Page 248 of When We Fall: Part Two

I blinked and released her, the fear now gripping me hard. I sat up, watching as she continued to cry.

“You can go,” I whispered thickly. “You’re free.”

She sat up and wiped her eyes, her small body still trembling. I watched her reach for the handle. She paused and looked back at me, her face tear-soaked.

“H-His name was Sylar. The guy I kissed,” she said, her voice shaking.

I stared at her, desperate to drag her back to me.Sylar.The same one Vander Veer told me about.

“And I wish I hadn’t stopped him. Maybe then this wouldn’t hurt so much.” She pushed open the door and tumbled out, knocking into Memphis as she tried to rush away.

“You good, boss?” Dmitri poked his head in and looked at me.

“No,” I whispered. I didn’t think I’d ever be good again. She was done. I’d really ruined it all.

He gave me a sad look before nodding to Memphis. He shut the door, and the pair got into the front while I sat in the back, hating everything I was.

But at least she was free.

Maybe I’d finally done something right.

SEVENTY-SEVEN

ANSON

Iwas in misery.

I kept replaying what I could remember of my kiss with Rosalie in my head.

“You’re a million miles away,” Alessio commented as I stared out a window during a meeting we were in with my father over trying to find Everett Church and some of the missing captives.

“Sorry,” I mumbled, turning back to pay attention.

“Alessio is right. What has your attention, my son?” Matteo focused on me.

“Nothing. I’m just tired.”

“How is sweet Rosalie?” he pressed.

I sighed, shaking my head. “I don’t know. She moved out. We’re taking some space.”

Matteo sat forward. “What? Where is she staying?”

“A hotel for now?—”

“Alessio, get her here. I want her looked after?—”

“Father, no,” I snapped.

Everyone paused and stared at me.

“She-She wants to be free. I’m letting her. I think a break would do her good.”

“She works at a diner,” Klaus said. “Waiting tables for pennies.”

I shot him a sour look. Of course, the brute already was clued in.

Matteo frowned at him. “How do you know that?”