Page 12 of Fury

I nod, and she presses send. Seconds later, his reply comes, and she groans, showing me the phone again.

Donnie: I’m coming over now to talk.

“Fuck,” I mutter. “Text him back quickly and tell him you’re going to bed or something.”

“I’ll talk to him,” she says with a shrug, “make him see it won’t work. You should go.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I begin, but she’s already shaking her head.

“I’ll be fine. Honestly, he’s been so sweet to me.”

“Be careful,” I mutter, rubbing my thumb over her cheek. I lean closer, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. She closes her eyes, inhaling sharply. “Text me when he’s gone so I know you’re okay.”

It takes everything I have to leave her there. Donnie is a slimy fucker, and I have no doubt he’ll convince her to give them a try.

Xanthe

Donnie has never beento my place, so when I open the door and he steps inside, it feels foreign. We always meet at a restaurant or bar, usually one he owns. He’s always got someone tailing him, and I just assumed it was because he had money, as you can never be too careful these days. Now, I’m wondering if he needs protection because he’s running in bad circles.Just like Fury.

He offers a small smile as I grab a bottle of Jack and pour us each one. “You really didn’t need to come and see me.”

He takes the glass and sips it. “If you’re gonna break things off, at least look me in the eye.”

I’m confused by his choice of words and give a small laugh. “Donnie, we’ve been on a handful of dates. It’s not like I’m breaking off an engagement.”

“I’m gonna lay my cards on the table, Xanthe,” he says firmly, taking a seat at the table and gesturing for me to do the same. “I like you. A lot.”

“You hardly know me.”

“Don’t do that,” he says on a sigh. “Don’t play down our feelings. You’re upset because of tonight. You saw a different side to my world and it scared you. But I am exactly who you’ve been on dates with. That is me. This other side, the darker side, it’s one you won’t see again.”

“But it’s still there,” I point out. “Who was that kid?”

He takes another drink. “My son.”

“What?” I gasp. It doesn’t matter he has a son, but it matters he never mentioned it.

“I didn’t say anything because he doesn’t really have much to do with me. His mum hates me, and occasionally, he pops up out the blue like he did tonight. Usually when he needs help.”

“How old is he?”

“Sixteen.” I arch a surprised brow. “We had him young. I was eighteen, and his mum was sixteen. We weren’t together.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it didn’t come up. I want to be honest now so we can make this work.”

I’m already shaking my head as I stand and begin to pace. “It won’t work.”

“Before tonight, it worked.”

“Before tonight, I just thought you were some rich guy with a good job.”

“I am.”

“What’s your job?” I ask, fixing him with a glare.

He smirks. “I’m an entrepreneur.”

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