I Only Have Pies for You (Pumpkin Spice Life 1)

“What was that?”

“I-I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. You won’t have any more problems from me. Just ... just let me go.”

“Bullies always show their true colors when they face someone their own size.” Removing his foot, he stepped back. “Go before I change my mind.”

Scrambling to his feet, he limped off.

Alaric turned to her, grasping her hands gently. “Are you all right?”

Throwing her arms around his neck, she pulled him close, trembling as the adrenaline left her. She sagged, trusting him to support her weight.

“Hey. I got you. I won’t let anyone hurt you. The minute the guys at the shop saw him walk down, they told me.” He moved toward the front door. “Come on, let’s get you upstairs.”

She tightened her hold. “Don’t leave me, please.”

“I won’t. Come on. We’ll lock up and hit the lights together. We can get the rest after you’ve calmed down.

“But—”

“Rosaleen ...” he began, his voice stern.

“Okay.” Tonight had shaken her badly. The man she once thought she would spend her life with had intended to do her bodily harm. She’d been minutes away from fighting for what might have been her life. Her world was on fire, and through it all Alaric remained her fortress.

ALARIC

Taking the keys from her trembling hands, he unlocked the front door and guided her inside. Glued to him, she kept their bodies in constant contact. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he guided her to the kitchen.

“How about a cup of chamomile?”

She nodded her head. Her demure persona scared him. Taking her arms, he held them out to study her more closely in the light. “Are you sure you’re not hurt?” Dark smudges in the shape of fingerprints had begun to form on her arm. He growled, and she flinched. “I’m sorry, sugar. I can’t stand the thought of him touching you.” She bowed her head. “Hey.” Gentling his tone, he placed two fingers under her chin and carefully lifted her head to meet his gaze. “You did nothing wrong. This is on him, okay? If you want to report him to the police, I’ll go to the station with you right now.”

“No.” She shook her head frantically. “I don’t want us to end up in legal trouble. He won’t be back. It wasn’t really emotion that drove him, just pride.”

“What a piece of work.”

Rosaleen shivered. “I feel filthy.”

“Then we’ll get you clean.” Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead. Her bathroom was her sanctuary from the world. It was evident in every colorful bath salt, bar, and bubble bath. Placed along the shelves with her hand-crafted lotion, it formed a wall of soothing comfort she could choose from with ease. Leading her to the bathroom, he eased her down onto the covered toilet lid. While the water ran, he opted to use lavender scents to help her calm down. Adding bubble bath, and salts to help with any lingering aches and pains, he knelt in front of her.

“Can I help you get undressed?” He waited patiently.

“Please.”

Worshipping her with gentle kisses on the skin he revealed, he willed her to feel his love. Love? Yeah, love. The understanding hit him like a fastball to the temples.

Turning off the faucet, he tested the temperature with his elbow.

She snickered. “I can tell you’ve been babysitting.”

Hearing her humor lessened the knot formed in his chest.

“I declare your bath fit for her royal highness.” Standing, he extended his hand. His heart swelled when she took it without hesitation and allowed him to help her into the tub.

“So, I’m royalty now?”

“You always were to me.” He helped her sink down into the frothy water. She sighed, and he knelt beside her, grabbing the washcloth. Dipping it into the water, he built up a lather. “I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner.” Lifting her arm, he soaped up her smooth skin.

“Hey, you already went above and beyond. Promise me you’ll never stop reminding me what a real man looks like.”