Page 63 of Crusher

“It set you free,” he says, and I nod.

“It did, and having Kayden, Blaze and Hayes there helped. They became my strength that I needed to make the realizations I have spent the past eight years trying to ignore,” I admit, and Cage tilts his head at me while my eyes go to Hayes holding CJ.

“And what were they?” Cage asks as he looks to where I’m looking.

I confess, “That I wasn’t running away from the pain he caused, or because my father would want to sell my son, I was running because I didn’t want to be like my mama.”

“Yeah,” he mutters, “that would do it…”

“I don’t want to run anymore, Cage. I want to be happy, and I know I won’t be without my husband,” I whisper, and he wraps his arm over my shoulders, and I lean against him as Hayes looks our way. As if feeling my distress from a distance, he tilts his head but doesn’t move, seeing I’m with Cage.

“That man would walk across hot coals for you, Alex, and heck, he would even leave the club, not that I would let him,” he says, and I half smile before he whispers, the trust, it will return because you fucking love him enough to see you can’t live without him, so don’t give up, sweetheart.”

I nod as he tightens his arm over my shoulders before Linc walks past us, but pauses, seeing my tears.

I give him a small smile as Cage admits, “She’s finally realized she can’t live without Crusher,” and he smirks and returns, “I thought she realized that last night after I had to change rooms and sleep with my nephew,” and I know my cheeks are heating by the chuckle he gives me while Cage snorts.

“Don’t be a hypocrite, Mr.,” I mutter, “At least I’m screwing my husband, or are you finally going to claim Elenor?”

“Wait, who is Elenor?” Cage instantly asks as Hayes walks over and mentions, “Some girl from the trailer park he’s been fucking since he was like fourteen,” then demands, “Move out of my way,” and I feel Cage kiss my head before he questions, “You’re in love?” and Linc rolls his eyes making me smirk as my husband takes a seat beside me. He wraps his arm around my shoulders like Cage did and I lean against him, gripping his cut.

“No, she’s just a really good lay,” Linc states and this time I chime in, “Who you’ve defended against the whole trailer park getting into fights for?”

Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t like her, but that is because she hates my friendship with Linc. Regardless, he’s always going to her, and I haven’t seen him flirt with anyone else, so…

“You claiming her?” Cage asks just as Willow runs up to him, showing every brother who her favorite uncle is, and he chuckles as he picks her up and mutters, “Hey, squirt,” and she grins widely.

I swear that girl is a social butterfly and adores the whole brotherhood.

Trick and Clark did well with her.

“No, I’m not claiming her. Now go spend time with our niece, I’m off,” he states, then points at me, “You need me, you call, but I do believe you are in great fucking hands.”

I nod and rasp, “Love you,” and he softens and murmurs, “Love you too,” as he leans forward and kisses my head before squeezing Hayes’ shoulder.

Cage leans forward and whines, “Hey, where's my kiss? I love you too,” and I laugh as he follows Linc, who runs while my son runs our way.

“Hey, bud,” Hayes murmurs as he plays with my hair.

“Can I stay at Uncle Trick’s tonight, please?” Kayden pleads as he links his fingers below his chin and bats his eyelashes, and I look up and lock eyes with Clark, who smiles wide, and I nod while Hayes confirms, “Yeah, but be good and no breaking windows!”

Kayden winces but nods and mutters, “I am sorry, Daddy, I didn’t mean to hit the puck at the car window,” and I look at my husband with wide eyes, and he winces as our son runs off to Clark before I lay into him.

“He smashed a car window?” I gasp, and Hayes groans, “He’s definitely my kid,” and I can’t help it, I laugh, causing my husband to melt as he cups my cheek.

“I’ve fucking missed your laugh,” he whispers, and I nod and admit, “I’ve missed it too.”

“A lot has happened in the past few months, hasn’t it?” he murmurs, and I nod again.

Kayden being shot.

Hayes being there that day trying to save him.

Hayes trying to keep me together when he was confused and falling apart himself over a child he didn’t even know existed.

Hayes kidnapping me.

Dad.