Page 126 of Into the Fire

I tried to blink away my tears, but they just kept coming.

Ethan reached out and swiped them away before cradling my face.

“I love you, Rosalie. I’ve always loved you. From the first time I saw you, I knew you were the one for me. Nothing has changed. Nothing. OK?”

I nodded miserably, my heart aching.

“You’re here with us. That’s what matters. We aren’t going anywhere. Are you?”

“No,” I whispered. “I love you.”

He gave me his sweet smile. “And I love you. More than you could ever know. I just. . . I wouldn’t blame you if you left.”

“I’m not going to—”

“I know. I know you’re not, but if you did, I wouldn’t blame you. You deserve so much more than what we’re giving you. You do, Rosalie. I wish you could see that.”

“I only want you guys. However I can have you. I swear it.”

“I know, baby.” He smiled sadly at me again. “I’ve missed you so much these last few days. I’ve been listening outside your door, hoping you’d come see me.”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I’m so sorry. I know you’re struggling too. I’ve been so awful and selfish—”

He pressed his finger to my lips. “Shh. No. You needed to sort through your thoughts and feelings. I know that and don’t want to rush it.”

“You’re not. I missed you too.” I twisted my fingers in his dark t-shirt. His eyes were ringed in black from not sleeping. Guilt shot through me. He needed me, and I wasn’t there for him. “I’m so sorry. For everything, Ethan.”

“I know. It’s OK. It’s going to be OK.”

“Do you promise?”

“Yes. I promise, my sweetheart. We always pull through. This is no different. I’m not leaving. You’re not leaving. The guys aren’t leaving. I’d say as long as we’re all willing to work through things, it’ll be OK. Fox and the guys are fine. They made up.”

I nodded, and he wiped away another stray tear.

“I’m embarrassed to face them.”

“They miss you like I do.”

I sniffled. “Maybe I’ll go down and talk to them.”

“Good.” He offered me a smile. “Rosalie?”

“Yeah?”

“Can-would it be OK if I kissed you?”

“Oh, Ethan.” I breathed out. “Of course, you can kiss me.”

He leaned in slowly before his lips gently brushed against mine in a tentative, sweet kiss that quickly morphed into something deeper and frantic.

“Sorry,” he said breathlessly, making to pull away from me. “I got carried away—”

“Don’t stop.” I reached out for him and brought his lips back to mine. “Don’t ever stop.”

“Hell, sweetheart.” He crushed his lips to mine before we toppled to the floor, him making sure to break my fall before we stripped one another naked. He slowly made his way down my body, his lips paying close attention to every dip and curve before he met my heat.

I tangled my fingers in his hair as he kissed my pussy before licking up it.

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