Chapter 34

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Dare’s gaze swept over her, still clad in her oversized nightshirt. She’d obviously been sleeping when the man had broken in. Now that he could see her better, the maroon scratches on her knees stood out in stark relief.

His brows drew together. “What happened?”

“Oh.” Ainsley shrugged self-consciously. “I fell down the stairs.”

His eyes flew up to meet hers. “Are you all right?”

“I’ll be fine.”

He grabbed up her hands and inspected her palms. The flesh was torn in places, and he gently ran his thumbs around the wounds. “We need to get these cleaned up.”

“I think I’ll just take a shower—if you don’t mind,” she hastily added. “And…” She tugged at the nightshirt, wet in places and smeared with dirt from her fall. “I should probably wash this, too.”

He settled a hand on her back and gently propelled her up the stairs. “No need. You can use something of mine.”

She glanced up at him. “If you’re sure you don’t mind. Just a shirt is fine.”

“Do you mind taking the room next to mine or do you want more privacy? I can put you at the end of the hall.”

“The room next to yours is fine.”

He nodded. “Come on, let’s grab you some stuff.”

He led her into his room and yanked open a dresser drawer. Pulling out a tee shirt, he handed it to her then walked into the master bathroom, returning a minute later with a new toothbrush and toothpaste, peroxide for the cuts, and some bandages.

“Towels are in the linen closet.” He dug her keys from his pocket and passed them to her. “You dropped these outside.”

“Oh, right.” She gave a little shake of her head as she slipped them from his fingers. “I completely forgot I’d dropped them.”

Dare offered a kind smile. “Do you need anything else?”

“No, this is plenty.” Ainsley shuffled her feet as she accepted the toothbrush and toothpaste that he held out to her. “I know it sounds silly of me, not wanting to go back over there, but…”

“I completely understand. You’ve been through a lot, and I don’t blame you for not wanting to go back just yet.” He moved in front of her and offered a soft smile. “There should be some soap, maybe some shampoo in the guest bathroom. Let’s look.”

“Don’t worry about it. I can make do with whatever you have.” She followed him into the bathroom, then placed her things on the counter and turned to him. “Thank you for everything.”

He nodded. “I typically leave Sarge out of his kennel at night. I know you’re not comfortable with him, but I think under the circumstances…”

She nodded emphatically. “That sounds good to me. I’m glad he heard me.”

“Me too. Is there anything else you need?” Ainsley shook her head, and Dare flashed her a small smile. “All right. Good night, then.”

“Good night.”

Neither of them moved. They remained that way for several long moments, each studying the other.

“Everything’s going to be okay, Ainsley. I promise.” His voice was strained, his resolve to leave her alone slowly dissolving.

Dare and Ainsley stood close, the space between them filled with unspoken words. The fear and worry that had gripped Dare’s heart since the break-in were finally beginning to recede.

He took Ainsley’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. She didn’t say anything, but the gratitude in her gaze spoke volumes. She was still shaken, but Dare’s presence seemed to offer her the comfort she needed.

With his free hand, he cupped her face, his thumb brushing softly against her cheek. Dipping his head toward hers, he breathed her in. His lips skimmed her silky skin as he dropped a soft kiss on her forehead.

She’d been through so much—too much—and he didn’t want her to feel like he was pressuring her into anything. He couldn’t take advantage of her like that. When he did finally kiss her, it would be because they both wanted it.

Dare reluctantly released her and stepped away. He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and stroked her cheek with the pad of his thumb. “Good night, Ainsley,” he whispered.

Ainsley’s eyes were wide as she watched him, poised like a rabbit ready to flee. The fear had receded, and now uncertainty filled the depths as she grappled with her emotions.

Dare forced himself to leave, knowing she needed the space. She was safe, and for now, that was enough.