Page 51 of Devil's Savior

Hell, I might be worried about her more because I’m not the one there to protect her.

Life is fragile and precious. I know that all too well.

I’ve lost far too many people in my life as it is. I don’t know if I would survive it if something were to happen and Sioux is taken away from me.

That’s why I wrapped my arms around my woman this morning and tucked her against my chest while resting my chin on the top of her head. She yawned like an adorable, tired kitten. “I’m sorry I was home so late last night,” I murmured softly, wanting to protect the connection between us which felt both fragile and strong at the same time.

“Don’t Crosby,” her voice was firm, and she looked up at me, her blue eyes tired but brightening the longer she looked at me. “Don’t apologize. I could have tried to sleep, but I was too worried about you.” I opened my mouth to tell her that I was fine, but she shakes her head. “I trust you to do your job. I know you’re a force and take your role as enforcer seriously. I know you’re strong. But terrible things can still happen and I’m going to worry about you in these kinds of situations.”

I felt what was hidden within her words—she was telling me just how much she cares for me. Because the worry she felt for me and the not knowing wouldn’t allow her to sleep. If she didn’t care, I would have come home to find her sleeping soundly.

I might not have liked it because I hated seeing the circles under her eyes, but my heart still soared because of the reason behind them.

“I should have tucked you into bed right away,” I insisted, remorse lacing through my words.

Sioux arched an eyebrow, “Are you saying you wish we didn’t shower together? Or fuck?”

I felt the blood drain from my face and my mouth dropped open. I had no fucking idea what to say to my woman. Because the last thing I regretted or wanted to change was our time together.

I loved the way her hands ran over my body as she washed the grime of the night off me. Being buried inside of her was even better than I remembered. To top it all off, she fell asleep in my arms, my cock still buried inside of her until I slipped free, turned us on our sides, and wrapped my body around her.

“Hell no,” I barked and the smug smile on my woman’s face told me I played right into her hand. “Fine,” I sighed, “point made.”

After holding her for a few more moments, I had to let her go. I didn’t like it and from the look on Sioux’s face, she didn’t either. I kissed her lips, needing her taste to give me the strength to get through the day ahead of me.

“Call me if you need me. I’ll keep my phone on today.” I started to shake my head and was about to protest, but her eyes turned to steel. “I’m serious, Crosby. You need me, you call me.”

“Fuck,” I breathed out, pulling her back to my chest and burying my face in the crook of her neck. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I don’t think I can ever express how grateful I am. You’re amazing.”

When I let her go, she grinned up at me and winked. “You’re amazing as well, Crosby. Don’t you forget it,” she gave me a stern look before kissing me again and heading to work.

As I pull the door open to the clubhouse, I shake my head to dispel thoughts of my woman. I need to focus. There is a lot to go over today and if my head isn’t in the game then the day will only end up being longer.

I step into the common room to find a few of the women we rescued last night sitting around the room in various places. Some are picking at plates of food in front of them and others are cowering in the corners of the couch. The air in the room is sad and tense.

Cherise comes bustling into the room from the kitchen with more plates of food and I can only shake my head. She offers it to the girl who Feral had in his arms last night and my heart clenches painfully.

When her eyes meet mine, I give her a soft smile. She returns it, but I can see the pain in her eyes. With a nod of her head toward Lucifer’s office, she focuses back on the girl who is staring at the plate in front of her with awe.

Cherise sits down in the chair next to the girl and starts to talk in a low voice. I’m too far away to hear them, but I can only hope that Cherise is able to get her to open up. Even if it’s only a little bit, it would help us out immensely.

Turning toward Lucifer’s office, I can’t take a step because the woman I carried out of the house last night is standing in front of me. Her eyes are clearer and widen as her gaze moves over my shoulders. There’s an uncertainty in her eyes when she meets my gaze.

“Hi,” her voice is soft and tentative. “I just wanted to thank you for helping me last night.” She swallows hard and shakes her head. “I was not at my best last night,” shame fills her words.

“It’s okay,” I assure her. “No one here is going to judge you. We just want to help you.”

A small smile forms on her lips and I find that I’m happy to see it. It gives me some hope as I try and ignore the oppressive sadness swirling around the room.

Unsure if anyone else has asked, I prod, “What’s your name?”

Her smile widens and she sticks her hand out into the space between us, her eyes brightening. “I’m Tara.” Suddenly, she looks unsure again after I shake her hand and then let it drop between us. “I hadn’t been there long, you know, and I only used a few times.”

There’s an urgency in her voice like she’s desperate for me to believe her. The thing is, though, she doesn’t have to convince anyone.

It’s none of our business. All we want is to make sure that those who need help get it and have the chance to live the life they want.

She’s already looking much better which leads me to believe that she’s telling the truth about only using a few times. It’s clear that she’s had the chance to take a shower and put on some clean clothes. That has to feel pretty fucking good already.

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