Wicked Princess - Ashley Jade Page 0,16

move back in?” He clears his throat. “Of course you’re welcome to invite Sawyer and Dylan as well.”

Jace’s nostrils flare. “Are you out of your damn min—”

“It’s not a bad idea,” I cut in.

Not only do I love the notion of spending more time with my family and Sawyer, being at home might help fix my memory like Dr. Jones said.

Unfortunately, Jace is quick to shut it down. “It’s a terrible idea, Bianca. I know you don’t remember, but there’s a reason I moved out shortly after I graduated high school.”

My face falls. “Oh.”

My disappointment must be tangible because he sighs. “But I want to give you the best chance for recovery, so I’ll do it.” He glares at Dad. “Under two conditions.”

Dad’s sigh is expansive. “What’s that?”

“One—I’m doing this for Bianca, not you, so don’t think this fixes shit between us. And two—Nadia isn’t moving into Mom’s house while we’re there.”

I can tell Dad wants to argue, but he’s a smart man and for once puts his children first. “She won’t move in until after the wedding. You have my word.”

Cole looks at Sawyer. “You down for a temporary address change, Bible Thumper?”

She tugs her lower lip between her teeth. “I don’t know.”

“Please,” I beg, even though I probably have no right to. “I can’t remember our friendship, but something tells me I’d really like having you around.” I flutter my fingers. “I’ll even let you paint my nails.”

I feel a closeness to the girl I can’t really explain. Plus, she has a really good aura.

At that, she laughs, folding like a cheap lawn chair. “Okay, fine. If you really want me there…I’ll do it.”

Dropping my crutches, I throw my arms around her. “You’re the best.”

She freezes briefly before hugging me back. “Oh. Um…this is…nice.”

Cole laughs. “Told you she turned soft.”

And just like that, the nagging feeling in my gut is back with a vengeance.

Who the hell is Bianca Covington?

Chapter 10

My eyes are wide as I take everything in. “This is my bedroom?”

It’s a lot different from what I remember.

Back when I was eight, stuffed animals and dolls filled the large space.

Now it’s…books, hair tools, nail polish, makeup, shoes, and what looks like a gigantic walk-in closet.

Darting my gaze around, I can’t help but notice the pink three-mirrored vanity in the far corner.

Everything in my room is a various shade of purple. Except that.

“It was Mom’s,” Cole says as if answering my unspoken question.

That makes sense. Pink was her favorite color.

It used to be mine, too.

As if remembering the happy times, Jace’s face lights up. “She loved that thing. I remember the excitement on her face when Dad gifted it to her one year for Christmas. It was an ant—”

“Antique from France,” I finish for him as the memory floats through my head. “I used to love watching her apply her lipstick in the morning.”

She was always so careful. So precise.

So perfect.

And I wanted nothing more than to be just like her.

Hobbling over to my queen-size bed, I touch the silky purple bedspread.

Ten years ago, I had a comforter with unicorns on it.

Now everything’s different.

Even the walls which are now painted purple.

Adjusting my crutches, I stagger over to my closet.

I try to open it, but it’s stuck.

“Here,” Jace says, handing me a remote.

A remote-controlled door for a closet? “Why in the world would I need this?”

Cole barks out a laugh. “You didn’t want anyone stealing your clothes.”

I can see why the moment it slides open.

Holy shit.

Even to the untrained eye, there’s no hiding the fact that everything in here is very expensive and very designer.

It’s also very skimpy and attention-grabbing.

Well, everything except for the five crisp white button-down shirts and plaid skirts.

“Is that my school uniform?”

I’m really hoping they say yes because they’re the only normal outfits in here.

“Yeah,” Jace answers. “You ready for your big day tomorrow?”

Not even close.

Evidently, I’m a senior at Royal Hearts Academy.

I was worried I’d have to repeat the year given I missed the first two months of school, but my dad assured me he talked to the principal and as long as I maintain my excellent grades, I’ll be allowed to finish the year and graduate with the rest of my class.

Jace and Cole let it slip that talked to the principal was code for writing the school a check.

Either way, I’m glad my absence and accident won’t impact me graduating on time.

Although I am nervous about having to explain to everyone that I have amnesia.

Surprise roots me to the spot as I