Page 106 of Breaking Rules

Though it’s warm in here, goosebumps scatter all over my skin. I’ve gotten bits and pieces, but no, I don’t.

“He fucking broke him when they were in college.” She looks me up and down, scowling. “And it looks like you’re dead set on ruining the only thing he still loves. Football is everything to him. Do you not understand what would happen to his career if someone saw you with him the way I just did? Though,” she huffs a sardonic laugh, “if you’re as selfish as your fiancé, you probably don’t give a shit.”

I shake my head, taking a step back from her on instinct. “I had no idea Jake was going to propose. I came here to break up with him; my cousin is waiting for me at his house so I can collect my things.” The words rush out in one breath. My heart is drumming against my rib cage, and my hands are trembling. “I never wanted to hurt Xander?—”

“But youdid,” she spits. “You didn’t see his face when Miller dropped to his knee.”

My stomach twists into a painful knot. “I’m leaving Jake today. I’m done with him.”

“Then what? Are you going to keep living at Alex’s place?”

“No. I’m moving in with my aunt. I understand the risks, and I don’t want to hurt Xander’s career. I swear.”

Audrey watches me from under furrowed eyebrows. Eventually, she rubs her hands together and sighs. “Alex is as stubborn as a mule, and for some reason he’s willing to put his whole future at riskfor you. So, come to my party. I invited you knowing it would make him happy. This is your chance to proveto meyou’re nothing like Miller.”

I shuffle back another step. “You still want me to come?”

“Are you dumping Miller today?”

I nod, my breath catching.

“Then yes, I want you to come. I want to see what my little brother sees in you…and I better be convinced.” With that, she turns and leaves as abruptly as she came.

I remain rooted to the spot, my feet too heavy to move.

With a shake of my head, I breathe in and out through my nose, centering myself. I need to focus on the reason I came here in the first place. Breaking up with Jake is step one. I’ll deal with the rest once that’s done.

* * *

“Where were you staying?”Jake taps his fingers on the steering wheel as he waits for a red light to change.

I hit Send on my text to Ben, then slip my phone back into my purse. “Why does it matter?”

His expression darkens, and his eyes go hard. “I’m just compiling a list of people who lied to me about your whereabouts.” The light turns green, and he speeds through the intersection. “So far, I suspect it includes your aunt and your cousin.”

“Wrong.” I tell him my carefully prepared lie. “I knew if I went to Aunt Millie’s or Meg’s, you’d find me. I was staying at a hotel. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of them in Boston.”

“So youwerehiding from me.”

“I was taking a break.” I fold my arms over my chest and watch the scenery go by. The sidewalks are busy, and the leaves on the ground mix in a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. Boston is full of life, full of vibrant colors. It brings a smile to my face and fills me with hope.

“Good thing your break is over,” he mutters, his lip curled.

I stay silent. Nothing I say will defuse the situation. We’re almost at his house, and soon this farce will finally be over.

CHAPTER34

BREAKUPS AND SETUPS

BELLA

November

“Why is your cousin here?”Jake pulls into his driveway and comes to an abrupt stop.

I bite my bottom lip to hide my growing smile. With Ben by my side, everything will be fine. “I asked him to come,” I say, making eye contact.

He scowls. “Why? We’re leaving for dinner in two hours. You won’t have time?—”

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