Rolling her eyes, Rose giggled as he picked her up and carried her through to the bathroom. “What are you doing?” she asked.
“We’re taking a shower together, and then we’re going to bed.” He didn’t give her a chance to respond to his words.
Putting her on the floor, he pulled out of her body making her wince. The used condom was removed and thrown into the trashcan.
He took charge, carrying her into the shower. Rose felt loved by his affection. The day had been stressful, but ending with Peter in her arms would make any day worth it.
Peter, from his visits to the library, through to visiting her at her parents had saved her. Did he realise how much life he’d given her? Compared to how she’d been living, Peter had given her a chance to breathe. She felt like a woman, his woman. The thought alone of being consumed, owned and possessed, by Peter was enough to make her toes curl.
Chapter Twelve
The following morning, Peter made Rose breakfast, and then they were in his car, heading toward the local supermarket. The town appeared quiet. People were walking around, but there was no real activity. He saw the frowns on people’s faces. Gabriel’s words must have hit them all. Parking the car, he walked around to Rose’s side of the car. He helped her out of the car, wrapped an arm around her waist, and escorted her through to the supermarket.
Peter couldn’t recall a time in the last twenty-eight years when Cape Falls had been like this. The town’s people were always talking or doing something. Usually, when he came to town, the people loved to talk behind their hands, whispering. No one was doing anything. The grim expressions communicated more than anything.
“Everyone is so quiet,” Rose said, whispering.
“Let’s hope Gabriel got through to them.”
They entered the supermarket. Rose was pushing the trolley, and Peter held her hips as they walked together. He was doing his best to protect her from stares or gossip. He remembered a time when Laura had been in town, and their spiteful behaviour had been directed at her. Peter made sure to always be in the same place as she was. Dean had taken his place, which he was thankful for.
Tightening his grip on Rose’s hips, they made their way to the vegetables and fruit.
No one said a word as they made their way around the shop. Everyone was in their own world.
“This is so weird.”
“It’s good though.”
They were around the canned food section when one of the local women, Cassandra Marton, stopped them. Sh
e was in her early thirties and had married young. Peter knew she’d been one of the biggest gossipers. He made to pass around her, but Cassandra put a hand on the trolley stopping them.
“If you’re going to say something hateful, I suggest you move the fuck on,” Peter said. Years of having to put up with the town’s abuse had finally gotten to him. Rose was special. She was different and pure. She shouldn’t have to put up with negative crap at all. He would fight tooth and nail for her respect in this town. His respect, he didn’t give a crap about; Rose’s respect, however, he did.
Cassandra withdrew her hand. Several other customers had stopped to watch the scene.
“I’m not going to say anything,” Cassandra said. The other woman looked down at her shoes. “I heard what happened, and I heard about you and Rose. I wanted to stop and say that you guys look lovely together.” Cassandra paused. He saw her lick her lips, and her hands shook. Peter couldn’t recall a time a woman was so nervous. “You’ve turned into a fine man, Peter Miller.”
He was shocked when she held out her hand to shake. Peter stared at her hand wondering what the hell was going on.
“Is this some kind of trick?” he asked. He wouldn’t put it past them. The more he thought about the crap he’d put up with, the more it made him wonder why he’d not left Cape Falls.
“No trick at all. I’m disgusted with myself that it has taken this incident to make me open my eyes. The sheriff’s speech hit me hard. Things around here need to change. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen. I can’t assure this is for everyone. This is for me. I’m showing you my friendship and support.” Cassandra’s eyes were bright with tears. “You will not get any trouble from me or my family. You’re welcome, and so is the club, Control. I’ve removed my name from all the petitions. It will be nice to see some change around here.”
Peter’s heart pounded. He stared at her hand, which was shaking. This is what he’d been wanting for a long time. Slowly, he took her hand in his and shook it.
There were a few murmurs around the market.
“I look forward to seeing more of you two.” Cassandra smiled and stepped around them. Rose glanced up at him.
“It’s a start,” he said.
They finished their shopping. A couple of the locals who’d stopped talking to him started to speak to him.
Safely in the space of his car, he drove out to Control. He typed in his security code, and they were allowed inside.
“What you’re about to see is completely private. You don’t talk about this place with anyone else,” Peter said, pulling up into the first available parking space.