Page 4 of Fury

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“You Alexis?”

The gruff male voice startles me.

I’m organizing papers on my desk and didn’t even hear him approach. Spinning around, I’m faced with the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on. I had an image in my head of what Hope’s uncle might look like, and I’m here to say this was definitely not it. Wearing a thick leather jacket that very proudly announces who he is, vice president of the motorcycle club, the biker before me crosses his arms over his chest as he lets his eyes roam over my body.

I’ve never felt so exposed in my life.

“I am,” I say, my voice croaky.

I can’t help but stare at the man before me, with his long, thick blond hair that is loose around his shoulders. His beard is perfectly sculpted and mixed with his dazzling green eyes, gives him a god like look. Thor comes to mind.

He’s spectacular.

“I’m Ford. Hope’s uncle. Heard you wanted to talk to me.”

I’m struggling to find my words, to gather my strength. No man has ever made me weak at the knees. Inhaling a deep breath, I straighten as much as I can, but next to him I feel tiny. My short, curvy frame is nothing on his powerful one. I’m suddenly very aware of myself, and quickly tuck my long, blond locks, wondering if my hair is neat or if I look like an absolute nerd. On a good day, I very much look like a teacher. I’m not sure if it’s my petite glasses, or the freckles on my nose, or the flowery dresses I often wear. Maybe it’s my weird yellow eyes, or the way my hair is always down in curls.

Either way, I could never catch the eye of a man like him.

I can’t seem to get the words out that are in my mind, and, instead, the only sound that comes out is a garbled stutter.

Ford’s mouth stretches into a grin that only makes it that much harder for me to get my brain to work. “Am I makin’ you nervous, honey?”

Does he just go around calling all women honey?

“Yes,” I say, then quickly shake my head. “I-I-I mean no. No. No thanks.”

What is happening?

What are the words coming out of my mouth?

A low chuckle erupts as he leans in close, making my throat seize and my stomach flutter. “Don’t worry, it happens to the best of them.”

Get it together, Alexis.

You’re a teacher.

A role model.

Taking a long, deep breath, I close my eyes for just a moment before gathering myself. Finally, I look at him and, in a calmer voice, I say, “Yes, I did want to speak with you.”

He’s still grinning.

Damn him.

“What about?”

“Hope.”

His eyes flash. “She done somethin’?”

“First of all, no,” I snap, “and even if she did, I don’t like the look on your face right now. Little girls need kindness and compassion, a safe place to sleep at night and food in their bellies. Don’t get me started on the socks ...”

He crosses his arms over his big chest and tips his head to the side. “I don’t fuckin’ know what to buy her. Never had a kid before.”

“Don’t swear in here, this is a no swear zone,” I say, flashing him a sarcastic smile. “And surely you know how to dress yourself, do you not?”

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