Page 147 of When We Fall: Part One

“Do you want a drink?” he asked.

“Uh, no. I’m driving,” I said.

“I meant water. I can get some out of the tap.”

I frowned at that. Rosalie said he didn’t have fuck all for food in this place.

“No, man. I’m good.”

He settled in a chair and stared at me.

“I’m sorry for last night. I was fucked up and stupid. In fact, I’m humiliated you guys had to witness any of that, especially Rosalie. I-I don’t know how to say I’m sorry but know I am. Her getting that call.” He visibly swallowed. “I wish I’d have just stayed home.”

I nodded. “I get it. You’re hurting. I went through similar when I thought I lost her too.”

“Is she OK? Does she hate me more now?” His blue eyes looked so sad that it made me shift in my seat.

“She’s fine. She’s never hated you. I doubt she ever will. She’s hurt and confused by you ghosting her, but that’s it.”

He scrubbed his hand down his face and swore softly.

“I left to save you, Fox. I left to give her happiness. I didn’t want to interfere. It was a two birds, one stone sort of situation. If I weren’t involved, there would be no more fights about me, and you’d stick around for her.”

“Anson, I already made up my mind, and you gave me your word. My plan is still happening.”

He snapped his attention to me, a muscle throbbing along his jaw.

“You’re a fucking idiot. You don’t realize the damage something like this will do.”

“I do, but in the end, only she matters. I love the guys. I worry about E the most, but I know the guys will keep him safe. I’m doing it,” I said gently.

“Why?” He shook his head at me. “You do this, you’ll crush her. Then you leave me with the knowledge of it. If she ever found out I knew, she’d hate me.”

“Then make sure she never knows.”

“You’re asking me to lie to someone I love,” he snapped at me.

I swallowed hard at his words. “If you love her like you say you do, then you’ll save her.”

He raked his fingers through his hair and stared at his feet. “This is fucked up.”

“I know,” I murmured.

“When are you going to do it?” He finally looked at me.

“I don’t know. I guess I’m waiting to see what will happen. Maybe I won’t have to, but Enzo keeps digging us in deeper. If things get worse, it could be any day.”

Anson stood abruptly and paced the room.

“What do you want me to do?” He finally stopped and looked at me.

“Stop staying away from her. Fuck all this other shit. I know you’ve gotten in deep with Matteo. I thought you weren’t about this life?”

“I’m not.” He sighed and stared up at his ceiling for a moment. “I figured getting in there could give me some background information on what’s going on. I have no interest in taking over for Matteo. That’s never been my plan. Once it’s time for me to go, I’m leaving. When I find who killed Mom and Tia, I’m out.”

“With Rosalie,” I said.

He sighed. “I don’t want her like that. I don’t. You’re going to leave me something broken that I won’t ever be able to fix. She worships you. You’re the fucking love of her life. I can’t compete. I don’t even want to.” He paused and licked his lips before sitting back on the couch. “How about this? You fake your death and run. I’ll bring her to you. The three of us can be together?—”