Twisted, #2
Twisted Games
by Ana Huang
Contents
3. Bridget
Overview
Bridget chafes at living with Rhys, their banter masking growing tension and reluctant attraction. At the shelter, they share a rare, sincere moment when Bridget reveals volunteering connects her to her late mother. A sudden street scare triggers Rhys’s hypervigilance and a new ban on walking, undoing their brief truce before their trip to Eldorra.
Summary
Bridget grows increasingly uncomfortable sharing her home with Rhys, whose constant presence and discipline feel intrusive. Their exchanges turn snarky, culminating in Bridget’s embarrassment when Rhys points out her upside-down book, reinforcing her view of him as insufferable despite others finding him charming.
At the shelter, Bridget and Rhys endure a long, watchful silence until he asks why she volunteers. Initially defensive, Bridget opens up that her mother loved animals and volunteering helps her feel close to her. Rhys acknowledges he understands and admits she’s different from his expectations, easing the tension with shared humor—punctuated by Leather the parrot’s obscene outburst.
Buoyed by the lighter mood, Bridget attempts small talk about their upcoming trip to Eldorra. On the walk home, squealing tires trigger Rhys’s protective instincts; he shoves Bridget into an alley, covers her, and draws his gun until the speeding car passes harmlessly.
Although unhurt, Bridget is shaken more by Rhys’s reaction than the car. Rhys insists the walk proved her vulnerability and declares no more walking to and from the shelter. Bridget protests he’s overreacting, but Rhys doubles down on authority, saying it’s his job and she must follow orders unless she fires him.
Their brief camaraderie collapses back into chilly distance. Bridget anticipates a tense holiday trip to Athenberg, their professional boundaries rigid despite flickers of connection.
Who Appears
- Princess Bridget von AschebergNarrator; resents Rhys’s constant presence, opens up about her late mother at the shelter, and clashes with him after a street scare.
- Rhys LarsenBodyguard; stoic, hypervigilant, momentarily softens with Bridget, then imposes stricter security after a near-scare, reigniting tension.
- WendyShelter volunteer friend; admires Rhys from afar and leaves Bridget to cover the shift.
- MeadowShelter cat; comforts Bridget and symbolizes her bond with her mother.
- LeatherShelter parrot; blurts inappropriate phrases, breaking a charged moment between Bridget and Rhys.