Claim - Page 101

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BEAU

“You’re a freaking idiot.”

Gio’s words lashed at me as I strode through Hard Burn looking for…anything to do.

I couldn’t think straight. I kept seeing Bell’s face, her tears.

“Enough, Gio.”

“I told you not to hurt her. Now you’ve broken her heart, and your own. Bloody idiot.”

I spun. “It’s better this way.”

Gio scoffed. “You don’t really believe that.”

I stepped forward until my face was an inch from his, my fingers forming a fist. My chest heaved.

My old friend looked at my fist, then my face.

“She’s free,” I said. “To go and do whatever she wants.” I wanted that for her. “If you don’t think that this fucking tears me apart—” I spun and pressed my hands to the back of my neck.

The pain would dull…eventually. But I knew that missing her would never go away.

“Beau, if you love her, claim her,” Gio said. “Be with her. Don’t mess it up like I did. I lost the best thing that ever happened to me, and I regret it every day.”

I wanted to howl in agony.

The gym’s front door opened.

“Beauden Fury.”

I whirled.

Bell strode in, her face set, her body vibrating with energy.

Behind her, I spotted Mila, Colt, and Macy.

But I only had eyes for Bell.

She stopped a foot away. The few people who were working out at the gym stopped to look at us.

“I love you,” she said loudly.

My insides clenched. “Bell—”

She held up a hand like a drill sergeant. “No, I’m talking. You said your piece before, and it was bullshit.” She poked me in the chest. “I decide how I want to live my life. I survived Carr, I decide what I do now, and where I do it,notyou.” She poked me again. “And I want to live here, with you. I want to be with you.”

I stared at her, speechless.

“Because I’m in love with you, Beau. I’m in love with the man who stepped in to help me in that diner. Who took care of me, who loved me that night, and who did it again when I turned up here. He held my hand as I found my courage. He gave me strength, support, and love.”

She unmanned me.

“And you love me, Beau.”

She pressed her palm to my chest, and I knew she’d feel my heart hammering.