“What are you going to do?”
“What do you need from us?”
The knot in my stomach loosened a notch. Thank God for these guys. “Jenna’s scared, but so damn strong. I’m going to sit on her ’til this fucker is caught—both of them if it’s not the same person, but my gut says it is.”
“He’s been at the library?” Dylan asked, worry creeping into his voice, and I knew he was thinking of Juliette being there.
“If Juliette or Nicky were ever there when he was, she would’ve warned them.” I was certain of it. She’d risk herself, but not her friends.
Mike, the guy filling in for me, said, “There are a few other new guys like me who’d be happy for the extra hours. We’ll be able to cover you.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it. Appreciate all your support. I’m gonna get back to Jenna now.”
“Let us know if you need anything,” Ethan said, and they all reiterated the sentiment.
I found Jenna curled up on the couch, arms wrapped around Thor, looking small and vulnerable.
“Firefly,” I croaked, barely able to talk past the pressure in my chest.
She looked up at me, her eyes puffy and red-rimmed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
I sat beside her, Thor between us. He shot me an accusing look and moved closer to her.I know, buddy. I’m sorry.I rested my hand over hers. “The way he was hiding and watching didn’t sit right with me, but he didn’t do anything overtly wrong and there was nothing I could do. I wasn’t going to leave you alone while I approached him, nor was I going to take you with me. I didn’t see any point in worrying you when there was nothing we could do. I had no idea it was anything more at that point. I still don’t know if it was anything more. I wasn’t trying to keep it from you. I just didn’t want to upset you for no reason.”
“Because you thought I couldn’t handle it.”
“No.”
“Yes. You thought I’d freak out. Fall apart. Regress back to being scared of everyone.”
God, she was breaking my heart. “No, Firefly, not even close. It’s my job to protect, and I would’ve done the same thing no matter who I was there with—not that I’d want to be with anyone else. Up until a few hours ago, I had no real reason to think you were in danger. I didn’t want to burden you with my overbearing suspiciousness. I thought I was being over the top having my friends escort you home, and it kills me that it wasn’t even close to enough. But nothing about it—not a single thing—had to do with thinking you weren’t strong. You’re so strong and so brave, and I’m so sorry you have to deal with this, but I have no doubt you’ll come through it stronger than ever.”
“I don’t feel strong or brave.”
The catch in her voice tore at my heart. Thor must have felt it too because he whined and licked her face, and I was fucking jealous of the dog again.
“Can I get in on that, too?” I opened my arms, and thank God, she nudged Thor out of the way and burrowed into my side. I held onto her and pressed a kiss to her temple. She sighed and sank into me, and the tightness in my chest eased.
“It’s okay to feel afraid. Harness that fear and let it fuel you. Learn self-defense with the desperation of someone who needs it to survive. Be aware of every bit of danger around you and be ready to fight for your fucking life. Right now, that fear is a strength. When this threat is over, we’ll tuck that fear away somewhere deep inside where you won’t feel it. And you’ll learn. With my help and your bravery, you’ll learn how to listen to the fear when you need it, and how to tuck it away when you don’t need it. That’s going to keep you safe, and it’ll make you stronger than ever.”
For a long moment, Jenna’s only response was the pounding of her heart and her fingers flexing against my chest. Damn, did I push too far?
Her palm flattened against my chest, and she pushed back, scrambling to get her feet under her. I let go, but then she was suddenly climbing on top of me, straddling me. She inched closer, pressing against me. “Make me feel good. Make me forget.”
Fuck. “Jenna, I don’t think?—”
“Please, I need you. I don’t want to think.”
I couldn’t say no. Even if I probably should. With a prayer that I wasn’t fucking it all up, I laid her back onto the couch and kneeled down beside her. I was taking it back to square one. No cock contact. No body contact. I kissed her, raining little kisses all over her face, claiming her. “Take your skirt and leggings off, Firefly,” I whispered, kissing behind her ear.
She did, and her shirt and bra too, and then she spread her knees, baring herself to me. Fucking beautiful.
“Eyes on me,” I whispered against her lips.
Her eyes flew to mine, and holding her gaze, I slowly worked one finger in. When she finally softened around me, I pulled it out and plunged two fingers inside, her mouth dropping open. “Good?” I asked.
“Yes!”
Thank God. Determined to give her what she needed, I twisted and crooked my fingers, finding that spot I knew she liked.