Page 101 of Change

Bryce was the cat.

She wouldn’t want to risk losing me in this fight.

There was no way that’s what she wanted. They were exactly alike—Bryce and Bianca—and always reading into things, and statements, that sometimes didn’t exist.

Fae were literal by nature—at least, on some level—but some were more extreme than others: less able to assimilate even though they were fascinated by humans. Luckily, I’d had years of experience in dealing with them, as well as Finn, to know how to approach this.

“What did Biancaactuallysay?” I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. It’d been a long time since I’ve had to break down one of Bryce’s statements.

“That you have other emotions outside of being a self-righteous prat,” Bryce answered, his guard lowering a tiny bit once more. There was an echo of my best friend somewhere in his underlying desperation. “It’s admirable how easily she sees through you while the rest of your quintet does not.”

His statement had been delivered in a factual manner, but there was an accusation in his tone that caused my heart to seize.

I stared at him in horror.

Shesees through me…

True terror clawed at me, and it became harder to breathe. Sure, that was what she was supposed to do, but damn.

I wasn’t ready for this.

I could never talk to her again.

“Don’t worry, she still thinks you’re an idiot,” Bryce offered, leaning against the wall. “It doesn’t help that you’re trying to push your fetish onto her. Youknowshe’s not going to be into it the way you’re imagining.”

That didn’t make it any better!

“I don’t want her to think I’m an idiot either!” I snapped at him, clenching my fists into my lap. And what did he know—he wasn’t there that day; she’dlikedbeing taken care of.

Bryce shrugged. “I’m not sure why you think she wouldn’t.” His tone was almost accusing. “You’re trying so hard that you’re completely inconsistent. Like the first time I saw the two of you together—when you came slamming into my office, raving like a lunatic. What the hell did you think I was going to do to her? You knowme, and you’re smarter than that.”

The stirrings of anger licked at my senses once more, and I glared at him. “I don’t trust you.”

You’ve surprised me before. The unspoken accusation hung in the air, and his glower moved from me as he pulled at his collar.

Good, he should feel guilty.

I never thought he’d abandon our bond.

And she was afraid he might spank her too. She’d said it, not me.

Obviously,he wouldn’t do such a thing, Bryce was nothing if not proper. But she was afraid, and I had to react.

“It’s not my place,” he said suddenly. “We can be friends, but I can’t be what you want.”

“What?” But then the meaning behind his statement registered. “Are you talking about why you left me?”

“What are you, my ex?” Bryce rolled his eyes. “You make it sound as though we broke up.”

“Wedidbreak up, you asshole.” I pointed at him, reignited fury as the memories came rushing over my thoughts. “I risked everything to helpyou when the Seelie King went after your family, and you left me high and dry. I almostdied.”

“Yes.” Bryce’s eyes flashed, and he pushed from the wall, pacing. “Iknow.”

“You betrayedmytrust,” I reminded him.

“I know,” Bryce repeated again, still pacing. “But I had no choice. It was the only thing Icoulddo.”

My laugh sounded loud through the space, and before I’d registered moving, I was in front of him, finger pressed to his chest. “I’dloveto hear what convoluted reasoning you’ve thought up to justify that.”