42. Rosalie
FORTY-TWO
ROSALIE
“ I love it,” I gushed as Marissa sat next to me in the guys’ office the night before they were set to leave.
The pretty pearl and diamond hair comb she’d given me sparkled in my hands.
She’d asked for some privacy with me, and Enzo had directed us here.
I was surprised he allowed us to be alone.
He’d kept me at his side all weekend, even having me sleep in his bedroom with him.
It hadn’t slipped past me the sour look that would infiltrate Fox’s face when he thought I wasn’t looking.
The moment I was able to, I was going to make it up to him.
I knew he was hurting. Deep down, I was too.
I loved Enzo, but he really was keeping me as far away from the guys as he could over the weekend.
I knew it had to be because he wanted to show Anthony just how in charge he was and how much he loved me.
I knew that was a sore spot between them because Anthony had told him I wasn’t safe here.
Ethan had told me that much during one of our late nights over the past week.
“I’m so glad you like it,” Marissa said, smiling. “I thought maybe you could wear it on your wedding day. If you want, of course.”
“I will absolutely wear it.” I gave her a hug. “It’s so beautiful. Thank you.”
She released me, and her smile turned sad. “Lorenzo is lucky to have you. I worry about him, you know.”
“I worry too,” I agreed softly. I placed the pretty comb back into its box and sat it on the coffee table. “Does it get easier? Any of it?”
A wistful look crossed her face. “In some ways. In others, no.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I admitted.
“It’s not an easy life. I won’t lie to you about that, but if you love him, it’s worth it.”
“I love him with everything I am,” I said. “I just… he’s always so…” I didn’t want to say something to offend her since he was her son.
“Controlling? Doing dumb things?” She laughed when I widened my eyes at her.
“Y-yeah. I mean, he is. And he does. It’s a state of nearly constant arguments with us. We fight more than we get along lately.”
She nodded. “I understand. It’s a hard life.
You’ve all been through so much already.
Lorenzo has always been this way. When he was younger, he quietly controlled things.
I’ve noticed he’s turning out a lot more like Anthony as he grows older.
His control borders on too much sometimes.
They do it out of love, though, not cruelty.
We live in a dark, twisted world, Rosalie.
They know we do. They’ve seen the unspeakable horrors.
Loving men like ours comes with sacrifice and pain.
If you’re willing to endure, it’ll be the greatest adventure of your life.
Mostly.” She gave me a sad smile. “But if you have doubts, run.”
“Run?” I whispered. My brows crinkled as I stared at her.
“Far and fast. This life has a way of catching up to you. Don’t let it find you.”
“D-did you run?”
She nodded sadly. “I did. A month before my wedding to Anthony. He came for me. Brought me back. I loved him then and love him now. I was scared. Everyone warned me not to get involved with him, considering his family. I couldn’t help myself.
There’s something about a De Luca man.” She chuckled.
“He told me it wouldn’t matter where I went.
He’d follow me into hell if it came down to it.
Any man who would follow a woman into hell is a man to keep. So I married him.”
“Enzo would follow me too,” I said. “I wouldn’t want him to, however.”
“I wouldn’t want Anthony to follow me, but he’s pig-headed and wouldn’t listen.
” She laughed again before going serious.
“Honestly, though. If you have doubts or fears, communicate those to Lorenzo. Or walk. Don’t do something because you’re afraid to let go.
Sometimes, we need to let go so we can spread our wings and grow. ”
“Did you grow in that month you left?”
“Oh, yes. Very much so. I realized how much I missed and loved him. How free I was. I found out how strong I am. The strength was where it mattered most. I realized I could live without him. The strength made me realize I didn’t want to and could endure whatever he came with.
He found me before I could return to him.
I went willingly, and the rest is history. ”
“So you don’t regret it?”
She reached out and held my hand. “Never. Love is never something you regret. But, Rosalie. Please. If he lets you go, run.”
“I thought?—”
“This life will kill you. Anthony’s parents.
His father. Shot dead getting into his car.
His mother? Kidnapped, raped, murdered. Anthony, fortunately, was old enough to take care of himself when it happened, but it changed him.
We’re always going into hiding to stay safe.
This life is hard. So if you have any doubts, carefully think everything through. ”
“Would you leave? If you were me?” My heart beat hard as she surveyed me, her head cocked. She reached out and tucked a curl behind my ear, her eyes glassy.
“I love you like you were my own daughter,” she said softly. “So I will guide you as if you were. I would tell you to follow your heart. I would love for you to be part of our family, but I also want what’s best for you.”
“It’s not Enzo?” I winced at her words.
“That’s for you to decide. Just know it comes with many strings that could ensnare and hurt you. Consider it carefully.”
I swallowed hard and nodded. “I will. Thank you, Marissa. For talking with me. It’s helped.”
“Of course, honey. I will always be here for you, whether you run or stay. Promise.” She reached out and hugged me tightly. I hugged her back, the old feelings of worry and confusion rearing their head.
I didn’t want to dwell on her words. My choice was made.
I was staying, but damnit it if I couldn’t shake the fear simmering deep inside me.
Living without Enzo and the guys made me so sick I thought I’d vomit from that alone.
They were my world, and I was pretty sure I was theirs. Being apart wasn’t an option.
I accepted that a long time ago.
I pulled away from her the moment Enzo knocked before coming into the room. Quickly, I wiped at my eyes, but he noticed immediately and came to me.
“What’s wrong, Sunshine?” he murmured, going to his knees and wiping my tears away.
I put a smile on my face. “Nothing. Just girl talk.”
Enzo shot a look to his mom, who offered him a smile. He didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t push it. Instead, he took my hand in his and kissed my engagement ring.
“Dinner will be here in a few minutes,” he said.
I nodded and looked to Marissa. “Do you want to see my wedding dress while we wait?”
“Oh, yes. Absolutely.” She was on her feet in a heartbeat, excitement clearly written on her face.
Enzo chuckled and helped me to stand before pressing a kiss to my forehead.
“I’m jealous,” he said. “I want to see it too.”
“You’ll see it soon.” Marissa winked at him, making him grin. He looked so happy. So carefree. Just like he used to when we first got together. I still missed that Enzo, my secret keeper, but he was also turning into one hell of a man, and I was here for it.
I pushed my apprehension away and focused on nothing else but my love for him and the guys.
“I love you,” I said, pecking him on the lips.
His lips curled against mine. “I love you too, Sunshine.”
I pulled away, his hands slowly releasing me, a look of pure adoration and love on his face. It made my heart clench, but I left the room with Marissa because I knew if I stayed, I’d melt away with him.
We made it upstairs, and I took her into my closet and unzipped the bag which held my dress. I pulled it out and showed her.
“Oh, Rosalie! It’s beautiful,” she said, reaching out to touch the satin and beads. “I can’t wait to see you in it! Lorenzo will love it!”
I grinned. “I can’t wait to wear it.”
She clasped her hands together before coming to me for another hug.
“I’m so glad he’s found you. He needs you.”
I hugged her back before we broke apart a few moments later. We were both wiping at our eyes now.
“Gosh, aren’t we a couple of criers,” she said, chuckling and wiping a few stray tears away from her cheeks.
I laughed with her.
“Come. Let’s get something to eat to celebrate new family and friends.
” She grinned, and I followed her back downstairs to the kitchen where everything was set out.
Enzo had the food catered from one of the best restaurants in the city.
He’d worked on the table settings, telling me he wanted to do it.
“Do you like it?” he asked, coming to take my hand as we stepped into the room. I looked from Cole to Ethan to Fox, my gaze lingering on him. His face said everything he didn’t. This was killing him. He’d told me as much, but he’d never worn it on his face like this before. It broke my heart.
I tore my gaze from Fox’s and looked to the setting. Beautiful crystal centerpieces and white china. Silver place settings. Flowers surrounded all the dishes, which housed the silver platters of food. Twinkling lights.
“I love it. It’s beautiful,” I said, breathing out.
I hugged him. He held me back tightly, the smell of his rich cologne filling my senses.
I caught the guys and his parents watching us.
My parents hadn’t shown up despite their invitation.
My mom cited that they had prior plans. Her voice had cracked with her words.
It hurt me, but I was getting used to my dad calling the shots with her.
It broke my heart, but I tried to keep smiling.
“I want to give you the world, Sunshine,” he murmured in my ear. “I’m going to build that world for you and give my blood, sweat, and tears to make it happen. I’d give anything to give you what you deserve. You are my entire world.”