Page 29 of Break

Ethan and I look at each other when a small sound escapes from the woman huddled in the back, but neither of us presses her on what about his statement bothers her.

I continue the conversation, pretending we didn’t hear her. “Agreed. He’s always been an asshole, but this?” I shake my head because I just don’t understand it. “Find out from Vincent when we can get a copy of the report they’re filing on him.” Raising my voice so Mina knows I’m including her, I tell her, “Typically, the station will provide us with the report and any evidence they collect so we have the whole picture and can make decisions based on the type of threat they pose. I believe Cooper explained that to you before I showed up, but I wanted to make sure you knew. If you have questions about that, or anything else, please ask me whatever you’d like.”

A small blush climbs her neck, then cheeks, before disappearing under her bruising, when I tell her I’m going to read her report. Normally, it’ll include a witness statement, which is incredibly personal. Many victims find themselves embarrassed by what happened, like theyletit happen.

Maybe it’s a mistake on my part, but I continue, “I’m going to read over the report because it’s important for me to know what happened so I can protect you better. Knowing how to do it is the main part of my job. It’s not to judge you or anything. Whatever happened, it’s not your fault…” I trail off when her shaking hand reaches up to tuck a strand of loose hair behind her ear.

Whispering through the side of his mouth, Ethan hisses, “Back. Off.”

I glare at him but bite my tongue for the rest of the drive.

Arriving at the house is uneventful, but I notice as she takes in the large farm-style building that she appreciates what I’ve done with the place. The chipping paint on the front porch gives it character, and I’ll stand by that statement until I get around to finally painting the damn thing.

Opening the front door, I hold it open for Mina to enter, completely forgetting about my goddamn dog. “Walter!”I lunge for his collar, but the bastard is already sailing past me, my fingertips only grazing his coat above his ass.

Mina only has one foot on the front step when she gasps. I watch in horror as her eyes widen when my big ass lug of a dog flies at her, tail wagging and tongue hanging out in excitement.

I cringe as he slams his body into hers, shoving her back a few feet before Ethan can wrap his hands around her waist to stop her fall. Guilt fills my stomach when she cries out in pain, either from Walter or Ethan’s hands gripping her bruised skin.

“Fuck! Jesus Christ, Mina. I’m so fucking sorry.Walter!You idiot,SIT!” I order him and I look to the sky, throwing up a huge thank you to the big man for my dog obeying me for once in his life.

Ethan helps her gain her balance, releasing her once he’s sure she’s stable. “You good?” he asks, worry etched across his face. He’s holding his hands out like he’s ready to catch her, but she steps away from him. She’s trembling, but steady.

“Fine,” she wheezes out.

“Seriously, I’m really sorry about him.” I glare at my dog when I sayhim, and he at least has the decency to lower his head when he hears me. I come closer to her, intending to pull Walter away and take him back inside into my bedroom, but Mina surprises me when she takes a half step forward. She’s holding her hand out to him, letting him scent her. His nose touches her palm, and then slathers it with his tongue once he approves of her.

Some of my worry leaves when I see her give him a soft smile. Her head tilts slightly to the side as she strokes her hand over the side of his face and cups his jaw. I swear to God, that bastard closes his eyes in bliss, like he’s ready to soak up every scrap of affection she will give him.

“Do you want me to get him away? I promise he’s not aggressive. He’s just excited to meet someone new,” I tell her, ready to remove him if she gives me any sign she wants him gone.

Shaking her head stiffly, she glances at me before letting her eyes fall away. “No, he’s fine.” Leaning toward him, I hear her whisper, “You’re a good boy, aren’t you?”

Ethan slides his hands into his pockets and raises a brow at me. I don’t know what he’s asking, but I’m sure if it’s important, he’ll let me know. “Do you, umm… Do you want to come inside? I’ll show you around and let you get settled in. I’m sure you’re ready for a nap or something.”

The tiny smile she had for Walter falls from her face at the reminder that she’s at my home; all her discomfort with her new situation wrapping her up like a straightjacket.

Sighing, I try not to let her mistrust bother me. I know it’ll take some time for her to not only recover from the shock of the trauma she went through last night, but also to learn that we’re not the bad guys. That we truly only have her best interest at heart. I’m good at my job, and she’ll eventually see that.

Walking into the house, I have her follow me around the space. I show her the kitchen, dining room, living room, laundry and pantry, as well as an office space that Ethan and I share when we’re catching up on paperwork.

“All the bedrooms are upstairs and there are a couple you can choose from. Whichever you want is fine. Use the laundry whenever you need it and help yourself to any of the food in the fridge and pantry,” I tell her.

The three of us walk up the creaky stairs noisily. Mina nervously wrings her free hand into the side of her scrub top and Ethan looks contemplative as he watches her, hands still in his pockets. “Be right back,” he mumbles, before turning around and heading back down.

“I-” her voice cracks, and she stops herself.

Making it to the landing, I let her step up behind me and look down at her. I remember her always being on the shorter side, and it doesn’t seem like she’s grown much in height since her wedding. “What is it? Do you need anything? The rooms available are the first ones here at the top of the stairs, and one at the end of the hall across from mine,” I tell her, pointing toward my bedroom door.

I give her a moment, trying not to rush her when she answers. “I… I don’t have any clothes or anything to wash. They took what I had at the hospital and gave me these,” she tells me, plucking at her top.

Shit.

“Okay, that’s not a big deal and an easy fix. Let me know what sizes you wear, and I’ll make sure we get you a few changes of clothes to start with.”

The sound of Ethan hauling ass back up the stairs stops her from answering. He’s holding a package of unopened printer paper at his side. Looking at me, then Mina, he asks, “Did you pick a room?”

“N-not yet,” she whispers. I’m sure having both of us surrounding her is disconcerting, so I take a step back, dropping my shoulders to seem less intimidating.

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