Page 225 of By His Rule

It might be the setting, but I know that’s bullshit. It’s the company.

Lorelei allows me to step out of the skin I’m forced to wear as the CFO of Callahan Enterprises and get a taste of what life could be like without the pressure of my job and my family.

It’s something I think I’ll forever be grateful for.

53

LORELEI

Kian has been quiet all day. I know why, and I get it.

In just over ten minutes, we’re going to land back in Chicago, and everything that’s happened in Charleston is going to be behind us.

We agreed we’d enjoy each other on the trip, and then once we’re back, it’s life as usual with him as my boss, and me as his assistant.

I stand by the decision. It’s the right thing to do. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt, though.

These past two days have been…enlightening, to say the least.

But it can’t continue. I also can’t risk agreeing to this fake dating thing.

He’s going to reel me in—more than he already has—and then ultimately, he’s going to drop me the second someone else—someone more suitable—comes along.

My stomach knots and my heart aches just thinking about it.

The pilot announces our final descent into O’Hare International, and my anxiety about what life looks like outside of this plane only gets worse.

At least it’s Friday.

We’ve got the weekend to cool off. Maybe things will be easier on Monday.

It’s wishful thinking, I know that. But it’s all I’ve got right now.

Barely a word is said between us as we make our way through arrivals and then out to where Jamie is waiting for us.

I’ve never felt on edge when I’ve been in Kian’s company before. I don’t like it.

In fact, I hate it.

We’re only a few hours into this “new” us and I already miss his heated glances, his burning touches. His kisses, his dirty words.

Fuck. This is going to be harder than I thought.

“Good evening,” Jamie greets with a wide smile. “I trust you had a pleasant trip.”

“Yes, thank you,” Kian says curtly. His tone does nothing to ease the tight knot inside me.

Jamie takes our suitcases after opening the backdoor for me.

“Thank you,” I mutter absently before climbing in.

Kian follows, but again, without a word or even a glance in my direction.

Instead, he pulls his cell from his pocket and begins tapping at the screen.

Both of mine, however, sit ignored in my purse.

I know it’s a workday and that I have emails sitting in my inbox that I need to deal with. I also know that I have messages from Tate and Cory that need to be responded to.

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