She did have an army, which I knew. A war with the underground, and likely with the kings, wasn’t one I wanted to take on, especially while I was dealing with the Virelli’s.
It was more than that, though. I didn’t want to hurt her any more than I already had. Even back then, I didn’t want to hurt her.
Rosalie would have been perfect at my side.
“Rosalie,” Cole called out. “What-What about us?”
“There is no us,” she replied, looking at him.
His face fell. “Baby…”
I watched as he slid off the couch and crawled to her. When he reached her, he stared up at her from his knees.
“Don’t,” he choked out, crying softly. “Please, baby. I-I thought things were good. I-I thought we were going to be a family. Me. You. Ellie-belly. A-Anson. Klaus. A-And Foxy.”
My throat tightened as I watched my brother beg on his knees. E wiped at his eyes. It was hurting him too.
“I think we all need to take some time to consider things,” she said. “I’m returning to L.A. in the morning.”
“No,” Cole shouted desperately, wrapping his arms around Rosalie’s waist and clinging to her. “You’re not fucking going! I’m not letting you leave. We’re a family.”
“Cole, stop,” Rosalie said, trying to push him off, but he wouldn’t release her.
He managed to get to his feet, where he crushed his lips against hers.
I watched, my heart in my throat. Fuck, I didn’t want him to get hurt or do something stupid.
But Cole was Cole.
And Cole was smart and always had a plan B.
Today was no exception.
I watched in horror as he pulled something from his pocket before he pressed it against her face. Her eyes flew wide, and shetried to raise the gun, but whatever he’d had on that rag worked fast because she went limp, the gun clattering to the floor as he caught her.
“What the fuck are you doing?” I shouted, getting to my feet the same time E did.
We both surged forward as Cole clung to her body, sobbing.
“Ke-Keeping her,” he choked out. “She’s mine.”
“Cole, you fucking idiot,” E shouted. “Enzo, call Anson. Get her the fuck out of here. If Church hears about this?—”
Cole lifted the gun and pointed it at me as I pulled my phone out to get Anson on the line.
“Brother,” I murmured, staring at his stricken face.
“No,” he repeated, his voice shaking. “I am keeping her. She’s safer with me.”
“Cole, she has a daughter. You guys have a daughter,” E said, going to his knees in front of Cole as he clutched an unconscious Rosalie against his body.
Cole stared down at Rosalie before leaning in and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“I know. And I’m going to get my little girl next.”
“You’ve lost your fucking mind!” I snarled at him. “Cole, give her to me?—”
“Why? You fucking hate her.” His voice cracked as he stared at me.
