Claim (Fury Brothers #5)

22. Bell

22

BELL

I t was Saturday and the gym was full of noise. The chatter of excited kids and laughter echoed all around.

I smiled. Hard Burn was full of foster kids learning the basics of self-defense.

“All right.” Beau’s deep voice cut across the noise. “Let’s try those moves again.”

The eager kids got right into it. Some were boisterous, others quieter and more withdrawn. All the Fury brothers, along with Shay, Gio, and a few of Beau’s other trainers, were helping out. I watched Dante get down to eye level with a shy girl and coax a smile out of her. A few minutes later, the little girl was trying the moves beside him. I bet Dante Fury could persuade any woman—young or old—to try a lot of things.

My gaze moved to Beau. He was so patient, with all his focus on the kids. They knew they had his full attention.

At the back, I helped a few kids who needed a hand, then headed for the kitchen.

It was full of the Fury women. They were currently making enough sandwiches and hot dogs to feed an army or two.

“I can’t believe Kav bought a whiskey distillery,” the bubbly blonde, Macy, was saying.

We’d had quick introductions when they’d first arrived, so I knew Macy was Colt’s girlfriend, Mila belonged to Dante, and London was Kav’s girlfriend.

“He said it’ll be a good investment,” the gorgeous London with dark skin and dark hair said.

“And best of all, I get to throw an awesome party there,” Mila said.

London snorted. “You’re always ready to throw a party.”

Mila waggled her eyebrows. “And do it in style.”

“Hi,” I said from the doorway. “Do you need any help?”

The women all spun, holding knives covered in butter.

As they looked at me, I felt like a bug under a microscope. I fought the urge to shift uncomfortably. There was no way they could know that I was sleeping with Beau.

“Bell, right?” London said.

I nodded. “Right. And you’re London.”

She nodded.

“I’m Macy.” The blonde wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and came toward me. She gripped my arm and dragged me into the kitchen.

I looked over at the brunette. “You’re Mila. I saw your picture with Dante in the paper.”

She smiled. “Guilty as charged.”

“And I’m Daisy.” A cute girl with her hair in crooked pigtails grinned at me. “Do you like pink, purple, red, or blue?”

“Um, all of them.”

She beamed at me. “Me too.” The little girl edged closer. “You work with Uncle Beau.”

I nodded. “That’s right. Here in the gym.”

“Do you swear a lot?”

I blinked. “Oh, well, not really. Only when I’m really, really mad.”

“Daisy has a swear jar,” Macy explained.

“And Uncle Beau puts lots of money in it,” Daisy added.

I laughed. “I bet he does.”

“Where are you from, Bell?” London asked.

I fought back an uncomfortable feeling. I’d gotten used to not sharing my secrets. “Texas.”

“Sorry I’m late.” A woman with dark, tousled hair rushed in. “I got caught up in the lab and lost track of time.” She paused and looked at me. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Frankie.”

“I’m Bell.” I knew that Frankie was Reath’s woman, and that they’d recently gotten together.

“Right.” Frankie clicked her fingers together. “You’re Beau’s.”

I blushed. “Oh, well…I’m his new hire.”

Mila snorted. “We know you’re sleeping together.”

My mouth dropped open.

Frankie nodded and smiled. “The man watches you like you’re a steak dinner.”

Macy giggled. “And that man loves his steak.”

I wasn’t sure how I felt, being compared to meat. “Um…”

Macy touched my arm. “Colt told me that you’re in trouble.”

I froze, and my skin flushed hot.

Frankie’s face was solemn. “Reath mentioned the man after you is really dangerous.”

Now, I felt the color drain from my face.

“You don’t have to talk about it, if you don’t want to,” Macy hurried on.

“God, you must think I’m horrible.” I took a step back.

The women all look confused.

“Daisy, go out and help your dad and uncles,” Macy said.

Daisy hesitated, and looked like she wanted to argue, but then the little girl ducked out of the kitchen.

“What do you mean?” Mila asked. “No one thinks you’re horrible.”

“You must think I’m horrible for bringing my troubles here,” I said. “And dumping them on Beau.”

The women all shared long looks.

“Here.” Macy pulled a stool over. “Sit. Frankie, pour her some of the hot chocolate we made for the kids. London and Mila, you keep buttering that bread.” Macy stepped in front of me. “No one can dump anything on Beau unless he wants it.”

“Or any Fury brother,” London added.

“Plus, Beau’s a big guy,” Frankie said. “Hard to dump anything on him that he can’t handle.”

“You don’t understand,” I whispered. “I have a serial killer after me.”

“Pfft,” Macy waved a hand. “I had a crazy stalker after me. Colt saved me.”

Mila held up a knife. “I was hiding under a fake name while working at Ember. I was hiding from the killers who murdered my parents.”

My heart squeezed. Mila’s situation sounded similar to mine.

“I had an international criminal out for revenge after me.” Frankie set a cup of hot chocolate down in front of me. “Plus, he wanted to steal my top-secret government project.”

“Hey, I was next,” London complained. “I had a crooked federal agent trying to frame me, and they kidnapped my sister.”

“I win,” Frankie said.

“No, I do,” Mila shot back.

I looked at all of them. They were all smiling at me, welcoming me.

“The Fury brothers can handle a lot, Bell,” Macy said. “Beau’s holding a hand out to you. Take it.”

I nodded, feeling overwhelmed.

She squeezed my shoulder. “These brothers, they’ve had their own rough time, and they all have their own demons. Just make sure that while Beau’s looking out for you, you look out for him right back. Now, drink your hot chocolate.”