Page 74 of The Protégé

Laughing, I blurted out the truth before I could stop it. “I can’t afford it.”

What is wrong with me?

The girls looked at me, and heat bloomed on my face.

“Natalie, my love,” Audri said. “What do you think about preparing a self-care package for our friend?”

“Absolutely!” Natalie raked a gaze over me. “I’ve got the perfect styles for you. When he sees you in these—” she purred and moved her shoulders seductively “—he might lose his breath and collapse into a heap on the floor. You’ll probably need a defibrillator to bring him back to life.”

“Oh, I’ve got that covered.” Kiera lifted a hand. “I’ll steal one from Forrest’s clinic.”

“Why don’t you just ask him?” Audri wondered.

“Because he’ll ask me why. Then I’ll have to explain that we’re trying to make his boy pass out for a Super Spy Girl mission. He’d be too interested and wouldn’t leave me alone.” Kiera stared at us with a serious expression. “This needs to remain as a girls-only meeting, okay?” She winked at us. “I’ll ask the office to buy a new defibrillator to replace the old one. Forrest is too busy to notice what’s missing in his supply closet.”

“You’re getting a gigantic bag of luxury beauty products from Iceland.” Michelle patted her cheeks. “The lava masks are the best.”

I’d always wanted to try them. Tears welled in my eyes, but I forced them to stay put.

“I have this new mouthwash that creates a tingle in your mouth...and on his cock. It’s the best,” Vivian said.

All the girls hounded her with questions why she hadn’t told them.

“I had to test it out first! It’s been proven successful, and everything’s been approved. Mint Sensations will be on the market within the next six months. All of you will get a case for free.” Vivian narrowed her eyes at me. “But I’ll give you theonlybottle I have left at home.”

The tears came slowly but eventually turned into a full-on cry. I loved these girls so much.

“I demand a full report.” Kiera grinned and gave me a tissue.

“Give it to Kiera. It might expire by the time I get to use it.” I beamed. “And she can report her findings to us.”

“Gimme gimme!” She gestured with her fingers.

Everyone laughed, and I’d never blushed as much as I did tonight. But it was good embarrassment amongst friends. I was the only one in this room with financial debt and an unstable career, and yet they didn’t make me feel less than them.

“Your SSG mission needs a name. What do you want to call it?” Audri asked.

My mind whirled with ideas as the girls threw out some silly names that made me tear up even more.

Michelle placed a box of tissues on my lap. “We’re here for you.”

I took a tissue and dabbed my eyes. “Thank you.” I looked at the girls. “And thank you for not asking me to explain.”

Though I loved my friends. I wasn’t ready to share my financial problems.

“We got you,” Kiera said. “Moonraker,Never Say Never Again,Dr. No,and The Spy Who Loved Meare some James Bond movie titles to inspire your SSG mission. Do you like any of them?

One title stood out to me. “How about The Thief Who Loved Me?”

“There’s a lovely ring to that.” Michelle’s eyes gleamed. “Wanna tell us why you chose that?”

I didn’t want to disclose anything personal, so I improvised. “Since he’s stealing my heart, he’s considered a thief.”

Kiera laughed. “I love it!”

“Please keep us posted,” Vivian added.

“Want to make a bracelet for him?” Audri asked, gesturing to the tray.