Page 39 of Into the Fire

“What? Really?” My heart jumped into my chest. “H-how do they even cancel a hit on someone’s life?”

He cradled my face. “It usually happens when the person demanding the hit dies. I assumed it was old man Croft. Rumor has it he’s gone missing.”

“Did-did you. . .?”

“It wasn’t me. Or us. I don’t know what happened to him,” he said, answering the question I’d faltered on. “All I know is the hit is gone per Emilio. My parents are coming home.”

“Does that mean you won’t have to do this anymore?” My heart beat harder, desperate to hear the words from his mouth.

“Sunshine.” He pulled me down to him. “I will always have to do this, but I’ll get to back away for now. My dad will take over once he returns. We can focus on the wedding, and I’ll take you out to dinner now.”

My heart deflated. I guess maybe I’d been hoping we’d be done with this life but deep down I knew that was just a pipe dream.

“Don’t be sad,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “I know you hate all of this. I’m trying so hard.” He squeezed me against him.

“I know you are,” I answered, hugging him back. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize for feeling what you feel. Just know that I will do everything within my power to make sure you’re happier. Things should get better now.”

“Promise?”

“I fucking swear it, Rosalie.” He tilted my chin up and kissed me.

“What about your dad wanting you to break up with me?”

“Never happening. You will always be mine.” He kissed me again. “Mrs. DeLuca.”

I smiled against his lips, earning another kiss from him.

“Rosalie?”

“Mm?”

He kissed me deeper.

“Will you go out on a date with me?”

I practically melted against him. “Yes.”

We continued to kiss, tangled up in one another for what felt like hours, before my eyelids grew too heavy and he pulled away from me, allowing me to rest against his chest, his arms around me.

“I love you,” I mumbled sleepily, my heart full despite my concern for what Anson had going on. I remained hopeful he’d tell me soon. Holding out hope had gotten me and my guys to a better spot, at least in this moment. Maybe it would work with Anson too.

“Sleep, beautiful,” Enzo’s soft voice called out.

I drifted off, hearing him continue to speak of his love for me and a vow to keep me forever.

It was just like it used to be.

Except for the fierceness of his promise.

It sounded more like a threat, but that was OK. I wanted to be his forever.

So I let sleep take me, his promises a blanket around me, holding me tightly.

TWELVE

FOX

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