Page 78 of Fury

“Mine,” I snap.

She rolls her eyes. “You don’t even remember, Reese.” She sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose before running her hand over her tired face. “Look, I only moved in here because Donnie was looking for me, and he’s no longer a threat, so I’m going to move back into my place.”

My heart thumps heavily in my chest. I might not remember, but I know I don’t want her to leave. “No.”

“It’s not up for discussion,” she says sadly. “The doctor is coming to check on you later, and if everything’s okay, I’m going home. You don’t need me. You have your brothers to help.”

The door opens, and Axel comes in. “Morning,” he says, and Xanthe goes back to sorting my clothes. Jo appears in the doorway, and I wince. The timing is shit.

Xanthe turns just as Jo comes farther into the room, and her step falters. She inhales sharply, and I know she must have a million questions, but instead, she forces a smile. “I can see you have things to sort, so I’ll be off.” She avoids my eyes. “I’m meeting some friends for brunch, but Lexi is going to sort your lunchtime meds. I’ll catch you later.”

“Xanth,” I say, my tone pleading, but she waves her hand dismissively.

“The doctor’s coming at one. I’ll make sure I’m back for then.” And she rushes out.

Axel shifts uncomfortably. “Should I go talk to her?”

I shake my head. “She needs . . . space.”

Axel gives a stiff nod. “Whatever you say. I’ll let you talk.” And then he leaves.

I pat the edge of the bed, and Jo lowers to sit. “How are you feeling?” she asks.

“Tired. Con . . . fused.”

“Have you remembered anything?”

I nod. “Some things. Ripper said . . . he told . . . me.” She stares down at her hands in her lap, and I place mine over hers. “I’m sorry.”

When she looks up, there are tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry too. I should’ve left you well alone, Fury. Things were so hard with him, and you were a breath of fresh air. I didn’t know he couldn’t have kids, and when I got pregnant, I thought things would get better if he thought it was his kid. Maybe he’d stop beating me and,” she sobs, “raping me.”

My heart aches for her as she sobs silently. “After I left,” I say.

She wipes her wet cheeks. “Things just got worse. He’d send in his men, one after the other . . .” She trails off. “He’d beat me until I was too terrified to move.”

“Jo,” I whisper.

“It’s okay,” she rushes to reassure me. “Axel gave me some money, and I’m going to stay with a friend. I can start my life again.”

Her words make me feel a little better, and I smile. She leans closer, kissing me on the cheek. “I don’t regret it,” she whispers. “If we had happened in another life, I think I could’ve loved you.” She stands. “Xanthe is a lucky woman. Treat her well, Fury.”

Xanthe

“I’m notsure this is the answer,” I say as Julianna tops up my wine glass.

“It’s a boozy brunch, didn’t I say?” she asks, laughing.

“You’ve been through a lot, and you deserve to unwind,” adds Jorja.

“I think I’m gonna move out of the clubhouse.”

“No,” says Julianna. “Don’t do that.”

“It was temporary,” I say. “I’m not even sure any of it would’ve happened had it not been for Donnie.”

“Don’t say that,” she whines. “You two are my favourite love story.”

“Love?” I scoff. “We’re not in love.”

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