Page 116 of By His Rule

Boss: Give me the date and time. I’m there.

My light laughter fills the room as my blood heats.

Biting down on my bottom lip, I imagine the insanity that would be a mud wrestling championship, or more so, what having his eyes on my bikini-clad body might feel like.

Fire.

Red-hot, burning fire.

Lori: I’m reigning champ, don’t you know?

Boss: Can’t say it surprises me. Your opponents don’t stand a chance.

Lori: What are you doing?

I'm expecting something equally stupid to come back, so I’m more than surprised at his response.

Boss: Lying in bed, wishing I’d thrown a few more punches into that prick’s face.

I can’t help but agree. Only…he hasn’t finished, because he continues typing.

Boss: Wishing you’d let me follow you up to your apartment.

“Oh, Jesus.”

There was a very good reason why I didn’t want him to follow me earlier, and the heat that’s coursing through my veins is exactly it.

Lori: You’re more than capable of icing your own fist. And anyway, I don’t have any peas in my freezer.

Boss: I was more worried about you than my hand.

My chest tightens and my heart rate increases.

Lori: No need. As you so helpfully pointed out, I have a habit of picking the men who hurt me. Just another day, just another asshole.

Fuck. The truth hurts more than I was expecting.

Boss: That’s not the point.

Boss: Are you okay?

Tears burn the backs of my eyes and make my nose itch.

I don’t want his sympathy or his concern.

I don’t…

Lori: Yes.

That one-word response taunts me, and I quickly find myself following it up with another message.

Lori: Thank you.

I manage to stop myself from telling him that no one has ever stood up for me like he did today. That is definitely an overshare that doesn’t need to happen.

Boss: You’re welcome. Maybe let me vet the next one before you fall head over heels, yeah?

Lori: That won’t be necessary. I won’t be falling for anyone anytime soon.

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