Page 12 of The Widow's Dom

“Is because it’s dangerous work, andI—”

“That still doesn’t matter.”

“If you interrupt me one more time, little squirrel, your ass will feel it.”

She sucked in a breath. “You wouldn’t dare.”

He nuzzled the side of her head. “Try me.”

“Why did you call me squirrel?” she asked.

“Because you’re always moving and never seem to settle down.”

“Oh.”

“Can I start talking again?” he asked.

“Yes. But…”

He crowded her in a bit more, and she instantly stopped. “No buts. Give me your hand.”

“Why?”

“We’ll work on you questioning me later.” He reached for her hand and held it palm up in his hand. It looked so tiny and helpless, making him more determined to protect her even from herself.

“Do you see this, Baby? You’re tiny. Your body is not made for putting up barbed wire. I cringe thinking of it coming back at you. You’d be wrapped up in it so quickly and cut to hell.”

“I’ve done it before.”

“I’m sure you have. But I’m around, and I already told your son I’d help him, so now you don’t need to.”

He waited as she thought about it, and her scent and the feel of her body against his was making him needier and hotter than hell. He knew he couldn’t touch her the way he wanted to—yet.

Chapter Seven

Janessa studied her hand in the palm of his. His hands were dark, callused, and had more scars than she could count. Her hand looked white and frail against this.

He put his fingers around her wrist. “Do you see this? My hand can almost circle your wrist twice.”

Yes, she saw it but would never admit to being weak. She couldn’t afford to. Being on her own after twenty-five years was harder than she thought. If it hadn’t been for Luna and her handgun on her nightstand, she would have been too scared to sleep in the house alone.

“So, you’re saying I’m too weak to help my son?”

She felt him nuzzle the side of her head again as he sighed. “No, Baby. From what I’ve seen and learned about you so far, you’re stronger than most men I know. Now, I’m not talking about the physical. I’m talking about your spirit, personality, and drive. Do you understand?”

Janessa nodded. She would have rebelled if he had just called her weak, but instead, he pointed out her strengths. “Yes, I get it.”

She felt him relax behind her and had to fight the need to turn around, and then she’d be in his arms. Instead, she stood still.

“I’m glad. Thank you.”

“Why are you thanking me?” she asked, confused.

“Because I won’t have nightmares about it tonight, and I might be able to sleep.”

“You have problems sleeping, too?” she asked.

“Yes. It happens to just about everyone that has fought in a war.”

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