Page 284 of When We Fall: Part Two

“What?” I snarled, getting to my feet and going to him. “What the fuck did you do?”

“Ifuckedher. Just like I did in high school when I got her pregnant. If we’re lucky, I’ll get a fucking second chance at shit. Shit you fucking took away from me!”

I kneeled in front of him as E cursed softly.

“Did she tell you no?”

“Does it fucking matter?” he countered, slurring his words. “She’s mine. She promised. You don’t fucking break a promise?—”

I slapped him hard across the face, snapping his head to the side. I reached out and gripped his face tightly, his tears on my hand.

“You are fucking irrational and out of control,” I ground out at him. “If you fucking hurt her?—”

“I fucked up.” He let out a soft sob. “I-I can’t help it when it comes to her. I love her. I fucking love her, Enzo! I need her. I-I thought I could do this, but I can’t. She promised…Ipromised…” His big body shook as he cried. “I’m sorry. Tell her I’m so fucking sorry.”

His body went limp as he passed out. I caught him before he fell and laid him gently onto the couch before looking at E, who had been silent the entire time.

“Go home,” E finally murmured. “I’ll watch over him.”

“I’ll stay. Home is wherever you guys are.”

E gave me a sad smile.

It was the truth. My home with Celeste was dogshit. I rarely ever slept there. In fact, I barely slept. I’d catch a nap in my Escalade or here on the couch. The only reason I’d go home was to make sure she was OK with E’s baby.

I’d go through the motions and say work was just so heavy, and it would be worth it once we got into the swing of things. She accepted this without much protest and would then spend my money.

I didn’t give a shit, though. Once the baby was born…

Well, hopefully, Rosalie would still want us. That was the plan then, that was still the plan, even though Cole may have fucked it all up tonight.

I’d keep the baby’s parentage a secret if E wanted it that way. I’d raise it as mine. If Rosalie only ever wanted E and Cole, I’d step back too because I loved them all so fucking much.

Maybe my actions hadn’t showcased that, but fuck, I did. I loved them with everything I was or would ever be.

And I’d do whatever it took to bring her back to us, even if the hope was dying in my chest.

EIGHTY-SEVEN

ANSON

Pounding on my door woke me from a dead sleep. I stumbled out of bed and grabbed my gun, grateful I’d slept in my sweatpants.

I went to the door and peered out the peephole to find Matteo, Alessio, and Klaus on my welcome mat.

I pulled open the door and stepped aside.

“Why the hell are you pounding on my door at eight in the damn morning?” I demanded.

“Is Rosalie here?” Matteo demanded.

“No.” I frowned. “Why?”

I watched Alessio move through my apartment, clearly checking to make sure I wasn’t lying after I closed the door.

I looked back at Klaus, my chest tight. “What’s going on?”

“I can’t find her,” he said, his voice holding a slight shake to it. I’d yet to confront him on whether he was seeing her or not. I honestly didn’t believe it. Could he be helping her? Sure. But a relationship? No way. I refused to believe it.