Page 9 of When We Fall: Part One

“If he gets Enzo the information he needs on whether or not Bianca is still alive, preferably alive and well, Enzo will let him join them.” Ryder looked over his shoulder at Trent. “So imagine how hard this fucker is working lately.”

Trent gave a low whistle. “Are you sure that’s what you want, man? To share your girl? Doesn’t seem like… you.”

“It is when it comes to her,” I said, turning into the parking lot of a twenty-four-hour diner and grabbing a spot near the door. I put the car into park and rested my head against my headrest, my breath whooshing out of me in frustration.

Ryder handed me what was left of the joint. I took it from him and sucked in a deep hit before blowing it out.

“For what it’s worth, I think she’s worth it,” Trent said. “I like her. As for Bianca, I have no idea if she’s alive or dead. I’m useless in that department.”

I smiled at his talk on Rosalie. My mom and sister would have liked her too. The sadness blanketed me as I considered they’d never get to know her. This wasn’t how my life was supposed to be. My mom and sister were supposed to be here. Trent wasn’t supposed to be risking his life. I wasn’t supposed to be doing all the shit I was doing or had done.

And Bianca should be alive.

I slammed my hands on the steering wheel and shook it roughly, letting some of the frustration out.

The guys didn’t say anything. They let me have my moment.

Trent’s phone buzzed, and he chuckled softly, breaking the tension in the car.

“What?” Ryder asked.

“This girl I know. She’s wild.”

“What’s her name?” I grunted out, hoping his love life was better than mine.

“Cady,” he answered. “I’ve known her for a long time, but we’ve only recently started talking more. She’s a riot. Completely gorgeous, but has this wild streak.”

I looked at him through the rearview mirror, watching him smile as he thumbed a message out to her.

I wanted that for him.

Fuck, I wanted it for me.

I pulled my phone out and looked down at Rosalie’s name before I typed a message to her.

I love you. I’m coming to see you.

I stared at the message briefly before Ryder’s soft words broke me from my thoughts.

“Not yet,” he said gently. “Just… hold off, man.”

I nodded, my throat tight, and deleted the message.

As much as I hated it, he was right.

“What else can I do?” I looked over at Ryder as Trent continued to text Cady.

Ryder was quiet for a beat before he exhaled. “Maybe you need to talk to your old man.”

I stared out the windshield, knowing what sort of fire that would start, but desperate to join Rosalie.

“Maybe it is time,” I murmured.

Fuck it.

FOUR

ENZO