Page 188 of When We Fall: Part One

ANSON

Rosalie laughed as I showed her the cupcake I’d decorated. I’d gone wild, used many different decorating tips, and came out with what looked like a hairy monster face.

“You like it?” I asked, grinning as I admired the neon green monstrosity. It was more frosting than cake.

“I love the weird eyes you gave it,” she said.

I looked down at the three eyes. It was pretty cute. I wasn’t an artist by any stretch, but I enjoyed decorating cupcakes and cookies with Rosalie. She was a natural and would probably excel with her own bakery and decorating service. When I asked where she learned how to do it, she said she was always lonely as a teen. To combat it, she’d watch YouTube videos and just started baking.

It hurt my heart to know she struggled like that growing up. Had I known her then, we’d have done this together.

Things between us had pretty much gone back to normal. I didn’t press her about leaving, and she didn’t act like the conversation happened. I knew we were running out of time, though. Fox often would give me the side-eye, reminding me he was on borrowed time.

I ignored it, hoping he’d get his shit together and stop the nonsense.

Rosalie’s phone rang, and she frowned at the number before answering.

“Hello?”

I watched her face as it morphed into worry and confusion.

“Who is this?” More silence. “Enzo left his phone. You won’t be able to reach him. He had something happen with his father tonight, so he left with the guys.”

She paused once more. “Yes. Um, can you hold on for a minute?” She took the phone away from her ear. “Ani?”

“What’s going on?”

“It’s Dominic De Santis. He seems upset, like he’s in trouble. He’s asking for Enzo, but Enzo left his phone.” She nodded to his phone sitting on the counter.

“Give me the phone,” I said, coming to an immediate decision. She obliged, placing her phone in my hand.

“Dominic?” I said into the mic.

“Hello?” Dominic’s deep voice came on the line, sounding frazzled. “Who is this?”

“This is Anson. A little songbird told me you might need some help tonight.” I glanced at Rosalie, who was still worried.

“I’m sure you have a million questions,” I continued, knowing the kings probably weren’t privy to my situation here. “But I’ll answer you with one simple sentence, and that is this. I’ll help because it’s what family would do. Where do you need me?”

“Need you? Who the fuck are you?” Dominic demanded, his voice a snarl. “And why are you with the horsemen? And my father?”

I sighed, knowing it was exactly as I thought it was. “That’s a little melodramatic, Dominic. We’ll talk about it later, brother. For now, give me an address, and I’ll meet you there.”

Dominic was quiet for a moment before giving me an address.

“I’ll see you soon. Don’t get dead,” I said, disconnecting the call. Quickly, I sent Dominic’s number to my phone. My phone buzzed with a call from Trent.

“Hey—”

“I’m being summoned,” Trent said quickly into the phone. “Tate. Hail. They’re planning to take out the kings. They have Bianca, Fallon, Levin’s bro, and his girlfriend. You need to get the horsemen or some shit on this. They brought an army. I can only do so much, man.”

“OK,” I said, remaining calm. “Get Bianca out of there when you get there. No matter what you have to do. I’m on my way. Stay alive.”

“Hurry. I can only hold the fucking psychos off so long. I’ll do what I can.”

“Love you,” I said.

“Love you too, bro.” The line disconnected, and I looked at Rosalie.