Page 18 of Her Fake Mate

I’m used to seeing her covered in children and dirt, with jeans and a shirt on. She’s pretty in that.

I’m stunned by her in a dress. It’s green. The same color as her eyes.

She looks hot in it. Really, really hot.

“Hi,” she says breathlessly. “Sorry. Briony let me borrow the dress, and I had a hell of a time getting out the door without everyone making a huge deal about it.”

“It’s a big deal,” I say without thinking.

“What?”

“The dress. It looks good,” I finish.

My honesty is rewarded with another blush.

“You ready?” I offer her my hand.

Mia stares at it like I’m handing her a snake. “Are you trying to hold my hand?”

“Yes,” I nod.

“Why?”

“Because I’d walk into my boss’ house holding my girlfriend’s hand.”

The blush is back.

Cautiously, Mia takes my hand. I squeeze, noting how small her fingers are in mine. They’re delicate.

She squeezes back, and I realize that her hand is strong as hell, too.

“Let’s go,” she whispers.

I let Mia lead me into Thorne’s house.

It’s a fine evening. I’m even pretty sure that we’re selling the whole dating thing, despite Evander’s persistent skepticism, until suddenly, there’s a problem.

The problem is Evander.

“I can tell that you’re really into each other,” he says as he leans back in his chair. “Because you can barely keep your hands to yourself.”

I narrow my eyes at him.

That’s not true. Mia and I have been sitting close, but not too close. We haven’t touched. At all.

“Aw. I remember that feeling.” Iris smiles. “You guys must be totally in love.”

“Yeah.” Mia smiles back. “Totally.”

Evander is not buying it. But he can’t force us to kiss or anything like that. “All right, well.” He stands. “I’m going to patrol tonight. Zander, I think you’re on the schedule, too.”

Am I? I don’t remember that, but I don’t question my beta’s orders. “Okay.” I also stand.

Thorne leans in to give Iris a kiss.

Evander looks at me pointedly, then moves to Briony’s chair and does the same.

Oh.

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