Page 102 of Spinner's Luck

It was already here.

INSIDE, LUCY SATin the corner of the commonroom, arms crossed tight. The second I stepped in, her eyes locked on mine—narrowed, wary,like she was already bracing for bad news.

Her eyes stayed locked on mine, fierce and unwavering, a flicker of worry buried beneath the intensity of her gaze. Her brows drew together, lips pressed into a thin line as she glanced toward the door, then back at me as she asked, “What’s going on, Spinner?”

I didn’t answer, just jerked my head toward the hallway. “We need to talk.”

Her hesitation was quick, but she stood, shoulders squared with that stubborn fire I knew too damn well. We slipped into one of the smaller rooms, the doorclickingshut behind us sealing out the noise.

She crossed her arms again, planting her feet. “What went on outside?” Her tone sharpened, demanding. “I’m not made of glass, Spinner,” she snapped, eyes burning with challenge. “Spit it out.”

I drew in a slow breath, tension grinding through my jaw like gears ready to snap. “Things are escalating,” I replied, keeping my gaze locked on hers. “Dragon Fire just sent a message—on one of our guys.They’re not playin’ anymore.”

Her face paled, fear flashing across her eyes before anger took over, burning bright. “What kind of message?”

No sugarcoating this.“They killed one of our prospects,” I said flatly. “Dumped him at our gate like trash. Left a note, back off and return you and Zeynep.”

Shock beat through her. Her breath hitched, eyes going wide. For a heartbeat, I saw it—raw horror,guilt creeping in behind it. “They... killed someone?Because of us?”

“Yeah.” I stepped in closer, voice dropping low. “And now you stay put. You don’t leave this clubhouse for a goddamn thing.”

She shook her head, fists clenched so tight her knuckles went white. “I’mnot hiding,Spinner. That won’t stop them.”

My patience snapped; she wasn’t going to make this easy.

“This isn’t about runnin’,Lucy. This is about keepin’ youbreathin’.Fang’s not gonna stop—he’ll burn this whole fuckin’ place down if it means gettin’ to you. And you know damn well you don’t want Zeynep back in Drago’s hands.”

Her breath caught again, gaze darting away. She stared at the wall like it held answers, shoulders rigid before they slumped, fight draining just enough to breathe.

A beat of silence. The kind that weighed heavy in the chest.

Then, a shaky breath. “What’s the plan?”

“First,” I said, stepping closer, close enough for her to feel the heat rolling off me, “youstay put.No arguments.”

She swallowed hard, lips parting, defiance flickering in her eyes... but she bit it back. “And second?”

I leaned in, voice rough but certain.Unyielding.“You let us handle everythin’. You don’t lift a finger—don’teven thinkabout goin’ rogue. I catch you slippin’ out, Lucy, Iwilllock you in a goddamn room myself.”

Her expression tightened, fire still simmering in her eyes, but she nodded. Barely. She wasn’t done fighting—not by a long shot—but at least she got it.Knew the stakes.

I watched her for a beat longer, chest tight. I couldn’t let anything happen to her.

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

THE CLUBHOUSE WASquiet, an unnatural stillnesssettling over it like a heavy blanket. Most of the guys had either turned in or were off keeping watch, leaving the common areas shadowy and empty.

I leaned against the wall outside Spinner’s room, staring at the wood grain of the door, my heart hammering against my ribs.

I didn’t have to do this. I could turn around now, walk away, avoid the pain of saying goodbye. But some part of me wouldn’t let me.

Not without one last night.

Taking a steadying breath, I pushed the door open.

Spinner sat on the edge of the bed, boots off, elbows resting on his knees, hair ruffled like he’d been dragging his hands through it all night. He looked up the second I stepped inside, his dark eyes locking onto mine, focused but tired.

“You okay?” His voice was quiet, rough, edged with something caution.

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