Claim (Fury Brothers #5)

29. Beau

29

BEAU

W hen I came out of my bathroom with a towel around my waist, and using another to towel off my hair, I found Bell staring at my bed. It was covered in bags.

“Did Mila get everything you need?”

She turned to look at me. “What didn’t she buy? Beau, this is too much.”

Closing the distance between us, I slung the towel around my neck. I sure as hell liked the way her gaze went straight to my bare chest.

I cupped her jaw, and those fathomless blue eyes met mine. “I don’t think it’s anywhere near enough.”

“Beau—”

“You’ve been living with nothing for a year. Living out of a damn backpack. You deserve everything that’s on that bed.”

Her chest hitched. “You’re going to make me cry.”

“I don’t ever want to make you cry.” I lowered my head and brushed my lips over hers. “If I do, you have permission to kick my ass.”

That got me a little hiccupping laugh.

“I have something else for you.”

“Beau…”

I pulled the silver chain out of my pocket. I’d made a call to a local jeweler today, one that Dante assured me did good work. The idea had popped into my head, and I hadn’t been able to shake it. I’d paid extra for him to get the work done today, and Mila had picked it up for me.

Opening my palm, I watched Bell suck in a breath.

The chain had a small pendant dangling off it. It was a tiny little pair of boxing gloves.

“I thought this was perfect for you.”

She swallowed. “I love it.”

“Turn around.”

She gave me her neck, and I slipped the chain on and fastened it. When she turned, she was fingering the pendant.

“Thank you.”

I saw the sheen of tears in her eyes.

“No crying or I’ll take it back.” I kissed her, taking it deeper, pulling in the taste of her. “Wish I had the time to strip you naked and fuck you on top of those bags.”

She giggled. And fuck, I loved that sound.

“But if we don’t get moving, we’ll be late to family lunch, and every single person there will know exactly what made us late.”

“Beau, thank you. For saving me last night, and for the new clothes, and…for caring.”

My chest squeezed and I heard a warning bell. I was standing on slippery ground, and if I wasn’t careful, I’d be going under for this woman. It was something I couldn’t let happen, for her sake.

“You’re welcome. Now, change out of your uniform and into something Mila got you. She’s got good taste. Then we’ll head to lunch.”

After I pulled on a dark-blue Henley and jeans, I discovered Mila was a sadist. Bell was wearing blue jeans that definitely weren’t from a thrift store. They clung to her body like a happy lover, and the soft, cream sweater slipped off one shoulder, baring smooth skin.

Skin I wanted to kiss.

Her black hair was in a loose braid that rested over her shoulder, and her new necklace lay against her chest. I dragged in a breath and took her hand. “You look gorgeous.”

She smoothed her other hand down her thigh. “These jeans feel a bit tight.”

“But they look just right.”

We headed out of my apartment and out the back way of the building, instead of walking through the gym. I pulled her out onto the sidewalk, scanning around for any sign of Carr. A moment later, we turned left.

“That’s Reath and Frankie’s warehouse there.” I pointed. “Dante and Mila’s is that one. Colt and Macy’s is next door, and adjoining it is the warehouse that is kind of a central place for all of us. Lola, our housekeeper, lives there. She’s also Daisy’s nanny.”

“What about Kavner and London?”

I pointed to the office tower looming over us. “There. That’s Ignis Tower. Kav’s offices are there, and he and London live in the penthouse.”

“You guys own a lot of real estate.”

“It’s our little piece of New Orleans.” I pressed a code into the lock on the warehouse door and led Bell inside.

As we walked upstairs, I heard the hubbub of voices. Family lunches were never a quiet affair. We stepped into the large, open-plan kitchen and living area. The central home was done in lots of white and pops of bright colors. It was airy and open, with lots of pot plants that Lola loved to fuss over.

Everyone was crowded around the huge island, while the gray-haired Lola pulled a tray out of the oven.

“Bell!” Daisy skipped over. Her shiny brown hair was in a wonky ponytail. “Come see my cartwheels.”

“You can do cartwheels?” Bell grinned at my niece. “Awesome.”

“Hey, doesn’t your favorite uncle get a kiss first?”

Daisy grinned and threw herself at me. I hugged her close and she smacked a kiss on my cheek.

“Scratchy,” she complained.

“You like it.”

She fluttered her eyelashes at me. “Uncle Beau, my swear jar is getting very empty.”

Damn, I loved this kid. “Really? Well, shit, that’s a bloody shame.”

Daisy held out a palm, and I fished out some coins for her. “Thanks, Uncle Beau.” Then she wriggled to get down, slipping the coins into her pocket. She took Bell’s hand. “Come and I’ll show you. Daddy pushed the coffee table out of the way so I don’t crash into it.”

I watched the little girl pull Bell into the living area, then I headed for the kitchen.

“Beauden.” Lola smiled at me.

“There’s my best girl.” I dropped a kiss to her cheek.

She arched an eyebrow. “I have a suspicion I’ve been replaced as your best girl.”

“Never. You’ll always be my best girl.” I gave an exaggerated sniff. “Especially when you feed me.”

She patted my bearded cheek and went back to preparing the food.

I joined my brothers and their women at the island.

“How’s Bell doing?” Dante asked.

I glanced at her to see her doing a cartwheel for an ecstatic Daisy. “Okay. A little shellshocked, but she’s holding up.”

“She’s tough,” Mila said. “She’s had to be to survive this long.”

London nodded. “I looked up Carr.” She shuddered. “He’s a nightmare.”

“And now Bell’s moved in with you,” Colt said.

“She’s staying at my place for now. It’s the safest option.” They all looked at me, and I gritted my teeth. “It’s temporary.”

“Mmm,” Dante murmured.

“It is.”

“Did you give her that pretty necklace?” Kav asked.

Shit . I shouldn’t have gotten her the necklace. I lowered my voice. “She’s twenty-three for God’s sake. Thanks to Carr, she hasn’t had a chance to live her life. The last thing she needs is some older guy—”

“You’re in your late thirties, Beau,” Macy said with a huff. “Hardly ancient.”

“And Bell looks happy when she’s with you,” Mila said. “Why don’t you let her decide what she wants.”

I grunted. “Here she comes. Let’s eat.”

“Something smells great,” Bell said.

“That’s me,” Kavner replied. “My new cologne.”

London slapped his arm.

“Bell, come meet the best cook in all of Louisiana.” I took her hand and waved at Lola. “Lola, this is Bell.”

“Lovely to meet you.” Lola engulfed her in a big hug. “You’re too skinny. You need to eat. Sit, and I’ll serve you up a plate.”

“Don’t eat too much,” Mila said. “We have a party tonight, remember?”

Lola made a scoffing sound. “There are plenty of hours between now and your party.”

“Lola, I’m staaaarving,” Daisy declared.

“Good girl.” With a brisk movement, Lola straightened and tightened Daisy’s hair. “Wash your hands and up to the table.”

As we sat at the large wooden table, passing plates and condiments around, Kavner opened a bottle of wine. There was joking and laughing, and I saw Bell smiling, taking it all in. Daisy only stopped talking to chew and swallow her food.

“Uncle Kav, can I come to your party tonight?” Daisy begged.

“Yes,” Kav replied.

“No,” Colt countered. “It’s for adults, and it’s past your bedtime.”

The little girl pouted.

“Don’t worry.” Lola ran a hand over Daisy’s ponytail. “It is you and me tonight. I made you something special.”

“Gelato!” Daisy cried.

“Yes.” Lola smiled at her.

I saw Bell watching the pair, a smile flirting on her lips. I took her hand under the table and rested it on my thigh. She glanced my way, and her smile widened.

Shit . I realized that she fit there. She chatted easily with everyone, and she reminded me of a flower, blooming from the happy atmosphere. She hadn’t had any family meals for over a year. Hell, it was just her and her mom, so this was all new to her, yet she fit into the Fury gang like she’d always been there.

I usually didn’t drink wine, but I took a gulp now.

Temporary . I had to remember that.

What I needed to focus on was keeping her safe. That was the most important thing.