Page 96 of When We Fall: Part One
Fox: Hey, babe. Checking in to see how you’re doing.
Her reply came quickly.
Rosalie: Cotton and I are watching TV and working on a song. I’m fine. Promise. I love you.
I smiled down at her answer and thumbed out a reply.
Fox: I’ll be home soon. Keep a spot warm for me so I can join you and Cotton.
She sent me back hearts and another promise. It only fueled my fire to get the hell out of here sooner.
I turned and took in Enzo and the guys at the booth in the VIP section. E still looked like he was ready to run out of his skin. Sighing, I went back to them and slid in next to him.
“You good?” I murmured as I spotted Vander Veer walking toward us with a younger man I didn’t recognize and Celeste in tow.Fucking hell.He toted that bitch all over like a damn prized toy poodle.
E’s gaze followed mine, his body stiffening.
“No,” was all he said as Vander Veer reached us. Enzo stood to greet him with a hearty handshake, and they all took their seats.
“Hey, E,” Celeste called out in a sickening, sweet voice.
He said nothing, his leg bouncing faster beneath the table.
“I’d like you all to meet Jared Speckler. He’s a family friend. His father and I go way back.”
I gave the man a polite nod. He smiled out at everyone while Enzo greeted him then went around and introduced all of us.
I tuned everything out as I focused on E. His breathing had picked up, and he was shaking.
It took me a moment to realize why.
Celeste was rubbing his leg beneath the table with her high-heel-clad foot. Irritated out of my mind, I intervened with my foot and gave her a quick kick, which made her whimper and her cheeks darken.
I shot her a look that I hoped got my point across.
Leaning in, I whispered to E.
“Almost out of here. Hold it together.”
He gave me a stiff nod, his breathing not slowing as he neared panic levels.
Cole must have also noticed because he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a dose of sugar before sliding it to E. E didn’t hesitate. He laid it all out on the table and snorted a rail of it before leaning back in his seat.
“Oh, we’re going to really party, huh?” Vander Veer called out, his eyes sparkling.
“Of course,” Enzo said smoothly, shooting a concerned look to E, who had his head back against the booth now, his breathing slowing as the drugs took hold.
Cole wasted no time sliding portions out to everyone but Celeste and me.
“I’d like to try it,” she called out, her bottom lip fixed in a pout. “If I’m to help my father, I think I should know our product?—”
“The product is mine,” E snapped. “Not yours. It belongs to me. You’re just a peon who pushes it. Nothing more.”
“Ethan,” Enzo said in a dangerous tone.
E glared at him for a moment before going silent.
Vander Veer let out a nervous laugh. “It’s quite all right. The sugar daddy is correct. This is his baby. We are merely the ones who enjoy the fruits of his labor. Jared, you need to try this.”
