When She Falls (The Fallen, #3)

by Gabrielle Sands

It’s another reminder how far I am from being a gentleman. Gentlemen don’t look at engaged women the way I look at Gemma Garzolo.

Because the truth is, he nailed something on the head. I don’t know if the fire is real. All I know is that it only really started to come out after I met him.

Mari glows with happiness, and Napoletano actually cracks a smile. It looks weird on him.

Our eyes lock, and heat expands inside my chest. I must be still angry with him.

A part of me thought that taking care of her while she’s sick would work the attraction out of me, but if anything, it’s made it stronger.

How did I go from hating him to feeling this—whatever this is—in the span of a few feverish days?

I should tell him the truth. I want her. I feel something for her. She’s got a rope wrapped around my heart, and when she tugs on it, I can’t do anything but follow. I can’t say any of those things.

Last time I fell hard for a woman, I lost her. And I think that’s going to happen again. Because I can’t have Gemma without blowing everything to pieces and going against my don’s will.

“Of course, I remember.” He smiles a little and then quietly adds, “I don’t think I’m capable of forgetting a single thing as far as you’re concerned, Peaches.”

You were right about me, Gem. I’m not a man of honor. I don’t give a fuck that you’re engaged. I want you, and I’m taking you. It’s not a question. It’s a fucking statement.

“You are the air I breathe. You are the ground that keeps me standing. Without you, I’m nothing, Gemma.”

He doesn’t understand. When you love someone, you don’t want them to lose everything because of you. You don’t want to be the end. You want to be the beginning.

This world can be seductive. Its darkness has a unique allure that pulls people in. But, even in that darkness, there's light. Bright, and warm, and beautiful. I snuggle up to Ras. For me, that light is him.