Page 71 of Fury
Anger flares in my chest. "That's sexual harassment."
"It gets worse," Xavier says, his voice dropping. "She put her hands on me. Tried to kiss me. When I pushed her away, she grabbed me…" He gestures vaguely toward his groin, looking deeply uncomfortable. "Said she could 'prove' I wasn't really gay if I'd just let her try."
"That's assault," I say, setting down my scissors before I'm tempted to use them as weapons. "Have you reported her?"
He shakes his head. "I started to file a complaint, but then I overheard her telling another nurse that no one would believe a man could be sexually harassed by a woman. That they'd think I was making it up because she 'threatened my gay lifestyle.'"
"That's bullshit," I seethe, my hands clenching into fists. "Complete bullshit."
"I know," he agrees. "But she's been at the hospital for fifteen years. Has connections with administration. I'm still relatively new, still establishing my reputation."
My blood boils as I finish Xavier's haircut, my movements precise despite the rage building inside me. This woman—this predator—thinks she can get away with assaulting someone because she's a woman and he's gay? Not in my town. Not to someone under club protection.
"All done," I say, forcing a smile as I brush stray hairs from his shoulders. "And, Xavier? Thank you for telling me."
He looks relieved, as if unburdening himself has lifted a weight. "Thanks for listening. I just needed someone to know."
The moment Xavier leaves, I grab my phone and call Tiana.
"Hey, girl, what's?—"
"I need you," I cut her off. "Now. It's about Xavier."
Fifteen minutes later, Tiana storms into the salon just as I'm closing up, her eyes wild with fury after I explained everything over the phone.
"That bitch put her hands on my brother's man?" she seethes, pacing like a caged animal. "Oh, hell no. Not happening."
"Exactly what I thought," I say, grabbing my purse. "Xavier's shift ended at four thirty. Which means Alex will be leaving soon."
Tiana's smile is all teeth. "Perfect timing."
We drive to the hospital in tense silence, parking in the staff lot where we can watch the exit. Tiana texts Rose and Meadow, who arrive minutes later, both radiating the same righteous anger.
"No one touches our family," Rose says simply, cracking her knuckles.
"Especially not some homophobic predator who thinks she can 'convert' someone," Meadow adds, disgust evident in her voice.
At six forty-five, a woman in scrubs exits the hospital, her blonde hair pulled back in a tight ponytail. She matches Xavier's description perfectly.
"That's her," I confirm, my voice cold.
We follow at a distance as she walks toward her car that's parked in a secluded corner of the lot. Just as she reaches for her keys, we make our move.
"Alex Donovan?" Tiana calls, her voice deceptively pleasant.
The woman turns, confusion crossing her face. "Yes? Do I know you?"
"No," I step forward. "But you know Xavier Blane. The doctor you sexually assaulted in a supply closet."
Her face pales then hardens with defiance. "I don't know what he told you, but?—"
"Save it," Rose cuts her off. "We're not here for your excuses."
"We're here," Meadow says, stepping closer, "to make sure you understand one very important thing: Xavier is family. And in this town, you don't fuck with our family."
Alex backs up against her car. "You're those biker bitches," she realizes, fear creeping into her voice. "Listen, whatever Xavier said?—"
"Shut up," Tiana snaps, closing the distance between them. "You put your hands on him. After he told you no. After he made it clear he wasn't interested."
