I really, really,reallyneed to check my calendar because their goodbye—along with Dominic’s slightly possessive kiss as he tightens my seatbelt before racing off the plane—has me fanning my face.
By the time the private charter idles to the terminal, I’ve come to accept that I’m in serious trouble. All during the flight not only was I fanning my face, but I started to experience the deep ache I’ve come to recognise as the first signs of my heat.
Anyone looking at me wouldn’t know I’m in the earliest stage, but inside everything is starting to twist—my emotions included. Although when don’t they?
I wait until the aircraft is empty before calling Hendrix. He picks up after a handful of rings. “Simona, everything okay? I’m thrilled to hear from you, but I honestly wasn’t expecting…”
I interrupt him. “I’m going into heat.”
The immediate lack of noise has me triple checking our call hasn’t dropped.
“Oh, sweetheart,” he croons gently, and somehow, I hear his worry over the frantic race of my heart.
And his voice is like taking a Tylenol, instantly calming the tempest my body is trying to unleash. It won’t work for long, but I relax for the first time in a few hours.
I even smile when I answer him, it’s that noticeable how much better I feel. “I’ll be okay but after today, I don’t know if I’ll be able to fly. Even with all the lotions and sprays we got, nothing is working. I think I’ll have to check into a local Heat Clinic. I guess though the good thing is no one is going to notice I’m packed because they’re going to get gassed by my impending heat and all the medication I’m using.”
He snarls. The noise echoes through the phone he gave me, tickling and licking the soles of my feet, making me shiver. Okay, maybe talking with Hen wasn’t a good idea.
I chose Hendrix because Ryder’s voice already makes me weak at the knees. I figured the bond I share with Dominic would somehow feed my heat—my body instinctively yearning for my Alpha. Weird, I know, but I’m completely inexperienced when it comes to sharing a bond with anyone. As if to prove a point, there’s a slight yet noticeable shift in our bond before it floods with Dominic’s concern.
“No Heat Clinic,” Hendrix clarifies, barely moving past making noises as opposed to words when he answers.
I slam my eyes shut and count to ten, to stop the stupid tears stinging my eyes. Being trapped financially is awful. Having to rely on other people isn’t as bad but it sure makes me feel like a complete failure still. “I don’t have any money, Hendrix. I don’t have any option.”
“Simona,” he bites back, but it’s gentle and tender, making me have to blink even faster. “Baby, you have access to lots of money.”
“I don’t want to impose on you,” I admit.
“Honestly, I am putting you over my knee, Simona. Alittle session is what you need to remind you three Alphas are besotted by you, and each wants to give you the world.” He doesn’t stop to let me argue. “I’m aware asking is difficult, so I will keep reminding you, the card in your possession has no limit. It has a cash withdrawal function, that in retrospect I should have explained better. Put simply, there’s no way in fucking hell you are going to a Heat Clinic. I’ll book you a suite at the most luxurious, most secure building I can. It might not be a hotel because like you, I don’t trust the reach of the founding families. Instead, the place I book will be owned by someone in our world, but your safety will be guaranteed.”
“Thank you.” I close my eyes, relieved, overwhelmed, happy.
“You don’t have to thank me over the phone,” he teases. I can literally feel his happiness through the phone, and it makes me smile. “We’re coming to join you.”
My smile evaporates and my eyes bug out of my head. I’m glad we aren’t on a video call; he’d be horrified by my reactions.
“Pardon?” I ask to triple check in case I heard wrong.
And he laughs. A low, deep chuckle that lets me know he’s very aware of his effect on me. “Keep your phone next to you. I’ll message you updates as they come to hand before midnight tonight, you will be blushing exactly like you are right this second, but for different reasons.”
I hang up on him and race like my butt is on fire into the waiting limousine Koz arranged. My mind is a blur, filled with all these possibilities involving them. I mean, the man threatened to put me over his knee and instead of having me locked up in fear, all I can do is rub my thighs together in desperation while I watch the minutes pass slowly.
I seriously don’t know how I’m going to explain any of this to the girls.
Chapter
Twenty-Eight
SIMONA
Iadore spending time with the Scorned Girls and always have. Usually, their energy is infectious. Today is different though, I have a clawing need scratching up the back of my neck. I’m not sure if it’s solely because of my heat either. I can’t shake the feeling something bad is coming.
“Are you okay, Sim?” Heidi leans in as she asks softly.
I ignore the champagne she offers, taking a sip of water instead. “I feel pretty ordinary, ruining the party before it starts.”
Tristan’s scent reaches me at the same time her arms wrap around me. “You did not ruin anything. You’re an amazing friend by telling us. No shit, I should probably take a leaf out of your book and share some of my secrets with you guys. Do you think that would help? Like I get so guilty sometimes, but other times I figure you wenches have enough to deal with. Plus, you know a little bit of mystery is good for the soul.” She talks a mile a minute, flipping all over the place like she usually does.
