Page 4 of The Upgrade

“Is it wrong that I want revenge?” I just said that out loud.

“Absolutely not.” Sara smiles sweetly. “You’re entitled.”

“I’m not just talking about the sex resort. And I don’t mean violence.” Not that I don’t love the thought of Brock tied to an anthill with his dick covered in honey. “Something better than keying his car, though.”

Sara sits up straighter. “Like some superhero revenge plot on behalf of all wronged women.”

“Sure,” I agree. “Or maybe just an anger bang.”

“I love that for you.” Camille gives a brisk nod. “Clinical studies have shown that post-breakup sex with a stranger can be a healthy, therapeutic way to achieve closure.” She should know, since she’s a freakin’ sex therapist. She tilts her head to study me. “I didn’t realize you’d reached this stage.”

“What stage?”

“The revenge sex stage.”

“You think it’s too soon?” It’s been barely a month, admittedly.

“Not at all.” She shrugs and stabs at the olive in her drink. “I had an idea, that’s all.”

“Go on.” This should be good.

“You know my brother, Kit.”

“Nope.” He’d long since moved out by the time I lived with Camille’s family my last year in high school. “We’ve crossed paths maybe twice in the last decade.”

At best, it was hi and goodbye at the holidays. I’ve never even had a conversation with the man.

“Right, but you’reawaremy brother is the esteemed Dr. Christopher J. Plier.” She says it with snark, but I know the truth. Camille and her sisters worship their big brother. He’s a world-renowned research psychologist who’s been living abroad for years. “Kit’s coming home to visit.”

“Your mom will be thrilled.”

“He won’t be here long, and it’s not by choice.” Camille rolls her eyes. “His publisher’s making him attend some big release event for Miranda’s new book.”

“Wait.” Sara frowns. “Miranda his girlfriend? I thought they broke up.”

“They did, but Kit co-authored her book.” Camille’s jaw clenches. “The publisher wants him there fielding questions. He’s the brains and the talent behind the research, obviously.”

“Obviously.” I’m aware that’s a dig at Miranda, and not the first one I’ve heard. I don’t know the details of Kit’s breakup. Just that Camille went from seeing Miranda as a sister to seeing red at the sound of her name.

I pick up my drink and wait for Camille to calm down.

Sara doesn’t bother. “What does this have to do with Eve?”

“Eve’s hot,” Camille says, and I manage a smile.

“Thanks.”

“Seriously, you’re bangin’.” She declares it like it’s a clinical fact, and I love her even more. “Kit Plier walking into this event with Eve on his arm would be the kick in the crotch Miranda deserves.”

Ouch.

But also, I’m intrigued. “You want me to go as his date?”

“Why not?” Camille shrugs. “Having you there with Kit, looking gorgeous and perfect, would show Miranda what she missed. And there’s bound to be press there, so?—”

“So Brock might see photos.” I get it now. “Your brother’s insanely good looking.” He’s only gotten hotter with age, if recent photos can be trusted.

“Exactly.” Camille spins her drink on the table. “It could be a big, fat mic drop before Kit leaves for his new job andyouleave for your sex resort.”

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