Page 33 of Fury

“Ford.”

It’s strange, hearing him use his real name. It rolls off his tongue with such strength and ease. As he takes Ethan’s hand, I can see just how hard he shakes it. Ethan jerks by my side but keeps the smile on his face. Fury is pushing his limits without saying a word. I need him to stop. He doesn’t understand what will happen to me if he doesn’t.

Releasing Ethan, Fury looks to me. “Hope didn’t want to miss her award.”

Forcing a shaky smile, I stare down at the little girl. “I am so happy you came. If you want me to come up on stage with you, just tell me okay, honey?”

She nods, then turns and happily skips off with a group of friends she has made.

“I need to use the bathroom,” I say, separating myself from Ethan.

I rush off, praying Fury will take the hint and follow me, or at least find a way to speak to me. I need to tell him to stop—whatever it is he’s planning on doing or saying, he needs to back off. If he confronts Ethan, or so much as gives him the wrong impression, it’s over for me. I’m fearful, right down to my very core. Every single ounce of my body thrums with terror as I rush into the bathroom, gripping the sink as I stare in the mirror.

Why can’t I be stronger than this?

There has to be a part of me that can fight back.

Why am I taking this?

Washing my hands, I take a moment to gather myself before turning and leaving. I run straight into Fury, who catches me with his hands on my upper arms. Before I can say a word, he turns me and pulls me down the hall where it is dark and quiet. Only when he’s certain we’re alone does he whip around and narrow his eyes. Before he can speak, I start.

“Please,” I beg, a tremble in my voice. “Don’t do or say anything. Fury please. He ... he will hurt me.”

“Why?” he grinds out. “What is going on? I can see the fear in your eyes. What the fuck does he know?”

“I don’t know,” I whisper, and my voice breaks. A tear rolls down my cheek. “But he knows something. He’s going to hurt me. Please don’t make it worse.”

Reaching up, Fury catches the tear with his thumb, his eyes scanning my face. “You can’t ask me to let you walk out of here knowin’ he’s goin’ to put hands on you.”

“Please, Fury, I’m begging you. If you make it worse, he will ...”

“He will what?”

His voice is like ice now.

“I just ... I can’t. Please. Please don’t say anything.”

“Alexis.”

Ethan’s voice travels down the hallway, and everything inside me turns to stone. He has found us. There is no way I can explain this situation away. I know how it looks. Stepping away from Fury, I rush past him.

“I was just tellin’ Alex here that Hope is doin’ really well thanks to her,” Fury says casually, walking down the hall and past Ethan.

Ethan’s eyes move between us. “Well. She is a good teacher.”

“She’s good at a lot of things,” Fury goes on.

Stop.

Please.

Ethan’s eyes flash. “It seems like you know her well, then.”

“Don’t know her at all,” Fury says with a shrug. “I just know that a teacher that good has incredible qualities. You should be proud to call her your wife.”

My knees shake.

“Indeed,” Ethan murmurs.

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