Page 115 of When We Fall: Part One

I stared up at the ceiling, restless in bed. Anson was still radio silent with me. Enzo told me he didn’t seem like he’d be back. It hurt for many reasons I was tired of exploring. I only sang for class and didn’t spend much time practicing since he’d disappeared on me. It wasn’t only because he was gone, although that was a big part of it. The issue was having a schedule that would work with the guys, so I had someone topick me up after practice since I wasn’t allowed to walk or drive without someone with me.

I punched my pillow, irritated. Things could have been different. Anson got me excited for my career. With him gone now, it didn’t seem like I’d have much of one since he was the one who pushed me to be better. I could have just gone the teaching route. Instead, I’d gone back to the performing end and was now falling behind from lacking everything I needed to continue.

I hadn’t really spoken to the guys about any of it. I figured I’d get through Enzo’s parents’ visit before I did any of that.

My bedroom door cracked open, and I watched as Enzo came into the room. He moved like a predator, slow and sure, until he was at the foot of my bed. I stared back at him.

“Hey,” he called out softly in his sexy growl. “Can’t sleep?”

I went up on my elbows and shook my head.

Quickly, he undressed and crawled in next to me. He wrapped his arms around me and held me close. I snuggled into his warmth, feeling content.

“Cole told me you want to get a job,” he said after a lengthy silence.

“Yeah. I talked to him about it. He said no.”

Enzo traced small circles on my bare skin with his thumb as he continued to hold me.

“He’s right. It’s too dangerous.”

I let out a sigh, knowing he was right and really hating it.

“We put some money into your account. I want to take care of you, Sunshine. We all do.”

“I want to have my own things too?—”

“I know, baby, and you will. Later. For right now, let us handle everything.” He placed a kiss atop my head. “Please?”

“OK,” I agreed. “If you guys promise?—”

“Anything. In time. OK?”

“OK.”

We were quiet again for a moment.

“Enzo?”

“Yeah?”

“I can probably come home by myself after classes. I know our schedules are really awkward right now. I can drive myself.”

“You haven’t been staying after,” he murmured. “Not since Anson.”

I said nothing, my heart hurting at missing my friend.

“If you promise to come right home after classes and to start going to your practices and booking time in the music room again, I’ll agree to it.”

I blinked at his words, hardly able to believe what I was hearing. I went up on my elbow and stared at him.

“Really? You’re going to let me drive myself? I-I can come and go as I please?—”

“You can drive to and from classes and practices. A trial run. Just swear to me that’s all you’ll do. It’s not safe, but I’ll be sure to send my guys to watch. Deal?”

I nodded vigorously, so elated I thought my face would break from smiling so hard.

“Fuck, I’ve missed this smile,” Enzo said, his dark eyes drinking me in. “Come here.”