Page 120 of By His Rule

I smile, knowing that this is the exact moment I change her mind about the whole thing.

“How much do you know about Kieran’s career outside of on the field?”

“Uh…I know that like you, he gets pictured with the world’s most beautiful women on a weekly basis, and that more than a handful of them have sold stories about their…activities together.”

“So not a lot, then,” I muse making her roll her eyes.

“He runs a foundation that helps kids from underprivileged backgrounds get the education and training they need to stand a chance at playing professional football.”

Her chin drops.

“And tonight, there is a silent auction to help secure funding for scholarships for students around the country.”

“Right…”

“Changing your mind about attending now?”

She sucks in a sharp breath.

“What makes you say that?”

She’s been very closed about her family, but it doesn’t take a genius to work out why.

“Your little brother…does he plan on attending a college with a successful football team next year?”

Her lips purse in frustration.

“He plans on it, yes.”

“And does he have the funding in place to make that happen?”

“He has scouts attending his games, as you well know. He’s hoping to secure something soon.”

“And should he not get a scholarship? Is your family able to support him?”

The second the question rolls off my tongue, every muscle in her body pulls tight.

“That is none of your business.”

There is it again. That sore spot she doesn’t like me poking.

“I’ll take that as a no. And in case you’re wondering, I’ve already put your brother’s name on Kieran’s radar. He’s impressed.”

“No,” she snaps. “My brother has nothing to do with you. His future, his career has nothing to do with you.”

I study her for a moment, loving the way her cheeks glow and her body trembles with pent-up frustration.

“No, he doesn’t. But he also deserves the best chance at getting the life he wants, no?”

We hit the ground floor and the doors open, allowing us to walk out before she gets a chance to respond.

A couple of people try to stop me as we exit the building, but I put them all off in favor of getting Lorelei into the car and en route to finding her a dress for tonight.

The atmosphere is tense as we drive across the city, and despite my words from the elevator still floating around us, Lorelei doesn’t make a comment.

In fact, she doesn’t say a word. Instead, she pulls her laptop out and continues working on a spreadsheet.

I watch her, impressed with her skills until she makes a predictable and common error.

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