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“I nearly had heart failure…” he said hoarsely, his voice a whisper.
“I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“I just wanted to make sure your ex wasn’t here, causing you problems… which is why we are going shopping today. We are getting some self-defense goodies.”
“I’ve got mace and a taser. I’m fine.”
“You are not fine,” he countered firmly. “I want you to have mace in your car, your purse, every room, close at hand… and we’ll see what other items we can locate.”
“No guns,” she said firmly, and he nodded.
“No guns – because if someone takes it from you or you drop it because you are scared…?”
He didn’t have to finish the sentence.
Jax’s hand was still cupping her cheek, his thumb caressing the skin lightly, and she should have been frightened or something… but instead she was seeing him in a different light, glimpsing at the protective, caring man he was.
Perhaps Glory was right, and it was time to give the ‘good guy’at the back of the room a chance, no matter how unsettled it made her feel. The idea that someone could have her back, support her, encourage her to grow strong and fight, not to be frightened, was a heady sensation.
“I never want you to be scared again,” Jax said softly, “…And this is something I can do for you, to help you feel secure.”
“Jax,” Mary hesitated, her hand trembling as it slowly moved upwards to touch his where it rested on her cheek. He hesitated and started to pull his hand away – only for her to stop him.
“Little steps… okay?”
He nodded silently, and she watched his Adam’s apple bob slightly as he swallowed in understanding.
“You set the pace,” he breathed. “I’ve got all the time in the world – and you will have as much space as you could want the moment I’m gone.”
“I don’t know if that’s good or bad.”
He smiled softly.
“You never know… you might miss me?”
“I might,” she admitted, looking away at that moment, because it was so intense, and that skittish girl inside of the woman was still there, no matter how brave she was trying to be.
“Let’s head out and see what we can find today,” he said easily, moving his hand from her cheek and lacing his fingers with hers.
* * *
Jax offeredto let Mary drive while he read out the directions to her – and she was kinda glad, because it was putting her in control once again.
This shopping adventure was certainly eye-opening, and she had never seen such gear, equipment, and items as what was on display, discussing everything and asking questions.
“I think we should get one of these,” Jax said openly, showing her a massive, intimidating latch that went on a door. “This bar catches the slide and mounts to the door frame, not the trim. If someone tried to break in, they’d have to shatter a 2x4, and that should…”
“Yes,” she breathed, stunned, never dreaming that something like this could exist in the world.
“Really? No comments or arguments?” he teased, grinning.
“No. I need…”
“You need a space to feel safe,” he finished softly with gentle understanding. “Which is why we are here. This will only take a few minutes for me to install, and it might help you feel better.”
“You don’t mind?”
“Not in the slightest,” he said easily, winking at her. “It means I get to spend more time with my friend.”
