Page 233 of When We Fall: Part One
“I saw Matteo De Santis today.”
I froze at her words, not quite sure how to process them.
“He’s the one who had my nails done. Who bought me this dress,” she continued. “I told him I didn’t have money but would pay him. He said no. H-He likes me. I think we’re friends.”
I was still trying to compute her words and couldn’t find my own.
Finally, I came out of my stupor.
“Matteo De Santis is a dangerous man, Rosalie. Very fucking dangerous.”
“So are you,” she whispered.
I closed my eyes at her words, hating the comparison.
“There’s a difference between us. I would never hurt you for gain. He would.”
“I don’t think he’s like that?—”
“He fucking is!” I shouted, my anger bubbling over. I got to my feet and paced the room. I was beyond pissed. How fucking dare Anson let her be around that fucking monster. I continued my angry stomp, all sorts of ideas going through my head.
I finally turned to her to see her staring fearfully at me. Quickly, I approached her and cradled her face with both hands, forcing her to look up at me.
“Tell me again who you belong to,” I whispered.
“You,” she answered back, her voice wavering. “Fox. Cole. Ethan.”
“If something were to happen to you, do you know what would become of us?”
A tear dropped onto my hand.
“I’m sorry. You’re right. I’ve been stupid and selfish.”
“We all have,” I said thickly. I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath. “I love you, Rosalie. With everything I am or ever will be. You are the woman I want to grow old and die with. I want to share my life with you. With the guys. Have beautiful babies and watch them grow. We can’t fucking do that if you’re harmed.”
“I know,” her voice wavered. “I-I’m so stupid. I shouldn’t have gone. He’s so kind to me. I trust him. I trust Anson.”
I closed my eyes and focused on not going straight to Anson and punching him in the face. Or worse. I had half a notion to end his life and send his body back to his old man, but I didn’t because I knew what that would do to Rosalie.
“I trust Anson, too,” I finally said. “I trust he cares about you and will protect you. I do not trust Matteo De Santis. Please, do not go to him again. Promise me.”
“I promise,” she answered.
“OK. No more. You call me next time Anson needs to meet with his father. Deal?”
“Deal,” she murmured.
I’d started to calm down, but I knew I’d still have that talk with Anson, so we were on the same page.
“Thank you for telling me,” I said, kneeling before her. “I don’t like the secrets either. I’m sorry if I get angry, but I fucking love you and need you more than my next breath. I worry.”
“I know. I love you, too,” she replied.
“Is that all?” I ventured, hoping she wouldn’t drop another bomb on me. I was surprised I’d lasted as long as I had without tearing into someone.
“I, uh, the meeting tonight,” she said, her voice taking on that tremble that put the fear of god into me. “I told myself I wasn’t going to tell anyone, but I think you should know, but you have to promise not to say anything to anyone. Not until I decide.”
My mouth went dry. I nodded wordlessly as she handed me the folder. I opened it and stared down at the contract in front of me.
