Page 56 of When We Fall: Part One
I stared down at the coin in my hand.
“Why?” I whispered.
“Because I’m merciful,” Matteo answered softly. “And you’re family. Family helps one another.”
I nodded, my heart aching, and wrapped my hand firmly around the coin.
“You may leave.” Matteo sat back in his seat, looking calm.
I rose to my feet with Anson, my guts churning, and followed him to the door. The way Anson was slumped forward let me know he wasn’t happy about my decision.
“I’ll be seeing you,” Alessio called out as we stepped past Klaus. I paused at the door and looked over my shoulder at him.
“Soon,” I said thickly.
Alessio inclined his head at me. I glanced at Matteo to see him studying me, a peculiar look on his face. Maybe if I’d have known him better, I’d have been able to place it.
It didn’t matter anyway.
Only my Rosie did.
TWENTY
ROSALIE
“Fox?” I called out groggily as gentle fingers raked through my hair. I peered at him through my sleepy state as he stood over me while I slept in Ethan’s bed. We’d watched movies together tonight and had one of the best nights we’d ever had, complete with Ethan’s brand of lovemaking.
“Rosie,” Fox whispered, going to his knees so he could stare at me through the moonlight.
“Is everything OK?” He was acting strange.
“Everything is fine, baby.” He cradled my cheek, so much sadness on his face that it made my guts twist.
“What’s wrong? Something’s wrong.” I made to sit up, but he placed his hand on my chest and kept me down.
“Nothing is wrong. I just wanted to check on you,” his words slurred together. He closed his eyes and seemed to gather himself. “I missed you. That’s all.”
“I missed you, too. Are you drunk?”
“Very much so.” Another sad smile. “Anson is worse. He’s in the guest room. I think he made it to the bed. Maybe. Maybe not.”
“Did he drive here?” I sat up and stared him down.
“I-I think so? Maybe I did. I don’t know. I’m fucked up.”
This wasn’t like him.
I pushed my covers off and got out of bed, grabbing his hand as I went. He stumbled to his feet and staggered along behind me. I led him straight to my bedroom and closed the door behind us.
“Fox, did you drive here wasted like this?”
He winced. “I don’t know. I don’t think so.”
“You just said?—”
“Baby. Rosie. Shh.” He pressed a finger to my lips. “I think we bought a dial-a-ride. I remember a minivan. It smelled like roast beef and fish. Maybe a little essence of worm.” He let out a little laugh. “I only wanted to get home to you.”
I sighed as his finger fell away from my lips.
