Page 478 of Bad Prince
“That is not the word I’d use,” Tristan mutters.
Leo grins at him.
“You’re welcome anyway.”
I bite back a smile into my cup and fail completely.
That only encourages Jade, who shifts her full attention to me.
“So,” she says, “how bad is it?”
I blink.
“I’m sorry?”
She gestures loosely between Tristan and me.
“The chemistry. The emotional damage. The years of unresolved longing. Rate it.”
“Jade.”
“What?” She looks at Tristan innocently. “I’m trying to welcome her.”
I set my coffee down very carefully.
Then, because some instinct tells me honesty plays well at this table, I say, “It’s catastrophically bad.”
Jade lights up.
“Perfect.”
Leo points at me.
“See? I told you.”
“Told her what?” Tristan asks.
“That only girls with real stamina survive you.”
I laugh before I can stop myself.
Tristan turns to me, betrayed.
“You’re on their side already?”
I tip my head.
“They were nice to me first.”
“Traitor.”
Jade beams.
“I knew we’d get along.”
And weirdly, we do.
Fast.
