This isn’t happening. This can’t be happening. Both Duncan and Mrs. Theissen give me the evil eye because of Sophie, but if I was to have anything to do with Fifi, I’d be sent to the dungeons for sure.
“That was a long time ago,” I say, treading lightly.
Back then, I would have been interested. I know I would have been. Fifi would have been the perfect way for me to get over Mera. It would have lasted all of two weeks, and I would have left her without a second glance.
“Maybe if you’re interested now…” Fifi meets my gaze, confident and steady. Like she thinks I’m going to take her up on whatever it is she’s offering.
Am I?
35
Sophie
AshtoniswithFernTheissen at The King’s Hat.
I think it’s better that I know, rather than just wondering.
Because I’ve been wondering what they were doing since they left. Thinking about how beautiful Fern is—tall and model slim, blonde hair with effortless waves drifting down her back. Fashionable clothes, because, of course, she’s a model.
Her handbag alone costs more than my entire wardrobe.
And Ashton knows her. Of course he does. He knows all the beautiful women in the world.
Maybe not all of them, but a lot of them
I glance at my phone to check if another text has come in from Ashton.
Nothing since I told Ashton to have fun with her.
Of course I would tell him to have fun with her. What else am I supposed to say—come back and sit with me in front of the fire and we can both be anti-social bumps on a log? How fun is that?
It’s all Ashton has been doing for almost a month. Of course he jumped at the chance for different scenery. Different company.
Someone who isn’t me.
Fern is definitely not me. Or Fifi. Whatever her name is.
There’s a knock at my door. “Soph? You still awake?” Kate pokes her head around the door.
“It’s only nine o’clock. I’m not that much of an old lady.” Kate’s eyes widen at my snappish tone. “Sorry,” I say.
She comes in, toeing off her heels and making herself comfortable on the couch beside me. “Don’t be. What’s going on?”
“Nothing.”
“And that’s the problem.” She nods her head as she pulls at my blanket to cover her toes. “You’re bored.”
“I’m not bored.”
“Yousoundbored,” Kate points out. “Where’s Ashton? I thought he was acting as your full-time companion lately.” She glances around like he’s about to pop out from under the table.
I groan and thump my head against the back of the couch. “I don’t need another lecture about how I shouldn’t be hanging out with him.”
“Why shouldn’t you hang out with him? It’sAshton Carrington. Women would give up regular Botox injections for a chance to meet him, and here you are, locked up in a castle, with him all to yourself.” Her hazel eyes gleam with excitement.
“It’s not like that,” I protest. “And why would any woman give up her Botox for him? Ashton probably loves women with Botox.”
“So what is it like?” she prompts. “I’ve been so swamped with the Sea Queen shindig that I haven’t kept up with the gossip.”
