A/N: Guys, the reviews have been so sweet and made my days. I was super nervous about this story. So thank you all. :D
"Holy hell," Julia jumped as her boyfriend walked into the apartment. They'd only been together for three months, but Julia had pretty much taken up residence with the consulting criminal. "Jim, are you okay?" She rushed to his side. He was covered in blood, yet seemed oddly calm.
"I'm fine," he said awkwardly. "I had to get involved today. I don't like to get involved in the business. Strangers are one thing. Associates…" Jim ran a hand through his hair. And that's when Julia knew not to ask questions. Jim killed people sure. But they were always people he'd never met before. Or those he disliked. Today, someone who had asked for his help or who worked for him had needed to be disposed of. And somehow it fell onto Jim's shoulders.
"Darling," she cooed going towards him. Jim sighed heavily as she led him to their shared bathroom. She had a trash bag with her that she filled with the casual clothes Jim had worn that day. Luckily it wasn't Westwood. He sat on the bench of the shower with his head in his hands.
"I actually liked him," Jim stated simply. "Almost as much as Seb. He was the only one other than Seb. But he had to fucking talk."
"Jim," she said, looking him in the eyes. "You did what you had to do."
"Still think I'm not a monster?" he laughed bitterly. "Still think you're safe with me?"
"Jim, I still feel safe with you. You're my knight in slightly rusted armor." She maneuvered him to the bathtub. He sat in it as she turned on hot water and used the attached shower head to slowly start to melt the congealed blood off of Jim's back.
"Oh how wrong you are. I'm going to hurt you Julia."
"God dammit Jim," she snapped, halting her progress. "You've done some bad stuff. You kill people. I get it. But oh my god, I feel safe with you. Don't question my logic. My gut just tells me you may hurt everyone else but you won't hurt me. It may even be for purely selfish reasons. But you won't hurt me. So please stop telling me you will."
Jim's face became serious. He focused on his hands, brow knitted, as Julia bathed him. When he thought about it, he realized he hadn't had someone take care of him like this in a long time, much less let them see him so vulnerable. Here he was, sat naked in the bath, covered in blood, and revealing his insecurities. Julia had him lean his head back as she set to work on his hair. Jim could watch her now. She seemed focused as she massaged his scalp. Somehow, the little bookshop owner really didn't fear him. Even when she was washing someone's blood off of him, she knew he wouldn't hurt her. Jim wasn't as sure in that fact, but he did know he would do anything to keep Julia safe.
She caught him watching her and smiled. Jim felt the unfamiliar sensation of butterflies in his stomach as he gave a smile back. She leaned down to kiss him chastely before finishing her work. Once he was free of all blood, she handed him a towel before stepping into the bedroom. She came back with a clean set of clothes and handed them to Jim. He dressed as she threw the towel in a hamper. Taking his hand, she pulled him into bed and snuggled into his chest. Drawing lazy circles up and down her arm, Jim just watched her.
"Darling?" he asked, speaking for the first time since her outburst.
"Yes?" she asked, perching her chin on the hand that was on his chest.
"Did you really mean that? You feel safe with me?" he mumbled. It was new. Having someone he actually cared about, much less someone who cared for him.
"Of course I do Jim. I'm here, aren't I?"
"But you're here alone so often. I won't always be home."
"It's lonely when you're gone. But worth it when you come back." Jim was silent for a moment. He didn't want her to feel alone. But he didn't want her around other people. She was his. Then it hit him. She'd been talking since they met about how much she missed having animals around.
"We should get a pet." She looked at him and raised an eyebrow.
"Jim, we technically don't live together. I have a flat."
"Then move in with me. And we'll get a pet." The grin that spread over her face made the butterflies return. "I'll take that as a yes?" She nodded before kissing him.
"Can we go today?" she asked, half joking.
"If you want to," he answered. She leaped out of bead and he chuckled, despite himself. He rolled out of the bed and slid his shoes on as Julia grabbed her handbag. "Shall we then?"
"Yes!" she giggled. Once they'd arrived at the pet shop, she instantly ran towards the puppies. Jim came up behind her.
"So I'm guessing we want a puppy?" he laughed, his Irish accent almost melodic. Julia nodded, curls bouncing. She was scanning all the puppies. Then she spotted a puppy that had shied away from the others. She was white, but her ears and eyes were brown as were the spots on her left side and in the center of her forehead. "Someone's in love." Jim found the shopkeeper and soon the puppy was in Julia's arms.
"Jim," she sighed. "Look at her!" Jim nodded, stroking the puppy's head.
"And that one," the rotund shopkeeper chimed in, "is a smart girl. Already pretty close to housebroken. Only does her business when she's being walked, unless she has to."
"I'm guessing this one then?" Julia nodded.
"I'm off to find the things!" she giggled as she carried the puppy off to find a collar, leash, and all the other things she could want. "I'm thinking Betsey. Do you like that?"
"She's a lovely one," the old man said with a smile. "Reminds me of my wife when we were young. You're a lucky one."
"I know," Jim answered as he strode towards Julia. She'd found a light pink collar and matching leash. She had then tucked under one arm and a couple of rubber dog toys in her hand. She was examining bowls. "I'll take those," he kissed her cheek as he took the things from her and her hand was immediately back to the puppy that was nestled against her.
"Thank you sweetheart. We just need a bowl, food, and treats. Then I'll make Betsey a tag! She's such a good girl. Oh! But she'll need a bed," Julia babbled excitedly as She picked up darker pink food and water bowls. She grabbed a matching mat to place them on and placed them in the cart Jim had acquired. Twenty minutes later, they had added a polka dotted dog bed for the living room, a striped one for the bedroom, a tag, food, treats, and another toy Julia insisted the dog needed. Jim would normally have found such a spree for a dog ridiculous, but Julia's smile convinced him it was all necessary. They loaded themselves into the car and Jim couldn't help but smile as he petted Betsey's head. Maybe Julia was good for him after all.