Page 194 of By His Rule

“The Broadway, obviously. Tate and I went to your resort in Hawaii a couple of years ago. But that’s it.”

His eyes light up. “I guess that means that I get to show you the world.”

“Christ, that’s cheesy.”

He smirks. “Unlike all the men who’ve come before, I mean it literally. And physically, of course.”

I roll my eyes. “As big-headed as ever,” I mutter under my breath as voices approach from the other side of the door.

“Ah, here we go,” Kian says, reaching into his briefcase and pulling out a notebook.

I frown. That’s my job. What is he?—

My thoughts are eradicated when he places it face-up on the desk.

Notes my assistant should be taking.

My chin drops, shock rendering me speechless as a woman and two men enter the room.

Kian introduces us both before everyone takes a seat to get started.

Eagerly, Kian flips the notebook open and pulls a pen from his pocket.

It takes a long time for him to place it down on the desk, allowing me to read what is written up the barrel.

If you want a job done right, do it yourself.

Asshole.

As discreetly as I can, I kick him under the table.

It’s childish, I know. But I can’t help myself.

His speech or attention on the three people opposite us never wavers. They probably don’t recognize the change in him. But I do. I see the way his lips twitch at the sides, making his dimples pop, and just how brightly his eyes shine.

Credit where credit’s due, he’s taken my challenge and given as good as he’s gotten.

It doesn’t mean he’s going to win, though.

By the time we walk out of the meeting room, the sun is setting, and I’m beginning to feel the effects of my early wake-up call.

“I’ve booked a table for tonight,” Kian tells me as we ride the elevator back to our room.

“I hope you enjoy it. I’m going to be ordering room service,” I deadpan.

“You’re funny.”

“You’re not,” I counter.

“You’re coming to dinner with me. It’s our raincheck date.”

“We’re not dating, Kian.”

When the elevator doors open, I rush out. It’s not going to get me anywhere, but any bit of space between us is a positive.

He doesn’t say a word, but I feel him behind me, like an unwavering presence determined to drive me to the brink of insanity.

Unlocking the hotel room door, I march inside, but no sooner have I crossed the threshold than a large hand wraps around my arm, pulling me back.

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