Page 65 of Fury
Packing for home
Bethany
“No, Ty. He’s not making me. Gabe wouldn’t give me an ultimatum like that.” Bethy was balancing the phone on her shoulder, trying to press down the top flaps on a box while simultaneously wielding a roll of tape to secure the box closed. “Ow.” Fingers working carefully, she tugged a few strands of hair out from underneath the tape. “When are you coming over again? I could use the help.”
He laughed, a low rolling chuckle that she smiled to hear. He had come back so close to the Ty she’d known for so long, nearly back to center and being the man he needed to be. She’d spoken with Dot earlier and the woman had wept as she told Bethy about all the positive changes she’d seen in Ty.
“You know I can be there whenever you need me. You tell me when, I’m there darlin’.” Ty chuckled again. “Want me to bring a friend? You got big stuff to move today?”
Bethy rested one knee on the floor as she glanced around the small apartment. With boxes scattered everywhere, the space didn’t even look familiar. This was the last room to pack. Only a few more containers and she’d be done, not just for the day, but ready to move. “I’m gonna go get the truck in about thirty minutes. Are you sure your friend won’t mind helping?”
“Sarge said he already offered, little girl. Pretty sure he’s not going to mind.” Bethy smiled at the warmth in Ty’s voice. “We’ll meet you there in thirty.”
“Sounds good, Ty. I can’t wait to see you.”
It was hours later when Bethy yawned and stretched, feeling the strain and pull of muscles well used as she lifted her arms over her head. She called out, hearing footsteps in the apartment again, “Are y’all already for a beer yet?” Male voices muttered something indistinguishable from the background noise coming through the open door. “Since you didn’t say whatever that was loud enough for me to hear, I’m going to assume it was not flattering.” She turned to face the door just as Ty’s face popped around, white teeth shining as he grinned broadly at her. “Now do you and Sarge want a beer, or not?”
“Yeah, Bethy. We want a beer.” Ty stepped to the side, letting Sarge come into the room as she opened the refrigerator, bringing out three bottles. They clinked together as she cradled them in her arms, bumping the door shut with one hip. “Sarge was just asking about your man. I told him any stories had to come from you, seein’ as how it’s your business and all.”
Inscrutable as ever, Sarge angled his hips to lean against the countertop, reaching out for the offered bottle. His fingers made grimy stripes in the condensation as he gripped and lifted, taking a long drink. Bethy studied him for a moment, long enough he scowled at her and asked, “What?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you relax like this.” She shrugged, lifting her own bottle. “That’s all.” His brows drew together again, expression turning fierce. “Not saying you relaxing is a bad thing, Sarge. You just always seemed to be on a mission somewhere.”
“I usually am.” He dropped his frown, seeming to give considerable thought to his response. “I can see how that could be off-putting.” He took another drink. “Tell me about this man who’s luring you to the frigid northlands. I never thought you’d be willing to leave Nashville.”
“It’s hard to go, promise.” She glanced at Ty, seeing his mouth move in a wry smile. “All my friends are here. My work. But I can do the business part from anywhere. I’ve done it in the back lounge on a tour bus before. The office I’ll have is so much better than that. Being on a bus means dropped calls, paperwork a mess, no chance to fix or file.” She shuddered in fake dismay. “My brother has a friend who has already set up a studio for his little brother, who just happens to be one of my clients. I’ve worked out a deal with him, so when I need to produce, I can use his space. It’s kinda perfect. His house is about three blocks from where I’m moving to.” She gestured with her bottle, smiling. “Ty’s settled and happy now.” She grinned at him, an expression he returned. “Michael liked it up there, and Davy is excited about me moving closer.”
“How about your man? He gonna be best pleased you’re heading up his way?”
“Why, Sarge, I didn’t know you cared.” She teased, watching the tips of his ears redden. “Gabe would have been okay with whatever I decided to do, whether that was commuting, or moving. He’s happier with the move, of course, but—” She shrugged. “—so am I.”
“Gabe?” She nodded and watched as his eyes narrowed. “This the same Gabe you and me had a talk about a few months back?” She nodded again, slower. His chin rose until he was glaring down his nose at her. “You’re fucking shitting me, right?” Twisting to turn his stare on Ty, he barked, “You know this knobgobbler, soldier?”
Ty’s spine straightened and he said, “No, sir,” his voice quiet.
“Girl, tell me you’re shitting me.”
Bethany frowned at how he’d said the word, “Girl,” as if she didn’t have any sense. “I’m not shitting you, Sarge. What’s your damage?”
“My damage—” He leaned back, setting his bottle on the counter next to him. “—is that you seem to be inable to keep yourself out of trouble. What is it with you? You look for the biggest prick around and just tell yourself, ‘yeah, this one’ll do,’ huh?”
“Unable.” She held his gaze, unflinching.
“What?”
“Unable. Inable isn’t a word. What you were looking for was unable or maybe incapable. And no, Sarge, I’m not incapable of taking care of myself.” She tightened her fingers on her bottle, holding tightly in an attempt to keep a similar grip on her temper. “I am fully able to determine the best path forwards for myself. I’m a biggirl.” She threw extra emphasis on the word, angry now. “I’ve been taking care of myself for a long, long time. I do not need a man like you to lecture me on anything.”
“Inable, unable. Whatever. What do you mean a man like me? What kind of man do you think I am?”
“A controlling asshole who liked what he found in the military, so you expect everyone to toe whatever kind of imaginary line you have in your head.” She threw one arm out to the side, indicating the breadth of the room. “No matter where you are, you’re always the one in charge. Always gotta be the top dog.”
He took a step forwards and she noted, not for the first time, just how big Sarge was. Big, and right now, very pissed off.Maybe it wasn’t the right move to poke the bear today. He took another step, pulling up short when Ty rested a hand on his arm. It was the first time she’d ever seen Ty voluntarily touch the man, and the reaction was immediate. Sarge looked like he was deflating, shoulders lowering and his chin tucking towards his chest.
Ty looked at her, staring for a long moment. “Something you haven’t told me about Gabe?” She wrinkled her nose. “Yeah, there’s something you need to say, ain’t there?”
“He’s good to me, Ty.” She knew Sarge recognized Gabe from the military, but as tight as Ty had been with Watcher, he’d identify him best from the club side. “Gabe Ledbetter, I’ve known him nearly my whole life. He’s in Davy’s motorcycle club.” She paused a breath, barely a second, but knew Ty saw it because his brow lowered. “Fury. You probably heard of him?”
Ty blinked and his mouth opened, then closed. He licked his lips, frowning. “Fury? Your man is Fury?” She nodded, waiting. “Watcher’s cousin?” She nodded again. “What’s Mason say about all this? He even know?”
