Chapter 18

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

The first thing Ainsley noticed when she blinked her eyes open was the pain—an intense, searing pain that covered her entire body. Her head throbbed as if someone were using it as a makeshift drum, and her muscles felt like she’d been hit by a freight train.

With Herculean effort, she managed to roll to her back, barely managing to suppress a groan. Her neck was stiff, and she rolled it side to side, trying to relieve the pressure from the tense muscles.

Her skin felt too tight for her body, like it had shrunk around her bones. The fabric of her clothing scraped over her abraded flesh as she stretched, and she hissed out a breath. Her body was riddled with a mixture of abrasions and bruises, compounded by the fall she’d taken earlier.

Ainsley managed to raise her head just enough to see the huge dog curled up on the floor next to the couch, and her heart constricted at the sight. Sarge, sensing she was awake, stood then stretched, and a low whimper escaped her throat.

“Dare…”

Sarge turned to peer at her but didn’t move otherwise. They remained like that for several seconds, just staring at one another. Ainsley’s pulse raced almost out of control, and her breaths came hard and fast. It was too close.

“Dare!”

The dog cocked his head, then turned and trotted from the room, toenails clicking softly on the hardwood floor. Her eyes closed again of their own volition, and she rubbed her temples, the blood pulsing rhythmically under her fingertips. Every cell of her body ached, and her mind felt foggy.

Dare strode through the doorway several moments later, his gaze immediately zeroing in on her. “Hey. You’re awake.”

He moved forward and settled on the coffee table in front of her. His gaze swept over her face, down her arms and legs, then back up to her eyes. “How are you feeling?”

She grimaced. “Sore.”

“I’m sure.” He nodded empathetically. “Dinner’s almost ready. You can take a couple painkillers after you’ve eaten.”

Her mind latched on to the first part of his statement. “You cooked?”

The corner of his mouth quirked up in a smile. “I’m not completely useless in the kitchen.”

Her eyes widened and she sat up straighter, worried she’d offended him. “Oh, that’s not?—”

“Of course, it’s not nearly as good as your cooking,” Dare continued, cutting off her protest. “But if you’re drugged, maybe you won’t notice.”

Ainsley stared at him. Why was he doing this—all of this? He’d only known her for a few days, yet he was going out of his way to help her. He’d been by her side practically every minute of the day, keeping a close eye on her and making sure she was safe.

While she appreciated it, she didn’t understand his motive. Was he trying to earn her trust so he could reel her in the way Joel had? Or was he truly worried about her? As a police officer, it was his job to take care of people. But he’d taken his duties to a whole new level today. Some of the most influential people hid their true characters behind well-cultivated fa?ades.

Dare’s smile faltered when she didn’t respond. “Sorry. Cop humor’s not for everyone.”

“Sorry, I’m still just…” Ainsley shook her head and pushed the dark thoughts away. “My head is a little fuzzy. You didn’t have to cook for me.”

“You’ve been through enough today.” Dare’s piercing gaze met hers. “Making dinner should be the least of your worries.”

He leaned closer, his gaze sweeping over her. “Are you hungry?”

“Now that you mention it…” Ainsley scooted to the edge of the couch. “I’m starving.”

Ainsley pushed to her feet and the room swam before her eyes. Dare was next to her a moment later, one strong hand curled around her elbow. Her first instinct was to pull away, but she stopped herself just in time.

His touch was firm yet gentle, his hold supportive rather than commanding. A dozen conflicting emotions roiled in her stomach. She’d been conditioned to be wary of a man’s touch, but with Dare she couldn’t seem to summon the same reservation.

Once she’d regained her balance Dare released her, keeping his hands at the ready in case she stumbled again. “You good?”

Ainsley pressed one hand to her temple. “Just got lightheaded for a second.”

Dare nodded, concern etched in his expression. “Maybe you’ll feel better after you’ve had something to eat.”

He watched her carefully as he shadowed her into the kitchen. Her stomach rumbled as a delectable scent teased her nostrils, and she sniffed the air appreciatively. “That smells good.”

“Stir fry.” He grinned at her. It’s about the only thing I can make without burning.”

“You won’t hear me complain if it tastes half as good as it smells.”

Dare plated up the food and slid it her way. A comfortable silence settled between them as they ate, and Ainsley watched Dare from beneath hooded lashes.

She couldn’t quite figure him out. Was he really as kind as he seemed? Or, like Joel, would he pull the rug from beneath her feet once he’d earned her trust?

A memory tickled the back of Ainsley’s mind. “Oh!”

She froze, her fork hovering in midair. “I never made it to the bank. I promised Marley I would get over there today. She’s going to be so upset.”

Dare shot her a bewildered look. “That’s the last thing she’ll be concerned with. You were shot at. Your safety trumps going to the bank.”

Ainsley bit her lip, unease swirling in his stomach. “But…”

“Ainsley.” Dare dipped his chin and leveled a look at her. “All that matters is that you’re okay. Trust me. I can give her a call if you want me to, let her know what happened.”

She barely resisted the urge to squirm under his intense stare. “It’s just…” The tortuous admission ripped from her lips. “I really need this job, and I don’t want to disappoint her.”

His expression immediately softened. “You might be able to set up an account online. Do you want to try after dinner?”

She glanced across the table at him. “You don’t mind me using your computer?”

“Of course not. Think of this as your house, too.”

But it wasn’t her house. Just as Joel’s house had never really been hers, either. Though she’d lived there, she’d never been allowed to make any decisions aside from what to make for dinner from his pre-approved list of meals. In the years she’d lived under his roof, he’d never even allowed her to so much as hang a single picture. Joel had hired someone to furnish the home according to his taste, never once asking her opinion. The most say she’d had was in what kitchen appliances she used since she made dinner for him each night.

Ainsley mulled over Dare’s offer as she scooped up another bite. She’d lost access to her money once; she wouldn’t make the same mistake again. This time she would use a new password—something no one would ever guess. And she wouldn’t save it anywhere but in her head.

“If you really don’t mind…”

“Take your time.” Dare waved her off and she headed down the hallway to the office.

Setting up the account was remarkably easy, but she made a mental note to get new copies of her birth certificate and social security card. She’d had to leave those behind in Joel’s safe. He’d refused to give her the passcode, and she had no idea where he’d put the key.

Once she was done, she stood and shook out her hands. Anxiety clung to her, like she was once more a little girl wary of being caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

Ainsley swallowed down the tightness constricting her throat and drew in a deep breath. This was the first step to moving on and putting the past where it belonged. Every step forward, no matter how small, was a victory.

She left the office, scanning for the dog as she retraced her steps through the house. Dare was in the living room watching TV, and she shot him a small wave before slipping out the back door and up to her suite.

Ainsley locked the door behind her then checked the windows before dropping to the edge of her bed. She pulled her cell phone from her pocket and fiddled with it for a moment before pulling up her call log. She tapped the button and held her breath until the call connected.

“Hello?”

Confusion saturated Kinley’s tone, and Ainsley couldn’t help but smile at the welcome sound of her voice. “Hey, sis. It’s Ainsley.”

“Oh, my God! Are you okay? Cam said?—”

“I’m okay.” Ainsley cut her off. “I have a couple scratches, but it’s nothing major.”

Thank God Dare had been there. If she’d been just inches to the side, she might not be here right now. Her heart raced at the memory of the incident, the events unfolding in startling clarity before her eyes.

She could still hear the sound of people’s voices carrying on the air, smell the faint scent of exhaust fumes mixed with grease from the fast food place one block over.

“I was so scared,” she admitted.

Kinley was silent for a minute before responding. “Tell me what happened.”

Ainsley flopped back on her bed and stared at the ceiling. “It’s kind of a crazy story…”