I sighed. “Sometimes it’s easier to walk away if we try to convince ourselves we hate someone. That it’ll never work. It’s not the right thing to do, but it’s a way to protect the heart.”
“So he does hate me,” she whispered, looking down.
I redirected her attention back to me.
“He doesn’t hate you,” I murmured. “He’s never hated you a day in his life. He’s just trying to move on, and it’s hard when you’re right here. It was a surprise. He’s trying to navigate it.”
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed. “OK. I just don’t want people to hate me?—”
“Many people would blame you or hate you if they weren’t smart enough to understand you,” I said, my voice low. “They’ve called me weak and pathetic, but didn’t know shit about my struggles and the nightmare it took to get me here. Sweetheart, those people don’t fucking matter. I’m surprised they can even tie their own shoes in the morning because complicated matters seem to confuse them. In a world with superficial, fast-paced filler material, we’re the real deal. The deep plots, Rosalie, and not everyone is made for those, so let them fucking hate. Let them bitch and moan about what we do. What we feel. How we react.Fuck them.They can walk away if they don’t like it. Let the weak weed themselves out. A wolf shouldn’t concern itself with the sheep, sweetheart. And you’re a wolf. You always have been.”
“Do you believe that?” she asked, sniffling.
“I do. I believe people like that aren’t good enough to give a damn about, so don’t. If people hate you, then they hate you. It’s their loss because I know you’re incredible. And I know that Enzo knows that. He’s floundering in a new world just like I am. Like you are. Anyone who knows you, who truly knows your story, could never hate you. I could never hate you.”
“Promise?”
“On my life, sweetheart. On my death. On the things between. You will always be my girl.”
“Don’t,” she whispered, more tears streaming down her cheeks. “Don’t tell me that. It hurts.”
“I know.” I winced, feeling a painful ache in my chest at knowing she wasn’t mine and couldn’t be again. “But it’s true. You were my greatest love, Rosalie. No one will ever changethat.” I wiped her tears and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “No tears, sweetheart. It’s showtime, and the stage wasn’t made to cry on.”
I pulled away from her, glad to see she’d put on a determined face. I lifted her into my arms again and carried her, my damn heart breaking.
Fucking Cole.
But really, fuckingme.
I wanted her, but I knew it could never happen. I’d rather she walk away from me without knowing my sins.
That was fucked up of me, but it took me a long time in my journey to realize I wasn’t a good guy.
I actually might be a really, really bad guy.
At least it was starting to look that way.
31
ROSALIE
Ethan carried me into Enzo’s office and placed me gently on the couch before squeezing my hand. I’d needed that moment with him earlier. It made me realize just how much I missed him. But I guess I already knew I did.
“Answer the door when they get here,” Enzo said to Ethan. Ethan hesitated for a moment before leaving me alone in the room with Enzo.
I watched Enzo go to the bar in the room and pour himself a drink before he swallowed the contents and poured another.
“Do you want a drink?” he asked.
I shook my head. “No, thank you.”
Enzo wandered over in his all-black suit, the portrait of power and intimidation, and took a seat in the chair next to the couch, then drank.
“You got tattooed,” I murmured.
“Yeah.”
“A-And you’re still wearing Blossom’s ring.”
