Page 235 of When We Fall: Part Two
I forced a smile at him. “I’m good.”
“You’re not. Stop lying. Just chill. I’ll be back later,” Cole said.
“I’m scared,” I admitted. “The last time?—”
“That won’t happen,” Enzo said fiercely. “We’re coming home to you.”
“Doesn’t make me any less scared,” I said. “We thought that last time, too.”
“This isn’t like last time,” Cole snapped.
“Right. Fox is already dead.” I knew I shouldn’t be so fucked up, but I had issues. Sue me.
Cole winced at my words.
“Be safe,” I mumbled. “I’ll really die if something happens to you guys.”
“You know we’ll be late, right?” Enzo asked.
I nodded. “I assumed.”
“I’ll call and text throughout,” Cole said. “OK?”
“OK.” I looked back at Enzo. “I-I’m sorry you have to do this?—”
Enzo tugged me back against him. “I would burn the world down for you, E. I love you. Be good, man. Please.” He kissed me fiercely on the forehead.
It had been a lot of work for me to let him touch me. I felt like I was on fire and screaming inside, but I forced the feelings away.
Cole and Enzo were my brothers. Not my enemies. It was something I was trying to relearn.
Enzo had my therapist coming to the hotel for five hours a week. I hated it, but also appreciated it.
Enzo released me, and that was it. I knew I couldn’t change what was going to happen. It was a runaway train, and I was stuck inside, waiting for the crash.
He’d be married to the woman who raped me. Who was carrying my kid. Who ruined our lives.
I trusted Enzo and Cole. I did, but fuck, this was hard.
“Elijah is here,” Cole said, going to the door to let him in. Elijah entered a moment later, dressed in black.
“You know the drill.” Enzo looked at him as he pushed his gun onto his hip beneath his jacket. I knew he had knives on him, too.
“Got it.” Elijah looked at me. “E, man, ready for a night of chess?”
I smiled the best I could. I was really enjoying playing it. I sometimes sat alone in my room, moving the pieces around. I wasn’t sure why I found it so soothing, but I did. I was hoping Elijah would want to play.
“Perfect.” Elijah turned back to Enzo and Cole. “My guys are ready and waiting. Whatever you need.”
“Thank you. Truly.” Enzo clapped him on the shoulder before heading to the door, Cole with him.
“See you later, E,” Cole said as Enzo stepped out into the hall. “I’ll have good news when I get back.”
I had no idea what he was talking about, but I sure as fuck hoped so.
“We should invest in a better chessboard.”Elijah frowned down at the cheap board I’d had delivered. “Since this is our bonding time.”
I scoffed. “Bonding?”
