Chapter 100
ONE HUNDRED
COLE
My phone rang as I stared out the window. Weeks with nothing on Rosalie. I was starting to think she might be dead. When I’d mentioned it to Enzo, he’d scolded me and told me to get my shit together.
I stared down at Anson’s name on my phone and sighed. I fucking hated him. Enzo was in the office here in the apartment and was on the phone, so I knew he wasn’t answering, and I was likely the second person he’d called.
“What?” I asked dully as I answered his call.
“I’m only calling to let you know that Rosalie has been found.”
I pushed away from the window, my heart pounding hard. “Where? Is she OK?”
“She’s fine. I have her.”
“Where are you?” I rushed to the office and burst through the door. Enzo frowned and hung up his call as I put Anson on speakerphone. E came in since he’d seen me run past his room.
“We are at Matteo’s.”
“What’s going on?” Enzo demanded.
“I have Rosalie,” Anson repeated. “She’s safe. She’s healthy. No one harmed her.”
Enzo sat back in his seat and blew out a breath of relief. Even E’s eyes lit up at the news.
“I-I want to talk to her—” I started.
“She said she doesn’t want to speak to you,” Anson said. “My job is to let you know she’s safe. That’s all.”
“Fuck you,” I snapped. “She’s mine—”
“We’re leaving in a few days,” Anson said.
“Where are you going?” Enzo asked.
“She signed her record contract. We’re going to California. She’s decided to go for it.”
My heart fell. She was leaving us.
“S-She got a recording contract?” E asked softly.
“E, man, yeah. Months ago. She put off signing it because she wanted to make sure you were OK,” Anson replied gently.
“You guys knew?” E looked at me and Enzo.
“You begged her to stay,” I muttered. “It’s why she didn’t tell you. She didn’t want you to know. She cared more about you than herself.”
E frowned, his hands shaking. “T-Tell her I’m proud of her. That I believe in her.” His voice cracked.
“I’ll tell her,” Anson said softly.
“You’re going with her?” Enzo asked.
“I-I am.”
“What about Bianca?” I demanded. “You’re marrying her.”
“Not anymore. She had the babies. Once I handle that, I’m leaving. LeeLee needs me. I’m going to manage her career and make sure she’s safe.”
It took everything I had not to scream my fury. He was taking her away from us. He was going to just plain take her.
Enzo looked at me, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat. He was thinking what I was. Anson had no strings left to tie him down. To keep him away.
She was fair game now.
“Don’t,” I choked out. “Anson, fucking don’t.”
He was quiet for a moment. I knew he knew what I was saying to him.
“It’s her life. She decides. I will be at her side regardless of whatever choice she makes. The ball is, and has always been, in her court.”
“Will you not tell us where she was?” Enzo asked thickly.
“I have a feeling you’ll find out soon enough. Horsemen, it’s been an experience knowing you. E, take care of yourself. She worries.” The line disconnected, leaving us in silence.
I looked at Enzo and noticed the tears on his cheeks.
“She’s leaving,” I whispered. “She’s doing it.”
“Good.” Enzo nodded, his voice strained. “I’m proud of her. She deserves to be happy and free.”
“I’m not letting her go,” I whispered. “She’s still mine.”
“I-I can’t either,” E added softly, wiping at his eyes. “I’m a selfish prick.”
I looked back at Enzo.
“I guess we have a lot of work to do, brothers,” he said softly.
“Let’s fucking do,” I said fiercely.
I’d let Rosalie go. For now, she’d be free, but I’d do everything in my power to bring her home again someday.
My feelings wouldn’t change. If I had to kill Anson Beyers to do it and kidnap her, so be it.
But she would return to us someday.
I meant it all those months ago, and I meant it now. My feelings hadn’t changed.
I loved Rosalie Bishop. Forever.