Belle bounds over to me, hackles still high. AJ staggers after her, his movements stiff, like he isn’t quite sure nothing’s broken. Relief nearly sends me to my knees.
“I think she’s okay, darlin’. Are you?” His eyes dart to Belle, then back to me.
I look around, careful not to move my head too quickly. The man in the hoodie is gone. “Y-yes. I… Check Belle. Please.”
AJ runs his hands all over her from ears to tail. She doesn’t whine or flinch, and by the time he’s done, she’s almost calm. “No blood. No bites. But we can take her to the emergency vet. Just to be sure.”
I nod, still trembling.
“Stay here with Belle for a minute.” His voice is steady, but I hear the steel in it. The barely contained fury and frustration. “I’ll call this in when we get home. Need witness statements if we’re gonna track down that bastard’s owner.”
From his wallet, he pulls a handful of his business cards, then moves stiffly through the thinning crowd, pressing cards into hands, thanking two men who stepped in, then returning to my side.
“Let’s get out of here,” he says, wrapping an arm around my waist before he snags Belle’s harness from the bench and guides us both back to the SUV. He limps a little, his jaw tight.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asks after starting the engine.
“Just a little vertigo,” I say softly. “I’m more worried about you.”
His hand finds mine across the console, rough and warm, his knuckles scraped raw. “We’ll get her checked, then I’ll let you fuss over me. Deal?”
I squeeze his fingers, but the image of the mastiff’s eyes, wild and angry, won’t let me go.
Chapter Fifty-Three
Grace
Steam curls up from the water, fogging the edges of the mirror. The scents of lavender and shea butter soothe my raw nerves, but I won’t be able to settle until I know AJ’s okay.
Dinner feels like hours ago. He’d cooked, of course, moving around the kitchen with that stubborn set to his jaw, pretending his bruises weren’t bothering him. That everything was fine. Just like he had at the emergency vet when they’d checked Belle over from nose to tail. She was okay—thank God—but AJ…that’s a different matter entirely.
He’d suggested I take a bath. Even started the water and added my favorite bubbles. But he’s still fully dressed—lighting candles, each movement stiff and forced—while I brace myself against the counter in nothing but my robe.
If he thinks I’m going to let him hide his pain from me, he’s a damn fool. I’m done letting him shoulder everything for the both of us.
“AJ, stop.” I wrap my fingers around his wrist, tugging gently. “Get undressed. You’re joining me tonight.”
The soft glow from the candles highlights the dark shadows beneath his eyes.
“I’m fine,” he mutters. “I should go…start laundry.”
“Laundry can wait.” I tighten my grip, my free hand resting over his heart. “You can’t.”
His gaze flickers to mine, defensive for a beat, but then softening. If he weren’t holding himself like he was made of glass, I might relent. But it’s my turn to take care of him for a change.
“AJ.” I close what little distance is left between us. “You got tossed around out there tryin’ to protect me and Belle. Don’t tell me it doesn’t hurt.”
His sigh pulls at something deep in my chest. “Darlin’, you’ve been through enough today. I know I said you could fuss over me, but I’d rather you relax.”
“I want to. I love you, remember?”
“I remember how stubborn you’ve always been,” he murmurs, his lips curving into a crooked, weary smile. “You shouldn’t worry about not findin’ yourself again, Grace. In so many ways, you already have.”
He slides his fingers into my hair, dips his head, and brushes his lips to mine. “I’d be a damn fool to fight you over this. Any chance I get to be naked with you…I’m gonna take it.”
I step back, pleased when my legs seem to hold me up just fine, and reach for the buttons on his flannel shirt. “I’ll get ‘em,” he says.
“No.” With a quick glance at the water level in the tub, I blow out a breath. “I can do this. I need to do this. To prove I can.”
