Page 46 of Levi

“Clever,” I return her smile. “How about the other equipment? How many did he get produced?”

“We have a stepper (StepThonix), stairmaster (StairThonix), eliptical (ElipThonix) and a treadmill (TreadThonix). Daddy produced only three prototypes of each for testing purposes.”

“Catchy names. Very memorable.”

“That was my contribution to the business.”

“Branding is everything. It seems you underestimate yourself.”

She responds with a shy smile.

“Where is everything stored?” I ask.

“In the warehouse of an office I can go longer afford to rent.”

“Can I see them?”

She grabs her phone, but I stop her.

“No, I want toseethe prototypes and the stationary bikes. I don’t want to see a photo,” I explain.

She’s baffled.

“If I’m going to help you, I need to know what we’re working with here,” I add.

“You––you’re going to help me?”

“I know a thing or two about running a successful business and I have solid contacts. When it comes to apps, it’s all about finding a kickass coder, one who’s thorough enough to triple test his—or her—work. The good ones come at a hefty price.” I allow for a pregnant pause. “It’s a good thing I have deep pockets.”

For a long moment she doesn’t speak. She just stares at me, wide-eyed. From her stunned expression, I can’t tell how she feels about what I just said.

Suddenly, she takes me into her embrace. “Thank you,” she murmurs.

Two words, but it’s like the weight of the world sheds off her shoulders.

She nuzzles her nose, hiding her face against my chest, holding me tightly.

Her body convulses, and she starts crying.

She’s inconsolable.

Fuck.

Every protective fiber in me flares. More than anything, I want to take her worries and fears away.

I shift, wrapping my arms around her, pulling her close to me.

I drop a soft kiss on the top of her head. “You’re no longer alone, sweetness,” I murmur.