FURIOUS

by Honey Palomino

At least until I saw him again tonight, until I could touch him again…

  In the meantime, I needed to figure out what the hell I was going to wear and what I was going to cook.

  What do you feed a massive hunk like that?

  A side of beef?

  CHAPTER 17

  FURY

  Green’s secretary was a gorgeous, young blonde and apparently, the gate-keeper to her boss. Once I explained I was looking for a job, she insisted I leave a resume and she would pass it on. Because they were pros, Grace had Riot had prepared a fake resume for me, with references and everything.

  “I’d like to speak to Mr. Green personally,” I said, handing it over.

  “That’s not possible,” she replied, flashing me a plastic smile. “Mr. Green is in a meeting.”

  “I don’t mind waiting,” I persisted.

  “He’s tied up all day, I’m afraid,” she said, her eyes hardening.

  “I just need a few minutes,” I said, flashing her the most charming smile I could muster. It didn’t work. Making myself less intimidating isn’t easy, but I’d done my best to cover up all my tattoos and combed my hair back. I was even fucking slouching over her desk, so as not to appear too large. I probably looked ridiculous, but I wasn’t about to let this woman get in the way of saving Molly. I needed to get to Green and if I had to go through her, well, so be it.

  I could tell I was pissing her off, though.

  She stood up, squaring off with me, as if to tell me she meant business this time.

  “Sir. I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave. As I stated clearly already, Mr. Green is busy—.”

  She stopped mid-sentence as the door to Green’s office opened behind her and two men walked out. The first one was the man I knew to be Benji’s dad, Will, because Jackie had identified him at the diner. The other was tall and fit, with a shock of bright red hair and bright green eyes.

  “Will, I expect to hear from you soon,” he said.

  “Sure thing, Bodhi,” he said, flashing me a quick look before he hurried past. Green turned to me, eyeing me curiously.

  I stepped forward before his assistant could stop me, holding out my hand.

  “Mr. Green, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Fury Phillips.”

  He shook my hand, his eyes raking over me.

  “What can I do for you?” he asked.

  “I’m looking for employment,” I replied.

  “Is that so?” he said, lifting a brow. “New in town?”

  “Yes, sir,” I replied.

  He nodded, slowly.

  “Mr. Green, I have this gentleman’s resume. He was just leaving,” his assistant interrupted.

  “That’s okay, Pearl,” he replied, taking the resume from him. “Why don’t you come in my office, we can talk more?”

  “My pleasure, sir,” I replied, following him in and ignoring the look Pearl shot my way.

  Green’s office was like a museum. Expensive art on the walls, plush furniture and elaborately carved antiques filled the room. He walked behind his desk and sat down, ignoring my resume he’d placed in front of him.

  “Fury is your name?”

  “Yes, Mr. Green. A childhood nickname that stuck.”

  “I see,” he replied, folding his hands behind his head and leaning back.

  “What kind of work are you looking for?”

  “Anything at all, really. I was told you pretty much ran the town and if I needed work I should ask you.”

  “Well, whoever told you that is a smart person,” he laughed. “What brings you to town, Fury?”

  “My sister is writing a book about small towns in Oregon, she’s become enchanted by Greenville. I’m looking for a change of pace, I guess you could say, thought I’d join her and her husband for a little while. Put down some new roots.”

  “What’s wrong with your old roots?”

  I laughed and shook my head.

  “Not much, really. Had a recent break-up, thought a change of scenery might be in order.”

  “I see,” he nodded, pausing to look over at me thoughtfully.

  “Greenville’s a beautiful little place. Folk’s seem real nice. Quiet and peaceful, too. Everyone seems to love you, sir.”

  “It’s boring, mostly,” he shrugged. “I guess you could say I inherited it.”

  “I understand your family started the town.”

  “That’s true. My great grandfather was very ambitious.”

  “I’ve heard your family is very generous, as well.”

  He lifted his chin proudly and nodded.

  “We try.”

  “Well, Mr. Green, I want to let you know that I’m a hard worker, I’m honest, and I’m profoundly loyal. If there’s something I could do for you, I’d greatly appreciate the opportunity to work for the most important man in town.”

  “I don’t have any current job openings in my company, however, I’ve been thinking of creating a new position.”

  “What kind of position?”

  “I’ve had a few break-ins at my office recently.”

  I couldn’t believe my ears. My plan was to make myself known to him, let him turn me down and then give him a reason to realize he needed me. I was going to break into his office tonight, mess things up a little and offer my security services. Fate was one step ahead of me, apparently.

  “The Sheriff is useless and incompetent and he hasn’t been able to come up with any suspects,” Bodhi continued. “Unfortunately, it’s happened three times now and I think someone breached my property at home over the weekend, as well.”

  “That’s very concerning,” I nodded, wrinkling my brow.

  “It is,” he replied. “When you’re in business for yourself, you can’t always make everyone happy, Fury. Sometimes, employees become disgruntled, or the competition tries to undermine you. There’s a lot that can go wrong.”

  “Certainly,” I agreed.

  “My concern isn’t for anything they might steal, honestly. I’ve got enough money to replace anything that might disappear. But I’m worried about safety. I can throw a mean punch myself, but that doesn’t mean I want to. I’ve been contemplating hiring a bodyguard.”

  “I’m surprised a man of your stature doesn’t have one already.”

  “I haven’t felt the need for one till now, honestly.”

  “I understand,” I nodded.

  “I think it might be a good idea to have someone that isn’t tangled up in this town hanging around here, someone large, like yourself, for intimidation.”

  “I’d be happy to oblige, sir,” I said.

  “I’d need someone loyal, of course. And, someone available at all times. I wouldn’t require twenty-four hour service, but my schedule can be a little unusual.”

  “I don’t have anything else going on right now, my schedule is flexible.”

  “I’d pay you handsomely, of course,” he nodded. “Yes, yes, I think this could work. Would you be available to start right away?”

  “Absolutely,” I replied.

  “Excellent. Consider it done, then. Pearl will give you some paperwork to fill out and I’d like you to be here at nine in the morning.”

  “Thank you, sir,” I said, standing up and shaking his hand again, in disbelief that this had been so easy. “I look forward to serving you.”

  “I like you, Fury,” he said with a smile. “You’re a big guy with a scary name. I think you’ll prove to be just what I need right now.”

  “Thank you, sir,” I said. “I’ll see you in the morning then.”

  I walked out with my heart racing. I’d done it. And I’d done it without punching the guy out for hurting his kid, which I was a little worried about before I’d gone in. My patience for assholes is thin. I was going to have to work on that, obviously.

  But at least I’d made it over the first obstacle. Green liked me, I could tell. The closer I could get to him, and the faster, the better.

  Molly needed us.

  I wished
there was a way to let her know we were on our way.

  In the meantime, I couldn’t wait to tell Grace and Ryder I’d succeeded. Impressing them was my main priority. Staying inside their organization and continuing this amazing work was all I really cared about anymore.

  CHAPTER 18

  MOLLY

  “Did anyone come to talk to your Dad yet?” Benji asked me as we walked out to meet Jasper at the end of the school day.

  “Not that I know of,” I said. I hadn’t told him about my talk with my dad, or Ms. Canterbury “You need to give that up, Benji. I told you already, nothing’s going to happen.”

  “Yeah, you did,” he said, hanging his head. “I’m sorry, Molly. I tried.”

  I looked over at him and smiled. He was a sweet friend. I was grateful that he cared so much.

  “You’re a good friend, Benji,” I said. “I’m okay. Don’t worry about me.”

  “It’s not fair, Molly. You deserve better.”

  “You can’t pick your parents,” I shrugged.

  “No, but he shouldn’t be able to get away with hurting you. It’s not fair that he’s so untouchable.”

  “Life isn’t fair,” I said. “At least that’s what Maria says.”

  “I guess. Hey, listen, I’m going to start leaving our back door unlocked. I’ll make sure to open it after my folks go to bed every night, so if you ever need a place to go, just run over.”

  “Alright,” I agreed, knowing I’d never do that, but agreeing just so he would feel better, like he was doing something to help. “Thanks.”

  “If you need me, just call, too. I can always come to you.”

  “Okay, okay, Benji. Let’s just drop it, okay? I’ll call you later,” I said, as we approached the limo. Jasper was waiting in his usual spot, holding the back door open for me. I turned and gave Benji a quick hug and slid in.

  “Hello, sweetheart,” Mom said. I turned in shock to see her sitting there waiting for me.

  “Mom, what are you doing here?” I asked. “Is something wrong?”

  “No, of course, not,” she said, shaking her head. She was wearing dark sunglasses that hid most of her face, even though the combination of today’s milky grey skies and the tinted windows of the limo blocked out any sign of sunshine. “I just wanted to see my daughter, is that okay?”

  “Sure,” I mumbled, sitting back. I searched her face for some indication of what was going on, because I could count on both hands the number of times she’d accompanied Jasper to pick me up in the last five years. All I could see were fresh bruises peeking through the curtain of blonde hair that she was so great at hiding behind.

  My heart dropped at the sight of them.

  Instantly, anger coursed through my veins.

  “Daddy did that to you?” I demanded.

  She dismissed my question with a wave of her hand, her perfectly manicured fingers rippling through the air between us.

  “I went to the salon today. Got my hair done and my nails, too. I made you an appointment for next week. You’re due for a haircut.”

  “Maria took me last week.”

  “She did?”

  “Yes, Mom, I told you.”

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I don’t remember.”

  “That’s okay,” I said, turning away from her and staring out the window.

  “Your father is going to be home for dinner tonight. We should dress up a little. I told Maria to make his favorite.”

  “What about your favorite?” I mumbled softly.

  “What?” she asked.

  “Nothing,” I muttered, irritated with her.

  She was trying to be nice to him again. It was a game they played that I’d grown accustomed to. He’d get mad at her, hit her, then she’d be the one trying to make it all up to him, as if she’d done something wrong. But he was the one who should be doing stuff to make up for what he’d done. He was the one who should apologize, and the fact that she didn’t see that made me furious.

  I understood, though. I did the same thing, only I stayed mad a little longer. I waited for him to grovel a little before I forgave him, and honestly, I never really did, I only pretended to so that I could keep the peace in the house. He’d mope for a little while, then he’d get even more angry if I didn’t give in soon enough.

  I sighed, hating the way it all was. I’d wished so many times that I’d been born someone else, that I had some other family. A girl at school was adopted, and as soon as I heard about it, I’d asked her a million questions. Mainly, I wanted to know how she liked her new family and if she was happy about it. She’d told me it was strange at first, and took a little getting used to, but she felt safer and happier now.

  I wondered what that felt like.

  To start over, with people who loved you. With parents that wanted to spend time with you. Parents that didn’t hurt you.

  But I knew I’d never know what that was like. I couldn’t switch families.

  I couldn’t be anyone else but Molly Jane Green for the rest of my life.

  CHAPTER 19

  JACKIE

  The only reason I invited Fury to my house for dinner, instead of accepting his invitation to go out, was to avoid all the prying eyes that I knew would follow us everywhere we went. I’m single, I can see whomever I please, but I also knew just how fast news traveled in this town.

  The fact that Pete told Hank right away that I’d been sitting with Fury at the bar was proof of the sorry state of this town.

  You couldn’t spit without everyone knowing where it landed.

  I had nothing to hide, but I could do without the drama. Having Fury all to myself wasn’t half-bad, either.

  All day, I’d endured sweaty palms and gut-wrenching anxiety. He was so fucking sexy and I was pretty sure those kisses were only a prelude to what he’d unleash on me tonight. The question was: Was I ready?

  I mean, who’s ready for a man like him? What would one do to prepare for a night alone with a man that oozes masculinity like juice from a peach?

  Jaw exercises to warm up for those intense kisses?

  Jumping jacks to get my heart moving?

  Kegels!?

  I tried to keep myself busy at work but I was kicking myself all day that I’d not prepared better. I don’t mean the kegels, I could (and did) do a few of those at work and nobody was the wiser, but I’d not taken into account the fact that I had to work all day, go to the store for groceries, whip up something to impress him — the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right? — and still find time to somehow hide the bags under my eyes and make sense of the out-of-control mop on my head.

  Not to mention a little shaving down under, if you know what I mean.

  It’s been a while. A long while.

  A girl needs time to prepare for a man like Fury, that’s all I’m saying.

  “Tara, you gotta cover the dinner rush for me,” I finally broke down and begged.

  “I don’t know,” she said, shaking her head. “My feet are killing me.”

  “Tara!” I said, knowing she just wanted to hear me beg. “Please? I’ll trade a shift with you next week. I just need more time to cook tonight.”

  “That man is not going to give you time to eat dinner,” she said. “Why bother?”

  “Because I offered,” I insisted. “Please. I’d do it for you.”

  “I know you would,” she said. “I just wish I had something to get excited over, too. I’m happy for you, I am. But seeing you all giddy and smiling makes me sad.”

  I rolled my eyes.

  “Oh, please,” I said. “You’re in love and happy. You just like to complain. It’s not your man that’s boring, it’s this sad-ass town.”

  “You might be right,” she shrugged. “Either way.”

  “So will you cover for me? I want to make this lemon-meringue pie and it needs time to chill.”

  “Okay, okay,” she said. “But you owe me.”

  “I told you I’d switch with you next week.

/>   “No,” she smiled. “You owe me all the juicy details tomorrow. I want to hear everything. And I mean everything, Jackie. Promise not to leave out anything?”

  “Pinky-swear,” I said, hooking pinkies with her and kissing her on the cheek. “You’re the best friend ever.”

  “Everything, Jackie!” she shouted before I ran into the back office and collected my things. I bolted out of there like a woman on a mission, but really I was a woman on the verge of a panic attack.

  What the hell had I gotten myself into?

  Could I handle a man like him? Even for one night?

  I guess I was about to find out, I thought, as I headed to the grocery store. Fury might be the death of me, but I couldn’t think of a worse way to go.

  At least I’d die with a smile on my face.

  ***

  I couldn’t eat.

  Butterflies fluttered around my stomach and just the vision of Fury sitting at my dining room table was enough to make my hands tremble. He wore all black tonight. Black jeans, a tight-fitting black t-shirt that accentuated his enormous muscular biceps, with heavy black boots. He’d arrived in a roar of vibrations on his bike and I’d peeked through the window to watch him park and remove his helmet.

  Now, after a quick kiss hello and a tiny tour of my house, he was sitting across from me like he’d always been there. His voice boomed through the house, a low growl that cut right to my center with each word.

  “This is the best steak I’ve ever had, Jackie,” he said between bites. “And these twice-baked potatoes are incredible.”

  I might not have had an appetite, but he was devouring the meal like he’d not eaten in weeks, which made me smile.

  “I’m glad you like it,” I said. “It’s my grandma’s recipe.”

  “She must have been some cook,” he said.

  “She was quite the lady,” I replied. “Strong as an ox, smart as a whip and the very first woman to own a business in this town.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Yep,” I replied, lifting my chin with pride. “I loved her and everyone who came into contact with her did, too. Except for Bodhi Green’s father, whom she fought with throughout most of her life.”