Claim - Page 47

“Beau…” She pressed her hands to the tablecloth. “No one’s ever done anything like this for me before.”

That fucking broke my heart. I reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “You just need to relax, eat, and enjoy. Think you can do that?”

She nodded, her smile wide and happy. I realized that she didn’t smile enough.

“Let’s see what we have.” I lifted the lid off the dishes.

“It smells great. I love crawfish.”

“We have crawfish étouffée, chorizo jambalaya, and Cajun fried shrimp. All my friend’s specialties.” I served up the food, then poured us sparkling water from a cooler.

Bell ate with gusto, moaning, and asking for more. It gave me huge satisfaction watching her eat.

“This is so great, Beau.” She looked out over the water.

“You deserve it.”

She looked back, her smile fading. “Carr won’t stop. I’ll never be safe.”

I growled. “You’ll be safe when we stop him.”

“The police have tried and failed.”

I rubbed a finger through the condensation on my glass of water, wishing I could have five seconds in the ring with Chandler Carr. “I won’t fail.”

She looked stricken. “If he knows you’re in my life, he could target you. He threatened my mom.” She reached for my hand. “I don’t want you hurt, Beau. I couldn’t bear that.”

“You’re worried about me?” No one worried about me. I was a big, tough motherfucker.

“Yes.” Her hand was so small and slender compared to mine.

“Don’t worry, Bell. I’m not easy prey.” I stroked her wrist. “I won’t let him hurt you. I protect what’s mine.”

She stared at me. “You could have any woman you want. Like Klara. I’m…a mess.”

I pushed my chair back, then reached over and lifted her out of her chair. I set her on my lap.

“You’re strong, courageous. You grieve for your friend and protect your mom. You’ve sacrificed so much to survive. That’s pretty fucking special to me.”

19

BELL

This man.

This gruff, rugged man was good, through and through. I knew how rare that was. How did I get so lucky to stumble into him, not once, but twice?

His mouth closed over mine, his beard tickling my skin. I heard the low rumble in his chest, and I bit his bottom lip.

“You’re taking care of me,” I whispered. “Spoiling me.” I ran my hands over his shoulders, then shifted so I straddled him.

His gray eyes bored into mine. “I don’t expect payback.” His voice was gruff.

“I know.” I nibbled his lips some more. “This isn’t a thank you. It’s just pure, old-fashioned desire.” I opened my mouth and deepened the kiss. I slid my hands into his thick hair. “I want you, Beauden Fury.”

With a growl, he took over the kiss. It got heated fast, and my fingers tangled in his hair. Everything slipped away: the fact that we were outside, the bayou, all my troubles.

It was just me and this man. Beau.