Rule

Copyright © 2023 Rule by Cassandra Robbins ISBN: 9798394979477 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or scanned in any manner without written permission of the author, except in the need of quotes for reviews only. This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, and establishments are the product of the author’s imagination or are used to provide authenticity and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Edited: Nikki Busch Editing Copy Edit: Jenny Sims Editing 4 Indies Cover Design: Emily Wittig Designs Formatting and proofing: Elaine York, Allusion Publishing Cover Photo: Michelle Lancaster Cover Model: Chase Mattson TABLE OF CONTENTS Dedication Playlist Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Chapter Twenty-Two Chapter Twenty-Three Chapter Twenty-Four Chapter Twenty-Five Chapter Twenty-Six Chapter Twenty-Seven Chapter Twenty-Eight Chapter Twenty-Nine Chapter Thirty Chapter Thirty-One Chapter Thirty-Two Chapter Thirty-Three Chapter Thirty-Four Chapter Thirty-Five Chapter Thirty-Six Chapter Thirty-Seven Chapter Thirty-Eight Chapter Thirty-Nine Chapter Forty Chapter Forty-One Epilogue Extended Epilogue Power Sneak Peek Chapter One - Power Coming Soon Join My Reader Group Other Books by Cassandra Robbins Connect Acknowledgments About the Author FOR NIKKI PLAYLIST The High - Bryce savage We Go Down Together - Dove Cameron & Khaild Ocean Eyes - Billie Eilish S&M – Rihanna Candy - Doja Cat Not Afraid - Eminem Die For You - The Weekend Bad Habit - Steve Lacy Perfect - Ed Sheeran Shivers - Ed Sheeran Anti-Hero - Taylor Swift Umbrella – Rihanna, JAY Z Thousand Miles - The Kid Laroi Flowers - Miley Cryus My Heart Will Go On - Céline Dion So What – Miles Davis Either Way - Eva Grace Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinéad O’Connor Slave To Love - Bryan Ferry Greatest Love – Ciara For Your Entertainment – Adam Lambert Without Me – Eminem Those Eyes - New West Me & U – Cassie T.I. – Whatever You Like Crazy In Love – Beyoncé, JAY-Z Poker Face – Lady Gaga BRETT POWERS PASADENA, CALIFORNIA “I can’t make it up, Richard.” I lean forward for my glass of scotch while he throws back his head and laughs. “I mean, when I saw my mom and the priest walking toward the bathroom… Christ.” Shaking my head, I lean back in the leather chair. My mentor stands and walks to his desk, retrieving a box of Cuban cigars. “Well, I’m happy for Jett.” He hands me one and steps over to open his French doors, which leads to his manicured backyard. Sunlight reflects off the pool, and the giant inflatable pink flamingo in it slowly glides to the edge. “Diane is threatening to divorce me if I don’t open these doors when I enjoy the last of my vices.” He chuckles, walking back to his chair as the air conditioner clicks on. “We can go outside.” I grin. “Hell no, it’s too hot out.” He crosses his thin legs and reaches for the cigar cutter to swiftly slice off the end of his cigar, then hands it to me. “Brett.” He sighs, absently looking out the doors as the warm air from the afternoon fills his office. “It’s no secret I’ve been tossing around the idea of retiring…” He glances at me as I hesitate, knowing where this is going but needing to hear it. “I’m seventy-six years old.” He flicks on his black torch lighter and slowly spins the end on the flame until it glows nice and orange before he brings it to his lips and takes a small puff. I lean back, stretching out my legs, waiting, letting him have this moment. Richard used to be a heavy smoker. After having a mild heart attack a couple of years ago, he’s switched his habit to expensive cigars. Smoke swirls out of his mouth, and he takes another puff, then tosses me the torch lighter. “I’ve made my mark on the university. Gave up numerous things in my life to achieve where I am, and now…” His brown eyes turn to me as he points the cigar my way. “It’s your turn.” I sit up and lean over to light the tip of my cigar. “I’m not going to lie and say I don’t want it.” With a smile, I place the fragrant tip in my mouth and take an easy puff, the earthy, citrusy taste swirling around as I let it escape, and look at him. “You do understand that what I’m about to do will make you the youngest head dean in the school’s history?” He recrosses his legs. “Yes.” My voice remains steady. This is what I have been working for, and being the youngest dean in the university’s history, yeah, that makes my cock hard. “Jenners is going to cause a stink. He believes it should be his. Convince me that he’s wrong.” My eyes narrow, and the edges of my lips curve up. “I don’t have to convince you, Richard. It’s pretty simple. I’m a genius. He’s not.” Richard snorts. “You’re also arrogant and single.” “Exactly. I have zero distractions because I’m married to my work. Might as well give me the title.” I grin, bringing the cigar back to my mouth. “Brett, you need to know that we have started the vetting process. Is there anything I need to know? Being a chair and vice dean of the environmental engineering department and becoming the head dean of the school are completely different beasts. I can’t have this backfire on me. Dean Jenners is in his fifties. He’s married, his kids are grown. The trustee likes these things. But you getting the Nobel nomination has made you the frontrunner.” Richard watches me. I shrug. “I’m an open book, Richard. And my work speaks for itself,” I say, looking him