Page 173 of By His Rule

He takes a moment as he navigates an intersection, making my nerves quadruple.

“No. Mr. Callahan might be firm, but he’s also fair. Plus, he likes you, Miss Lori. He’ll go easy on you.”

“Does he?” I mutter under my breath.

“You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

I sit back, wishing I felt a little more confident about what I’m going to walk into in a few minutes.

“Would you like me to ride up in the elevator with you, Miss Lori?” Jamie asks as I stand on the sidewalk, my eyes focused on the entrance to the building I should be inside.

“N-no,” I stutter, hating that I don’t sound more confident.

“It would be my pleasure to escort you.”

Turning to Jamie, I smile up at him sweetly.

“I really appreciate the offer, but I’m okay.”

What I really need is a very strong coffee, but that’s going to have to wait.

“Okay. Have a good day.”

“You too,” I say before taking off in the direction of the elevator.

My skin tingles as if I’m being watched, but despite what I hope is a discreet look over both my shoulders, I don’t find Kian watching me. It soon becomes clear that he’s also not waiting to help me into the elevator like he was yesterday.

I hate that I’m disappointed, but there’s very little I can do about it.

As I ride up through the building, I focus on what I’m going to say when I get to the top and Kian demands to know why I’m so late.

I come up with a few good lies that revolve around a sudden, unexpected illness, but I figure that he’ll know it’s a lie the second the words leave my lips.

The only thing I can do is tell the truth.

“Ah, there you are. Kian said you were going to be delayed this morning. I hope everything is okay.”

“Y-yeah, everything is great.”

“Good. He asked for you to go through to his office once you arrived.”

My stomach turns over, but I force a smile on my face. I don’t want anyone to know that I’m apprehensive about what’s to come.

“I need coffee first,” I mutter, more to myself than Melissa, before I dump my stuff under my desk and rush toward the kitchen.

Unlike yesterday, I grab two mugs from the cupboard, and I pay extra special attention to ensure Kian’s coffee is exactly as he likes it.

A peace offering, if you will.

“Come in,” his deep voice booms the second my knuckles rap against the door.

With both mugs in one hand, I suck in a deep breath and push the door open.

His scent hits me first, and then the second I step inside, our eyes collide and I feel it like a physical blow.

“Good morning, Lorelei,” he says, his voice cold and hard. “How wonderful of you to show your face.”

“I’m sorry I’m late. I?—”

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