“Ro, baby. Anson told me you’re going to see Dante. Are you OK?”
“No,” I whispered, my voice choked.
“Talk to me,” he said softly. “Let me help. Are you afraid?”
“Yes,” I answered, my voice low and trembling.
“Dante is a monster, but he loves you. He won’t do anything to harm those you love. And if he does, he knows he’ll have to deal with me.”
I sniffled, and Anson reached out to grip my hand. Cole stared at me, worry on his face. He’d been exceptionally quiet since he’d come out of Ethan’s room. I knew he was pissed, too, and that we needed to talk.
“Be strong. I know you know how. Don’t take his shit, OK?”
I smiled as best I could. “OK.”
“I love you.”
“I love you,” I replied.
“I’m going to have a break here soon. Klaus and I were talking about coming to visit.”
“I would love that,” I murmured. “We miss you.”
“Mm, baby, we miss you too. Klaus was booked with meetings today, but he said he’d call later, OK?”
I nodded. “OK.”
“Be a good girl and give Dante hell.”
I sniffled. “I will.”
“And don’t worry about E, baby,” he said softly.
I was quiet for a moment before I spoke. “You… know?”
“Anson called me the moment you went upstairs with him. We assumed. He kissed you?”
“Yes.”
“And he wanted more?”
“In the moment,” I murmured.
Evan sighed. “OK. It’s OK. I’ll kick his ass another time.”
“I’d rather you didn’t. He’s just… I don’t know.”
“I know, Ro. I know. Call me when you’re done with Dante, OK?”
“I will.”
“OK, baby. I love you so much. Give nugget a hug for me.”
“Love you too, and I will.”
We disconnected the call.
“Evan?” Cole called out.
