The Rogue King's Surrogate novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Emery didn’t know what had gone through her head. Her body had moved before her mind caught up. And now, she was frozen.

She had seen him walk into the restaurant—tall, broad–shouldered, dressed in a dark suit that made him look even more put together than the last time, Her eyes had immediately locked onto him. There was something solid and steady in the way he moved, something that pulled her in without permission.

And more importantly, she remembered exactly who he was.

The man who had stepped between her and Samuel in the parking lot.

The man who didn’t flinch when Samuel got physical.

The man who punched him without hesitation.

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That memory had triggered something. A split–second decision. If he could throw Samuel off once, he could do it again. Without thinking, she walked straight toward him, slid her arm around his, and claimed him without warning.

Now, she stood there, stiff under his hold, completely unsure of what to do next.

His arm had wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her

Her eyes widened.

place. Then, without a word, he leaned in and kissed her.

She didn’t move. Couldn’t move. The contact was sudden, unexpected, and far too confident for someone she barely knew. Her hands stayed stiff at her sides, her brain still trying to make sense of what was happening.

Then it was over.

He pulled back, just slightly, his face still close to hers.

“How are you here?” he asked. “Didn’t I tell you to wait for me inside the VIP?”

Emery opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She blinked once, then closed it again. She had nothing. No explanation. No script. Just stunned silence.

His hand tightened around her waist and pulled her in closer. The shift broke whatever fog she was under. Her body tensed, and her expression adjusted.

She turned her head slightly and forced a smile. Samuel was still staring, completely still, clearly trying to process what he had just seen. He hadn’t moved. Not even a blink.

“It was nice seeing you again, Mr. Dwight,” Emery said smoothly.

Her gaze shifted to Talia, who looked just as stunned. Emery’s eyes didn’t linger.

“And congratulations on your engagement,” she added, nodding toward her.

Without missing a beat, she turned her attention back to the man holding her. Her smile stayed in place, but her fingers subtly pressed against his chest.

Please, she thought. Just go with it. And get me out of here.

As if he had heard her thoughts, the man beside Emery lifted his free hand and made a small gesture toward someone across the room.

Almost instantly, another man in a sharp black suit appeared. He gave a shallow bow—not to her, but to him.

Emery’s brow furrowed.

She glanced between them. The new man looked like staff. No, not just staff–management. His posture was too formal, his movements 100 polished. He had to be the manager of the restaurant. But what caught her attention more was how respectful he was acting toward the man beside her

Why?

She didn’t say anything, but her mind was already turning. Who exactly had she just clung to?

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12:34 AM P P.

Chapter 9

“We’ll need the VIP,” the man beside her said.

The manager nodded immediately, didn’t even ask for a reservation, and gestured for them to follow.

Emery blinked.

No questions. No hesitation.

She glanced back toward Samuel and Talia one last time, then allowed herself to be guided through the restaurant, still locked in the stranger’s hold. She didn’t speak, didn’t protest, but her thoughts were loud now. Very loud.

What the hell did she just walk into?

Then she let out a short snort.

“Forgive me?” she said, looking at him like he’d lost his mind.

The man looked at her like it was obvious. “You threatened to call the cops on me last time. Then today, you jumped into my arms and introduced me as your boyfriend. I figured you were here to seduce me.”

He shrugged. “You were looking at me like I was dessert, so I thought.. well, you’re kind of pretty,”

Her mouth opened slightly, then closed again. “You thought I what-? Never mind.” She held up a hand. “Just thank you. For earlier” She gave a quick, awkward nod, then turned on her heel and made for the door.

She didn’t get far.

The moment her hand touched the handle, he appeared in front of her.

Blocking her path.

Too fast.

She almost stumbled back, but his hand reached out and caught her waist, steadying her again.

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12:35 AM PP.

Chapter 9

“Where are you going?” he asked.

Emery glanced down at his hand on her waist, then back up at him. “I’m clearly in the way. I should probably go.” She was pretty certain he was not standing next to the door earlier. How was he this fast?

She shifted slightly, trying to put some distance between them.

Better to leave now–before he started mistaking her for his long–lost girlfriend or the mother of his child again, she thought.

“If it’s money you’re worried about,” she added quickly, “I’ll pay. I have a card. Or cash. Whatever you prefer.”

He let out a low chuckle, eyes never leaving hers. “You really think you can just throw some cash at me every time I save you?”

His hand stayed firm at her waist, his thumb brushing against her side.

“I’ve pulled you out of trouble–what, thrice now?” He stepped in just enough to shrink the space between them. “Don’t you think I deserve something a little more… worthwhile?”

His gaze dropped briefly to her lips, then back to her eyes. “Try again.”

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