Page 53 of His Fury

“Good,” I muttered. “Because I might.” Anger still burned through my veins at the thought of Isla being taken because of herbest friend’sgambling addiction. I knew this was the right thing to do, but it didn’t make it any easier. “I’ve known him for years,” I said quietly. “Never thought she’d be the reason it would come to this.”

“Yeah, well, it has.” Rye could be as blunt as I was sometimes. He looked at the folder in his hand. “I’ll start on this. You coming to work tonight,boss?”

“Fuck’s sake, Rye. I had one night off.”

“Yeah? Don’t make a habit of it.” He turned and walked out, taking the heat with him.

I stood there in the quiet. The weight of everything I hadn’t said pressed against my ribs. With a sigh, I took the seat behind my desk, thinking of everything and what I needed to do to control it all. Because the truth was, I didn’t know if I could win this time.

Not with her in the mix. Not when losing her already felt like it might kill me.

“Rye looks angrier than normal,” Isla said from the doorway.

I looked up, seeing that she was wearing the same pants as yesterday and a soft, knitted sweater that just screamed to be touched…or removed. The way it hugged her frame while still appearing loose was distracting. My fingers twitched as I thought about touching her.

“Rye usually looks pissed off.” I beckoned her to come in. “You’ll get used to it.” I fought the smile as I saw her grimace. “He’s also an almost permanent fixture,” I added softly.

“I know.” Isla looked over her shoulder to the open door. “I don’t think he likes me.”

“I don’t think he likes anyone,” I told her truthfully.

“He likes you.”

“Don’t bet on it.” I leaned back as she took a seat across from me, and I saw her about to ask more questions. “Rye’s history is Rye’s.” I saw her eyes widen at the unspoken commanddon’t ask.

“Of course, sorry.”

Now I felt like shit. “Don’t apologize.” Tapping my desk, I watched her. “He’s private. He’s complicated. If he has anything to share, he’ll tell you himself.”

Isla nodded, understanding in her eyes. “Ah, I get it…he’s you?”

That made me laugh. “Yeah, he probably is.”

“Not as sexy,” she conceded with a playful smile.

“As sexy?” I asked. “You thinking of him as sexy at all disturbs me.”

Isla tipped her head back and laughed. “You really are possessive?”

I watched her relax, in awe at her beauty. “You’re surprised?” I asked her, matching her amazement.

She shook her head. “No. Possessive. Obsessive. Asshole.”

“Write it on my epitaph, babe.” I got up and walked over to her seat. Leaning down, I caught her lips in a punishing kiss.

She melted into it for half a second—until she realized it was meant to distract her. To remind her who was in control. Her hands pushed lightly against my chest. “You kiss like you’re trying to erase my thoughts.”

I grinned against her mouth. “Sometimes, I am.”

She pulled back just enough to meet my eyes. “Does that usually work?”

“Almost always.”

I let the smile fade slowly, the air thickening between us. Her expression shifted as well—almost as if she sensed itcoming. The turn. I ran my thumb along her jaw, and my voice lowered to something quieter. Measured. Serious.

“But there’s something I need you to hear, Is. No jokes. No kissing distractions.” She stilled beneath me, her breath hitching. “Julian’s not safe right now,” I said, watching her closely.

Her eyes searched mine. “You think he’s still in trouble?”

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