Page 195 of When We Fall: Part Two

“I don’t need help,” I whispered. “I need Fox.”

“Honey,please. Please give me the gun. Fox wouldn’t want this. He wants you to live a happy and fulfilling life. I know you’re hurting and things look bleak, but it’s just the ending to one book. You can start another book, Rosalie. Please. I want you to start another book.” His voice cracked, and a tear worked its way down his cheek. “You’re meant for so much more. Don’t. Please just fucking don’t.”

“I’m alone,” I said, my voice trembling. “I miss Fox.”

“I know. I know you do. But Fox is still with you. He is. I promise you he is. He doesn’t want this. Please. Give me the gun. I’ll take you away from here. You can start a new book. That’s what Fox would want. Please. Give him his dying wish.”

My hand shook at his words. He did want me to keep going. I’d promised him I’d go.

“Come on,” Colten coaxed. “Please.”

I lowered the gun, and he was quick to take it from me. I watched him hastily unload it and toss it aside, pocketing the magazine and ensuring the bullet was free from the chamber. He placed that in his pocket as well.

He dragged me into his arms.

“Fuck, I was so scared. I thought we were going to lose you,” he choked out. “Don’t ever do that again, Rosalie. Fuck. It would kill us if we lost you.”

“Cole and the guys wouldn’t care. They left me,” I cried. “Everything is over.”

He pulled away and wiped my tears. “I promise you that it’s not over. You’re too fucking strong to let my brother and his dipshit friends end you. You rise. Do you hear me? You fucking get back on your feet and you take over this fucking world. That’s what you were created to do, so do it. Make them suffer. That’s the ultimate revenge—a good life. Let them see you live, Rosalie. It’ll hurt more than your death. Do you understand me?”

I nodded, tears pouring down my cheeks.

“You fucking live,” he repeated. “You live loud. Scream your life so it’s in every fucking facet of their existence, and you don’t relent. Ever. I promise you that is your revenge if you’re looking for it.”

His words slammed into me, causing me to cry even harder.

“I’m taking you out of here. Grab what you want to take, and we’ll go. OK?”

I nodded, and he helped me to my feet and grabbed my book while I took a few pictures. Fox had set up a display of us, one of his football awards, a few of his t-shirts and sweatpants, and his favorite books and laptop. Colten put those things into one of Fox’s bags. Once that was done, he walked with me to my bedroom, where I grabbed clothes. He helped me quickly stuff everything into a suitcase.

I didn’t take anything Cole or the guys had ever bought me. I left it all for them to have. I wanted nothing. Not even our photos.

I stared down at my box of Blossom’s things, weeping softly.

I placed it on my bed, deciding to leave it here. Cole could keep it.

I removed all the jewelry they’d ever given me and placed it on my nightstand before unlocking my phone. All my photos and things were backed up, so I wouldn’t need my phone. It tracked me anyway, and that life was over. I’d get a new one.

I placed it next to the jewelry, leaving the background up of me and the guys I had on it.

“Ready?” Colten asked as I put Cotton inside his pet carrier. I looked around my room. I had everything I needed.

I nodded to him, and he grabbed my bags. I followed him downstairs, Cotton in one hand, and my guitar slung over my shoulder.

Colten opened the door to the outdoors, and I paused before looking back at my home one final time.

Colten was right.

It was time to start a new book.

SIXTY-TWO

ANSON

Ifrowned down at the message on my phone.

“What is it?” Bianca asked, munching on the brownie I’d brought in for her as a midnight snack while rubbing her belly.