Page 252 of By His Rule

I follow her stare but find nothing.

“What is it?”

“Cat,” she explains before taking a step forward, leaving me to trail behind her, telling myself that I’m going to do the right thing.

59

LORELEI

My hand trembles as I push my new key into my new lock and let myself into my apartment for the first time since I found it vandalized on Friday night. The second the door is open, the scent of fresh paint hits my nose.

It takes everything I have to keep my unease and fear hidden.

Kian is watching me closely. He’s made it more than clear that he doesn’t want me staying here, but what’s the other option? Move in with him until we get answers? And so far, there doesn’t seem to be anything in the way of those.

When I asked about progress, Kian told me his guys are taking care of it, and I had no choice but to believe him. It’s either that or demand to know why I haven’t been interviewed by the police and have it confirmed that they’re not necessarily going about this the way I would.

“Everything’s fine. See?” I say, hoping my voice sounds stronger than I feel as I gesture to my peaceful apartment.

There’s a small part of me that’s happy to be home, but that’s being easily engulfed by the bigger part that wants to run into Kian’s arms and demand he takes me with him.

You are a strong, independent woman, Lorelei. You do not need a man to protect you.

But right now, I really want one.

Unwilling to take my word for it, Kian surges forward and sets about searching every inch of my apartment.

“Okay?” I ask when he finally returns.

“Do I have a choice?” he mutters.

Standing a little taller, I hold his eyes firm and say, “No, you don’t. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve things I need to do tonight.”

I smile at him. It’s forced at best, but if he can see it, he doesn’t say anything.

I spin around, directing him toward the door, and he hesitantly complies.

“Lorelei,” he breathes. The rasp in his voice sends a shiver skating down my spine.

Fuck. Please, don’t do that.

I stare up at him, hoping that he can read the plea in my eyes.

Remember what he said in the car about never meeting a woman to make him consider a future with one.

Remember who he is.

Forget about how good it is to be in his arms, to feel his kiss…

“Kian,” I say firmly. “The last few days have been fun. Really fun,” I add when his lips part to speak. “But what I said in the car was true. I want more than to be someone’s fake relationship or fuck buddy. I want something real, and this…” I say, pointing between us. “Nothing about this is real.”

He swallows thickly, and I frown in confusion.

Surely he isn’t seeing this as more than it is, is he?

He’s my boss. He’s Kian freaking Callahan. There is nowhere for this…this fling between us to go.

My heart aches as the harsh reality of the situation becomes known again.

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