Page 37 of Come Here and Kiss Me

CHAPTER14

Ronan

The article a friend forwarded to me is short, deliberate, and leading.

I figured it would come, but seeing it in black and white causes anger I didn’t realize I could feel.

Given the social circles are all too aware of the previous scandal, I imagine one of them planted or even sold the story to the press.

Socialite Brooklyn Chambersand heir to the Chambers mogul, Ronan Wolf, are apparently engaged after a quiet - or not so quiet - fling. Rumors swirl about their whirlwind relationship, and given Brooklyn has been spotted without a ring, speculations on these two are running wild.

The includedphoto is a recent snapshot from campus just outside my classroom door. Thankfully, it’s not in the fucking library. Just knowing someone photographed us on campus gives me an uneasy feeling. I could give two shits about the articles and the rumors. But the fact that someone came to my work and took a photo of her with the intent of painting her in a negative light… It’s violating. It could be far worse, but I wish they’d leave us the fuck alone.

All in all, it’s a blip in the tabloid, but the picture… the photograph is what I can’t get over.

I’ve been mostly careful with her over the past two weeks. Appropriate and maintaining decorum… apart from a secret fuck in a back room…twice.

How can I resist when she tempts me like she does?

When a woman like Brooklynwantsme as she does?

When she cries out my name like I’m her fucking salvation…

I swallow thickly.We need to be more careful.

I can’t ruin everything I’ve worked my ass off for.

Sitting in my office at the university, I consider how she’ll react. From the mahogany wood table to the leather couch and stacks of bookcases lining the walls with my law books, the room has an old-money aroma and atmosphere. My office is my sanctuary.

I text my friend Ace.

Ronan:Thanks for the heads-up.

And before I can put my phone away, he messages me about the gala next weekend.

Ace: You attending the charity event?

The message irksme to no fucking end. Every fucking year for as long as I can remember, I’ve attended as has Brook. I’m a fucking Wolf, after all. These events are among the few moments I even see my father anymore. This one, in particular, is charity-based and includes caviar and champagne.

Anyone who is anyone attends, writes a check, gets their photo taken on the red carpet for the tabloids, and rubs elbows with the other wealthy elite of New York.

I nearly write back to my lifelong friendwhy the fuck wouldn’t I?

But I know exactly why he suspects I won’t come. Public relations will recommend I lay low. Don’t say anything, don’t go anywhere. Don’t do anything notable after a scandal.

This, though?

What’s between Brook and me is not a fucking scandal. This article isn't shit.There are closed circles who saw the video, and it went nowhere. If we were engaged, it’s not a fucking sin that I enjoyed her cunt on my own fucking property.

Ronan:Of course I am.

I write backto Ace and ask him how the West Coast is treating him and if he’s returning for the event.

Ace:I’ll be there.

He then follows up,asking when the wedding will be.

I stifle a laugh and tell him what I told the group chat two weeks ago after the video and gossip made its way through the DMs and socials.

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