Page 115 of By His Rule

The temptation to blow Kian off in favor of Ryder is strong. He would know exactly how to make me forget about the drama of the day.

And why shouldn’t I? It’s not like Kian didn’t spend the afternoon getting his rocks off.

I deserve a little stress relief too, don’t I?

But just as I’m figuring out how to wish him a good night, he sends another message.

Boss: My brothers were waiting to rip me a new one when I got home.

Lori: Did that hurt more or less than your hand?

Boss: You concerned about my ass, Temptress?

Lori: Naturally. I have no interest in going out tomorrow to buy you a special pillow for your delicate behind.

Boss: I think you’re safe.

Lori: So what did they say?

Boss: King is pissed about the publicity that will come from this. Kieran is just amused. Wants to know what’s so special about my new assistant that I’d risk broken bones AND take her to his game.

Lori: We’re all wondering the same…

Boss: Are you digging for compliments, Miss Tempest?

My cheeks heat because, yeah, I guess I am a little.

Seeing that woman standing in the doorway to his office earlier was a knock to my confidence, I can admit that to myself.

I can also admit that the man she was there to see shouldn’t be the one to build it back up again, but here we are.

Acid floods my stomach the second I think about her. Fuck, she really was beautiful, and totally Kian’s type.

I don’t know why I care, but I do.

Lori: No, just wondering why you’ve yet to send me running out of the building crying.

Boss: Because you don’t take any of my shit.

I smirk, the jealousy ebbing away.

She might have it all in the looks department, but does she have anything else about her?

Could she stand up against the mighty Kian Callahan and not end up crying?

Something tells me no, and I’m more than happy to run with that thought.

Lori: I’m glad you’ve noticed, Sir *smirky emoji*

Boss: Trust me, it’s impossible not to.

I sigh, lowering my cell to my stomach. I don’t know why him appreciating my strength means so much to me, but it does.

When I don’t reply, he obviously gets bored of being ignored and sends another.

Boss: What are you doing?

Lori: Practicing my mud wrestling. Championships are coming up…

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