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“Talk to me,” I said as we drove. “You’re too quiet.”

“Someone almost killed me,” she said softly. “Tried to rape me.”

Rage rushed through me, but fear quickly replaced it. I didn’t want this life for her. Fuck, I didn’t.

“I know, baby. And he’s dead. Whoever sent him will pay. We’re working on it?—”

“Maybe don’t,” she said, looking over at me with her big green eyes.

I furrowed my brow. “Don’t?”

“Maybe Enzo will let us all leave now. Maybe he will see how bad this life is and he can just tell his dad he’s done?—”

“Oh, Rosie.” I sighed and reached for her hand. I held it tightly. “You know he won’t.”

“Why?” she asked, her voice laced with emotion.

“He’s climbing to the top for you. Believe me, I’ve tried talking to him about it. He has it in his head that no one would dare harm you once he’s at the top. Even E has tried. Enzowantsthis.”

She went quiet.

“I’m worried about you,” I continued. “I don’t know what to do. Tell me what to do.”

“There’s nothing. This is our life,” her voice was dull as she stared out the window at the passing trees, her hand still clutching mine.

“You’re going to live a different life someday. A beautiful one without any worries or fears. I promise, Rosie.”

She looked over at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Will you and the guys be there?”

I gave her a sad smile. “Yeah, baby. We’ll be there. Everything will be OK.”

“Then I believe you.” She went back to looking out the window.

I focused on the road, my heart in my throat.

Yeah, I was definitely going through with my deal with Matteo. I wanted to ask her about the promise he made to her, but I held back, letting her relax. I’d ask her eventually.

She deserved a better life than what we were giving her. As painful as it was, I would do this for my Rosie.

FIFTY-FOUR

ENZO

“They’re here,” E said, staring out the window as Fox’s Jeep pulled into the driveway.

“Get Cole,” I murmured, standing and smoothing my shirt. I’d been nervously pacing the house since Fox left. I’d sent some men, so they were nearby. Fox didn’t know I was doing it, but I couldn’t risk shit. I had another twenty on standby if needed.

E left the room and went upstairs to wake Cole.

I didn’t hesitate. I stalked outside and pulled the door open to Rosalie’s side. She looked up at me with tears on her face. I lost it.

“Sunshine,” I choked out. “Baby.Fuck.”

She looked like hell. Her face was swollen and bruised. Her lip was cut. Several cuts were along her cheek and her brows from being struck.

I tugged her out of her seat and into my arms and held her as she clung to me, sobbing and saying my name.

My eye caught Fox’s as he stared at me from over the Jeep’s hood. I hadn’t forgotten his promise to take her away if one single thing happened to her. I wasn’t sure how, but I had to fix this. The look in his eyes told me he was over this shit.