Rosa

Chapter 63

Author's Note

Hello, my lubs! Alice here. This is embarrassing, haha. But I forgot to include a key plot point in the last chapter, so I went back and added it to Chapter 62. Feel free to re-read Chapter 62, but here's the summary if you just want to get on with your day with the CliffsNotes version of what I added:

Cristiano convinced Mesrine to hand over the hotel room key card where Sienna and Angelina are being held. Cristiano then offers the key card to Rosa when he asks her to save Sienna and Angelina in his place, and she accepts it from him.

Hopefully, this brings everyone up to speed as we dive into Chapter 63. <3

***

Like a ghostly wind, unseen and unheard, Rosa slipped out an inconspicuous side door. She raced through a courtyard, past the gates, and down a winding pathway through the neighborhood. Rosa didn't stop to catch a breath until the villa was beyond reach and out of sight. The Vitales were now behind her. Mesrine as well. And mon beau.

Dieu.

Mon beau.

Her heart broke all over again. The temptation to turn back was overwhelming. Parting with Cristiano felt like losing a vital piece of herself. He was her twin flame. She was his soulmate. Dark and deadly, their demons had always mirrored each other.

With a clenched jaw, Rosa clung to her purpose, using it like a lifeline to keep from drowning in emotions. She kept her gaze locked ahead, fixing on the blue skies above and the cerulean waters along the coast. It was the only way she could march onward without him. Rosa scanned her surroundings. Cobblestone streets snaked through a quiet, upscale neighborhood, leading to a busier intersection.

I need you.

She kept moving.

To go.

Exhaustion weighed on her body, but Rosa didn't stumble or falter.

In my place.

The haunting gravity of Cristiano's words pushed her forward, fueling every step. He was counting on her to save his family, and she refused to fail him. Her love for the bastard wouldn't allow it. Through hell or high water, she intended to track down Sienna and Angelina. She'd protect his sister and niece fiercely as though these strangers were her blood—safeguarding them for him—until they could be reunited.

But when might that fateful moment come?

A tide of foreboding rose in her. Their reunion could take hours. Or days. Or weeks.

What if Mesrine found a way to turn the tables back in his favor?

Or would Cristiano be able to keep Mesrine in the palm of his hand?

Rosa tried not to let the precarious situation she'd left Cristiano in consume her thoughts.

You better survive, mon beau.

Her heart gave a hard, strained thud.

At least, she comforted herself, the hole in his shoulder was no longer bleeding.

But words could only do so much. Concern for him didn't cease to writhe with a tide of foreboding. Mesrine might be subdued, but the fucker was still breathing, and Cristiano was hurt. Tables might turn, and hell could be unleashed in the blink of an eye. Each pulse pounded with trepidation even while Rosa assured herself again and again—Cristiano wouldn't allow Mesrine to kill him. He was too ruthless to let the fucker win. Cristiano would find a way to snap Mesrine's spine first if his life was on the line. He'd do anything to see Sienna and Angelina again.