Chapter 50 – Ella Demands Answers
Ella
The rest of the evening passes without further drama, but as far as I’m concerned, the night has been a wash. The procession through the city’s old quarter would have been magical at any other time– with the traditions, music and palpable gaiety of all those around us. If I’d been able to focus on anything other than my thoughts, I’m fairly certain I would have fallen in love with the occasion, but I wasn’t able to give the events the attention they deserved.
I’m exhausted by the time we’re finally free to leave, thinking that I’ll certainly need an extra-long nap tomorrow even as I climb into the back of the limo. I’m distracted and grumpy, and when Sinclair slides into the car next to me, I vacate my seat, choosing the one facing him instead.
Sinclair arches a brow, but doesn’t move to stop me. “You’re angry with me.” He assesses simply, eyeing my crossed arms and stiff shoulders.
“What was that all about, Dominic?” I inquire, trying not to get too carried away in my temper.
“What, with the Prince?” He clarifies, as if the answer isn’t completely obvious.
“How did he know I haven’t been marked?” I demand, “And how long have you been aware he knew?”
“You know it would be a lot easier to talk if you were over here.” Sinclair coaxes, patting the seat beside him.
insist. I know how Sinclair works – he gets me within arms reach and the next thing I know I’m being soothed into complacency by his soothing caresses, cozy warmth and gentle purrs. But I’ll be dam ned if I’m going to let him lull me into calming down. I have every right to
sighs. “The prince came to speak with me last night at the bonfire. I don’t know how he found out you haven’t been marked, but he made it clear he
the right time? Or because you didn’t
I know then he wasn’t ever going to tell me, though I shouldn’t be surprised. He had
bother. I thought we agreed we would be a team from now on? I thought
we are,” He insists, looking as though it’s taking great restraint not to reach for me. “I
have to publicly defend our relationship?” I question sharply, “that I might be asked questions about this? What if a reporter had asked me about the mark already
later, but I miscalculated. I really wasn’t expecting the Prince to make an appearance tonight, let alone bring it up. I thought he was
calculated. You are making all the calls, all the decisions and I
happen overnight.” He frowns. “That’s not a copout, it’s just that my instincts are still to
seem patronizing, it is patronizing.” I
sternly. “Patronizing implies superiority. I
next to shifters we’re primitive, tiny, weak and slow. And on top of all that you’re the wealthiest, most powerful man in
any of it. It was handed to us by the Goddess. Yes, we’re more advanced, but not due to our own virtue.” Sinclair continues, still pinning me with his intense stare. “But you, you had to earn everything all on your own. You started from
certain no other man has ever praised me for such things – or mentioned my positive attributes beyond my beauty. This isn’t even
don’t know how to respond to that.” I
sound filling me with warmth. “You’re a far better person than I am, Ella – and you’re going to have to get used to compliments because I have no intention of letting you continue
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