The Rogue King's Surrogate novel Chapter 77

Chapter 77

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Emery’s eyes snapped open to dim morning light filtering through half–drawn curtains. Soft sheets, crisp linen scent, and a solid weight draped across her waist. She jolted upright, then paused, pulse hammering.

She had fallen asleep last night while in the middle of reading some documents and now…

She still wore her charcoal camisole and lounge shorts–nothing had changed there–but Logan’s bare arm lay over her ribs, possessive and warm. She followed the line of muscle to his shoulder and found him stretched beside her, torso uncovered, breathing deep in sleep. A faint bruise from last night’s spar darkened his collarbone.

She eased one hand under his forearm, intent on slipping free. The moment she lifted, his grip tightened. He murmured something unintelligible, pulled her flush against his chest, and settled again. Her cheek brushed heated skin. The steady thud of his heart echoed through her skull.

Emery held her breath, waiting. No sign of him waking. She tried again, slower, lifting his wrist a fraction.

His fingers curled, palm flattening over her stomach. He shifted, thigh nudging between hers for leverage, anchoring her in place. Warmth spread—unavoidable, intimate. Her heartbeat kicked harder.

She whispered, “Logan.”

A low rumble answered, half growl, half sigh. No movement.

She exhaled quietly and relaxed into the mattress, weighing options. Wake the wolf and risk another argument about rest, or stay and risk… everything else. His thumb brushed lazy circles just below her ribs, an unconscious motion that sent soft sparks across her skin.

Emery stared at the ceiling. The air suddenly felt too thin. She tried to fix on mundane thoughts–meeting agendas, drone specs–but each measured breath slid into awareness of his scent, the heat of his leg, the slow rise and fall of his chest against her shoulder.

Minutes passed. She gave up on escape and instead traced a small bruise on his bicep, wondering how many hours he had sat beside her before falling asleep himself. The idea tightened her throat in a way battles never did.

Logan’s next exhale stirred her hair. “Stop thinking so loud,” he muttered, voice rough with sleep.

She froze. “You’re awake.”

“Have been.” He opened one eye, golden in the low light. “Stay a little longer.”

Her protest lingered, then faded. She settled back, letting his warmth surround her, at least until duty or daylight pried them apart.

However, this short peace was interrupted when Emery’s phone vibrated.

Emery slipped from the bed while Logan stretched. She pulled a robe from the chair, tied it, and stepped onto the balcony. The phone buzzed again.

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Chapter 77

“Nina? Why so early?” she whispered.

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“It’s nine a.m., Em. Early?” Nina scoffed. “How are you? Is the baby good? Billionaire treating you right?”

“I’m fine. Logan’s… attentive.” Emery leaned on the railing, eyes on the forest. “Why the call?”

“Bad news first. Samuel’s been on me for your location. He dug up my family’s net worth, thinks I’m bankrolling your secret hideout.” Nina’s tone hardened. “He won’t quit.”

Emery closed her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I can handle him–just wanted you warned.”

“He knows I’m with money, then.” Emery exhaled. “That narrows the search.”

“Yeah. And–different topic–your grandmother’s birthday is next week. Black tie is a headache. The invite’s in your old email. How about we check out some stores for new dresses?”

“I’ll check my schedule and call you.” Emery glanced back into the room. Logan lay sprawled, unabashedly shirtless, one arm behind his head. He met her stare and smirked. She rolled her eyes. “I’ll let you know, Nina. I’ve been into something lately…”

“Hold on… are you… did you start your own company without informing me?”

“Of course not. How could I do something like that without you?”

“Right, of course,” Nina giggled. “Anyway… did you hear about Samuel’s sister and mother?”

Almost immediately, Nina started talking about some rumors about them. However, half of them didn’t actually interest Emery anymore. She had moved on from this family. So, she simply gave some short

responses.

Soon enough, the two traded quick goodbyes. Emery slipped the phone into her pocket, turned–and jumped. Logan stood in the doorway, still bare–chested, hair a disheveled mess.

“How long have you been there?”

“Long enough to hear Samuel’s name.” His voice stayed quiet, but the gold in his eyes sharpened. “He harassed your friend?”

“He’s prying. Nothing happened.”

“Nothing yet.” Logan crossed to her, the morning air cool against his skin. “I can assign a shadow to Nina.

Discreet.”

“She has bodyguards,” Emery answered. “But an extra set won’t hurt.”

“Done.” He brushed a thumb over her robe tie, then looked down at her sandals. “You overslept.”

“I noticed.” Emery looked at her robe. “And you just moved me here into the room and let me sleep without even changing my clothes.”

…

9:24 Mon, Sep 15 d.

Chapter 77

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That made his eyes darken. “Did you want me to change your clothes?” he asked.

“Not you. Someone else. You can ask a female maid?”

Logan closed the distance in three unhurried steps. The cedar scent of his skin mingled with morning air as he hooked one finger beneath the belt knot of her robe.

“What makes you think,” he murmured, eyes steady on hers, “I would let anyone else put hands on your body? You do know that would be pretty dangerous… right?”

Heat shot up her spine. The railing dug into the small of her back, and words tangled on her tongue. Logan’s gaze held hers for one suspended breath, then he released the belt and eased a calculated step away–as if the moment had never tightened between them.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked, voice even.

Emery swallowed. “I… yes. I slept fine.”

“Good.” He glanced over her shoulder at the forest, then met her eyes again. “Birthday party?”

She nodded, still catching up to the abrupt shift from possessive heat to crisp agenda.

“My grandmother’s.” Emery swallowed. “High society, cameras, questions.”

“You will need a formal escort.” He let the suggestion hang.

“Showing up with the ‘missing Bennet heiress‘ husband will light more fires.”

“It may also extinguish a few.” Logan stepped closer, heat rolling off him. “Your family sees you healthy, protected. Samuel sees a wall he cannot breach. Isn’t that a good thing?”

She weighed it, then sighed. “I’ll think about it.” She wasn’t actually that interested in being this high–profile. She had already informed her grandmother about this, but that ended up in an argument when her grandmother started talking about her dangerous husband again.

He nodded once. “Nina first. I’ll send Caius to brief her security team.”

Emery touched his forearm. “Thank you.”

Logan’s eyes softened. “You’re welcome.” He dipped his head, lips brushing her temple.

“Breakfast in ten. Wear something I won’t want to remove before the meeting.”

“You-”

He grinned and walked back into the bedroom. Emery watched him and felt her heartbeat settle. Problems still awaited her–Samuel, her grandmother, and a world that seemed only half real–but for now, she had a partner who planned solutions before she could even finish speaking. She tightened the belt of her robe and followed him inside.

9:24 Mon, Sep 15

Chapter 78