Page 108 of Breaking Rules

Slowly, Jake lowers his arms, breathing heavily. The feverish glint in his gaze makes my skin crawl. It’s like a fixation, and I’m the center of his attention. Nothing else exists for him in this moment.

“Isabella, can we talk?” he asks in a strained voice. “Please?”

I watch him intently, then nod. “Yes, but let me get my things first.”

His eyes flash with anger, but the expression is gone as quickly as it came. Then he slips on one of his many masks, this one full of sorrow. “Okay.”

When Jake steps aside, Ben shifts, still shielding me. He doesn’t trust him, and I don’t blame him.

His shoulders are hunched as he stomps to the front door. After he disappears inside, Ben gives me a small, reassuring smile and guides me into the house.

Physically, the place hasn’t changed. All the pieces I picked are in place, but all the happiness and excitement have disappeared. It feels shallow and unwelcome inside. Was it always like this? Could I have been delusional enough to not notice?

“Where’s your stuff?” Ben asks.

Jake replies before I can. “Upstairs.” He keeps his focus on me. “I didn’t touch anything.”

“Thanks,” I say, heading toward the stairs. “We’ll get all my stuff, and then we can talk.”

“I’ll wait for you in the living room.”

* * *

Twenty minutes later,my meager possessions are boxed up and loaded into Ben’s car.

Ben stands in the front yard with his phone to his ear, and I stand a few feet away, staring at Jake’s house. The sky is already deep blue, the last remnants of daylight peeking through wisps of clouds. An oak tree from his neighbors’ lawn looms over the house, casting long shadows. Inside, the lights are off, which means he’s sitting in the dark. That doesn’t bode well. I have no idea what’s on his mind, but I know what’s on mine.

I need to be out of his life as soon as possible, or he will ruin me completely. I can heal from what’s happened, but I’m afraid if I drag this out any longer, there won’t be anything left to recover.

Running my hands over the skirt of my dress, I straighten and stride toward the house.

“Bella…” Ben says behind me.

Over my shoulder, I respond, “Wait for me in the car.”

“No way. If I wasn’t here, he would have hurt you already. I’m not leaving you alone with him.”

I pause. “Maybe you can wait for me in the hallway? Just in case.”

Lips pressed together, he searches my face, then nods. “Okay.”

With a deep breath, I step inside. From the sounds coming from the living room, it’s obvious Jake’s watching game footage on his phone. At least that’s normal.

“Mind if I turn on the lights?” I ask.

“Sure.” He shrugs and tosses his phone onto the cushion beside him.

I turn on the lights, sit on the opposite end of the couch, and set the ring on the table.

Jake swallows loudly, his fists tightening again. “Why?”

Nerves skitter down my back, but I work to keep my voice even. “We aren’t right for each other.”

“No, Isabella. I’ve heard that one before, and it’s fucking bullshit. You just told me you’d marry me, and now you’re breaking up with me? You gotta give me a better reason than that.”

“You’ve been cheating on me,” I say simply. The words don’t affect me in the slightest. It’s just a fact, and it doesn’t matter what he might say. I know I’m right.

His eyes go wide. “What?”

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