All Chapters of The Accidental Surrogate's Secret: Chapter 31 - Chapter 39

Candice’s POV“And why wouldn't you allow me to bathe you?” He asked, shifting closer to me on the bed “Well…” I trailed off, scratching my nape unsure of what to say “Well, that's because…” I began again, but trailed off a second time. The words were in my throat, but were kind of stuck, so nothing was coming out. Was this the Dorian effect taking a hold on me? “Well….” He adjusted closer to me, and I wasn't sure if I should sit still or move a little away from him. I found myself sitting still. “....what?” He asked and I could hear him cackle. Obviously laughing at how the huge effect he had on me made me all fidgety. “Well, I can bathe myself, Dorian” I finally found my voice “I didn't say you cannot. I said, I wanna do it, so let me” Before I could comprehend what was happening, he was already in extremely close proximity with me and had already pulled the duvet off my knees and legs. “Come on, raise your hands” “Hold on, hold on, Dorian. Wait, please” I blushed, trying no

Dorian’s POV I sniffed her hair as I watched her sleep. It smelt of lavender and chamomile, her signature fragrances, which were now my favorite. She had drifted off so fast, all thanks to my fingers, tongue and the slow, soothing strokes of my fingers on her hair. I'd have helped her don her night dress, but in the heat of the moment, I wasn't sure exactly where I had tossed it. Maybe it was under the bed or something, I wasn't sure. I'd just find it the next morning, but for now, the duvet was enough. Slowly, I pulled it over her naked body, kissing her forehead before sliding off the bed. She stirred a bit as I got off, thankfully she didn't wake up. I peeled my Calvin Klein briefs off my body before stepping into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind me. I turned on the shower and the warm water hit my back, cascading down my shoulders. I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to relish the soothing feel of the water but my head was still full of Candice — her gasps and t

Candice’s POV“Dorian” I gently tugged at his shirt, raising my face to look at him “Did you hear me?” I asked “I said I need to clear my head” He sighed before replying “Yes. I heard you the first time. I was just tryna process it. When you say clear your head, what do you mean? What do you have in mind to do?” “I don't know. Maybe go for a walk. Take a drink or two” I shrugged, slowly easing myself from his embrace Everything that had happened lately seemed to be pressing against my chest and it felt like I couldn’t breathe right. Violet’s vile words still echoed in my head, clawing at me like the talons of a vulture. I needed air, space—something to shake off the weight of it all. “I’m going out,” I said, my voice rough, like I’d been screaming for hours. I took off the bathroom so I was now left in only the night dress as I headed for the bathroom. Dorian's hand shot out, catching my wrist—not hard, but firm enough to stop me mid-step. “Candice, wait. After everything that’s

Chapter 38: Marcus? Dorian’s POVI stood in the study, staring at the wall as if it might give me answers. The heat of my argument with Candice was still burning under my skin. The photo lingered in my mind—Joshua’s hand on her arm, the way it looked like she wasn’t fighting him off. Every time I replayed it, my fists clenched tighter, and my pulse thrummed in my ears. I didn’t even hear Derek come in until he cleared his throat.“You alright, boss?” he asked, leaning against the doorframe, his usual calm demeanor a stark contrast to the fury raging on the inside of me.I shot him a glare, not trusting myself to speak yet. Alright? No, I wasn’t alright. I was pissed—furious, even—but the why of it gnawed at me. Surprised me. It wasn’t just the photo. It was her defiance, the way she had looked at me like I was the villain, the way she had stormed off and not looked back. I had done everything to keep her safe, and she had thrown it back in my face.“You’ve been pacing like a caged an