Curves & Courage by Christin Lovell Page A

upset if I went away now.
    “Stop thinking.” His expression was solemn, as if he knew where my thoughts had moved. “Arms up.” He grabbed the shirt and helped me into it.
    It was tight. It showed every curve, every swell and even, every bandage beneath it. The shirt was a lightweight, pale blue tee. It was a men’s, so it fell just below the swell of my hips. It would have been longer had my figure not strained the material and demanded more of it in places it wasn’t use to accommodating.
    He wagged his brows as he assessed me. “I like it.”
    I think his dimples just winked at me…
    “I made some steaks. They might need to be heated through again, but you need to eat.”
    I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had steak. My mouth watered merely at the thought of it. I tried not to sound too eager. “Thanks.”
    His signature smirk returned. “Let’s go eat then.”
    I let him take my hand and lead me towards the kitchen. He pulled me so quickly past those gathered in the living room that I couldn’t even reply to their greetings. “Don’t worry. You didn’t offend them,” he hastily said as we rounded into the kitchen.
    The smell of freshly cooked steak wafted towards me. The aroma was heavenly, creating a flood in my mouth from the fragrance alone.
    My wolf sat up, attentive; she wagged her tail for the first time in too long.
    Guilt assaulted me. I would regret stealing this from her later. My choices inadvertently took away hers. Whether she wanted to or not, we would have to face my father together, feel his abuse again together. I would carry that weight with me to the grave. If there was a way I could free her from me, I would. I loved her enough to set her free if I could.
    Chapter 28
    Dominick
    She had a sad, distant look in her eyes. She was here physically, but mentally, she was a continent away.
    I wished I could hear her thoughts, know what she was thinking and feeling. Whatever was running through her pretty head right now was disturbing to her, which upset me. I was trying to protect her from her dad, but I was steadily realizing he would always be with her in one way or another.
    “Strips or squares?” I asked, hoping to pull her back to me.
    “Huh?” Her brows furrowed as she focused on me.
    I smiled, pointing at the steaks. “Strips or squares? Or are you a wilder wolf than I thought?”
    “Um, squares are fine.” Pink seeped around her cheeks, between the dark purple of her bruises.
    We fell into an amicable silence as I cut the meat. I loaded a plate with two large steaks chopped for her. “What do you want to drink?”
    “I’m okay for now, thanks.” She gave me a small smile.
    Frustration riled my wolf and me. She hadn’t drunk anything that I’d seen today. How had she survived all this time? She was my wounded warrior for sure. It didn’t sit well with me though. It pissed me off that one of my kind was mistreated so badly. It pissed me off that it was my mate and, the fact that it was her father doing the mistreating had me damn near hysterical. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the asshole.
    “You can sit anywhere at the table. I’ll bring everything.” I jutted my chin, gesturing towards the dining room table.
    She worked her bottom lip, looking in the direction of the table then back at me. “I can help.”
    I set everything down and walked over to her. “But you won’t.”
    Fear flashed in her eyes, stabbing my heart.
    Dammit. I softened my voice. “Thanks, but I don’t need your help, sweetie. Take the night off for me, okay?”
    A battle of wills commenced. Thankfully, she gave in. With a bit of trepidation, she strolled to the table and sat down in the closest chair.
    I heard her take a deep, shaky breath, as if she was holding back tears. This must have been what Dr. Charles was talking about. Based off her reaction, I guessed she was used to waiting on her father hand and foot, which only further infuriated me.
    I rolled my shoulders, aiming to