Page 42 of Desert Wind

“I’ve seen that with all of these men. Especially with Nash, obviously. He’s been so protective of me. It’s funny that we spent all those years together as kids, and nothing transpired. Both of us were so shy, so careful to not ruin our friendship, we nearly missed the chance to have more.”

“But you didn’t,” smiled Grace. “You didn’t miss your chance. We’re all very proud of you for taking the steps you have, for claiming him as yours.”

“Claiming? Is that the right thing to say?” she frowned.

“I think it’s the perfect thing to say,” laughed Alexandra. “I’m going to share some old-guard, old-girl advice with you. Advice that Erin gave to all of us and that helped me personally.

“These men, these men protect so fiercely, so devoutly it’s all-consuming. And they love the same way. All-consuming. It’s remarkable to watch and a blessing to be a part of it. If you want my advice, don’t question anything. Just let yourself feel. These are special men, and if you don’t mind me saying so, it will sound a bit conceited on my, on our part, but it takes special women to be with them.”

“Special,” she whispered. “No one has ever called me special. Never. I was an exceptional student, great grades all through school, and yet not one teacher called me exceptional or special. In fact, my seventh-grade English teacher once said I was a good student, but I would never go far if I didn’t learn better hygiene.”

“That’s terrible!” cried the women in unison. Jenna nodded.

“Yes. But I understand now why she said it. I didn’t understand back then that my clothes weren’t very clean. They were washed but still smelled because my parents couldn’t afford laundry soap. They just washed them in water. Also, I was becoming a young lady, and it wasn’t explained to me that I had to be extra clean because of that.”

“Oh, honey, that’s terrible,” said Grace. “Listen, if you have any questions at all, we know it’s probably too late, but please don’t hesitate to speak to any of us. We’re all very open about our lives and about being women.”

“I’ve waited so long for something like this,” said Jenna, shaking her head in awe. “When I was at the convent, speaking about things like this was forbidden. I mean, obviously, we didn’t speak about men or sex, but even talking about periods or menopause was frowned upon. We were supposed to ignore and suffer in silence.”

“Forget that!” laughed Lena. “We celebrate being women and all the aches, pains, horrible, terrible shit that we have to go through. We talk about everything, and I do mean everything. Don’t be afraid to talk to us, Jenna. About anything.”

“Thank you all. It was really helpful to have Charlies’ books,” she blushed. “That woman definitely knows how to write about sex. It helped me more than can I ever express to her.”

“I’m sure she’d be thrilled to know that.” Lissa stood and walked toward the galley, walking back with a tray of glasses filled with champagne.

“Well, we’re going to France, we’re celebrating Jenna. I think we should toast to women.”

“Here, here,” smiled Erin. “To Jenna. The newest member of our crazy girl troupe.”

“And we’re thrilled to have you,” smiled Aislinn. “Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

The benefits of traveling with the Gray Wolf team were that the planes not only traveled faster but also had amenities that other planes did not. Everyone had changed into different clothes, ready to meet the grand dame, Claudia St. Martine herself.

Opting to drive themselves, unsure of St. Martine’s motives, they rented a large passenger bus and drove to their hotel first, then prepared to change into their evening attire. At the check-in desk, the concierge handed Gaspar an envelope.

“What is it?” asked Ian.

“It’s from Claudia. She’s demanding to see Jenna alone one hour before the event is to begin.”

“We can’t let her do that. That woman isn’t trustworthy. I just know it,” said Ian.

“I know that as well, but shouldn’t we give Jenna the opportunity to say yes or no?” He stared at Nash, who shook his head.

“Nope. I’ll take the heat for this, but nope. I don’t like any of this. The minute we landed, I could feel something is going to go terribly wrong.”

“I feel it too,” said Kane.

“Shit. Maybe we should pack up and leave,” said Nine.

“No,” said Gabe.

“No? Gabe, you have to give more than that. I love you, but you’re sounding more like Pops every day. Those one-word responses won’t fly.”

“No. We can’t leave. Jenna needs to play this entire scene out, or she’ll always wonder. She can’t be left alone withSt. Martine. Make sure everyone knows that. Also, I’m fairly certain that Cipriani is here.”

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