“I’m dealing with the publicity of it all,” he said. “I’d like it if you denied this was anytime recent. We will put out a statement that you two were engaged but went your separate ways. If you’d agree to that, I would appreciate it.”
“Wouldn’t want to ruin your marriage by saying I’m fucking your wife,” I said, a bite to my voice.
He had the nerve to chuckle softly at me. “I’m in the position you gave up, De Luca. The guy you kept pushing out. And guess what? It feels so fucking good topush innow, if you catch my meaning.”
“You piece of shit,” I snarled softly into the phone. “Remember who carved out that pussy first. Who it belonged to.”
“You’re right.Belonged.Now it’s mine. She barely remembers your fucking name. I’d like to keep it that way. Release the statement. We’ll send you money if you require it.”
“Keep your fucking money, prick. I have enough of my own.”
“Right. Straight to the top, huh, De Luca? What did it cost to get you there? One brother, your girl, and… your wife? Was it worth it?”
My jaw quivered as I clutched my phone.
“I’ll make the statement. Congratulations on your marriage, Alessandro. I’ll send you a wedding present.”
“You’ve already given me enough. Have a good day, Enzo.” And with that, the line disconnected.
I closed my eyes, and for the first time in nearly five years, I cried softly.
I didn’t know what I was crying for. For what I lost or what I’d earned. Either way, both fucking hurt.
27
ANSON
Idisconnected the call from Enzo and looked at Trent.
“Harsh, brother,” he said, shaking his head.
“Fuck him.” I raked my fingers through my hair. Everything was a damn mess. I’d worked my ass off over the years to keep Rosalie protected from things just like this. I was pissed the horsemen had been so damn careless. They should have just deleted all the videos and images they had of Rosalie.
Fucking assholes.
“So what’s the plan now?” Ryder wandered into the room on the tour bus and closed the door behind him.
“Release statements. Have Dante see what he finds out. Klaus is digging too. That’s all we can do.”
Trent nodded. “Solid. Just keep watch over her. Only a few shows left, then this shit is over.”
I nodded. “Thank fuck. I don’t think I’ve ever needed a break like I need one now.”
“What about this E situation?” Ryder asked.
I sighed.
“Come on, man. You can’t be good with her talking to him. I know you’d give her the world, but do you really want to giveher back to the world you fought to break her free from?” Ryder continued.
I sank onto the mattress and buried my face in my hands. I had so many thoughts and emotions. I was trying to sort through them all.
“I… E is a good guy,” I finally said.
“E isn’t Ellis’s dad,” Trent said gently.
“Fuck, man. I know,” I groaned. “I just… I know how much Rosalie loved E. Hell, she loved them all.”
“So you’d just try to join them again?” Ryder raised his brows.
