Page 60 of His Sold Fated Mate

I pulled her up and turned to Cal. “Can you take care of this?”

Cal nodded, and I took Aubrey to my vehicle. I buckled her in and drove back to the house slowly. I couldn’t help but keep glancing at her, making sure she was okay. She wiped at her eyes, sniffling.

“Aubrey.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Stop apologizing.”

“But I am. If I hadn’t gotten upset and stormed off, none of this would have happened.”

I shook my head. “Any of this could have happened, Aubrey. None of this is your fault.” Even if I hadn’t left her alone for those two minutes, it could have happened another time. She could have run to the bathroom, and he could have snagged her there. He could have tried to sneak it late at night. Anything was possible.

She looked at me with such hurt eyes.

“You are not at fault, Aubrey. What happened today could have happened another time. What matters is that you are safe and alive. That’s all I care about.”

She slowly nodded as I pulled up to the house. I took her inside and headed straight up to her room. I set her down on the bed, headed into the bathroom, and started a bath. I threw open the bathroom closet and searched for the first-aid kit I knew was in here.

“Klaus, I’m fine.” Aubrey stepped into the bathroom.

“I’m taking care of you.”

“I swear.”

“Aubrey, don’t argue with me.” I spotted the kit and pulled it free from the top shelf. “Now, sit.” I pointed toward the edge of the tub.

I ripped the kit open. I cleaned her forehead and placed some gauze down. I checked her lip, making sure it wasn’t too busted.

“Alright, you should be good. Do you want a hand into the tub?”

She raised an eyebrow. “You’re not going to help me take a bath, are you?”

“Aubrey, you smacked your head. I have every right to be concerned. You could have a concussion.”

She didn’t argue with me and blushed. “Can you at least turn around while I get in?”

“I’ve seen you naked.”

“And you don’t need to see it again.”

I sighed and turned around. I could hear her clothes drop before the splash of water. I turned, her little frame sitting in the bubbly water. She held her knees to her chest, resting her chin on her knees.

I bent down, kneeling. I leaned over and tilted my head as I looked at her. I reached a hand out, curling a strand of hair around my finger. “How is your head?”

She shrugged. “It hurts a little.”

I frowned. “Are you sure you don’t want to get checked out?”

She nodded. “I’m just tired from this day. This bath helps.”

I splashed water over her back, soaking her in. It wasn’t even sexual but rather seeing her so raw and vulnerable. I’d been watching her for months, but this was different.

“Is he dead?” she whispered.

I didn’t think there was a chance he was alive, but I would call Cal to confirm. “I’m sure. “I’ll call Cal once you’re out.”

She pulled her gaze down to the water. I reached a hand out, stroking her hair. The moment felt so perfect.