Page 36 of Wolf Promise

She moistened another paper towel and ran it under her eyes to remove some mascara flecks and then reapplied her lipstick and straightened her dress. The raw silk material already had a slight crinkle, and so the wrinkles she and Bolt had added didn't stand out too much.

She studied herself in the mirror again. With only the help of paper towels and lipstick, she’d done as much as she could to improve her appearance.

Her skin still looked flushed.

Hopefully, people would think it came from being excited about the engagement and not suspect that the dewy glow had been caused by her fake fiancé sexually satisfying her in public. Well, they’d been secluded on the balcony, but almost in public.

A giggle rose in her throat, but she forced it down.

Time to be serious. To be business-like.

To be the Regie her grandfather expected.

Somehow, that woman felt like a stranger now, though. She didn’t want to go back to being in control all the time. She liked this new Regie who gave into impulses and followed her heart.

But it couldn’t last.

Too many people depended on her. She couldn’t afford to indulge in whims and desires.

Regie took a few deep breaths, picked up her clutch, and opened the door.

Music assaulted her ears again.

Nora waited outside, just like she'd said, and together, the two women walked back to their table, Regie carrying Bolt's jacket.

He stood as she approached, and she handed him the garment, which he pulled on, back over his broad shoulders.Regie fisted her hands to keep them from stroking the jacked in place.

"It had dirt on it," Nora said with a glint in her eye, "but we got it all brushed off."

Bolt shot her a wry look. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Nora said in a sing-song voice. "I'm going to take a walk around the room." She wandered off.

"Everything okay?" Bolt asked, pulling a chair out for Regie.

She sat. "Yeah, I'm fine." They were the only two people at the table. "Where are the others?"

"Your grandfather is chatting with someone he knows at another table. Arek and Laney are still dancing." He took her hand. "You sure you're okay?” His gaze searched her face. “I feel like I kind of jumped you there. We should probably talk more about what you just learned about me.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I just needed to touch you. I’ve been going crazy since we kissed at the Palace of Fine Art.”

Him and her both. Regie nodded, touched by his concern. "I'm fine, honestly." Her cell phone vibrated, and she retrieved it from the clutch in her lap, flipping it over so she could see the screen.

I like that dress on you. The text came from a blocked number.

She stifled a gasp, but Bolt instantly straightened in his chair.

"What?" he asked, grabbing her hand so he could see the screen too but keeping the device in her lap.

Another message appeared. But you should be careful about who you allow to hand-fuck you in plain view.

Bolt leaned in, his mouth close to her ear. "Don't say anything. Don't look around the room. Look engrossed in what I'm telling you right now. Even better if you smile.” He gave her a quick peck on her cheek. The gesture made it possible for her to breathe again. “This guy is probably watching you right now, looking for a reaction to his messages. We want to piss him off so that he reveals himself. Okay?" He squeezed her hand and continued to hold it.

"Okay," Regie whispered back, trying to smile, but it felt more like a grimace.Her heart pounded in her chest. Receiving anonymous messages angered her, but knowing he watched her in real time, majorly creeped her out.

Tapping his ear, Bolt spoke quietly. "Our stalker is here tonight. Or at least somewhere where he can see us. He just sent Regie a text message." He listened to something she couldn't hear. "Got it," he said and then squeezed her hand again. "The team's on it. We're going to continue this intimate conversation as if we're completely engrossed in each other. You haven't seen the text message yet. In fact, you're so infatuated with me that you've forgotten to check your phone all night. That's the kind of effect I have on women, Babe."

She felt him smile against her ear. "A little full of yourself, aren't you?" Her voice shook a little.

"It's not arrogance if it's true." He leaned back and gazed into her eyes, tucking stray strands of her hair behind her ear.

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