Page 1 of Breaking Rules

CHAPTER1

I’M STUCK

BELLA

July

A slight chillruns down my spine, my scalp prickling as I take in the extravagance of the grand ballroom. Even though it’s only open to the Boston City Warriors football team, this party is the last place I want to be.

“Isabella.” I whip my head around at the sound of my boyfriend’s voice. Jake stands a few feet away, his brows furrowed. “Hurry up,” he tells me.

I scurry over to him, and he quickly takes my hand and pulls us farther into the room.

Taking deep breaths, I try to calm myself. No matter how many times we do this, it never gets easier. I’m justme. He’s a superstar. We don’t quite fit.

The sounds of champagne flutes clinking together and laughter surround me as soft music plays in the background, setting the mood without getting in the way of conversation. We’re here tonight in honor of the team’s new quarterback, and the excitement is palpable. According to the snippets I catch as we pass, tonight signifies a new chapter for the Warriors. Considering how often I’ve heard the words “Super Bowl” since we arrived, the team definitely expects the new guy to make a difference.

When those words are muttered for what feels like the hundredth time, I let out a sigh.

Jake scowls over his shoulder. “Stop sulking. You look hot.”

The black bodycon dress he chose for me hugs my every curve. It’s a bit too revealing for my liking, but it was a gift, and I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, so I donned it without complaint—same with the stilettos already pinching my feet.

I wish I’d stayed home.

As I take a step forward, skirting one of Jake’s coaches, my mother’s words float through my mind:Keep your back straight, Isabella. You look like a gremlin.Stop embarrassing me.On instinct, I pull my shoulders back and put a smile on my face, silently repeating the words I’ve heard since I was little:Look good and keep quiet. No one cares what you think or how you feel.

“Thank you,” I say quietly.

Jake presses me hard into his side and kisses the top of my head, inhaling deeply. “Your perfume smells delicious.”

“It’s my magic,” I joke awkwardly, making him snort. “Now will you tell me why you wanted me here so badly?”

He scans the room, as if searching for someone. “It’s a welcome party.”

I ignore the annoyance flaring to life inside me. “Yeah, I know. You’ve got a new quarterback. Alex Walker? Is that his name?”

“AlexanderWalker.” He drapes an arm around my waist. “He’s the reason I wanted you here.”

Confused, I frown up at him. “Why?”

“Because he’s a beast on the field. I really think we’re gonna rock the league this season.”

What does any of that have to do with me?

With a smirk, I tease, “Are you fangirling over some dude?”

“Fangirling?” He stops in his tracks and narrows his eyes. “You’ll understand everything real soon.”

“If you say so.”

The moment we sit at our designated table, he starts talking with his teammate Omar Williams. Jake doesn’t bother to introduce me to him or the woman beside him, who keeps a protective hand on her baby bump.

“Hi.” I plaster on a smile, but the second our eyes connect, she looks away.

With an exaggerated sigh, she presses her lips into a thin line and surveys the other guests.

Wow. It’s not that I expected people to be friendly to me, but I didn’t imagine they’d be outright rude either.

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