Page 105 of Oceansong
Liar.
“I think we have seen enough, yes? Angela, I got worried about you when you didn’t show up for your shift on time.” Bàba looked at his watch, as if to make a point. “So we went to look for you.”
Figures Nick didn’t tell Bàba the real reason, that he wanted to catch her red-handed with Kaden.
He shook his head slowly, a move he was fond of when he was upset with her and Mia. “But it didn’t look like you needed help.”
The undercurrents of his disappointment in her ran deep. This was one of the few times he didn’t call her by her nickname.
He hadn’t changed in that aspect from when Angie was a child.
“But how–how did you know where I was?” Angie’s voice was small, and she hated how meek she sounded at that moment. Her posture wilted.
“That mermaid told me. Didn’t even have to force it out of her.” Nick leaned back and kicked his feet straight, crossing his ankles over each other, clearly relishing the moment.
Angie’s blood boiled.
Bàba narrowed his eyes at Nick. “So howdidyou get it out of her?”
“I didn’t.”
Kaden had told her that most non-royal and non-noble mer didn’t speak human languages. “But how did you understand her? I couldn’t.” Angie couldn’t imagine why Aurora would tell Nick, after his cronies killed her lifemate in front of her.
“Well, once I got her to kiss me, I could magically understand her. By the way, not a fan. Breath was a little fishy. How do you bear it with your fishboy?”
“They don’t smell fishy. You were probably sniffing your own stank breath.” Angie clenched her fists. “Wait, you kissed her before you knew about their magic?” She could kick him in the crotch again.
Nick’s mouth snapped shut, as if he realized what he just admitted.
“You went behind my daughter’s back?” Bàba asked through clenched teeth.
“N-no, I knew about the magic, I was t-taking it—” Redness crept up to Nick’s cheeks from his neck.
Angie crossed her arms over her chest, leaning back in her chair and glared at Nick.
“That’s not what you said.” Bàba pointed at him. “We’re not done discussing this, and I’ll deal with you when we’ve settled the war. But that is a separate matter. For now, continue with what you were saying.”
Nick was now the same shade as a red sea star. “So, I realized that when that merman tried to drown me. He said a lot of awful things about humans. Oh, she got into a little fight with that merman next to her. I guess he’s some prince, or something.” Nick pursed his lips. “So long story short, he tried to stop her, but she told him she didn’t care. That the royal family caused her lifemate to die because of this war. So, my gain.”
Angie stared at Nick, unblinking, like Lulu had been when she saw Kaden.
“But, Angela.” The initial smugness on Nick’s face had become replacedwith hints of regret and guilt. “I wanted to believe you weren’t a traitor. I hoped I was wrong. Yes, I told your dad that I was worried about you. I had my suspicions for a while, though I kept them to myself because I wasn’t sure what you were up to. I wanted to see for myself.” He turned to Bàba. “Sorry. I should have told you earlier. Who knows what kind of information she’s given to the mer?”
“No.” Bàba shook his head. “I appreciate you bringing it to my attention.”
“So, you ratted me out, Nick. I thought so. I talked to their Queen. I had a letter from her.” Angie spat out each word, sharp and spiteful. “She wants to negotiate with you, Bàba.”
“Then where’s the letter?” Bàba asked.
“I lost it when I was trying to stop Kaden from being shot again. But if you’re willing, I’ll find a way to relay the message to them.” She would tell Cyrus or Adrielle, but Bàba and Nick couldn’t know she was planning to sneak him out.
“Don’t blame Nick. He was trying to do the right thing.” Bàba’s timbre was so sharp it cut right through her. “I’m not negotiating with them, after they destroyed part of our docks and that merman tried to drown Nick.”
“Nick was hurting the mermaid he loved.” Angie’s shoulders and limbs shook at the memory.
Bàba held up his hands, and she stopped talking. “They’re violent and unpredictable. And you betrayedus. Defied my orders, which were for your safety! For a merman?” He looked down at his hands, and took in a shaking breath. “He could have hurt or killed you, and I would never have known what happened. I already spent too much time away from you and Mia when I was deployed. I will not lose you to our enemy.”
“Kaden would never—”
