Claim (Fury Brothers #5)

With a nod, she grabbed her backpack, then climbed out. I watched her jog up the sidewalk, then through the gate, and up to the front door. She gave me a wave and disappeared inside.

I didn’t start the truck or drive off. I sat there in the darkness and watched a light flick on upstairs.

Bell was getting under my skin. I made a scoffing sound. Wrong, she was already burrowed in there.

It’s just temporary. I wasn’t built for anything long term. Right now, she needed help, and I wanted to help her. One day, when she was free of this situation, she’d move on.

I dragged my gaze off her window and scanned the street, searching for anything or anyone who shouldn’t be there.

Everything seemed fine.

Wait. I saw something move by a tree down the street. I stared, trying to get a better look. Was someone hiding there? I glanced back at the house. Whoever it was would have a perfect view of Bell’s boarding house.

I kept staring, and a moment later, a dog ran out. It sniffed its way down the sidewalk, pausing to cock its leg on a fence.

My shoulders relaxed. False alarm.

The light in Bell’s room went off.

I started the truck, then headed for home.

Sweet dreams, angel.

I setout the food on my desk as I waited for Bell to arrive.

I’d bought beignets—lots of them—from Macy’s favorite place. Colt’s woman claimed they were the best in New Orleans. I’d also grabbed some egg-and-bacon rolls. Bell needed the protein.

I wanted to take care of her. Pausing, I stared at the wall, my jaw tight.

I’d gone through all the reasons I shouldn’t touch her. Multiple times. Starting with the fact that she was too young for me, and too vulnerable.

Pressing my hands to the desk, I dragged in a breath. I’d vowed a long time ago that I’d never claim a woman as my own. Never marry. Never have kids.

I’d come from trash. Some things shouldn’t be passed on.

And then I’d gone and stripped Bell half naked on the mats and gotten my mouth on her.

Right now, all I knew for sure was that I was keeping Bell safe from the sicko who was after her.

Whatever it took.

I checked my watch. She should be here soon.

I headed out into the gym and called out greetings to some of the regulars in the boxing rings.

Glancing out the windows at the front of the gym, I took in the gloomy New Orleans day. A brisk breeze was blowing, sending dried, fallen leaves swirling around on the street.

As I peered down the sidewalk, I spotted Bell.

She had her head down, a hoodie on, walking fast. I wondered if she ever relaxed, ever felt safe enough to let her guard down. She approached Hard Burn, hitching her backpack up on her shoulder.

Suddenly, a dark shape darted out from between two parked cars on the street and crashed into her.

What the fuck?

I sprinted to the front door and wrenched it open. Then I was racing down the sidewalk, pumping my arms.

The man in the black hoodie slammed Bell into the side of a car. Her backpack hit the ground. She was struggling with him, and got a good punch in.