Page 170 of By His Vow

My eyes drop to my hand as I consider this, focusing on my new piece of jewelry.

Or everything could have changed.

Nerves swirl in my stomach as I consider what’s next for us.

A big announcement, I guess. Public wedding planning. A ceremony that’s going to have press coverage in order to fulfill my father’s bullshit demands.

I hate being center of attention.

He knew that as well.

Probably why he did it.

Take away the one thing I truly wanted and force me into the spotlight to get it back.

Sounds just like the vindictive shit he was capable of.

I’m about to ask what happens next when Kingston pulls the car to a stop outside the building I’ve spent most of my life in.

“So, I guess the weekend is over then,” I mutter sadly.

I wasn’t lying before. I do love my job.

It’s just…everything seems a little harder right now.

Life is harder.

It’s why this weekend was so incredible. The stress of everything seemed to just vanish.

“I’m not sure what time I’ll finish later, but I’ll try to come and pick you up,” Kingston offers.

“You don’t need to do that,” I say as I turn to look at him. “I know you’re busy and—” His fingers press against my lips, stopping me from saying anything else.

“If I can be here to pick you up, I will be here. I want to be here.” His eyes search mine, letting me see the truth within them.

My heart begins to race and my hands tremble.

For a man who’s been forever single and only used women to get his kicks, he sure is good at this romance thing.

He damn well knows it too.

“Okay?” he asks, still holding my lips hostage.

I nod my head once. I’ve discovered this weekend that fighting isn’t the only way to have fun with him. Sometimes, agreeing and being a good girl has its benefits too.

Pacified by my response, he lets his hand drop, but before I can turn away to get out, his fingers grip my jaw and he leans forward, brushing a sweet kiss on my lips.

It’s teasing in all the right kind of ways. And when he wishes me a good day and unclicks my seat belt for me, I’m nothing but a puddle on his passenger seat.

Maybe him coming back to pick me up after work won’t be so bad. Hell knows I’m going to spend all day thinking about how that kiss could end.

“Have a good day, baby.”

“You too. Try not to take over the entire world.”

“I’ll do my best. Just think though, soon you’ll get half of everything I take over.”

With those ominous words floating around my head, I climb out of the car, nod in greeting to our security guards, and make my way up to my floor.