Page 139 of By His Rule

“Bosses and assistants hooking up is pretty common.”

“As common as making them cry?” I quip.

“I haven’t fucked any of my assistants before, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“And that won’t be changing anytime soon. I said fake boyfriend, Kian. F.A.K.E.” I’m not sure which one of us I spell it out for.

We’re in dangerous territory right now. Territory that I know I need to back away from as fast as I can.

But Kian Callahan is like a flame. I just can't help but touch. Metaphorically, of course.

There will be no touching.

I don’t need to look over to know his signature smirk is fully in place.

“Whatever you say, Temptress.”

“I won’t do anything for your image. I’m not the daughter of some wealthy businessman, or the daughter of a mogul or philanthropist, or an up-and-coming influencer or celeb?—

“Good. Fuck all of those.”

I sit up straighter and finally look over at him.

The engine rumbles beneath us as Jamie makes his way across the city toward my apartment.

“You’re actually serious, aren’t you?” I ask in amazement.

“That asshole is harassing you, Lorelei. Do you really think he’s going to get bored and just give up?”

I want to say that he will, but I’ve been saying that for weeks now. Even a black eye hasn’t deterred him.

“He won’t. But let him think that you’ve moved on and he might just figure out that it’s really over.”

“And you really think you being in a ‘fake’ relationship will force your harem of loyal followers to back off? I’m not sure you’re really giving these women’s tenacity and determination enough credit.”

“There are plenty of other men they can turn their attention to.”

“Wow.” I laugh, making Kian’s eyes widen in surprise. “How much did it hurt to just admit that you’re not all that special?”

“Careful, Temptress, I can redact this offer at any time.”

I think for a moment. “Seems to me like you’re the keenest party here, seeing as you’ve already announced it.”

“I’m not allowing you to be subjected to Sasha’s shit.”

“How noble of you.”

He narrows his eyes in warning as his patience begins to visibly drain.

“Okay, so say I agree to this inane plan; how would it look exactly?”

Kian relaxes back in the seat as if I just agreed. He combs his fingers through his hair as he thinks for a moment.

“It would look exactly like it does now. Only…”

“Only what?” I ask when he trails off. “I’m not sleeping with you. You can forget that.”

“I was going to say that you actually have to look like you like me. But—” He shifts even closer and wraps his arm around my shoulders. “If you want to turn this to the more intimate parts of our arrangement, then I’m more than happy to discuss details.”

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