“Kel, are you sure you want to come along? You could visit your mum or something. You don’t need to put yourself in danger for me.”
“I’m not in danger with you, though. That’s the point, Bonnie.”
I sneak a side glance. “What about Allegra? She shot you!”
Kelley takes a deep breath. “She did, and I can’t lie; she’s fucking terrifying, like way more than in books.”
“She’s an ass,” I state.
“But she’s still really hot, right?”
Before I can answer, Allegra steps out of the house, talking to a woman I’ve yet to meet. They are talking closely and quietly. Behind them, Toni exits with several suitcases. He throws them in the back of one of the ridiculously large Land Rovers. Allegra kisses the woman on the cheeks and climbs in the back of the car.
I watch the car back out and drive off. “Where’s she going?” I bark.
Kelley eyes me again. I’m starting to think I’ve got something on my face. Why is everyone studying me every time I open my mouth?
“Allegra is travelling to Italy this evening,” a voice says, way too close to my ear. I didn’t notice the woman Allegra was speaking to walk over. Turning, I do my best to not cower. She has the same energy as Allegra and I’m sure she’s just as deadly.
“Good for her.”
Scary woman chuckles. “You don’t fool me,” she says quietly. “I see you.”
“Um, okay. Sorry, do I know you?”
She shakes her head. “We’ve never met face to face.”
“Right. Well, nice to meet you…”
“Rosa. And you are Bonnie Moorside, long-lost daughter of the big man.”
I shake my head. “Biologically. That’s it. Anyway, we’re going to continue our walk. That is, if I’m still allowed that basic freedom.”
Another wolfish grin. “I see what Allegra means. See you around, Sparky.”
I don’t love that nickname, but I think I’ve given enough snark for one day.
“What was that about?” Kelley asks. I shrug. “She was scary, too.”
“Oh, Kel. They are all scary. Remember who they are.”
“Hey, I said I was drugged up when I was talking shite about Beth.”
“Uh-huh. You’re forgetting I was there earlier when she changed your dressing.”
She laughs. “I can look.”
“Sure. As long as you remember what these people do.”
She bops her head. “Yeah, okay. I’ll give you the same advice then, Bonnie.”
My head whips around. “Excuse me?”
“Oh, please! I see your lustful stares at Allegra.”
“She’s a nut job, Kelley. What you’re seeing is disdain.”
“Thin line between—”
