Page 117 of When We Fall: Part One

FOX

Rosalie came downstairs looking beautiful. I smiled at her, taking in the fancy twist she had her hair up in and the pretty green dress she wore. Impressing Enzo’s parents mattered to her, but I knew she didn’t need to try hard at all. Enzo’s mom adored her, and while I knew his dad wanted him not to marry her, he cared for her too. Enzo told me Anthony wanted him to let her go to save her from this life.

As much as I hated to admit it, I agreed more days than not lately.

I still carried my coin from Matteo on me. My plans had hit a wall with Anson’s disappearance, but I knew he’d come back if I made the choice. He vowed it to me. He may think he was doing me a favor, but he wasn’t.

While I didn’t want to fucking die, I also didn’t want Rosalie to either. If my death could save her life, then I was going to do it in a heartbeat.

Cole captured Rosalie in his arms and twirled her around. She laughed and was silenced by his kiss. He broke away from her and slapped her ass before calling out for Enzo.

I shook my head as she approached me, a smile on her lips.

“I haven’t seen you wear your hair up in forever,” I commented.

“Do you like it?”

“Rosie, you could shave your head bald, and I’d love you right down to the shine on your forehead.”

She grinned at me before giving me a playful shove. I snagged her and pressed my lips to hers, earning that soft whimper from her that always made my heart race.

“You look beautiful,” E said, coming into the room from the basement. I released her, and she went to him, offering him a sweet kiss he just ate up.

“Mm, you don’t look so bad yourself.”

He chuckled. “You did buy me this shirt.”

“Exactly.” She kissed him again, making him grin, his green eyes bright. He’d been happier lately. I think Enzo’s promising to let him off from attending meetings lifted a huge burden off his shoulders.

He was smiling more, spending more time upstairs, and had taken to doing photos again. I’d caught him in the backyard just last night shooting pictures of birds, a boyish smile on his face.

“We have to do your engagement photos,” E said, backing away.

“Oh. I forgot about that.” Rosalie frowned.

“Guess we need to stop being so distracting.” He kissed her again, making her melt against him.

“I like it when you’re distracting.”

I watched as E lifted her into his arms and sat her on the kitchen table. I knew where this was going.

“E, man, Anthony and Marissa?—”

“Five minutes,” E mumbled, not bothering to stop his trek beneath her skirt.

The doorbell dinged loudly.

“Then take her upstairs because they’re here.”

E let out a groan as Rosalie laughed. Sighing, he helped her off the table and straightened her outfit before smiling down at her.

“You are the most beautiful girl in the world,” he said softly before going in to kiss her gently.

Smooth talker.

The doorbell rang again, and Cole darted into the room, his pants unbuttoned and his hair a mess. Rosalie grinned and tugged E out of the room with her to answer it. Enzo followed from the office, his footfalls sounding out.

“What were you doing?” I asked, looking Cole up and down.