she would get them out in a week. The bruises on her back were beginning to fade and brushing Blue helped work out the knots. The injuries and abrasions around her neck were still too difficult to look at, a sick reminder of how close she’d come to being killed. Her voice grew stronger. Each day she talked a little bit better. She’d been quiet as much as possible, so her voice would be strong when she addressed the board.
She grabbed a brush and stroked Blue’s neck. He nudged her with his big head wanting more. Caught up rubbing down Blue, she didn’t hear Jack come in behind her. He put his hands on her shoulders and gave her a squeeze. Jenna jumped and almost lost her footing. Ever protective, Jack steadied her by wrapping his arms around her and drawing her back to his chest.
His voice came out low and husky at her ear. “It’s me. Leave my horse alone and come to bed with me.”
She leaned into him, savored his warmth and strength wrapped around her. “You scared me. I’m all wound up about tomorrow. I thought a little exercise would help me sleep.”
Blue shifted and nudged Jack’s shoulder.
“I think your horse is jealous.” Jenna gave Jack a sweet smile over her shoulder.
“Yeah, well he can join the club. So far, Sam and Ben fit into that category, too. They both think I don’t deserve you. I’m sure they’re plotting to steal you away from me.”
“No way,” she said, astonished and embarrassed. She turned in his arms and placed her hands on his chest.
“Sam’s convinced he can get you to leave with him. He doesn’t even mind the babies are mine, because, well, technically we have the same DNA, so no one can prove they aren’t his.”
“Good lord. Is this what you guys talk about while you’re watching ball games and drinking beer?”
“Nah, mostly he and Ben talk about how they’ll get rid of me and hide my body.”
“Stop it. That’s not funny. Besides, that’d be hard to do these days with all the guards. Three are watching us right now.”
“Not us, you. They’re plotting how they can get rid of me and still keep an eye on you at the same time.”
“All right, that’s enough. Take me to bed and claim me as yours.”
“I’ve already done that, it doesn’t seem to convince anyone. They still want you for their own.”
“Enough, Jack.” She couldn’t help smiling and laughing with him. Blue gave her a nudge as she passed him. She came to his head and stood in front. He bowed to her chest and she kissed him on the forehead.
“Goodnight, Blue.”
“Sam’s right, you’ve turned this mean beast into a puppy. Speaking of puppies, have you seen what Trixie did to my shoes? I don’t think I have a pair left that she hasn’t sank her teeth into.”
“That’s not true. I put several pairs on the shelf in the closet. She’s going through a phase. She’ll grow out of it. Where is she?”
“Locked in the kitchen, gnawing a bone, indulging her chewing fixation. Sally made it down the stairs on her own. She’s working on a bone of her own.”
“She’s getting better every day,” Jenna said, thankful for small blessings.
They walked back to the house, three guards following behind them. She tried not to resent them.
Jack held her hand and she took pleasure in that small kindness. Jack showed her she was loved. He did it in the smallest of ways, but they never failed to pass without her noticing or touching her heart.
Jenna headed upstairs to their room and Jack let Trixie and Sally out of the kitchen. She changed into a soft pink silk nightgown and sat on the bed. Jack, Sally, and Trixie came into the room.
“I’m nervous about tomorrow,” she confessed. “I don’t know if I can confront him. I don’t know if I can stand there and not be afraid. At the same time I need to be strong and powerful and take over a company. Oh, God. I’m taking over an entire company. Why did I think I could do that?”
“Because you can. You are strong. You’ll go in there and show him he can’t hurt you anymore. You’ll make him pay for everything he’s done.”
“It’s just that, now that it’s time to do it, I’m nervous.”
Jack stood in front of her while she put her arms around his thighs and rested her head on his stomach. He brushed his hands through her