I shrugged. Before I could answer Lucifer’s voice boomed through the hallway. “BULL! GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE!”
Bull smiled wide and shook his head. “Club business, I’ll talk to you.” He left me and I was on cloud nine. Once I fully returned to planet earth I went straight to work in my sketchpad.
I was sitting on the edge of my bed listening intently for the bathroom door to open back up. When I did I waited for as long as I could before I walked over to Lucifer’s room and let myself in so he wouldn’t have the opportunity to deny me. He was standing by his dresser with nothing but a towel draped around his waist. There were still beads of water clinging to him and dripping from his hair. He could use a haircut but he still managed to look tougher, sexier. My mouth went completely dry as I eyed him. His grey eyes were pinning me to the spot. His stubble looked rough like it would leave a delicious raw trail in its wake. His lips looked as soft as I remember and just as full. His hair was curled down to his shoulders. His neck was strong and thick, leading into wide built shoulders. His arms were lined with boulder after boulder of muscle. The tattoo on his chest over his heart, the eight-pack made from the gods with a deep defining V that trailed beneath his towel. I looked at his strong legs leading to his feet. Perfection.
He cleared his throat and my eyes snapped back up to meet his. He cocked an eyebrow in question. “Thanksgiving is this week.”
He nodded slowly. “Yea…?”
“Am I going to be able to go home to celebrate?” I asked.
He shook his head. “I’m sorry but – “
I exploded. “How can you say no? I mean this is thanksgiving! I have done everything you told me to – “his eyebrow raised and I backtracked. “With the exception of an incident or two, and I can’t get to spend a holiday with my family? That’s just insane!”
He sighed and rubbed his face. He walked over until he was standing in front of me. “Listen, when I took you in, your dad fell off the grid. I’ve no idea where he is. He paid me in full up front and I didn’t question him. I did try to contact him myself but his phone is disconnected. I think he wants to make sure you’re protected but away from him as a precaution. I’m not trying to keep you away; I just really can’t help you.” He explained.
A sob broke free and I covered my eyes. “You… you don’t know where my dad is? Or when he’s coming back?” a hiccup escaped. “Or when I get to go home?” I asked.
He shook his head. “No.”
I turned to run off so I could drown in my tears but he reached out and turned me back to face him. “Look…” he sighed and I tried to pull free. He ran a free hand through his hair and cursed under his breath. “Will you stop crying if I said…” he trailed off and gulped. “We could do a thanksgiving here?”
I looked at him oddly; surely, I hadn’t heard him right. “Wh… what?” I asked.
“Fuck. Listen, you heard me. Most of the guys and shit won’t be here probably just a few of us. We could do whatever the fuck it is you do for thanksgiving here.” He said.
My eyes widened in hope. “Really?” I asked.
“Didn’t I fucking just say so?” he asked full on exasperated.
I began to take it, but then thought again. “What about Christmas?” I asked.
“What about it?” he asked.
“Well are we going to celebrate?” I asked him.
He shrugged. “No. I don’t celebrate this type of stuff girl. This aint my
thing.”
I sighed. “But I do. I mean I guess I can alone if I have to but I don’t really want to. You don’t have to or anything, I just thought that I’d ask.”
He scrubbed his face looking suddenly tired. “You’re a pain in my ass bitch, fine. We’ll do something for your silly ass holidays; now leave me the fuck alone. I got shit to do; I don’t have time to deal with this shit.”
I nodded and left him alone. I wouldn’t have what I was used to but I was going to at least get something, for that I knew I should be grateful. I just didn’t understand how he didn’t celebrate these things. It’s not like he lived under a rock, why wouldn’t he even be going to spend the holiday with his family. I know no matter how many tears I shed he wouldn’t have complied if he already had plans. Honestly, I knew he only said yes because he wanted me out of his hair, but I’d take the win on this anyway I could.
Wednesday morning, I was freshly showered and dressed while I waited for Lucifer to arrive. When he did with two breakfast plates, he froze when he saw me. Normally, I’d be in pajamas or sweat pants all day. It didn’t make sense to get ready if I wasn’t going to leave the room, right? He cautiously handed me the plate and took his normal seat. At some point, I guess after my mini meltdown, he took it upon himself to share meals with me again. I hadn’t complained I just accepted what was.
He finished first as usual and asked the question I knew had been burning on his tongue. “Going somewhere?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yes, I thought we’d go shopping today.” I told him around a mouthful of eggs.
His eyebrows flew to his hairline. “Really?” he drawled.
And I nodded. “We have to get food for thanksgiving and decorations for Christmas. I’ll have to decorate this place the day after thanksgiving…” I trailed off.
He grunted in response. “Just write a list I’ll send for it.”
I put my plate down and folded my arms. “You can’t write a list. I don’t know what to get, I’d have to see what they have and pick things out. It’s not that simple.” I argued.
He sighed. “And how were you planning on doing all of this?” he asked.
I shrugged. “There’s this thing called Uber. It’s a cab service where you can request –“
His hand shot up cutting me off. “I know what Uber is, and you’re not going a damn place alone.”
I threw my body back in defeat. “This is insane.” I moaned.
Another deep aggravated sigh. “What the fuck, how did I get myself into this shit?” he muttered to himself, but loud enough so I could hear. I’m not sure whether he cared or not. “I’ll take you, but we’re making this shit quick. In and fucking out. Grab what you need and I’m getting your ass right back here, understood?” he asked.
I sat up quickly. “Yes sir.”
He rolled his eyes and grabbed our plates. “I’ll be back for you in five so be ready or we aren’t going a damn place.”
I was ready in two, and waited patiently for him to return. He came back and without a word motioned for me to follow him. When we exited the warehouse, I took a deep breath. I was starting to believe that I would never step foot on the outside again. I stood still just letting the cold air hit my skin and enjoyed it.
“What are you doing?” Lucifer asked.
I opened my eyes and blushed. I only offered a shrug and continued to follow him. He was walking towards his bike, and I frowned. There is no way we could bring anything back on that thing. When he kept walking I blew out a sigh of relief. He led me to a black escalade and my eyebrows flew up. Where did this come from? I certainly didn’t see him as the type to have this kind of car. I didn’t question it and instead let myself into the passenger side. We made our way to a local supermarket and I grabbed a cart. He eyed the place skeptically and I rolled my eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look so uncomfortable.
I began walking through the supermarket, shooting glances behind my back at Lucifer as his eyes ping-ponged around the grocery store anxiously. The store was full of house wives, all of their hungry gazes were zeroed in on him. I noticed them trying to fix their clothes and hair before he got close enough to see them. I snorted to myself, if they only knew the half. I finally made it to the turkeys and paused to look them over. I wasn’t sure which I wanted yet. Lucifer slammed into my back and I found myself lodged between him and the cart handle no breath left. His hands found my waist and he yanked me back into his chest.
“What the hell are you doing?” he growled in my hair.
I noticed that I was flush against his solid front and I involuntarily shivered. I tipped my head back to meet his angry narrowed gaze and glared. “Looking at the turkeys. Don’t get mad at me because you weren’t paying attention to where you were going.”
His gaze shifted to up in front of me and he sighed while releasing me. My body wanted to follow his but I tamped down the sensation. It must be all the fresh air getting to me, a person shouldn’t be deprived of freedom for this long it does crazy things to your mind. I resumed my search until I found the perfect one. I lifted the heavy bird when he plucked it from my arms and deposited it in the cart. He grabbed the handles and motioned with his head for me to continue as he pushed it. He kept a hawk eye on me the entire time, his eyes tracking my every movement. He stayed as close as possible, and I mean he didn’t let me get out of his arms reach. He followed me back and forth to both sides of the aisles which I thought was a bit ludicrous, but I didn’t fuss. I let him have his way.
When we got to checkout and went to help Lucifer unload the cart, he sent me a death glare and pointed his finger that I wait by the register. I rolled my eyes but did as told. There was a young boy ringing up our groceries who kept shooting me his cute boyish smile. He was definitely going to be a heartbreaker when he got older; I just wanted to pinch his cheeks. As he came to the end he flashed me a charming smile, “is that all ma’am?” he asked.
I smiled back, aww. “Yes cutie. That’ll be all.” I told him fighting my instincts to coddle him. His cheeks flushed red and I laughed. Lucifer growled at my side and when the boy caught sight of him, he looked ready to piss his pants.
“How much?” Lucifer said narrowing his eyes at the boy. He began stuttering like he was afraid to answer him.
I pointed to the register. “It’s right there…” I said as I went into my bag for a credit card.
By the time I managed to get my wallet out, Lucifer had paid in cash and had the cart loaded back up and was watching me impatiently. I huffed and walked out of the store with him on my tail. Once he had the bags in the trunk he joined me in the car. “You know… you don’t have to be so mean.” I scolded him.
He scoffed. “And you should stop flirting with boys barely out of puberty.”
I crossed my arms. “I was not.” I argued.
He only grunted as he pulled off. “Where to now princess?” he asked sarcastically.
I sighed. “Don’t call me that.” I grumbled. “Target please, and make it snappy.”
That infamous grunt was all he offered me in return. I shivered in the seat. I hadn’t realized how cold it was having not been outside in a while. I had goosebumps all over and I rubbed my hands on my arms. The thing is, when I initially moved into the clubhouse I didn’t think I’d be here this long so I only packed clothes for the warmer weather. I didn’t have anything for the impending cold. I hadn’t dare ask him to turn on the heat or anything so by the time we pulled into the parking lot at target I was shivering.
“What’s wrong with you?” he asked.
I shook my head. “Nothing, are you ready?” I asked.
His eyebrows drew down over his eyes. “What. Is. Wrong?” he asked again not letting it go.
“I’m just a little bit cold is all. I’ll be fine.” I reassured him.
He sighed and scrubbed his hand down his face. You’d think that I made it my mission in life to get on his nerves. I have no idea why anything that came out of my mouth seemed to irr
itate him to no end. He reached behind the seat and kept moving around until he pulled a black hoodie from the back. He tossed it onto my lap. “Put it on, let’s go.” He got out of the car without waiting for a response.
I blinked after him in shock. Seriously, he needed anger management or something. I pulled on the sweater and inhaled deeply. His scent was heavily on the sweater like he bathed with it on. I followed him out of the car and looked down at how the sweater engulfed my small frame. I rolled up the sleeves so that I could see my hands and followed behind him. I ignored the stares our way, surely looking at this sexy huge beast of a man with his biker cut on and a short sleeve shirt that showed there was nothing but pure delicious muscle underneath, walking next to me looking utterly ridiculous with this massive sweater practically drowning me.
We had a small argument over the tree. He thought I was being over the top when I wanted a large one when he said we could just get one of those puny ones that you could put on top of small shelf. Ultimately, I won that fight because he just got fed up with talking to me. He didn’t utter another word after that and watched aimlessly as I loaded up a bunch of decorations into the cart. He didn’t spare me a glance as he paid and packed the rest into the car. When we got back he told me to go to my room and he’d bring everything in. I didn’t argue, instead I slammed the car door shut behind me and stomped all the way back to my cage where I collapsed on the bed. What the ever-loving heck was his problem with me?
The next morning when I woke up, I tip toed over to Lucifer’s room. I knocked lightly and there was no answer so I let myself in. “Lucifer…?” I whispered.
No answer. I moved closer to his bed until I was standing right beside him. “Lucifer?” I tried again. When he still didn’t respond, I lifted my hand to shake him. Before I could make contact, his hand whipped up at the speed of light and gripped my wrist tugging me down and pinning me beneath him. One hand twisted my arm so that his hand holding my wrist was behind my back and his hand closed around my throat. I yelped in surprise and his eyes peered down at me. I was so afraid to move or even breathe for that matter. “Lucifer… It’s me Abelie.” I offered.
Lucifer: Hades Riders MC Page 6
