Claim (Fury Brothers #5)

There was a note resting on the other pillow.

I lifted it and studied the no nonsense handwriting.

Thank you. For the best night I’ve had in…well, maybe ever.

Be well, Beau

—Bell.

My fingers curled, crumpling the note. My gut was hard. I wanted to race outside and find her. To make sure she was all right and safe.

I blew out a breath.

But I knew she was long gone. On the bus to Florida.

And I’d never see her again.

I didn’t even know her last name.

Hell, I didn’t even think Bell was her real name.

I fought through the unfamiliar feelings filling my chest, then carefully folded the note. “Stay safe, angel.”

5

BELL

One month later

I strode briskly down the street. I’d been right. I liked New Orleans.

It had a charm, a panache, that I loved. There was always music and the smell of delicious food cooking everywhere I walked.

This street in the Warehouse District was no different.

The old, brick buildings were all renovated, many painted in vibrant colors. Some bars and cafés were doing a brisk business nearby. I saw a couple leaning against their bicycles as they ate huge sandwiches outside a sandwich shop.

The breeze caught my hair, and I pushed it back behind my ear. I knew I should have tied it up today. But when I’d pulled on the cute, green corduroy jacket I’d nabbed for a steal at a local thrift shop, I’d wanted to leave my hair down for once.

I turned the corner.

There was a busy bar on the corner. The sign above the door said Smokehouse, and on the patio, a group of men and woman all talked and laughed, sharing drinks. Next, I passed the closed doors to Ember. I’d heard about the hottest club in the city,though I guessed it wouldn’t open until later, when the sun set and the party really started in the Big Easy.

These businesses were owned by Dante Fury—one of the legendary Fury brothers.

In the week I’d been in New Orleans, I’d heard plenty about the Fury brothers. I’d seen Dante’s picture, along with his girlfriend’s, in the newspaper. He was darkly handsome. I had no idea what his brothers looked like, but apparently, they’d all met in foster care. I was sure they were all impressive.

I stepped in front of the building on the corner and stopped. Nerves flitted through my stomach. Even though the glass door was closed, I could hear the distant sounds of grunts, and the thud of music. I slid my hands into the pockets of my jeans.

Hard Burn. The best gym in the city for learning to fight. I’d read about the owner—Beauden Fury. His bio said he’d been in the military, then he’d been a mercenary, then he’d become a boxing champion. There had been a small picture of him with the article that showed him from the back. He’d been wearing boxing gear with Fury emblazoned on the back of his silky, black robe and his dark head bowed.

Even without seeing his face, I’d felt the strength ebbing from him.

I touched my arm, rubbing it gently. I needed the best. I needed to learn to fight and defend myself.

Because the nightmare hunting me had found me again.

A mix of emotions filled me: fear, terror, anger, helplessness, and a choking sense of unfairness.