Page 290 of By His Rule

“Kian,” I breathe when he opens my door and tugs me out by my hand. He pulls me into his body and cuts off my argument with his lips.

The second we connect, there’s an eruption of noise from the trailer beside us.

“Oh my god,” I mutter into his kiss before turning around to look at the window.

Both of my brothers are standing there watching us with wide smiles as they bang against the window.

“It’s not too late to change your mind about the motel. They only have a minor case of cockroaches.”

Kian’s chest vibrates with laughter. “I think I’ll take my chances here,” he says before pushing me forward.

“So, Lorelei,” Wilder teases the second we’re inside. “Would you like to reintroduce us to your friend?”

I clear my throat, suddenly nervous about letting them into a part of my life I’ve always kept separate.

“Wilder, Hendrix, Noelle” I say, formally introducing them all. “This is Kian, my—” I swallow thickly, stumbling over the word.

“Boyfriend,” Kian finishes for me.

The way he says it makes my knees go a little weak.

I, Lorelei Tempest, am Kian Callahan’s girlfriend.

Not just his girlfriend. His first girlfriend.

Maybe his last, too…

I shut that thought down before it can take flight, because this is already big enough.

“If it’s okay with both of you, I’m going to stay the night before taking Lorelei back home,” Kian explains.

“You…you want to stay here?” Hendrix asks like it’s the most insane thing he’s ever heard.

“Of course, it’s your home and?—”

“It’s a shithole,” Wilder interrupts. “Your family owns some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and you want us to believe that you’re happy to stay here?”

My eyebrows shoot north. I didn’t give either of them details about my new job.

“What?” Hendrix asks. “You think we don’t keep tabs on you, big sister?” He rolls his eyes, and I can’t help but laugh.

“I’ll stay wherever Lorelei is,” Kian confirms. “Nothing else matters.”

A ripple of silence goes through the air as my brothers take in Kian’s words.

“Okay, but I should warn you,” I start, my eyes shifting to the couch. Kian’s gaze follows mine. “That’s my bedroom.”

“It’s cool. I’ve never slept on a pull-out before.”

Wilder laughs. “This place really is going to be an education for you, huh?”

Kian shrugs, taking everything in his stride.

I study him closely, trying to figure out if it’s an act or if he really is happy to embrace all of this. But I can’t find any hint of a lie. I think he’s genuinely happy to jump into our lives with two feet. For one night, at least.

“We should warn you, though, this trailer rocks.”

Kian frowns.

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