Page 9 of Into the Fire

“I’ll speak to Anson,” Enzo said, clearing his throat. “If he’s agreeable to spending the time in making sure you’re getting out more, then I’ll ensure you’re both watched from afar. I can’t just let you go out on your own, but I can let you go out if you’re OK with being trailed. My men don’t have to be in your personalspace, but they’ll be nearby in case you need anything. Are you OK with that?”

“Really?” She looked like she couldn’t believe her ears.

Enzo nodded. “Yes. I want your freedom too. If this would make you happy, then let’s see how it goes. E?”

“I agree. Maybe we can go with you sometimes,” E said, looking to her. “I haven’t been out to a movie in ages. I miss going.”

She grinned at him, practically dancing in her seat.

“Cole?” Enzo looked at me.

I sighed. “I hate Ass Hat.”

She frowned at me, her lips parting.

Before she could get the words out that I knew she wanted to say to me, I spoke.

“I agree too.”

Fighting and saying I didn’t want it wouldn’t do a fucking thing, so I knew I had to accept this loss when it came to this shit. I wanted her freedom too. Giving it to her meant she might see how worth it everything was and stick around. My fear of her up and leaving grew by the day.

This bought me some time to prove to her how much she was loved and cherished.

“Cole?” She got to her feet and came to me, kneeling at my feet. “Thank you.”

I sat forward and tugged her forward into my arms.

“I’d do anything for you, Rosebud. I want you to know that. If this would make you happy, I’ll try. I still hate that prick and want him to get a heaping load of ass herpes though. Just so you’re aware.”

She laughed softly, her fingers twisted in my t-shirt.

“It means the world to me that you’re trying.” She kissed me.

I fell into the kiss immediately, deepening it to pornographic levels.

Ah, there was my dick.It sprang to life in my pants. If it had little dick arms, it would have wavedhello, motherfuckers. I’m here to party.

She broke the kiss off, making me practically sputter in protest. She went to E and hugged him before whispering something to him I couldn’t hear.

He kissed her and murmured something back that made her smile. Moments later, she was kissing Fox before going to Enzo.

He reached for her and brought her onto his lap after kissing her.

“Since we’re all here and things are going OK, Enzo and I set a date,” she said, clearing her throat.

I looked from her to Enzo, who smiled and gave her a squeeze.

“August fifteenth,” Enzo said. “So, save the date.”

I took that moment to look at Fox , who wore a shaky smile. He caught my eye and looked away. I sighed. He was still a mess over it. Honestly, I was too, but was making the best of it the only way I could. By ignoring it and pretending like I was getting her too. If I just kept telling myself she was mine just as much, it helped.

“Congrats,” I said, getting up to clap Enzo on the back and kiss her. “I’m glad. Now I can figure out what I’ll wear.”

“A suit,” Enzo said as I moved to sit back down.

“My birthday suit,” I said, grinning at him.

I’d fucking do it too if it meant these sad fucks would smile for me. I was tired of seeing all the damn frowns.

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