I do not own Pepe or Penelope

Author's Note: Now if you haven't read Love at Many Sights and Scents, do so you'll understand this chapter!

Set right after the romantic event of Roses.

Chapter Four

Protective

She loved being married to him.

Penelope still had her eyes closed as she and Pepe kissed some more. She felt so content with him as if she had nothing to hide from him. She recalled the first time she met him after they accidentally ran into each other in Casablanca. She never would have guessed she would be here, in his house, on their bed, kissing him. Thinking about how they met Penelope suddenly remembered something she had almost forgotten.

That frightening feeling of those two skunks who tried to take advantage of her. Their husky voices decorated with the stench of cigars. The knife pressed against her chest that they also felt for sickening pleasure.

She had stopped kissing Pepe and trembled. Pepe could feel her body move under him and got off her. He saw the expression on her face. It looked like she was going to cry.

"Pepe," she whispered. "Something bad happened to me, right before I found you."

"What happened to you?" asked Pepe with concern in his voice.

Penelope got off the bed and walked to the window as if to make sure no one was there. The blinds were down, so no one could see through, only the shine of Paris could be seen.

"I was running from someone," she started. "Two cons…they were trying to…"

Pepe went to her side rested his hands on her shoulders to ease her.

"They tried to take advantage of me." Penelope managed to say.

"What?!" a threatening tone came from Pepe.

Penelope continued she faced him her eyes glistening. Why did she cry so much?!

"They put a knife against me and felt for my breasts. They threatened to kill me if I didn't do what they wanted. One of them touched my side under my shirt, but I managed to break free from their grasp. I was running for a long time until…you…I."

Pepe looked sad for her and gently brushed away a tear that fell from her right eye.

"Why have zhe worst zhings happened to you?" he whispered tenderly.

"Now you know another part of my past," said Penelope. "That's why I would run. Fear of men, fear of skunks, yet I'm here with you."

"Penelope?" asked Pepe looking seriously into her eyes. "Do zhey hurt you? Een any ozher way?"

"No." said Penelope. She felt upset with herself. As if they cons had been her fault. "This is my fault."

"You were a veectem," said Pepe. "I don't want anyone hurting you."

Penelope leaned her head to his chest as a few little tears soaked into the dark fabric of his shirt. Her hands held firmly onto his shoulders.

"Penelope," said Pepe as he pressed her to him to comfort and protect her. "I won't let anyone hurt you when I around." A threat came into his eyes as he glanced out the window. "I weell protect you from anyzhing zhat dares to cause you pain."

Penelope felt the strength of his arms tightly around her and she felt comfort.

"You don't have to tell me that," she said gently. Her tears were stopping. "I already know that you would. I remember wanting someone to come and save me. I wanted my father to be there. I knew he wouldn't be there since he was far away, but I was hoping so hard. Even a kind stranger would have been good. Even you would have been a well enough to save me."

"I'm your husband," said Pepe lovingly. "Eet's my responsibility to protect you. Eef I had known somehow I would've."

"You have kept me under your protection twice," said Penelope looking into his eyes again. "With those two bandits in the alleyway and the life I was forced to live if you hadn't come."

Pepe guided her over to the bed and sat her down next to him, both still hanging on to the other.

"I'm sorry about crying," said Penelope. "It must be awkward for you."

"Non," said Pepe. "I don't mind. Both of my shoulders are reserved for your tears."

"Really?" said Penelope, leaning onto one of them.

"You're zhe only girl of mine to do so and have such support," said Pepe smiling. "Eez zhere anyzhing I can get you?"

"No," said Penelope. She shook her head. "Just don't let go of me."

Pepe rested his head on top of hers, and then leaned back so Penelope could rest on his chest. Penelope did so, still not letting go off his shoulders.

"Have I told you zhat I love you?" Pepe said softly. Penelope eyes were half-closed as he said that.

"You have many times these past few days," she said.

"I love you," said Pepe. "I love saying zhat."

"I love you," said Penelope. "I'm glad I found you."

Pepe's right hand fingers massaged Penelope's side. The same side that one of the cons lustfully touched. This time Penelope wasn't afraid, she was safe and loved. They both fell asleep that way, in the love of the others arms.