Page 134 of Downfall

And so will Rose.

I hear the tap at the door, grunt in reply, and only turn at the sound of her voice.

She looks pale. Tired. And yet at the same time that fire in her eyes, that fierce determined spark that I used to lose myself in, it’s there, blazing brighter than ever.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

She nods, shutting the door, walking further into the room before sinking onto the couch.

“I heard what happened.” I say.

“From Turner?” Rose guesses.

“Yes.”

“Did he tell you everything?”

I frown. “He only told me your mother was there.”

She lets out a sigh. “She was the one who did it. She swapped my phone out and tricked me into thinking it was you replying, that you wanted me to get rid of Lara.”

My eyebrows raise. I know her father is a piece of shit, but I always thought her mother was more of a pawn in all this, that she alone was looking out for Rose at least on some level.

She palms her face with her hands. “I just… my family are so toxic. I know my father was but I didn’t realise my mother was exactly the same.”

“I’m sorry.” I murmur sitting down beside her.

She leans into me and it’s hard not to let my body respond as I feel her warmth, her softness.

“They’ll know now. They’ll know that I’m with you. That I’m staying here.”

“Don’t worry about it.” I reply hearing the hint of fear in her voice. “I am more than a match for them.”

“Please tell me that’s the truth. Please tell me that you’re not just saying that.”

“I’m not Rose.” I growl. “I spent the last six years planning this.”

She nods shutting her eyes as if she’s willing herself to believe it. I want to reach out, to touch her, to hold her properly but I don’t. I realise that I don’t even know how to be around her, how to act.

She lets out a sigh. Blinking. Looking at me with those beautiful eyes. “How is Lara?”

“She’s good.” I smile.

“She’s settling in okay?”

“Ben took her shopping today, she’s pretty much turned her bedroom into a fairy tale castle.”

She snorts but then her face turns serious. “Is it safe to let her out? I don’t want them…”

I place a finger on her lips. “Ssssh. It’s safe. I wouldn’t do anything to risk her life.”

She glances down, her eyes looking at where I’m touching her.

“I love you Rose.” I say before I can stop myself. “I never stopped loving you.”

She blinks. “I know.” She whispers back.

I lean in, capturing her face with my hand and kiss her softly. Only she pulls away, shaking her head.

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