Page 19 of Fury

“Got a charity ball,” Fury tells me, handing me a slip of paper. “Raisin’ money for kids in the system, give them the things they miss out on. Club does it every year. Would mean a lot to Hope if you could come.”

I stare down at the printed paper in my hand.

Bikers do this kind of thing?

Seriously?

“This doesn’t seem like something a motorcycle club would do,” I murmur, glancing up at him.

“Why? No wait, let me guess, you’re under the impression that we’re nothin’ but criminals and couldn’t possibly do anything good.”

I bite my bottom lip.

I mean, I was under that impression if I’m being completely truthful.

“You know what—” he snatches the paper back “—don’t fuckin’ worry about it.”

He turns, striding toward the door.

Dammit.

“Fury,” I call out, but he doesn’t stop.

Well, I’m doing a great job pissing people off right now.

I pull out my phone and text Bonnie. She gave me her number when she dropped Hope to school yesterday and assured me that I can text her anytime and if I ever want to catch up, she would be more than happy. She’s such a kind person, I would love the chance to be her friend, but that won’t be something that comes easily. Not for me, anyway.

A – Hey, it’s Alex. Fury mentioned a ball, but he didn’t leave a paper. Can you forward me the info?

B – Hey girl! Of course! It would be so great if you could come. Hope would absolutely love it.

A – I’m definitely going to try.

She sends me the information, and I check the dates. As I do, my heart flutters. Ethan is away for work; he goes once a year for a week at a time, and it’s the only time I’m ever alone. It happens to be exactly when the ball is going to be held. I could actually pull this off. The idea of getting all dressed up, drinking and dancing, has something coming alive inside me. I don’t remember the last time I had fun.

And it’s for a good cause.

Do I dare?

A – Count me in!

B – OH! That is amazing. I can’t wait!

Tucking my phone away, my heart feels a little lighter as I begin my lesson with the class. Hope approaches the desk midway through, and she looks as though she wants to tell me something. Stopping what I’m doing, I offer her a smile. “Is everything okay? Do you need to use the bathroom?”

Shaking her head, she bites her lower lip and looks as though she wants to say something but she isn’t sure if she should. I want to be her safe space, so I offer a warm smile and wait for her to speak. Eventually, in a low voice, she tells me, “Uncle Fury has a lot of friends.”

Narrowing my eyes, I’m confused as to what it is she’s getting at. Does she mean the club? Because of course there are a lot of people involved in that.

“Well, Uncle Fury is part of a motorcycle club, honey. Those men are like his family.”

That’s a good explanation, right?

“No,” she says as she shakes her head, “I mean he has lots of friends at home. Girlfriends.”

Oh.

Ohhh.

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