Twisted, #2
Twisted Games
by Ana Huang
Contents
1. Bridget
Overview
Bridget faces a wave of change: her mentor retires and her trusted bodyguard departs. The new bodyguard, Rhys Larsen, arrives early and immediately challenges her living arrangements as unsafe. Their clashing priorities establish a tense dynamic that will test boundaries, control, and trust.
Summary
Bridget finishes volunteering at Wags & Whiskers, bantering with Emma and Booth while deflecting her sadness over incoming farewells. Emma announces her imminent retirement, adding to Bridget’s looming goodbyes alongside college graduation and Booth’s departure for paternity leave.
Walking home, Bridget and Booth discuss the incoming replacement. He is a contractor—ex–Navy SEAL with top recommendations. Bridget hopes for compatibility, mindful of constant proximity between protectee and guard.
At Bridget’s house, the new guard, Rhys Larsen, arrives early. Bridget is instantly attracted to him, but the moment sours when Rhys declares her home a “security nightmare” and orders her to move. Bridget refuses, bristling at his commanding tone.
Inside, logistics are reviewed: Rhys will shadow Booth until Monday. Rhys outlines his principles—no personal involvement and absolute authority on security decisions. Bridget coolly agrees to professionalism but resists conceding total control.
Rhys conducts a quick assessment and identifies multiple vulnerabilities, starting with all the windows and an easily bypassed alarm. Bridget’s irritation spikes, Booth mediates, and the chapter closes with entrenched friction as Rhys pushes for immediate upgrades and Bridget struggles against his overbearing approach.
Who Appears
- BridgetPrincess of Eldorra; volunteers at a shelter, faces multiple goodbyes, meets new bodyguard Rhys and clashes over security control.
- Rhys LarsenNew contractor bodyguard; ex–Navy SEAL who arrives early, deems Bridget’s house unsafe, asserts strict rules, and sparks immediate tension.
- BoothBridget’s longtime bodyguard; bird-averse, friendly, leaving for paternity leave and to resettle in Eldorra.
- EmmaDirector of Wags & Whiskers; mentor to Bridget, announces retirement, prompting another difficult farewell.
- Leather the parrotShelter parrot with risqué catchphrases; comic relief that underscores Booth’s bird aversion.