Page 131 of By His Rule

No sooner did we join them at the bar after we first arrived than Kieran was whisked away to deal with some official business, much to his disgruntlement. He wanted to party, that much was obvious.

With the season in full swing, I can’t imagine he manages to find much time to kick back, but it seems that he’s happily forgetting the pressure that’s on his shoulders right now and making the most of his rare Friday night off. I’m sure it’ll be back to business tomorrow.

Kian shakes his head as he sips on his whiskey while I mirror Kieran and down my shot.

My cell buzzes again, but this time I ignore it.

“What?” I ask when I catch Kian studying me closely.

I might be willing to support this cause, but I still have to spend my night with all these people. I deserve a drink or, I don’t know, five, maybe.

Add the shot to the champagne that’s already bubbling through my veins, and I’m probably a little too tipsy already, but I figure we have a full sit-down meal shortly.

It’ll be fine. Everything will be fine.

“So, Lori, what did my big brother here do to convince you to be his date tonight?”

“I asked,” Kian grunts, making Kieran throw his head back and laugh.

His dates simultaneously follow suit, tittering along with him as if it’ll help their chances of securing something serious with him by laughing at whatever he finds funny.

I don’t mean to be judgy, but when I overheard them talking about their “jobs” earlier and one of them was expressing how annoying it was that Daddy refused to fund a six-month trip around Europe, I was done.

“Come off it. I saw how pissed she was at you yesterday. There is no way in hell she’d have just agreed.”

“Then maybe you don’t know enough about the situation as you think you do.”

Kieran is about to respond when I add, “He’s talking shit. He blackmailed me into coming.”

Kieran’s face lights up like a kid who’s just been told it’s Christmas day.

“I knew it,” he says punching the air, a smug grin spreading across his lips.

“Asshole,” Kian mutters before grasping my elbow lightly and turning me away from his brother and his harem. “Let’s go and check out the silent auction before dinner is served.”

With a smile at Kieran, I allow Kian to guide me to the room where all the auction items are kept.

I can predict what I’ll find inside. Luxury breaks in the most exclusive resorts worldwide, courtesy of Callahan Enterprises, of course. Stays on billionaires’ yachts. Luxury boxes for Chicago Chiefs games throughout the season. There are tickets for hockey games, baseball, and basketball. There are track days in cars I’ve never heard of, flying lessons, and a whole host of other things that get the wealthiest excited enough to pull out their fat checkbooks and make some unbelievable offers.

“How much?” I gawp, looking at the most recent price someone has written down for the exact box Kian and I watched the game from on Sunday. “Did it cost you this much to take me?”

He smirks at me but shakes his head, refusing to answer before scribbling something on another lot.

I don’t bother looking at what he’s bidding on. It’s only going to make my head explode, I’m sure.

Walking off, I take in everything else that is on offer, discreetly watching as men and women alike place eyewatering bids. As someone who’s had to fight for every single cent she’s ever had, it’s mind-boggling to watch people throw it around like it’s nothing.

I’m staring at a photo of a mega yacht when Kian steps up behind me. I don’t need to look around to know it’s him. The tingles and the way my body heats tell me everything I need.

His large hand lands on my waist, and I curse myself when I flinch. I don’t want him to know I’m affected by his presence, but I feel it’s a fight that I’m losing.

He moves closer still, the heat of his body spreading down my back, making every single inch of my skin prickle with awareness.

His breath rushes over my exposed neck, and I noticeably shudder.

Squeezing my eyes closed, I silently pray that he won’t have felt it. But I know he has.

“Have you finished?”

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