Page 40 of Fury

“Relax, they’re all pussycats.”

“Not just of the club,” I mutter. “What if he finds out I’m here, that you’ve hidden me?”

“I can handle Donnie Nelson,” he says with a grin. “But I want to do this right so you get to walk away with no blowback.”

“And then what?”

He shrugs. “Then you walk away.”

“From everything, including you?”

A man approaches the car, breaking our stare-off. Fury climbs out and shakes hands with him. “Fletch, this is Xanthe.”

The man stoops down slightly to peer into the car before grinning. “I knew you’d be hot.”

Fury clips him around the ear. “Show some fucking respect or I’ll tell Gemma.”

He rubs the spot, grinning as he stands fully again. “Pres got a room made up for you both.”

I get out the car. “Separate, I hope,” I say, arching a brow.

“Huh, I like her,” says Fletch, heading for the building.

Inside, I’m introduced to other men before a woman heads my way holding out a hand, and we shake. “I’m Lexi.”

“Xanthe,” I reply.

“Once you’re settled, come find me and I’ll show you around.”

Fury grabs my hand. “It can wait until tomorrow, Lex. We’ve had the longest day.”

He leads me upstairs and along a hall. We reach a room, and he pushes the door open, indicating for me to go inside. “Your room,” he says, following me in. “I’ll be through there,” he adds, pointing to a conjoining door which he also opens to show his bedroom. “I’ll keep it closed to give you privacy.”

I can’t help feeling disappointed that we’re not sharing, even though I’m the one making it clear I want him at a distance. I give a stiff nod and place my bag on the floor. “Thanks.”

“I’ll let you get settled.” He heads for his door.

“Actually,” I say, and he pauses, “we should talk.”

“It’s been a long day,” he mutters, keeping his back to me. “When we finally talk, it’ll be with clear heads.”

“But I have questions and?—”

He turns back to me, closing the gap between us in a flash and pressing his lips to mine. I freeze up, shocked as he gently slides his hand to cup my cheek. He pulls back slightly to look me in the eyes. “You’re far too stubborn for your own good. Goodnight, Xanthe.” And he leaves, closing the door that separates us.

I stare after him.What was that? A goodnight kiss? A friendship kiss?I narrow my eyes in annoyance before following him. I push the door with more force than I mean too, taking him by surprise. He’s topless, folding his shirt. We stare at one another, and something passes between us, a charge of some kind that pulls me to him. I throw myself at him, and he catches me, lifting me. My arms tangle around his neck as I slam my mouth to his, swiping my tongue into his mouth and kissing him with everything I have.

I feel his mobile vibrate in his pocket right before it shrills noisily. He breaks the kiss, lowering my feet to the floor and stepping back. His eyes linger on mine for a few seconds before he releases a long breath and pulls out his mobile, accepting the call.

“Yep?” He waits, listening to whoever is on the other end before disconnecting. He grabs his shirt, pulling it on hastily. “I have to go.”

I frown, following him around the room while he collects his keys and wallet. “Where?” He stuffs his feet back into his boots.

“That was Chevy. Donnie wants to see me.”

My eyes widen with panic, and I make a grab for his arm. He stills, his eyes landing on where my hand grips his wrist tightly. I release it and take a breath. “About what?”

“He didn’t say.”

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