Page 289 of By His Rule

Kian squeezes my hand. “We’ll make it happen.”

“No, Kian. They’re not your responsibility. You don’t?—”

“Lorelei, they’re your brothers. Of course I’m going to help.”

Emotion burns my throat. I’m grateful, of course I am, but his offer goes against everything I’ve ever known.

“We don’t take charity, Kian.”

He chuckles. “Good thing I’m not offering anything.”

“Kian,” I warn.

He lifts my knuckles for another kiss.

“We’re doing this, right?” he says, quickly glancing over at me. “Me and you? Us?” His question makes my heart beat faster.

‘U-um…”

“Lorelei,” he growls.

“Y-yeah, we are,” I agree hesitantly. It’s not because I don’t want it. I do. Everything he’s said, everything he said he wants, I want it too.

It’s just…a lot to process on top of everything else.

“You don’t sound very sure.”

“I am. It’s just…” I trail off, unable to find the right words.

“I know. I get it,” he agrees, giving me an out. “You’re mine, Lorelei, and together, we’ll give your brothers the future they deserve.”

“And Noelle?” I blurt. There’s no way I can leave her behind after everything she’s done for them. For us.

“Of course,” he agrees without question.

My heart swells with something terrifying.

He told me out on the beach that he loves falling in love with me. And…I can’t help but agree.

I thought I’d fallen before, but I’m pretty sure they were all just warm-ups for the real thing, because it’s never felt this huge before.

The excitement, the exhilaration, the fear.

They’re all-consuming, just like the man who’s causing them.

All too soon, we’re pulling into the trailer park. My heart sinks lower with every pothole we bounce into.

“There are only two motels in town, so you’ll probably be better driving over to the next one. But a questionable four-star hotel is all you’re going to find,” I say quietly as he pulls to a stop outside my childhood home.

He kills the engine and looks over.

I love the expression on his face, a little bit of confusion, some awe, and a lot of understanding.

“Were you planning on coming with me?” he asks.

“N-no, I need to be here for Wilder.” It’s not true. He’s fine now and should be going to school as usual tomorrow. Even if he weren’t ready for it, something tells me that he’d be there anyway, just to soak up all the attention.

“Then that’s where I’ll be too,” Kian says firmly before pushing the door open and climbing out.

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