Page 168 of When We Fall: Part One
“Tell me, Constantino, does Alessandro have a chance to join Rosalie while you live?”
“No,” I answered, knowing it was true. While I’d consider it in a different life, this was not that life.
“And why is that?”
I shook my head, choosing my words carefully. “Because if he joins us, he has no reason to take her and keep her safe. Plus, Cole fucking hates him and Enzo isn’t interested.”
“And your sugar daddy?”
“He is accepting.”
Matteo nodded. “I find it strange how you’re all able to share and love the same woman.”
“It must be love,” I said, staring him down.
He smiled. “It must be.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “So our plan is still our plan?”
“Yes.”
“Good to hear.” He hit a button on his desk. I had no idea what the hell it did, but I was sure I would find out soon enough.
He sat watching me for several long minutes without a sound in the room. His stare was unnerving, so I did my best not to look at him. He reminded me of my father if my father were oozing danger and violence.
Finally, there was a soft knock, and the door opened. I turned to see Anson step into the room, Rosalie behind him
I was on my feet in an instant and rushing to her.
“Oh god, baby,” I choked out when I saw her face. I cradled it gently, my eyes burning and my throat tight as I stared down at the damage that had been done. “Fuck.”
“I’m OK,” she said softly, resting her hands over mine on her face. “Just a little sore. That’s it.”
I looked at Anson, my bottom lip trembling.
“I killed him,” Anson said. “He’s dead.”
I glanced to see that his hand was bandaged and he had a bruise along his cheek. I gave him a tight nod.
“Thank you,” I whispered to him. I didn’t hold back. I closed the distance between us and pulled him in for a fierce hug.
He held me back, his lips at my ear. “I would do it all over again, Fox. I swear I would. She’s my whole fucking world.”
“I know. I know she is,” I whispered back to him. “Thank you for saving her.”
“Don’t thank me. I’d die for her. You know that.”
I did know that. I pulled away from him and caught Matteo watching the scene with Klaus and Alessio next to him, a peculiar look on his face.
Quickly, I returned to Rosalie and wound my arm around her waist.
“May we leave?” I asked. It was only a formality. I was fucking leaving whether Matteo liked it or not.
“You may. That was our deal,” Matteo said, his voice low, his eyes on Rosalie. The expression on his face had morphed into a curious one. “Bel fiore.”
Rosalie looked at him as he approached us, her green eyes wide. I stiffened as he stopped in front of her and cradled her cheek.
“Remember what I told you.”
“That you like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and liars aren’t welcome in your home,” she whispered.
