Woof.
He nuzzled against her leg and watching her anxiety fading by just touching him was far too endearing.
“What about Sadie?” Her voice was hopeful. “I’m sorry if that’s too painful.”
More painful than she could understand. While the ache was immediate, she deserved the same honesty she’d given me. “I got her as a puppy, believe it or not. I learned quickly that I wouldn’t make a good father of an infant, but we found our stride in a few months. She had me wrapped around her little paw.”
“They can certainly do that to you. Dogs have a paw on our hearts, but remember, that doesn’t change just because they cross the rainbow bridge. They are always here with us. Always.” She placed her hand on my heart and I found it strange how emotional I could easily become.
While I didn’t want to break the moment, answers were needed. “The assailant inside your coffee shop. Can you tell me anything about him? Anything he might have said or any distinguishable marks.”
“Like the tattoo. Right?”
“I know you’ve been through a lot, Josette, but any information could prove vital.”
“I told you I just don’t remember anything other than he had a gun pointed at my head. I was shocked.”
When I cupped her face, the hint of fear was palpable. “Maybe it’ll come to you. I know you surprised him by ripping off his mask.” The timing was almost as important.
“I wish he’d said something to me.” Annoyed that I was revisiting the subject, she closed her eyes.
Shutting me out.
“He didn’t send you a message that night?”
Her eyes narrowed. “No, he did not.”
“Then who did?”
“My friend Tilly. Okay? I’d ask her to stop by and check on Indiana. Doggy cams only tell you so much.”
Why did her laugh seem so disingenuous?
She was determined to keep the truth from me, but given my plans, I’d let it go. Only not entirely. She held her breath as I lowered my head, taking a few precious seconds to brush my fingers across her skin before pressing my lips against hers. Try as she did, she couldn’t break the connection we shared, the deep longing that kept us tethered. The reason no longer mattered.
The feel of her tongue slipping past my lips and the scent of her continued arousal was almost enough for me to bag the necessity of exacting revenge. With her thong still in my pocket, it felt as if I’d captured a small part of her.
When I pulled away, she pressed her fingers down my shirt. “You’re a mess. Don’t get yourself hurt.”
“What did I tell you before? I always keep my promises.”
“Hmmm…” Her expression allowed me to know she no longer believed me.
I wasn’t certain if I could believe myself.
Backing away, I brushed my fingers along the soft skin of her leg as I did. “I won’t be long. Try and get some sleep. As I said, my brother will be here in a few minutes with some of his trusted men. Jaxon will watch over you, but he’ll be inside the house.” I offered a smile to try to lighten both our moods. “However, I assure you that he’ll leave you alone. If he doesn’t…” The sentence was left open on purpose.
At least my lame attempt at making a joke was rewarded with a roll of her eyes. “Your brother, huh? What a golden opportunity to grill him about you.”
“Be careful of Jaxon. He does bite.”
“Ha. I can handle almost anything… Now.” The sudden return to another faraway look brought a wave of tension. She had no idea what I was capable of. Revenge was the only aspect of my life that provided any sense of relief.
And I was damn good at it.
Indiana immediately rose to his feet, padding toward me.
“He really likes you,” she said in such a quiet voice I could barely hear her.
