Page 87 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

Mr. Hartwell nodded. “Of course, Your Grace.”

“You will regret this, mark my words!” Lord Verimoor called, but Alexander ignored him.

Instead, he turned to Rose and gently stroked her face. “Did he do this to you?”

Rose nodded. “Yes. After I spat in his face again.”

“I should have struck him.” Alexander half turned, but Rose caught his hand, shaking her head.

“He is not worth it.” She kissed each of his knuckles. “And he will have an adequate punishment.”

“Nothing will ever be enough for the harm he has done.” His breath caught in his chest. “When I think of what he might have done to you…”

“But you saved me.” Rose’s voice broke. “You saved me.”

Alexander held her tightly. “I promised I would always keep you safe.”

Rose began to weep. He held her tightly, although he couldn’t suppress the tremors coursing through him. He whispered quiet words of comfort, breathing in the scent of her and letting her feel his warmth. When she had stopped, he gently cupped her face in his hand and kissed her forehead.

“Will you take me home?” Rose asked.

Alexander nodded and then glanced around. Through some stroke of luck, his horse was standing nearby, grazing on some grass. He led her to the beast.

He mounted his horse easily and then pulled her up in front of him. “It shall be a slow journey home.”

“I do not mind,” she murmured against his chest. “I know you will keep me safe.”

“Always,” Alexander whispered.

He clicked his tongue, and his horse began to walk. As he held Rose in his arms, and the sun slowly began to set in the sky, he felt as though his life were finally beginning.

At last, I am free.

When they reached the grounds of Emberly, Alexander helped her down from the horse. He held her in his arms and carried her to the castle.

A small crowd was waiting for them. Both his and Rose’s family descended on them. Everyone clamored to be close to Rose. They wanted to know she was safe.

“Rose? What happened?” The question was repeated over and over as Rose’s mother and sisters fought to touch some part of her, as if to reassure themselves that she was safe.

Olivia, too, seemed desperate to be close to her friend.

As their families peppered her with questions, Alexander held Rose close, keeping them from overwhelming her.

My body is your shield.

He moved so that he was between them and her. The feel of her head nestling into his shoulder released a tension he had not realized was there.

“Please, Rose needs space and time.” Alexander met each person’s gaze as he made his way through the small crowd. “I will tell you everything, but for now, please, give us a moment.”

He tried to sound reassuring, breathing in the familiar scent of Emberly mixed with Rose’s citrusy scent. Warmth spread through him, and his shoulders relaxed. She was safe, and they were home. Everything was right in the world.

Epilogue

One Year Later

Alexander paced back and forth in his study. He glanced at the grandfather clock. It was half past. That could not be right. A scream rang throughout the castle, and he leaped towards the door.

A strong hand caught him. “You must stay where you are, man.”