Page 67 of Into the Fire

We really did mean something to each other.

Something that could hurt someone if we let it.

NINETEEN

ETHAN

Iwatched as Rosalie bid Anson good night. The guys were too busy talking in the kitchen about our meeting with the kings, so I’d wandered out to the foyer only to see Rosalie in Anson’s arms in a full-on hug where they didn’t break away from one another for a long time. We’d arrived home an hour ago, and Anson had stuck around in that time, finishing a movie he’d been watching with her. But now it was time to go.

I bit my bottom lip as I watched the exchange, my arms crossed over my chest. Rosalie had told me about the kiss, and to say it didn’t put the fear of losing her into my heart was a lie. It had been weighing heavily on my mind since she’d told me and had played a big part in my latest nightmares.

I wasn’t angry with her. Being angry with her for caring about someone wasn’t fair, and I knew her heart. She could have easily kissed him back. Fucked him countless times. Ran off with him. The fact she’d stayed with us despite him probably being a hell of a lot better choice screamed volumes to me.

She wasn’t leaving us.

Today.

I knew our asses were on the line though if we fucked up because Anson really could give her everything we couldn’t.

He was the twenty percent.

It didn’t make me hate him. In fact, I’d welcome him in with us if I didn’t think it would piss off Cole to the point of murder. Honestly, I thought he was great. I got along with him and thought he was talented, intelligent, funny, and a way better match for her than any of us were, Fox excluded.

Anson said something softly into her ear that made her squeeze him tighter before she answered back. His eye caught mine when he pulled away from her. If my presence upset him, he certainly didn’t act like it. Nothing phased him. I could appreciate and admire that. Most guys would run away from us, but not Anson. He stood his ground which made me believe even more he would be a good fit with us if Cole and even Enzo would loosen up a bit on him.

“E,” Anson called out, giving me a nod.

Rosalie turned to see me, and her cheeks reddened. I wanted her to know that I wasn’t upset with her, so I stepped forward and wound my arm around her waist before kissing her temple.

“Hey, you good? Rosalie said you’ve been a little off lately. Anything I can do to help?” I asked.

Anson glanced to Rosalie for a moment before shaking his head at me.

“Nah, man. Just life, you know? It can come at you hard sometimes.”

“Don’t I know it,” I muttered. “If you need anything, I’m around. I’m not exactly good at handling my own shit, but I’m good to listen if you just need someone to talk to.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that.” He gave me a genuine smile. “You’re a good guy, E.”

“He’s the best,” Rosalie murmured, snuggling against my chest.

I couldn’t keep the smile off my face at her words. They filled me with so much reassurance that I felt like I was king of theworld even if I knew I wasn’t worthy of wiping the shit off the shoes of the king of the world.

“The invitation stands.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Rosalie, I’ll see you tomorrow, OK?”

She nodded and hugged me tighter, making me happy.

Anson bid me goodbye and left. We stood where we were for a moment before I pulled away and looked down at her.

“It wasn’t what it looked like—”

“I trust you,” I murmured. “You don’t need to explain anything to me. I think Anson is a great guy, and I know you said he’s been a little out of it lately. Sometimes we all just need a hug.”

“Ethan.” She closed the space between us and rested her hands on my chest. “You’re the most amazing person. I love you.”

I leaned down and kissed her. “You’re wrong, sweetheart. You’re the most amazing person. I’m just the lucky guy you love.”

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