Page 288 of When We Fall: Part Two

FUCK.

I smoked more, the high blanketing me.

“We don’t want any issues,” Enzo said. “We want to ensure Rosalie’s safety.”

“It wouldn’t matter,” Matteo replied, waving his hand dismissively. “While up and coming, you haven’t arrived, Lorenzo. I would decimate you without batting an eyelash. The only reason you still survive is because of Rosalie. If she is not found, I will come for you, and if I don’t?” He let out a soft, sinister laugh. “I’m sure my brother will. He seems a little on edge as of late, considering you had a hand in his son’s death.”

“I didn’t kill Fox,” Enzo snarled, his dark eyes flashing with both pain and anger. “I would have died for him.”

“And yet you didn’t.” Matteo sat back and studied him. “Had you, sweet Rose wouldn’t be missing, and people wouldn’t be mourning.”

I glanced at Enzo to see his hands trembling.

“You were my father’s best friend,” Enzo said softly. “He cared about you. I’m sure he still did until he drew his last breath.”

“Your father is the reason I lost Delilah. The reason my children grew up without me. The reason my daughter is dead,” Matteo said in a chilling voice.

“Yourfather is the reason,” Enzo answered. “Carmine.Heis the one who caused you pain. Everyone else just tried to save what was left.”

Matteo’s nostrils flared. Alessio reached out and rested a hand on Matteo’s shoulders, and Klaus sat forward.

I really thought we were all going to get shot, but Anson returned to the room and broke the rising tension.

“He said he has no information to give.” Anson sat and rubbed his eyes. “That the slate is clear, but if anything comes up, he will reach out. He said he will be looking into it.”

Matteo nodded and rapped his knuckles on the table. “So be it. Horsemen.” He rose to his feet, his men, Drake, and Anson following.

“You have an open channel with Alessandro and Alessio. If information arises, I agree to inform you, and I hope that you return in kind. If she isn’t found soon, or is found dead, I will kill you all. Have a nice day.”

He didn’t stay to get input; he swept from the room with his men, leaving us to sit in his wake.

“She’s out there,” Cole said fiercely. “We will find her.”

“What if she doesn’t want to be found?” I asked softly. “Have we considered that?”

Enzo sighed. “I don’t even know anymore. I-I won’t stop looking until I have answers.”

I wouldn’t either, so when everyone got up, I followed, sending out a silent prayer that Everett Church didn’t have her and that wherever she was, she was at least happy.

It’s all I ever wanted for her.

EIGHTY-NINE

ROSALIE

Iwoke up in a state of confusion. Staring up at the unfamiliar ceiling, I let out a groan and soft whimper.

It took me a moment to recall what had happened the night before and realize I was nowhere near safe. I sat up abruptly to find one of my wrists tied to the headboard.

I tugged desperately at it, hurting myself in the process, before a sob escaped my lips.

“It’s OK,” a deep, soft voice called out from the shadows of the room.

I scooted as far away from the voice as I could, my pulse roaring in my ears, and my body trembling.

“W-Who are you?” I asked, desperate to recall last night’s cloudy events.

Klaus. Cole. Damnit. Cole fucked me, and had made me feel so good. Scared, but good.