“Don’t you dare apologize for feeling how you feel,” I said, stopping her words. “Do you want me to come out there? I’ll fly in tomorrow, baby. I’ll beat the fuck out of Lorenzo if you need me to. I’ll kill the bastard. Just say the words.”
“It’s OK.” She smiled sadly. “I’ll talk to Cole. Thank you, guys, for listening.”
“Of course, Ro. We love you. We’re here always,” Evan said.
“You’re everything, Rosalie,” I added. “Tell me.”
“I’m everything,” she murmured.
“That’s our girl. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel less than that,” I continued. “Don’t give them that permission. They don’t fucking matter enough to hold that power.”
“I love you,” she whispered.
“Fuck, I love you,” I answered back, my heart swelling. It had been a long, hard battle to get here, but I was here to stay. Fuck anyone who hated it. They could go fuck a bag of broken glass.
“Have Anson take care of you,” Evan said. He paused for a moment. “Maybe invite Cole.”
I breathed out. I’d spent a lot of time thinking this over, and I was genuinely OK with it.
If someone had asked me ten years ago, I’d have laughed in their face, but now? Anything for Rosalie. Everything for her. She was my new world. I would drag my soul through hell just to see her smile.
The woman had a hold on me that I didn’t want to escape.
“Really?” Rosalie winced.
“Ro, babe, if it feels right, you have to make the jump. Are you going to jump or stand on the edge?” Evan asked.
She nodded. “I need to jump.”
“Jump, hummingbird.”
“OK,” she whispered. “I’m scared. I don’t want to get hurt again.”
“I will personally bust his ass if he hurts you,” I said fiercely. “I won’t permit it. You will be safe. I swear it. I will guard your heart.”
“Klaus, you’re such a smooth talker,” she said, sniffling and wiping at her eyes.
“He’s taking my spotlight,” Evan joked, winking at me.
“Need to up your game, Evan.” I grinned at him.
“Whatever.” He chuckled. “Ro, baby, finish your bath. Relax. And then… jump if you’re sure. If not, step back and come home, OK?”
“I will. Thank you, guys.”
“Always, my love,” I murmured.
“Of course. We love you, Ro. Let us know how it goes, OK?” Evan added.
“I will. Love you.”
“Love you too,” we said before she disconnected the call, looking more determined than before.
“You’re still good with this?” Evan asked.
I nodded. “I’m good, but I will fuck his world up if he hurts her. If any of them do.”
“You and me both, brother,” he muttered.
