Page 34 of His Rules

“That’s fine. The two big, strong men have a poker game later tomorrow night.”

“That’s great to hear. You deserve to have a little fun.”

“You are going to stay right here after the move. Aren’t you?”

My dad always had a way of making me feel welcome. “Just for a couple weeks if that’s okay. Plus, I’ll need to keep a storage unit here until I can find a place. Is that okay?”

“Honey, I have plenty of room. You can move in.”

Oh, no. That wasn’t going to happen. My father was still my dad even though I was twenty-six. Living under the same roof wouldn’t work out, especially not while keeping a dark secret. “I like living alone, Dad. No offense.”

He smirked and polished off his beer. “No offense taken. Time for a shower. It’s been a long day.” He tossed the bottle into thetrashcan and headed to the kitchen door. I sensed he still wanted to say something.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong, Kacey. I’m thrilled you’re moving back home. I just don’t want to see you disappointed or to get hurt.”

“Why would I get hurt?”

“Because handling the world of corporate business is often like playing a chess game. Just remember it takes a savvy and patient person to navigate the often murky, shark-infested waters. Sebastian is a master at doing so. You’re a sweet and innocent flower with a sunny disposition. The two don’t necessarily go together.”

I had a feeling my father wouldn’t feel the same way if he ever learned the truth.

I was no innocent flower.

“What did you say?” Stephanie asked as she stared at me, her mouth wide open.

“Yep. One hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Plus, some of the best benefits I’ve ever seen in any industry. How was I supposed to turn that down?” I tried to nurse my glass of wine, but I was at the point of guzzling it down.

The man reeked of money, opulence, and privilege, as if he could take his life for granted because he’d be offered another one by some saint high in the sky.

“But didn’t you tell me he’s an obnoxious ass?”

“That he is,” I confessed. He’d glared at me every time we’d passed in the halls, barking at me after asking for the latest financials when I’d yet to have full control over the new computer system. “He also mentioned rules like they were a deal breaker.”

Stephanie grinned. “Every company has a set of rules.”

“Not those kind of rules about how long for lunch and how many breaks. Rules like, you know,rules.” I overemphasized the last word.

“As in personal rules?”

I nodded as I fiddled with my glass, shifting it back and forth. Just uttering the word gave me prickles over every inch of my body.

“Maybe he’s a BDSM god too. Think about it. A few whips and chains.” She burst into laughter while the prickles turned into full-out shivers.

“That’s what I’m worried about.”

“Oh, come on. No one can get away with that. He can’t force you to do anything wicked. That is unless you want to, baby.” The look on her face was downright evil.

“Very funny. Not a chance. I don’t like him.”

“Ri-ight. I saw the way you reacted when I told you he was married. You have a thing for him.”

“I do not have a thing for him and he’s not married. He’s divorced.”

Stephanie narrowed her eyes. “You’re sure about that.”

“Did you forget he’s my father’s best friend?”

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