Deathtrap (Crossbreed #3)(97)
Christian could feel the blood heating his face. He didn’t like anyone holding a mirror up to him; he didn’t like being transparent. But after meeting this brassy, uncouth man, it gave him a better understanding of Raven.
Crush sighed, his voice calmer. “You’re her partner. Watch over and protect her since I’m not there to do it. She’s always been tough with a mind of her own, but sometimes she doesn’t know right from wrong. That’s my fault. I didn’t do a good enough job raising her like her mama would have. I fucked up—made mistakes. Getting clean wasn’t good enough.”
“Aye, I’ll look after her.” Christian’s attention drifted when he heard Für Elise playing on Raven’s music box outside.
He suddenly jumped when Crush stabbed between Christian’s legs with a knife, sinking the blade into the chair. He’d been so distracted by the music that he hadn’t heard the human pull the switchblade from his back pocket.
“One more thing,” Crush said. “Now that I’ve got your undivided attention.”
Christian’s expression tightened, but he didn’t remove the knife from the chair.
“I know why you tagged along,” Crush continued. “But see, I already know about your world. You don’t have to scrub my memory to keep your secret. I know how this favor thing works and how you immortals value it more than gold. Let me keep this memory of my daughter, and I’ll owe you one.”
Christian narrowed his eyes. “What could I possibly want from you?”
Crush sat back and folded his arms. “I’m sure something will come to mind. I’ve lived in your world for years. Why not get something out of it?”
“And what if I’m doing this as a favor to your daughter?”
“Then you’ll have to figure out a way to repay her that favor without her knowing. Next time she needs something, you do it. No questions asked. Then whatever conscience you have is clean.”
“And what if she asks me to do her laundry for eternity?”
Crush stood up and emptied his pockets, pulling the lining out. “I’m all out of fucks to give.”
Christian freed the knife and set it on the table. It was a tempting offer. Scrubbing Crush’s memory seemed superfluous, especially given the fact that he didn’t just know about their world but was immersed in it. There was also a risk that if Christian left any holes, Crush’s friends might sense something was off. It could backfire on him in a big way. Scrubbing his memory would be the easiest way to even his debt with Raven, but making a deal with Crush meant another favor in his pocket. He’d be a fool to turn down a favor owed, even from a human.
Christian rose to his feet and inclined his head. “I’ll tell her it’s done, but on one condition.”
Crush slid his jaw to the side. “What’s that?”
“You’re mortal and probably one cheeseburger away from a coronary. The favor carries over after death to one of your friends. A Sensor can validate I’m telling the truth.”
“Men like me don’t die easily.”
“You’re human. You all die easily.”
“My buddies won’t trust a Vamp.”
“Then my friend will hunt down your ghost and make you pay up from the afterworld.”
Crush grimaced. “You know a Gravewalker?”
“Do we have a deal, or do we need to sit down and get to business?”
It took a minute, but Crush capitulated. “You can see my buddy Red. Just tell him he still owes me a favor for that piece-of-shit car. He’ll know exactly what you’re talking about, but I have a feeling you’ll come asking long before the Reaper shows up at my door. Shake on it.” Crush held out his hand.
Christian stared at it.
“Don’t be such a pussy. I know you guys prefer to bow and shit, but I’m a man of honor, and we shake on things.”
Christian held out his hand, and even though Crush was just a mortal, his grip was iron. “Then you and I have a deal.”
Chapter 26
“How do you feel?” Gem watched me with keen interest as she rolled along on her skates.
“More like myself. I think my light’s almost pure again,” I said, rubbing my heavy-lidded eyes. It was already evening, another day lost. After coming home late from visiting my father the night before, I stayed in my room all day. I’d spent most of the time thinking about our conversation, but my body still needed to catch up on sleep.
She gave me an elfin grin. “I should hope so. You slept the entire day. Alas, you missed out on Christian’s oatmeal extravaganza this morning. I finally know what wet sawdust tastes like. He also volunteered to make lunch, but everyone chipped in for Chinese delivery instead. Viktor’s probably going to extend your cooking rotation since you haven’t done much of it.”
I slowed my gait and stared down at my white socks. “Dark light takes a lot out of me. I don’t think you would have wanted me in the kitchen.”
“Where did you and Christian go last night?”
“He wanted to talk to a guy about fixing his car. I slept most of the time. How’s Claude?”
“Purrrfect.” She giggled and skated ahead of me, her long black duster decorated with white butterflies flapping behind her. “He can’t go to the party tonight since he’s still recovering. Viktor ordered him to stay in bed, and he didn’t put up a fight. So he must be in pain.”