Page 44 of Desperate Temptations

J essa still felt like she was moving through a thick pool of molasses. It was hard for her to talk or shift. Concentrating on Cain’s voice was helping. She looked up when a man came to stand beside them. She couldn’t help flinching, but settled when Cain tucked her tighter against his chest.

Her eyes narrowed. Did she know him? She tensed when she decided he didn’t look familiar.

“How’s she doing?”

Cain lightly rubbed her stomach, his other arm holding her tight against him.

“She’s going to be fine. She’s strong and she has me.”

“Should I call the paramedics over here...”

Jessa moaned deep in her throat, her eyes frantic, but glued to Cain’s.

“No!” she whispered.

Cain held her, making gentle sounds and using words he hoped would settle her.

“It’s okay, Sweetheart. No one is going to touch you besides me.”

She focused on his face, still a little lost, but at least she was trying to understand what was going on around her.

“Promise?” she asked.

“Absolutely. I’m here, and I won’t let anyone touch you.”

Quinton cleared his throat, distinctly uncomfortable.

“Um, Cain, we’re going to need a statement from both of you.”

Jessa cringed. Several deleterious emotions filled her. After several seconds, a calm seemed to descend over her, and she seemed to shake away the massive despair at the events that happened that night. Jessa took several deep breaths. When she felt calmer, she looked up at Quinton.

“Can I come in tomorrow and give a statement? I’m exhausted, and I want to go home and sleep. And Cain shouldn’t have to make a statement, I’m the one who shot a man.”

She knew eventually she’d have to deal with the fact that she’d taken a life. It didn’t matter how evil the man had been. He’d still been human.

****

Q uinton threw a questioning look at Cain, caught the look he sent him, and turned back.

“Well, ma’am, the sooner we can talk, the more likely you are to remember the details.”

Cain frowned at him.

“Tomorrow is soon enough,” he growled.

Quinton’s lips pressed together, and he shook his head with a slight grimace.

“Sorry, Cain. The captain wants you guys in the office now. I could drive you guys there?”

Cain pressed his cheek to the top of her head.

“No, I’ll drive us in. Can you give us an hour or two?

I’d like to get her cleaned up and more comfortable first.” He pulled back the blanket to reveal to Quinton the blood spatter on her clothes and face from Aubrey.

“I’m going to run us home, bathe her, and maybe get some food in her, if she can eat, and then we’ll be in.

” Cain looked up at Quinton, his jaw tight and set in determination.

Quinton nodded. “You should be proud of her. She took care of the most vile man I’ve known.”

Cain nodded and kissed the top of her head.

Quinton sighed. “I’ll talk to the boss. Someone brought your truck over. The keys were in it. Take care of her, buddy.” He waved over his shoulder as he walked away from them.

Cain stood with Jessa in his arms, carried her to the passenger side of his truck, and buckled her in. He grasped her chin.

“Everything’s going to be okay, Jessa. I won’t leave you alone. Do you understand?” When she nodded, tears pooling in her eyes, he leaned in and took her lips with his. Showing her, without words, how much he loved her.