Page 121 of Into the Fire

“No, because now he fucking knows she’s mine!” Fox shouted back. “That it’s what he can’t have. He wants to join us, but I made it clear that she belongs to me. To us. And that he will never join. Ever. It was a farewell fuck for him to do with what he will.”

“Is that really the reason?” Enzo demanded, his chest heaving and dark eyes flashing.

Fox let out a laugh and shook his head. “No.”

I clenched my teeth so tightly my jaw ached.

“Fox,” Rosalie called out, her voice choked.

“No. Let him come out with it,” Enzo said, glaring at him. “Tell me the purpose in doing something so fucking asinine and disgusting. I’m curious to know.”

Fox stared him down for a moment, a muscle thrumming along his jaw, before he finally spoke. “Because when this world kills me, I want to know she’ll be safe. I have fucking nightmares that I’m on borrowed time. I’m not going pro. I’m not going anywhere as long as I’m here unless it’s an early grave.”

His words chilled me to the bone.

“What are you talking about?” I glanced to see Rosalie staring at him, more tears flooding her cheeks.

“When I die, my dying wish is that she’s set free from what’s left. That you’re smart enough to finally fucking understand that this world will take everything you love from you. I want her freedom from it. Anson is her fucking way out, whether you want to believe it or not. It’s what I want for her.”

“You want her to leave us if you die and go to him?” Enzo snarled. “Why do you think he’s a better fucking option? Huh?He’s a fucking De Santis! The heir to the entire goddamn empire!”

“He could take care of her better than we could,” Fox said, breathing hard. “He’s not interested in a fucking empire. He’s interested inher.”

I blinked rapidly at his words, knowing exactly what he was saying to Enzo. He believed Enzo cared more about his empire than Rosalie.

“What?” Enzo growled.

“You heard me,” Fox continued. “You know it’s true. Tradition has you wrapped around its finger. You’re relentless with it. If it doesn’t kill me, it’ll kill her. You just refuse to see it. Her death may be slower than mine, though. She’ll die over time, a captive behind the four walls you imprison her in. She needs to have an out. He’s it.”

“What the fuck?” I said, getting to my feet. “You fucking think we’re-we’re her wardens?”

“I think we’re not focused on her enough.” Fox looked to Rosalie. “I’m sorry, Rosie. I don’t want secrets anymore, either, baby. They need to know how I feel.”

“Fox,” she said through a watery, sad smile.

Fox turned back to Enzo. “The truth hurts, but there it is. I can accept you marrying her. I can accept babies from Cole. What I can’t accept is her being held back because of either thing.” He paused and looked directly at Rosalie. “So my wish is that if shit happens, Rosalie is free from this life.”

“I’m not a prisoner,” she whispered. “I choose to be here.”

“And yet you choose to entertain feelings for another,” Enzo scoffed, shaking his head. I could tell he was grappling with which subject to address. I felt the same. “You let him kiss you. You let him watch you get fucked. You know what? Let’s just all do it, shall we? Let’s see how much he cares for you.”

“What are you doing?” Rosalie called out when Enzo reached for her and dragged her to her feet.

“Man, don’t fucking do it,” Fox shouted, following as Enzo hauled her from the room. I fell in line, not even knowing what the fuck to think.

“Why not? Only you get to fuck her in front of him? Seems unfair.” Enzo lifted Rosalie into his arms and carried her downstairs.

“What’s going on?” E asked, coming in from the kitchen.

“Enzo. Stop! Don’t fucking do it!” Fox reached out and tried to take Rosalie away from him, but he shoved Fox hard in the chest, sending him toppling back.

The anger I’d been feeling burst free from me, and I punched Fox in the face the moment he tried to come back.

Rosalie let out a shriek, struggling to free herself from Enzo. I was pissed. I’d been keeping all my anger buried, but no more. If Enzo maybe wanted to go kill Anson, I was game.

I’d do it with my bare hands.

Fox dove on me, and we exchanged blows while E tried to break us apart. Enzo must have sounded the alarm because a moment later, the place was swarming with guards.

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