Page 119 of By His Rule

“I have the charity gala tonight,” I explain. “And you’re my date.”

The statement lands exactly as I predicted it would.

Hard.

She jumps to her feet, her eyes wide with shock.

“Your…your date. No, Kian. That is absolutely not–”

“It is. Your name is already on the guest list. We just need to get you ready.”

“B-but—” She cuts herself off as she looks up to the ceiling as if it might give her some divine intervention. “What about Sasha?”

When her gaze comes back to mine, the fire burning in the depths of her eyes makes my breath catch.

It only confirms that I’m making the right decision.

“What about Sasha?”

“Isn’t she your date to this thing? Or one of the other women you spend time with?”

“No,” I state simply. “Get your things together, we’re going to be late. Jamie is waiting.”

Striding toward the door, I pull it open and wait for her to walk through it.

She’s reluctant, but after a silent stand-off, she finally concedes.

“Good girl,” I say quietly behind her.

It’s so quiet that there’s a chance she won’t hear, but the second her shoulders bunch and her steps falter, I know she has.

She likes it too.

I had a suspicion she would.

The reception area is still empty. Melissa is in a meeting with Kingston, allowing me to do this without being under her watchful eye.

“Ready?” I ask when she emerges with her purse hanging over her shoulder.

“Not in the slightest, but I’m not sure I have a choice.”

“You’re learning fast.”

Pressing my hand to the small of her back, I gently push her forward and into the elevator once the doors have opened.

“For the record, I want you to know that I’m against this.”

“Why? What could possibly be so bad about spending the night with me?”

“Plenty of things,” she mutters under her breath.

“You get to get all dressed up, eat incredible food, and enjoy outstanding company.”

“Debatable.”

“Don’t even try to convince me that you didn’t have fun on Sunday.”

“Donning a Chiefs’ jersey and going to a football game is very different from attending some fancy gala. What’s it even for, anyway?”

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