She goes silent for a second; her gaze drifting to the large window to her right. “Will you sit?”
I do as I’m told for two reasons. First, I think I might collapse if I don’t park my bum. And second, because Allegra looks so tired. Again. It’s the same look she had when I first arrived.
When she turns back to me, I’m a little stunned by her eyes. The two colours get me every time. I’ve read plenty of books where one character thinks another character’s eyes are arresting and I never really got it. I mean, eyes are eyes, right? I get it now.
“We don’t know each other, Bonnie. But I have a sense these past few days have been out of character for you.”
Damn, she’s noticed.
“At first, I was happy you were relaxing. Better than us constantly at each other’s throats.”
I nod, because yeah, holding all that rage is knackering, even though sometimes the conversational sparring kind of did it for me.
“I’m sure you want to tell me to fuck off, or some other basic insult. I get it.”
“Actually, I agree with you,” I reply.
Her brows hitch slightly. “Okay. Glad we’re past the constant battles then. That being said, you might not feel that way after I’ve said my piece.”
“Try me.” I know what’s coming, and I’m not mad. A little touched, actually.
“You’re coping with being here by getting blackout drunk and it’s not healthy. Your friend Pete is enabling you, and frankly, I’m ready to tear into him. What happened last night could have ended in disaster. Either you could have fallen, or someone could have attacked you. Neither are acceptable. I need you to stop. I understand being here is the last thing you want. But I need you to just help me to help you by staying safe and within the boundaries of the villa.”
I swallow thickly because I still have no moisture in my body. “You know what my parents do?” This is the first time I feel comfortable having a conversation with her. She nods. “I grew up learning how to analyse my feelings and behaviour. When I woke up this morning, I scared myself. I’ve never been so drunk before I’ve blacked out. I didn’t like it. There’s a reason I’m a two-drink kinda girl. So I did a little self-reflection and came to the same conclusion as you.”
She’s doing that thing again, where she just looks at me.
“You were quite candid last night,” she says.
Not the answer I was expecting.My stomach rolls, and it’s not from the alcohol. What the hell did I say?
“Do I owe you another apology?”
She squints, and I see the beginning of a smirk. Shit.
“That depends. Were you lying when you called me Sexy Allegra?”
Oh, Jesus Christ on a paddleboard.
“Uh, I mean no… I’m not blind. You’re attractive…in a felonious way.” No point in trying to bullshit my way out of that one.
“Hmm. Felonious. Like a mafia queen, you might say?”
Dear God, no.
“What?” I squeak.
“A mafia queen you absolutely will not marry.”
“I…”
“Although the sex slave idea was interesting. But I’m a baddie, so I doubt that will pan out.”
I need her to stop talking. I can’t remember anything, and I’ve decided I don’t want to be reminded.
“I was very drunk!” It’s my only argument. Clearly my booze-addled brain decided to word-vomit all my thoughts.
“Hmm. So, just to clarify, you won’t marry me and become a queen consort?” Her eyes are sparkling with mirth, and I’m so embarrassed, the only thing I can do is burst out laughing. Which in turn sets Allegra off. I’ve heard her chuckle like a Disney villain, but this, her real laugh, is… Well, it’s sweet.
