Accidental Surrogate

Ella

It’s not a date, it’s not a date, it’s not a date.

I’ve been repeating the same thought over and over again. I know Sinclair is only taking me out tonight because I fell to complete pieces this afternoon. I’m still kicking myself, totally ashamed of my weakness and determined to prove myself to him after all. I spent the better part of an hour picking out my dress for tonight, eventually deciding on a little black dress that shows off my figure and makes me feel strong and sexy, nothing like my usual self.

I wrap a heavy winter coat around my body after Sinclair’s makeup artists and hairdressers finish making me up, sliding on a pair of strappy stilettos and taking a few deep breaths before heading downstairs. Sinclair is waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs, his emerald gaze raking up my bare legs and lingering on my coat, as if he’s tempted to unwrap it and get a preview of what’s underneath. It’s amazing how overheated he can make me feel from a single glance – he’s already seen me naked, and it’s not as if there’s any true feeling behind it anyway.

“Ready?” He asks, his deep voice making my heart stop for just a few beats.

I nod shyly, and let him guide me out the door with a hand on the small of my back. However as soon as I take a step outside, I find myself backing into Sinclair’s protective shelter. A sea of reporters is gathered just outside the estate’s gates, cameras flashing and voices raised in shouts for our attention. It’s precisely like the scene which had awaited us outside the King’s palace, only this is a random Tuesday evening – at the place I’m gradually beginning to think of as home.

“Dominic?” I squeak.

“It’s okay,” His lips brush my ear as he tucks me under his arm, “your interview aired this evening, that’s all. Early feedback would indicate you’re a hit.”

“You mean, they’re here because of me?” I whisper, praying I can walk gracefully in my heels, and that Sinclair will catch me if I start to fall flat on my face.

“That’s right.” He grins, waving at the reporters. “If you feel nervous just take a deep breath, and remember it will all be over in a few seconds.”

I do as he advises, and sure enough the next thing I know, I’m safely ensconced in the back seat of his limousine. “Do you ever get used to it?” I ask shakily.

“but it

or is it

tell you.” Sinclair conceded, in a tone that sounded as though this was a grave sacrifice. “I think you’ve had a hard enough

primly, gazing

his mouth tilts upwards, “It’s just so

exclaim in

going to a little French restaurant I know, and afterwards we’ll go

food very different

too – but otherwise it’s not so different.” A low rumble, somewhere between a purr and a growl sounds in his

my thighs together to relieve the sudden ache at their center. It’s not a real date, it’s not a real date, it’s not

restaurant, and they’re waiting when Sinclair helps me from the car. Their cameras are still flashing when the hostess helps me out of my coat, capturing images through the glass of my slinky black dress and Sinclair’s ravenous expression when he takes in the sight. It speaks volumes that despite their blatant observation, all I could focus on in that moment

My heart is hammering so powerfully when he finally releases me that I almost don’t hear him tell me how incredible I look. I’m in a complete daze as he guides me to the back of the restaurant, trying to recall if I’ve ever felt so overpowered by lust. I’m a grown woman who’s had a healthy sex-life, but I can’t ever recall feeling as though I’ll die if someone doesn’t make love to me in the next five minutes. But that’s exactly how I

has passed than I realize. We’re seated at the table, and a waitress is standing beside him, watching me with an expectant smile.

water.” I manage huskily,

me?” Sinclair teases

if werewolf pheromones are extra powerful on humans, the more time I spend with this man, the more I feel

was talking about the menu, but Sinclair’s sultry reply comes back, “I always recommend sitting side by side, rather than across

answer coyly, “It’s awfully warm