Page 305 of By His Rule

Aubrey did as I asked, and she assured me that I’ll never hear from him again. While I don’t feel like I’ve had any real closure on the situation, I can live with it.

He’s nothing but a liar and a cheat who craves love and attention. He’s clearly unfussy about how he achieves them, based on his recent actions.

If I felt anything for him other than disdain and regret, then it would be pity. But I don’t care that much.

“Wait, aren’t you going the wrong way?” I ask, suddenly realizing that Kian has missed the turn that will lead us to the Chiefs stadium for this afternoon’s game.

Last weekend, we traveled to Detroit for an away game. It was my first experience of a Chiefs game away from their own turf, and it was incredible.

I may not be a true football fan, but I love watching Kieran almost as much as I love watching Wilder.

We’ve got plans to attend one of Wilder’s games in a few weeks. Not that we’ve told him yet. We’re going to surprise him, and I can’t wait. Watching him on TV is one thing, but seeing him live in action is another entirely.

“I know,” Kian says smugly. “We’ve got to make a pitstop first.”

“I thought you dragged me out a bit early. Where are we going?”

“Surprise,” he teases.

“Ugh. Really?”

He glances over with a wide smile playing on his lips. “Really.”

My head spins with ideas, but I soon get a good clue and my stomach flutters wildly with excitement.

By the time Kian pulls into the parking lot that’s out front of O’Hare Airport, I’m practically bouncing in my seat.

There are only two people he could surprise me with who might be arriving. Everyone else I love is here in this city with me.

“Kian?” I whisper.

“Come on. We don’t want to be late,” he says, killing the engine and jumping from the car.

I follow not a second later and meet him at the front.

“Did you really do this?”

“Just for you, Temptress,” he says, stealing a quick kiss before I turn and run into arrivals.

There are people pouring through the doors, and my eyes dart between them all, searching for ones that look so much like my own. We might have different dads, but the similarities between us are striking.

“They’ll be here in a minute,” Kian says with a laugh as I bounce on the balls of my feet.

It’s only been a couple of weeks since we saw them. We usually go a lot longer, but it still feels like a lifetime.

There is a break in the stream of people, and there right at the back, I spot Hendrix.

“There,” I point before taking off.

I’m pretty sure it’s against the rules, but whatever. I charge through the people and fall into their arms.

“You’re here,” I cry, fighting and failing to contain my tears.

“Had an invite we couldn’t refuse,” Hendrix says as Kian joins us.

Wilder steps up to Kian and holds his hand out. “Thank you,” he says. I think he’s trying to be all grown-up and manly. It’s as cute as hell, and I love him even more for it. But it gets even better when Kian tugs on his arm and pulls him in for a hug.

I swear, my heart explodes right there on the spot.

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