Page 220 of When We Fall: Part One

“I would like it if Levin weren’t going in alone,” Dom finally admitted, glancing at Levin.

“Fuck that. I don’t need that Russian fuck noodle to help me—” Levin started. Dom held his hand up to silence him again. Levin’s behavior with Drake and Fallon reminded me of Cole and Anson. I pitied Dominic, Vincent, and Bianca because instead of two, there were three bickering with each other.

“Levin, think about the bigger picture,” Dom said. “More manpower.”

Levin grunted but didn’t argue.

“So, Levin and Drake return. We pray Drake doesn’t get killed and that Levin can take out Matteo,” Vincent said. “In the meantime, I stay back with Dom and B.”

“What about me?” Fallon asked, glancing around. “What the fuck am I supposed to do?”

“Come home,” Dom said softly.

Fallon blinked at him. “What?”

“You’re a king, Vasiliev. You belong at our side. You, Vin, B, and I return to Bolten. Together. Levin and Drake go into the fold. We protect our queen.” Dom stared him down. “What do you say?”

“I-I get to show that I’m with the kings?” Fallon looked like someone announced Christmas was here early.

Dom nodded. “If you want. Or you can continue to lead the lords. It’s your call.”

Fallon exhaled. “I’m with you. Fuck the lords.”

“What about your old man?” I asked, knowing Fallon’s father was a big deal for the Bratva.

“Fuck him too,” Fallon said without missing a beat.

“I like fucking. I’m good with that.” Cole put down his third shot. “If you guys have this sorted, then I think it’s time we discuss how we’re going to go about all of this shit.”

“I have more sugar to push,” Ethan said. “A lot more.”

Dom nodded thoughtfully. “Sounds good. We can push it too. Build the empire. I’ll get my court on it.”

“I have my in with Vander Veer,” Enzo said, clearing his throat. “We’ll have the weapons.”

“This could get dangerous,” I muttered, not liking where this was heading. Instead of breaking free, we were digging a deeper fucking hole. Not good. Fucking hell.

“It always has been.” Enzo looked at me.

“Rosie,” I murmured. I didn’t want to air our laundry out in front of the kings, but something needed to be said. I looked at Bianca, taking in the sadness on her pretty face.

“Rosalie will be my wife. We will protect her,” Enzo said fiercely, sitting forward. “No one will touch her. We build the empire. We become the feared. No one would be stupid enough to fuck with any of us.”

“I don’t like it,” I pressed. I hated he wouldn’t let this fucking climb to the top go. “We can’t risk Rosalie?—”

Enzo stood and came to me. He cradled my face. “I would never risk her intentionally, Fox.”

“Don’t marry her,” I whispered, desperate to make him see this was all a terrible fucking idea. Her as his wife would be a huge red target for her. Fuck, he couldn’t do that to her.Why the fuck did I ever agree to it?

I knew we were making everyone uncomfortable, but if I didn’t speak up, then who would?

“The alternative is me marrying someone who isn’t her,” Enzo said, his voice curling with disgust. “I won’t do that.”

“Then tell your father no, Enzo. Tell him. Don’t put this target on her head,” I continued, desperate for him to fucking understand.

Enzo’s hands fell away from my face before he sighed. He stared at me for a moment before speaking.

“The wedding will continue as planned. She will be safe. We would die to protect her.”