Page 70 of Fury
"I hate you both," I groan, but allow myself to be led away, unable to keep from smiling despite my embarrassment.
"No, you don't." Cassandra laughs, following us. "You love us. Almost as much as you love getting bent over your aunt's desk by my brother."
"Oh my God." I cover my face with my hands. "Was it that obvious?"
"Honey," Tiana says, patting my shoulder sympathetically, "your blouse is buttoned wrong, you've got whisker burn on your neck, and Greyson looked like the cat who got the cream. The entire town will know by dinner."
As mortifying as that is, I find I don't really mind. This is my life now, surrounded by family who tease mercilessly but would die to protect me, claimed by a man who makes no secret of his devotion, belonging to a community that accepts me exactly as I am.
And if part of that means enduring knowing looks and good-natured ribbing about my lunchtime activities? Well, that's a small price to pay for everything I've gained.
"Fine," I concede, straightening my shoulders. "Coffee. But I'm not giving you details."
"We don't need details," Cassandra says with a wicked smile. "The look on your face tells us everything we need to know."
As we head out for coffee, laughing and teasing like we've been friends forever, I can't help thinking how perfectly I fit into this world now. The only shadow on my happiness is the nagging worry about Diane—where she is, what trouble she might be in, and whether her disappearance might still pose a threat to this life I've built.
The afternoon passes in a blur of clients and laughter. By the time the last appointment of the day arrives, I'm tired but content, my body still humming pleasantly from Greyson's lunchtime visit.
"Your five o'clock is here," my receptionist calls, and I glance up to see Xavier walking through the door, still in his hospital scrubs, and dark circles under his eyes suggesting he's just finished a long shift.
"Doctor." I greet him with a smile, gesturing to my chair. "Right on time."
Xavier returns the smile, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Just Xavier, please. And thanks for squeezing me in. I know it's the end of your day."
As he settles into the chair, I drape the cape around his shoulders, noting the tension in them. "Just a trim today, right?"
"Yeah, nothing fancy. Just need to look presentable." He hesitates, then adds, "Professional."
I start wetting his hair, our eyes meeting in the mirror. There's something in his expression, a mixture of exhaustion and something brighter, almost giddy.
"So," I say casually, combing through his damp locks, "how have things been since girls' night? I haven't had a chance to catch up with you."
A flush creeps up his neck, and his smile turns genuine. "Actually, that's part of why I wanted to see you specifically. I have news."
My scissors pause mid-snip. "News?"
Xavier takes a deep breath. "Zach claimed me. Officially. In front of the whole club."
"What?" I nearly drop my scissors in excitement. "Xavier, that's huge! When? How?"
His entire face lights up, years dropping away from his tired features. "Earlier today. He showed up at the hospital after my shift in his bike. Told me to get on and drove me straight to the club.”
I smile happily. “I’m so happy for you, and hearing that everyone was so supportive, which I knew they would be.”
He grins at me before his smile drops a bit. "I grew up surrounded by people who believe people should love who they want, be what they want without judgement. I never understood how people can be cruel because of liking the same gender. School was tough, I was bullied but I knew my family loved me no matter what, and that made it easier on me."
I pause, noting the shift in his demeanor. "What do you mean?"
Xavier hesitates, then sighs heavily. "There's this nurse at the hospital, Alex Donovan. She's been… problematic. She was a major reality check for me.”
"Problematic, how?" I ask, though I have a sinking feeling I already know.
"At first it was just comments. That I just hadn't 'met the right woman' yet. That being gay was a 'lifestyle choice.'" He makes air quotes with his fingers, rolling his eyes. "I ignored it. I'm used to that kind of ignorance."
I nod, waiting for him to continue.
"But lately, it's escalated. She keeps finding reasons to touch me, brushing against me in the hallway, putting her hand on my arm or back when it's not necessary." His jaw tightens. "Two nights ago, she cornered me in the supply closet. Told me she could 'fix' me if I'd just give her a chance."
