“You don’t know shit about any of it,” I snarled at her.
“I know what it felt like to mourn alone,” she whispered. “I learned how to be alone. You taught me that.”
“You weren’t alone, Rosalie,” I said softly. “You had Sylar. You had Anson. You had Ryder. You had fucking Klaus. You were never alone. I’m certain every single one of them kept your bed warm for you.”
She blinked back tears and took a step away from me on her crutches. I thought she might hit me with one, but she didn’t.
Regret surged through me at my words. I was angry. Hurt. Fucking devastated that I had to lose her all over again.
She turned to leave the room.
“Rosalie. Please,” I called out, Cole flashing through my head. He’d trusted me to be here with her and not fuck anything up. If she left because of me, he’d hate me forever.
“I’m not leaving,” she said, her voice shaking. “I have to check on Ellis.”
“Just… don’t leave Cole, OK? He’s so fucking happy. I’ve missed my brother. You coming back into his life with everything he’s ever wanted has made him human again. Please. Stay. I’m an asshole. I said I’d make myself scarce, and I will.”
“It’s your home, Enzo. I don’t expect you to hide in it. I’ll speak to Cole tonight. I’m sure we can come to a different arrangement.”
“Just don’t leave,” I called out, desperate. “Please.”
She was quiet for a moment before she nodded. And that was it. She left the room.
I stood watching her go, wishing more than anything that I could reach for her and tell her I loved her, too.
But it was over.
I had to move forward or get crushed by the weight of the past.
48
RYDER
I’d arranged for Rosalie and Ellis to get their nails done. It was a completely private booking, so no one would know she was there. I’d ensured they closed the entire shop for the time Rosalie would be inside. I’d spent the previous day having the owner and workers sign NDAs and necessary paperwork so nothing would be leaked.
I breathed out as I stood outside the horsemen’s door and rang the bell.
Enzo pulled the door open, dressed casually, and nodded for me to come in.
“She’s coming,” he muttered. “I’ll be in my office if you need anything.”
I nodded, not saying a word. The guy seemed unusually quiet and withdrawn, but I didn’t give a damn.
Rosalie and Ellis came down the stairs moments later, both wearing pretty sundresses. Ellis ran to me, and I scooped her into my arms.
“Hey, sweet pea,” I greeted her as she hugged me.
“Ryder, my daddy bought me these shoes! Aren’t they pretty?” She stuck her little leg out as I set her down.
Pretty pink sparkly shoes greeted me.
“Those have to be the prettiest princess shoes I’ve ever seen,” I said, smiling down at her.
She twirled in a circle in her pink dress and giggled.
“Oh, Mommy! I forgot Mr. Rufus!”
“Better go get him,” Rosalie said.
