Page 105 of Breaking Rules

“Since when do I care what people think?” He arches an eyebrow, stepping closer.

Butterflies take flight in my belly. I’m not sure whether they’re from nerves or excitement. Maybe it’s both, but it’s not a good combination. It has caused me a lot of trouble in the past.

“Why did you say yes? Do you really want to be with him?” His questions come in a pained voice, and my knees give out. Thankfully, there’s a wall behind me.

“Xander,” I whisper, my throat clogging.

“Why didn’t you say no?”

“He did it on purpose…right in front of everyone, so I’d agree.”

His jaw ticks, but he keeps his tone even. “You could’ve said no.”

“You don’t understand.” I shake my head. “He was angry when I left him at his mom’s party. Can you imagine how furious he’d be if I said no in front of his teammates? I was afraid of what he’d do if I publicly humiliated him, because that’s exactly how he would’ve seen it. And so I said yes…even though I meant no.”

Xander swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing. When he speaks, his voice is quiet. “I understand. You did what was right…but I don’t like it.”

“I’m sorry.” I clasp my hands together to stop myself from reaching out. Then I step away from the wall and move around him so I can return to the family waiting area. “You should go. I heard you’re all going out. You were amazing out there today, and you deserve to celebrate your big win.”

“That win meant shit after Ben showed up to collect your things this morning. And now? After what happened with you and Miller?” He ducks his head and shakes it, hands clasped behind the nape of his neck.

I’m frozen in place. “Xander…”

“Doesn’t a winner deserve a kiss?” He looks up, blue eyes blazing.

Without giving myself a chance to overthink it, I cradle his face with my palms. The world around me is nothing but a blur, all sounds muffled like I’m underwater. There is only this man and me.

Leaning forward, I press my mouth to his. The second he parts his lips, I sweep my tongue between them, brushing his. He tastes like mint and smells like sandalwood mixed with cinnamon and comfort.

He wraps his strong arms around me, holding me firmly to his chest.

This kiss is passion in its purest form. Sizzling hot lava spreads through my veins and sets my skin aflame. He came to make sure I was okay even though my actions hurt him. God, it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of?—

“Alex!” a familiar voice echoes through the space.

I step back abruptly, my vision still clouded. Xander looks dazed, lips parted, breath harsh. I whirl around and lock eyes with Audrey.

“What the fuck?” Face flushed with anger, she storms toward us. “What if someone sees?” she hisses. “She just got engaged to your fucking teammate! Do you understand what would happen if word got out you were banging Miller’s girlfriend behind his back?”

Heat creeps up my neck.

“She’s not his girlfriend,” Xander bites out.

“Ha.” Audrey snorts. “Yeah, my bad—she’s hisfiancée.”

He stomps forward until he’s nose-to-nose with his sister. “Stay out of it, Audrey. I know what I’m doing.”

“Alex.” Her voice softens. “Don’t do this to yourself.”

Xander runs a hand through his tousled hair and glances at me. “I’m fine,” he says as he skirts around her. Then he’s gone, striding down the hallway without looking back.

My chest is heavy. Shame. Guilt. Remorse. A cocktail of emotions brews inside me. It’s the last thing I need before I face Jake.

“The second you told me you were Miller’s girlfriend, I knew nothing good would come of you getting close to Alex,” Audrey hisses, balling her fists. “I wanted to be wrong because I saw how he looks at you, but I should’ve known better. Everything Miller touches is rotten, corrupted to the core with his filth. You are no exception.”

My heart lurches at the venom in her tone. “Audrey?—”

“Do you know what Miller did to Alex?”

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