Aldrich knew he had to hold her, yet at the same time hide the rage he felt within; his body shook with wrath toward these people. Instead of love and support, they had rejected her, and she had desperately tried to hold on. He had to be that someone. Now, more than ever, he was convinced that he cared for her, just having her at his house felt right. Her body was pressed against his, and he held her closer, inhaling her sweet fragrance. With her head on his shoulder, he placed chaste kisses on her forehead and face. He wanted to be the one to protect her. With all his heart, he wanted to be that special someone in her life.
“Bella," his voice sounded hoarse to his own ears. He lifted her chin and looked at her with so much love that tears began to run down her face again; quiet tears. He
