Fury: Book 2 in the Vengeance MC series by Natasha Thomas

them going when the other facets of their lives were bleak.
     
    Since then, Tucker grew up some. Not a lot, he’s still a kid at heart and as far as I can see always will be, but he’s a hard worker, helps out where he can, and is currently prospecting with Devil’s Spawn. The latter means he’ll have no choice but to be responsible and grow the fuck up.
     
    “You miss them?” I ask already knowing the answer.
     
    “Every day,” she sighs, shifting off my lap and onto the couch across from me.
     
    I’ll let her have her space – physically – for now because I know she needs it, but sooner or later, Avery and I are going to have to discuss where our relationship is going. If it were up to me, I’d be claiming her in front of the club, her friends, and her family today, but if nothing else, I’m realistic.
     
    Avery’s always been outgoing, independent, and headstrong. She wouldn’t take well to not being given a choice when it comes to the direction of her future, and I respect that. Or, I will until she gives me no other choice than to make one for her.
     
    This can only go one of two ways. Either she accepts what we have between us is more than just friendship, or she doesn’t which will be a pain in my ass to prove her wrong, but I’ll gladly do it. Regardless of the outcome, Avery’s mine. Now. Tomorrow. Forever. It’s just a matter of time before she and I are on the same page.
     
    “Where have you been, Fury?” She questions timidly, in a tone I hate.
     
    I’ve noticed in the half hour I’ve been here that Avery’s a damn sight more reluctant to speak her mind than before she was taken. These days, she’ll clam up, bite her tongue, or rethink what she’s going to say not just let it all hang out. If it takes me from now until I take my last breath, I’ll make sure she gets that confidence in herself back. It was one of the many things I loved most about her.
     
    “To Nevada and back, babe, and everywhere in between. Didn’t stay in one place too long, other than the few months I spent in Albuquerque fighting for Leo, that is,” I answer truthfully.
     
    Avery’s met Leo a few times when he’s been passing through town and she’d been visiting at the same time. And because Avery can get along with anyone, Leo has a soft spot for her much to my distaste.
     
    “How is he? It’s been ages since I’ve seen him. Is he still with that woman he brought with him when he visited last time? I forget what her name is.”
     
    “No, sweetheart,” I laugh, “she’s long gone. Probably not a bad thing she is either. Leo’s boys got themselves into some trouble with the law when I was out that way, so he had to cut and run. Not sure he even had time to pack a bag, let alone grab a woman and take her with him.”
     
    Rolling her eyes, Avery huffs,
    “You can’t manage to stay out of trouble wherever you go, can you?”
     
    “Nope, it’s one of my many gifts,” I admit ruefully. “He’s all good, though. He checked in the day before yesterday and said he was headed this way after the heat he caught died down, so no doubt we’ll be seeing him soon.” Redirecting the conversation, I prod, “You up to talking about more important shit than what sights I saw and where I’ve been holed up? I know you’re pissed, and I get it, but we do have to talk, Avery. And I was hoping it would be sooner rather than later.”
     
    Watching her face change so dramatically causes the ache in my chest to intensify. I hate that she’s still so upset at what I did, but more than that, I hate I hurt her so badly. If I could do it all over again, I don’t know that I’d do it differently, but I would’ve explained why I had to leave better. That much I know.
     
    “You need to give me a few days to come to terms with the fact you’re back before we tackle anything else.” When I go to interrupt her, Avery puts her hand up effectively shutting me up. “No, don’t speak, just listen. I