"Why, of course, I'm afraid. Why wouldn't I be?" Bonnie shrugged and responded casually, "Aren't we on the same boat? Moreover, you were forced out of hiding and drew the enemy's attention away from Billy because of what I said.
"That's why I have to make sure no danger befalls you. Your safety is my responsibility."
"Well…" For a moment there, Falcon didn't know what to say.
'When Barrett suggested for me to work with him and lure the enemies away from Billy, I thought he only did it to gain favor with Billy.
'I have no qualms for him to do that, but why did he have to drag me into it? I was brimming with hatred for him when I was running away from Collin's pursuit. I swear, I was thinking about teaching Barrett a lesson when we got back!
'Now I realized I've been judging him wrongly. Barrett might've dragged me down with him, but the fact is that the Nidhoggs are hunting for me. Even if I hadn't come out of my hiding, they would've figured out a way to suss me out.
'If that had happened, then all three of us wouldn't have survived the pursuit.
'Simply said, Barrett was forced to make such a decision. What's more, he kept an eye out on my situation in order to keep me safe. I would be a monster if I still blamed him for what happened!
Meanwhile, Bonnie noticed Falcon wasn't saying anything. She pretended to look dispirited and said, "I know you blame me for what happened. You think that I dragged you into this mess. You're right. It is my fault. I have a duty to save you. So, don't think too much about it, Falcon."
"That's not it," Falcon responded.
For a moment there, Bonnie didn't exactly know what he meant.
"Huh?"
"I'm saying that I'm not blaming you. It's not just that, either. I'm actually very thankful because you saved my life. Otherwise, Collin would've shot me dead." Falcon rubbed the back of his head.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: I Love You, Miss Genius ( Bonnie Shepard )