Page 92 of The Bodyguard and the Alpha
Blinking against sudden tears, I smiled gratefully at Marguerite.
Baby? What is it?Bastien’s tone was panicked.
I’m okay,I told my mate. I’m with your family.
Are they upsetting you? Are you hungry?
They’re not upsetting me. The opposite.
So why are you so emotional?
Your mum is being very sweet.
His tone softened. I’m glad she’s taking care of you baby. What did she say to make you feel that way?
I hesitated. But I had promised that I would share all my insecurities with him. He was all in and I had promised to be too.She told me I’m too skinny.
You are.
I dropped my spoon and covered my face. Just two words and they blew me away.Every insecurity I’d ever had about my body came rushing back.The cruel words of students in my professional training that had been uttered in my hearing in the locker room. Too fat. Too short. Won’t make it.
I’d shown them. I’d made it. I’d qualified and I’d scored the top job in my field. But every day had been a battle against my own desires. I was so fucking sick of saying no. Of denying myself.
I’ve been trying to get you to eat more for five fucking years.
Love swelled in my chest.I love you.
I love you more. Now eat some food baby.
In the background I heard murmurs and the scrape of chairs. Moments later, I recognised Caly’s soft footsteps and she put a gentle hand on my back. “Elie, do you need a minute? I know it can be overwhelming.”
I opened my eyes, meeting my twin’s soft concerned gaze. With one hand I wiped at the tears on my cheeks. The other went to the arm by her side, grabbing her hand and squeezing it. “Thank you for being the best sister I could ever have.”
Caly reached forward and grabbed me in a hug. “No, I’m pretty sure that’s you.”
“Gods, don’t start. You’ll make me cry more.”
She laughed. “Have the croissant. Fuck the bitches who made you think you’re anything less than perfect.”
“Yeah. Fuck ‘em.”
I reached for a croissant and a chorus of “fuck ‘em” came from Bastien’s family who had patiently waited for me while I had a mini meltdown. “Thank you,” I said to Marguerite, who winked at me.
Tonight baby, my mate purred in my mind.
How did he manage to make that sound so dirty? But that reminded me.
I’d forgotten to explain why I’d called them to the meeting. I hurriedly swallowed the bite of croissant. Heaven in the form of pastry. “Okay, Bastien wants to move up the timeline for getting him out.”
“Alright.” Luc’s voice was cautious. “When?”
I winced. “Tonight. With or without our help.”
Caly gaped. Luc swore. Simon ran a hand through his hair, a frown on his face. Marguerite just laughed, a loud delighted peal of sound. “That boy,” she said. “Impossible was never in his vocabulary.”
“I won’t have an exit plan ready by then.” Luc’s face was dark with frustration. “I need more time.”
“What can you have in place?” I took another bite of the croissant. Now I’d started it, there was no way I could stop unless someone physically took it away from me. And I’d fight them for it.
