Page 86 of Body and Soul

“You've got this, Eli,” Cherry said firmly, giving my shoulders a reassuring squeeze before stepping back to take in the full effect of the suit. A slow smile spread across her face. “Damn, boy! If I wasn't a happily taken woman...” She fanned herself dramatically.

I arched an eyebrow. “Ew. I love you, but I’m like three hundred percent gay.”

She snickered. “Shepherd won't know what hit him.”

The sound of the front door opening sent a jolt of nervous energy through me. I smoothed my hands down the front of my suit jacket, my palms damp with sweat. Cherry gave me one last wink before heading out to the living room to greet Shepherd and Gavin.

I followed behind her, my heart pounding in my throat as I stepped into view. Shepherd and Gavin stood near the entryway, both impeccably dressed in their own suits. But while Gavin's eyes were trained on Cherry, Shepherd's gaze locked onto me the instant I appeared.

His dark eyes widened slightly, raking over me from head to toe with an intensity that made my skin prickle with heat. I fought the urge to fidget under his scrutiny, instead standing up straighter, lifting my chin. I wanted him to see that I could be more than his submissive. That I could be his equal, at least for tonight.

After a moment that stretched into eternity, Shepherd's lips curved into a slow, appreciative smile. “Elias. You look... exquisite.”

My cheeks warmed at the rare compliment, a pleased flush spreading through me. “Thank you, Sir,” I murmured, the title slipping out by habit.

“He looks good enough to eat, doesn't he?” Cherry interjected with a saucy wink.

I shot her a warning , but she grinned unrepentantly. Shepherd chuckled, a deep, rich sound that reverberated through my bones.

“That he does,” he agreed, eyes never leaving mine. “Shall we?”

He offered me his arm like a true gentleman and I moved to take it, but Cherry stepped between us.

“Just a minute, you,” she said firmly, glaring at Shepherd.

Oh, no.

Cherry planted herself in front of Shepherd, hands on her hips, fixing him with a stern look that would make lesser men quake in their Italian leather shoes. But Shepherd merely arched an eyebrow, seemingly more amused than intimidated.

“Now you listen here, mister tall, dark, and…” She rolled her eyes up and down his body. “…Sexy.”

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “Cherry, please...”

Cherry ignored me, jabbing a finger at Shepherd's chest. “Eli is my best friend in the whole world. He's been through hell and back, and he deserves nothing but the best. So if you even think about playing with his heart or making him cry, I will personally hunt you down and make you regret the day you were born, capiche?”

“I assure you, my intentions toward Elias are entirely honorable. I would never dream of toying with his affections or causing him any sort of distress. He is...” His eyes flicked to me, smoldering with an intensity that made my knees weak. “... dear to me already.”

“He better be,” Cherry huffed. “’Cause let me tell you, I've got connections. I know people who know people, you know?”

“Oh my God, can we please go?” I looped my arm in Shepherd’s and pulled him away from the front door, shielding my face.

“It was a pleasure meeting you again, Cherry,” Shepherd called over his shoulder. “Gavin will escort you home.”

“Sorry about Cherry,” I said once we were in the SUV and on our way. “She means well, even if she can be a little much at times”

Shepherd chuckled. “It's quite alright. I'm glad you have someone who cares for you so fiercely.” He glanced over at me, eyes soft. “And she wasn't wrong, you know. You do look delicious tonight.”

My face flushed hot. “Thank you, Sir.”

We pulled up outside an elegant restaurant, the name embossed in gold script above the door. My heart thudded against my ribs as I took in the opulent exterior, the suited valets, the well-dressed clientele entering and exiting. This was a world I didn't belong in, a glaring reminder of the vast chasm between my reality and Shepherd's.

As if sensing my anxiety, Shepherd's warm hand closed around mine, his thumb brushing over my knuckles soothingly. “Relax, Elias. You're with me. Follow my lead and enjoy yourself tonight, okay?”

I met his gaze and saw only sincerity there, edged with a hint of something deeper, something possessive and heated that made my breath catch. I nodded, not trusting my voice.

Shepherd exited the SUV and circled around to my side, opening the door for me like a gentleman. I stepped out onto the curb, acutely aware of the eyes on us as Shepherd handed off his keys to the valet. He placed a hand on the small of my back, guiding me towards the entrance with.

The maître d' greeted Shepherd by name, leading us to a secluded table. I sat as Shepherd held out my chair, struggling not to gawk at the glittering chandeliers.

---