Page 36 of Shattered Sinner
And it wasn't. While we were slightly alone because we'd found a corner to talk in, we were still in public.
“I think now is as good of a time as ever.”
I had to admit I was curious about what he wanted to say. I glanced around to make sure that we were alone before saying, “Fine. Say what you want to say.”
Nash stared down at his feet, refusing to look me in the eye, and muttered, "I've been thinking a lot lately, and I don't want to keep holding onto this grudge. I shouldn’t have overstepped my boundaries when it came to who Bianca could and couldn’t date, because it was ultimately her choice, and I shouldn’t have set you up for that fight in Chevalier Manor.”
My mouth dropped open slightly as I stared at my best friend. I was surprised by him being so open and apologizing because that’s not usually how he rolled. Granted, he never turned on me until now, so I’d never been on the receiving end.
“I should have put my foot down and declined the deal because it was stupid as fuck. But I didn’t want to make an enemy out of you when it was our first time meeting each other in person.”
Nash nodded. “I can understand that.”
“Anyway, I’m all for putting this behind us.”
Nash gave me a small smile and held out his hand. I shook it, and it turned into a bro hug. Although it would take some time before things got back to the way they were, I was happy to be back on the same team as Nash versus being against him.
“So, I guess this would be the best time to talk to you about your sister then?”
Nash raised an eyebrow at me, probably wondering where this was going. “What about her?”
“I’m interested in pursuing something with her.” There. I’d said it, and if he wanted to attempt to punch me again, then so be it.
“Is this something she wants?”
To be honest, I was somewhat surprised that he didn't have any idea about it.
“I’m not sure, but I plan on talking to her about it soon. I just didn’t want any more shit from you. I’m being up front about my intentions, and if that’s a problem for you, tough shit. Because I will fight for her every second of every day.”
Nash nodded slowly as if trying to understand what I was saying. “What about her 'engagement' to Tristan Whitmore?”
My entire body grew tense when his name fell from Nash's lips. While Tristan had done nothing to me, the fact that he would agree to this charade made me want to kill him. My fists clenched and my jaw tightened as I said, “It's not happening."
Nash shook his head. "That's not what my parents think."
"What do you mean?"
"Mom called and told me that we needed to prepare for a big announcement around the time the semester ends."
I didn't like where this was going. "What announcement?"
"She'll be throwing a party that will then turn into an engagement announcement."
It hadn’t been the news I was expecting, but, also, it should have been. “When?”
“In a couple of weeks."
I forced myself to take a deep breath in an effort to remain calm. "Okay. I assume my family will get invited to this party… hmmm, I need to come up with a plan."
"It probably would be best if WE came up with something. And we have to be smart about this."
It felt good for us to be doing things together again.
"I agree. My main focus is on the last challenge for the Chevaliers, and in between that, we can figure out a way to stop this whole sham."
"That sounds like a plan."
I ran through all of this in my mind for a moment before I spoke again. "I understand that you're Bianca's brother, and where you stand in her life. But if I have to blow past you in order to save her from this, I will do it in a heartbeat. No questions asked."
