Page 79 of Fury

“You forget we know you,” says Jorja. “Stop lying to yourself.”

I take a large gulp of wine. “It’s pointless, anyway. He clearly doesn’t feel the same.”

“Why are you so worried about making him remember?” asks Julianna.

“True love doesn’t burn out. He’ll fall in love all over again,” adds Jorja.

“If you stick around and show him how amazing you are,” Julianna finishes.

“I’ve made up my mind. I’m going home. If it’s true love like you say, it’ll happen anyway, whether I’m there or not.”

“You’re here drowning your sorrows with us while this Jo woman is with your man.”

The thought makes me sick. “He’s not my man. Not anymore.”

“Honestly, this self-pity doesn’t suit you,” says Jorja, and my mouth drops open.

“I’m having a moment here.”

“You literally went cold on him because he asked to use protection,” she states. “And I don’t see what’s wrong with that.”

I groan dramatically. “You don’t understand how he was before.”

“And shit’s changed,” says Jorja firmly. “But you haven’t. It must be so damn scary for him to wake up and have no idea what’s been happening in his life these last few months.”

I finish my glass of wine. “I came out to forget. Now, cheer me up instead of judging.”

Fury

I check my watch again.It’s been two minutes since I last looked, and the doctor smiles awkwardly. “Maybe just tell me,” suggests Jennie. “I’ll pass it on to his nurse.”

I want to scream. She knows damn well Xanthe is more than my nurse, but fuck, why the hell isn’t she here? Jennie was like a cat that got the cream the second she realised Xanthe wasn’t around, and I need someone here in case I forget what the doc tells me. The doctor is looking at me for confirmation, so I give a nod.

Minutes later, he smiles and holds out a hand for me to shake. I reach for it, realising I haven’t heard a thing he’s said. “It’s been a pleasure, and in the nicest possible way, let’s hope we don’t meet again.” He laughs at his own joke. “My colleague will be in touch to check in with you regarding any lasting damage.”

Jennie shows him out, and when she returns, I’m already out of bed. I’m over sitting around all day. I’ll never get better doing nothing.

“I know he said you’re on the mend, Fury, but I still don’t think you should rush into anything.”

“Xanthe?” I ask.

“I don’t know where she is,” she says and almost looks sorry for me.

I take my mobile from the bedside table and dial her number.What if something happened to her?My heartrate spikes at the thought. “I’m sure she’s fine. She’s a big girl.”

I roll my eyes and pass her, heading downstairs. The men are just coming out of church, and Grizz frowns when he sees me. “You okay?”

“Xanthe.”

“What, she isn’t back?” I shake my head. “Did she say where she was going?”

“Brunch,” I mutter, angry that I didn’t ask for details.

“Look, it’s only been a couple hours. She’ll be back.” He pats me on the shoulder, and the urge to snap his fingers is strong. I’m sick of patronising comments and sympathetic looks. I want her home now. As if my prayers are answered, the door opens and Xanthe stumbles in. She giggles, looking up in surprise at the bikers in the room.

“Aww, guys, is this my leaving party?” she slurs, and my blood boils. I was worried sick, and she was out getting drunk . . . again. She crashes against Nyx, throwing her arms around him and grinning like a fool. Nyx tries desperately to free himself, and she laughs harder. “Fury doesn’t care,” she whispers loudly enough for everyone to hear. “He said you could fuck me.”

The men move aside, and she spots me. Nyx steps away, and she stumbles again, almost falling to her knees. “I’m sorry, brother,” mutters Nyx, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

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