Claim (Fury Brothers #5)

39. Beau

39

BEAU

“ Y ou’re a freaking idiot.”

Gio’s words lashed at me as I strode through Hard Burn looking for…anything to do.

I couldn’t think straight. I kept seeing Bell’s face, her tears.

“Enough, Gio.”

“I told you not to hurt her. Now you’ve broken her heart, and your own. Bloody idiot.”

I spun. “It’s better this way.”

Gio scoffed. “You don’t really believe that.”

I stepped forward until my face was an inch from his, my fingers forming a fist. My chest heaved.

My old friend looked at my fist, then my face.

“She’s free,” I said. “To go and do whatever she wants.” I wanted that for her. “If you don’t think that this fucking tears me apart—” I spun and pressed my hands to the back of my neck.

The pain would dull…eventually. But I knew that missing her would never go away.

“Beau, if you love her, claim her,” Gio said. “Be with her. Don’t mess it up like I did. I lost the best thing that ever happened to me, and I regret it every day.”

I wanted to howl in agony.

The gym’s front door opened.

“Beauden Fury.”

I whirled.

Bell strode in, her face set, her body vibrating with energy.

Behind her, I spotted Mila, Colt, and Macy.

But I only had eyes for Bell.

She stopped a foot away. The few people who were working out at the gym stopped to look at us.

“I love you,” she said loudly.

My insides clenched. “Bell—”

She held up a hand like a drill sergeant. “No, I’m talking. You said your piece before, and it was bullshit.” She poked me in the chest. “I decide how I want to live my life. I survived Carr, I decide what I do now, and where I do it, not you.” She poked me again. “And I want to live here, with you. I want to be with you.”

I stared at her, speechless.

“Because I’m in love with you, Beau. I’m in love with the man who stepped in to help me in that diner. Who took care of me, who loved me that night, and who did it again when I turned up here. He held my hand as I found my courage. He gave me strength, support, and love.”

She unmanned me.

“And you love me, Beau.”

She pressed her palm to my chest, and I knew she’d feel my heart hammering.

“Everything you’ve done for me has shown me that you’re a good man. Even this morning’s misguided attempt at whatever the hell it was. Actions speak louder than words. Carr taught me that. He looked the clean-cut nice guy, who was raised by a good family, but under it, he was a monster. Everything he did showed how ugly he was. Every action you take speaks to your character. The blood in your veins doesn’t make you who you are.”

“Bell—” My voice was low.

She shook her head. “I’m still not done.” She pulled in a breath. “I love you. Now, I’m done.”

“My turn,” I said.

“As long as you aren’t going to be a knuckleheaded idiot.”

I glanced over at a scowling Gio, who had his arms crossed over his barrel chest. Colt was wearing a faint smile. Mila and Macy were watching me expectantly. My gym goers were all rapt by the impromptu entertainment.

I focused on Bell. Here she was, being brave again. I pulled her into my arms. “I’m still not sure I deserve you, but I do love you, Bell.”

Her face changed. The hard lines melted away as her features softened.

“I love you more than I can ever tell you, or show you. And you might all think I’m an idiot, but I wanted to give you a chance to go back to your old life, if that’s what you wanted.”

“There is no old life. It’s my past. I want to live this present life.”

“Then you do that with me.”

She smiled. “I feel like I should make you grovel some more.”

I dropped to my knees, wrapped my arms around her, and pressed my face to her stomach. “I’m sorry, angel. I hated seeing you cry. Forgive me?”

“Beau.” She tugged me up. “I forgive you.” Then she went up on her toes and pressed her mouth to mine. She leaped up and I caught her. She wrapped her legs around my waist.

She was right where I wanted her.

I nibbled at her lips and lowered my voice. “I couldn’t have stayed away.” I knew in my heart I would have caved eventually. “You might be pregnant with our baby.”

She gasped. Everyone gasped. Clearly my voice hadn’t been low enough.

“That’s not why I want you to stay with me,” she said.

“That’s not why I want you to stay with me, either.” I nuzzled her cheek. “I want you because you’re mine and I love you.”

Her eyes glimmered. “Beau.”

I kissed her again.

This kiss was deep and forceful. A claiming. One I’d never let be undone.

I was keeping Isabella “Bell” Sanderson. Forever .

No one would ever hunt her, hurt her, or scare her again.

Not when I’d be with her, at her side, always.