Chapter 508

Chapter 0508 Bridget’s doe-eyed look, while so-similar to Elva’s, was not nearly as convincing.

I Perhaps Bridget’s charms worked on I those who were already fond of her, or on I unsuspecting men who found her attractive, but I was neither of those.

When I looked at Bridget now, all I could see was the memory of her standing over me in the pit. She’d had the means to save me, but she’d left me there instead. I could have died. And now she wanted forgiveness? She hadn’t even properly apologized! This question of hers for forgiveness now felt like some type of extortion racket.

Something like, you had better forgive me or else! That type of attitude had a natural rebelliousness grow inside of me. I wanted to deny her forgiveness just because she was so damn demanding of

I it, acting like she deserved it.

In a perfect world, Bridget would reap what she sowed. Karma should come back around and kick her square in the pants.

I Unfortunately, we didn’t live in a perfect 1 world.

Since the footage of Bridget abandoning me in that pit was cut and edited for the public, the public had no idea what she actually did to me. This feud, if allowed to continue, would likely reflect poorly on me and no one else.

Plus, Nathan wasn’t wrong. Since we were to meet with the merfolk for the sake of continuing to build the alliance between the two nations, showcasing petty squabbles wouldn’t look good for the werewolf kingdom.

We had to get past this. Which meant, for the sake of appearances, I had be the one to take the high road.

God damn it.

«I never would have done this to you,” I said to Bridget's annoyingly hopeful face.

“If you had been the one in that hole, I would have dropped everything to rescue I you.” Bridget’s pleading expression did not change. It was as if she hadn’t heard me.

She was trapped in limbo waiting for those three magical words: I forgive you.

She was going to be waiting for along, long time.

“However,” I said, “For the sake of appearances in front of the merfolk royalty, and for the good of the werewolf kingdom's alliance with them, I think it would be best if we simply moved forward.” Nicholas’s frown deepened.

julian startled. Looking at me, he asked, “Are you sure about that?”

No. Not really. But 1 knew I didn’t have anv other choice. Without context, the public and the merfolk could both turn on us.

I “It’s not forgiveness,” I added. “Not by a I I longshot. I just don’t think we should I fight about it anymore.” “Oh, Piper,” Bridget said. Her smile brightened. She clasped her hands together and tucked them under her chin.

“you truly are a saint among women.

Thank you so much.” I blinked at her happy outburst. She had heard what I said, right? About this not being forgiveness? She probably didn’t care, since she was getting what she wanted regardless. I felt like such an idiot. Maybe I shouldn’t have made it so easy on her, after all.

“She didn’t say she forgives you,” Julian added. “You don’t have to seem so happy about it.”

“Moving forward is akin to forgiveness,” Bridget said. Her eye twitched slightly, looking at Julian. When she turned her gaze to Nicholas instead, she brightened her entire disposition. “Right, Nicholas?” j Nicholas looked at her flatly, then sighed.

I He walked away without a word, heading for the door to lead him inside.

“I don’t know why everyone is so touchy,” Bridget said to his back. “Piper is fine. Nothing bad happened.” My frown deepened. Nothing happened? I could have died! “you're really missing the mark this time, Bridget,” Julian snapped. “If the public knew the full truth, they wouldn't forgive you either.” He turned his attention to me. “Do you want to go inside, Piper? It’s suddenly a bit suffocating out here.” God, that sounded like a good idea. I wanted to be as far away from Bridget as

physically possible, especially when she was so purposefully missing the mark like she was now.

I started to nod, but then Bridget began to speak.

I “Piper. Actually, if we could, I'd like to speak with you privately for justa minute.” «1 don’t think that’s a good idea,” Julian said at once, and, while I appreciated his coming to my defense so readily, I was capable of taking care of myself.

Also, I couldn’t deny my curiosity over what exactly Bridget wanted to tell me privately. Perhaps, here, I'd finally see a glimpse into Bridget’s true feelings, something she undoubtedly didn’t want the public or the princes to see.

“It’s fine, Julian,” I said. “I'll hear her out.” julian lifted a single brow in my

J direction, as if to ask me if I was certain about this \ I was.

+ Inodded at him in response.

I I “Alright,” he said, though not without i Mr 3 . : hesitation. He leaned in and kissed my cheek. “I'll see you in the morning, then.” “Goodnight,” I told him.

“Goodnight, Julian,” Bridget said shortly after I did.

Julian ignored her, gave me a small smile, and then turned and followed his brother inside.

Alone with Bridget, I crossed my arms, waiting for whatever terrible thing she was about to say.

Her bright smile never wavered. It was starting to make my skin crawl. How could she always keep that up so

convincingly, when I knew, in my heart that it was bullshit? 1 «1 just wanted to thank you personally, Piper,” she said, voice sugar-sweet I “You're forgiveness should help smooth things over between Nicholas and me.

I You know how stubborn he can be. He would never forgive me if you didn’t first.” “I didn’t forgive you,” I reminded her. “I just want to move forward.” She laughed. “Same difference!” I blinked, startled. Was she living in a fantasy world, or did she purposefully pretend that everything was going her way until the people around her caved and went along with it? “Although...” Bridget’s smile turned sly, and she leaned in as if telling me a secret.

“Angry sex can be pretty good too.” She laughed. “If the boat is a rocking, don’t come a-knocking. Am I right?”

My stomach dropped down to the ground Was she trying to insinuate that she and Nicholas had sex on that boat? That couldn’t be possible. Nicholas had I been so furious with her. He wouldn’t } have...

\ Right? “Have a goodnight, Piper!” Bridget said, sing-song, as she walked past me toward the door.

I stayed where I was a few minutes, as her words sunk in. I didn’t want to run into her in the hallway have her tell me even more gut-wrenching things.

When I finally did get to my room and crawled into bed, images of Nicholas and Bridget intertwined flooded my brain, one after the next. It was so painful, so terrible... My imagination was my worst enemy.

I tossed and turned, but sleep did not find

me until well into the night When I blinked open my eyes, the sun 4 was high in the sky, beaming at me through my windows.

How long did Elva and I sleep? I And, oh no! The boat for the merfolk territory was set to leave early today! We didn’t miss it, did we? I rolled out of bed and hurried to the window. Down below, I saw everyone walking onto the boat.

They were getting ready to leave without us!