Page 202 of By His Rule

“Sounds riveting.”

“If you had curls, you’d understand.”

“I’m sure I’ll learn to understand.”

“Kian,” she breathes.

“Stop,” I interrupt. “Stop trying to fight what you know is inevitable.”

“You know, you’re not God’s gift to all women. There are some exceptions out there.”

“Oh, I have no doubt. But thankfully, you’re not one of them.”

Her eyes narrow, and her lips purse. She can argue all she likes. I know as well as she does how her body melts into mine when we’re close.

“You’re blurring the lines all over the place here, you know that, right?”

“Lines? What lines?” I smirk as our starters arrive.

Lorelei’s eyes widen when she discovers what I ordered, but she doesn’t say a word until we’re alone again with a huge platter sitting between us.

“Oysters, really?” she states.

“What?” I ask innocently. “They’re my favorite, and you can’t get better ones than here.”

“Right,” she mutters, eyeing the shellfish suspiciously.

“Have you had them before?”

“Oh yeah, used to be on the menu weekly when I was a kid,” she deadpans.

“I’ll take that as a no, shall I?”

“Asshole,” she hisses.

Ignoring her, I pick up the small fork we’re going to need and then select my first oyster.

“Pick one,” I demand. “And then you need to loosen it.” I show her what I mean before waiting for her to do the same. “And then you tip it into your mouth.”

I keep my eyes firmly on her as I lift the shell to my lips and tip, letting the oyster slide into my mouth. The incredible taste of the ocean coats my tongue.

While I swallow mine down eagerly, Lorelei is a little more hesitant. And when she finally takes the plunge, her face screws up in disgust.

“Ew, that’s gross,” she complains, making me laugh.

“It’s an acquired taste,” I confess. “Not quite McDonalds.”

She glares at me.

“Try another. They’re really good for you.” I wiggle my brows at her.

“You mean, you hope they’re good for you,” she accuses.

“Not sure I need any help.”

“Trust me, your arrogance is the perfect antidote to anything that might be even remotely tempting about you.”

“Have another oyster, Lorelei,” I demand, aware of how much she hates it, despite the fact she always follows orders.

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