I nodded, but the action was wooden. I fisted my hand in Ford’s shirt as he guided us towards one of the benches flanking the back patio. I couldn’t seem to force myself to let go of him. I needed that point of contact more than my next breath.

Ford eased me onto the bench, quickly sinking down beside me and pulling me close. His hand ghosted over my face, stopping just shy of where I could feel my cheek and eye swelling. “Who was it?” His voice was calm, too calm, as if he’d shut off his emotions. I hated it.

“I don’t know. They were wearing a mask.”

A muscle in Ford’s cheek ticked. “Tell me what happened.”

“I didn’t sleep well, so at four, I just got up and went out to the workshop to work on my credenza. I locked my door. At least, I thought I did. Maybe I didn’t. I was distracted—”

“Bell.” Ford gave my shoulder a squeeze. “Whether you locked the door or not, this isn’t your fault.”

I gave a quick, jerky nod. “I worked out there for a few hours. I didn’t hear anything. No cars in the lot. No footsteps. Nothing. When I went up to shower and get ready for work, the door was ajar. I thought maybe I hadn’t shut it firmly and the wind had blown it open. You know this building, it’s old. I didn’t hear anything, so I went inside—”

“Bell,” Ford growled.

“I know, I know. It was stupid. But this is a small town, hardly anything criminal ever happens around here. I stepped inside, and it was just…destroyed. Whoever did this was so angry.”

Ford pulled me even tighter against him, and I soaked up the feeling of warmth. “I thought I was alone. I stood up to call the cops, and it all happened so fast, just this blur of motion. Whoever it was punched me and ran out.”

Ford’s fingers flexed around my shoulder. “Fuck, Bell. This could’ve been so much worse.” He rested his chin atop my head, his breathing ragged. I forced myself to try and pull back, but Ford just held firm. “Please. Let me have this. I need to know you’re here, and you’re okay.”

I swallowed hard but nodded against his chest. I didn’t know how long we stayed like that, but finally, Ford’s breathing slowed, and his muscles relaxed a fraction. He released his stranglehold on me but kept one arm around my shoulders. “It’s going to be okay. They’ll figure out who did this.” He studied my face, eyes zeroing in on my cheek, his jaw hardening. “Have you banned anyone from the bar lately?”