“Meet Sally.” The dog sat and offered his paw.
“Take it,” Steven stated behind her and she shook her head.
“Take it now, and I promise it will be okay. Trust me,” Mason whispered. She felt his warm breath against her hair and the way his hand remained on her waist from behind her. She felt as if she could trust his judgment here. After all, he was the dog trainer. It was his firm voice that both aroused her senses and ignited a need to prove she was tough enough to handle her fear. Truth was, she wouldn’t be able to do this without him and Steven present.
She reached down and took his paw. The dog licked her hand, and she nearly passed out.
“Oh God.”
“It’s okay, baby. He likes you.” Mason clasped a hand over her shoulder, and she felt the warmth and protection from his touch seep through her skin.
One by one, Mason called the dogs over to greet her. They were so well trained it scared her, but she couldn’t shake all their paws. It was just too much for her after living in fear of big dogs. They responded immediately to Mason’s or Steven’s voice and commands. The men had the same effect on her.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she said, her voice shaking, but she did pet each animal.
She met each of the Rottweilers. Zeus, Alpha, Princess, Rex, and last, she met Toby. Toby totally seemed to know that she was fearful. He took position by her side and every so often would use his snout to push against her hand. Their heads were huge just like the rest of them, so she couldn’t ignore Toby or the others. It was way too much, too soon, and she panicked, having all the dogs this close to her. As Toby licked her hand, she thought she felt teeth and practically jumped into Mason’s arms
She pressed her face against his chest and gripped his shirt with her hands.
“Please. I can’t do this.”
Mason held her and caressed her back as Steven gave commands to the dogs.
Mason tilted her face up toward him. “It’s okay. You did really good. I promise, Sally, that they won’t hurt you.”
She swallowed hard and slowly released her tight grip on his shirt.
It was silly, but she was completely exhausted after meeting the five dogs and ready to lock herself in a room and hide.
“Let’s get you settled inside,” Mason stated, and they all entered the house.
Mason walked her into the house and suddenly Toby and the dogs were surrounding her like guards as she entered the house.
She froze in place and covered her face with her hands.
“Please, Mason. I’m scared. Call them off.”
“They’re protecting you. They’re making sure that you’re safe.”
“Oh, Jesus. Tell them I’m fine please.”
Steven said something in what sounded like German and the dogs dispersed. Except for Toby.
* * * *
“What do you think?” Steven asked Mason as they prepared some food for lunch.
“I think there’s more to her fears than we know. No wonder she seemed so beaten down. Monte was right. Alexa and Sally were abused and threatened like this by men before. She’s worn out and feeling defeated,” Ma
son stated.
“Well, we know how that feels. Been there before.”
“Still getting over it,” Mason added and Steven stared at him.
“To be honest with you, Mason, I haven’t thought about Jess in months. It was over a year ago.”
“That’s good news then. You’ve finally come to realize that she was nothing but a cheating, lying bitch who used you,” Mason said then placed the vegetables into the large skillet. He started sautéing them and added minced garlic and onions to the pan.