Page 292 of By His Rule

“If you’re not coming with me then no, I won’t be hanging around.”

I chuckle. “The fact you think we could both fit just proves how disappointed you’re about to be.”

“I’ve nothing to be disappointed about because you’ll be out here waiting for me.”

“Smooth talker,” I tease.

“Just telling the truth, Temptress.”

69

LORELEI

Kian was almost right. Being in his arms again was almost enough to put aside just how fucking uncomfortable the pull-out is.

Almost.

Much to my frustration, he remained true to his word and mostly kept his hands to himself.

I respected the hell out of his need to do the right thing and not give my brothers any more reasons to have nightmares.

We kissed until long past midnight. It was incredible, and everything I didn’t know I needed. Okay, I knew. I just refused to accept it.

But with him here, with my limbs entwined with his, it’s impossible not to accept the truth. Everything makes more sense when I’m in Kian Callahan’s arms. Everything seems easier, lighter, more achievable. I feel like a better person just because of his presence. Is that what real love is? Because if it is, I think it’s safe to say that I’ve never experienced it before. I thought I had, but it seems every relationship of my past pales in comparison to this. I already knew that no other man could compete. But the feelings he evokes in me…they’re beyond everything I’ve ever known. I’m almost as obsessed with them as I am him. Almost.

The sun is shining bright, the thin curtains at the windows no match for the ones that keep Kian’s apartment in complete darkness until he’s ready to greet the day. There is no chance of sleeping in this morning. It’s just another of the things I hate about this place.

A groan from behind me lets me know that my bed buddy is rousing.

“I think my back is broken,” he complains as he shifts his hips, ensuring his erection pokes me harder in the butt.

“Baby,” I laugh, rubbing my ass back against him, making him groan again, only for a very different reason.

“Hmm, I could be convinced to stay lying on this rock for a little while longer.”

“I gave you the option of a four-star hotel,” I tease.

“I’d have chosen this every time.”

He shifts again, rolling me onto my back and settling himself between my thighs.

“What time do your brothers wake up?” he whispers in my ear before nipping my earlobe.

“They’re seventeen-year-olds,” I remind him. “They’re lucky if they’re awake this side of midday.”

He chuckles, his lips tickling my neck and sending goosebumps skating across my body.

“You’re going to need to be quiet,” he murmurs.

“What happened to respecting my family home?” I tease.

“I’m a patient man, Lorelei. But even I have my limits.”

His palm lands on my breast, and a moan rumbles in my throat as my back arches.

“Kian,” I gasp when he pinches my nipple through the thin fabric of my tank.

“Yeah, Temptress. I’m right here.”