Page 124 of Breaking Rules

“I’ve never loved anyone more than I love you, so I know the feeling.”

Eyes softening, she presses her lips to mine for a slow kiss. When she pulls back, I drag her over my body until she’s straddling my legs. “I’ve been thinking…I’d like to introduce you to my parents.”

Her whole body goes tense. “Wh-what?”

“When you’re ready, I want to take you to meet my parents. They’re great, I promise.” I put my hands on her sides and slowly lower them to her hips. “What do you say? Wanna meet my folks?”

“I’d love to. Just give me some time.” She inhales deeply, worrying her lip. “Maybe a few weeks.”

“Whenever you’re comfortable. There’s no pressure.”

We stay tangled in each other for a long time, our soft caresses turning needier with each passing minute. With her hands roaming over my chest, tracing the ink on my skin, she murmurs, “Mind if I tie you up?”

Pulse stumbling, I snag the tie from the nightstand and hold it up. In seconds, she’s straddling me again, leaning over me, tying my hands together. I catch her nipple in my mouth, my teeth grazing it.

She grips the headboard as she ties my hands to it. “Now it’s time for you to play bymyrules, Mr. Quarterback.”

Goddamn. This girl is fire, a tornado, a seductive destruction. She’s everything.

CHAPTER39

IT’S HIS

BELLA

November

The whole way to his parents’house, I play it cool. I happily listen to him tell me about how he almost face-planted in the driveway when Milo pulled on the leash while he was texting with Drew. I make sure to smile when he mentions theLord of the Ringsmarathon he’s planning. It’s one of his favorite franchises, and apparently he watches all six movies at least once a year. He has yet to do it this year, and since it’s almost December, it only feels fair that we binge them next week.

He never says no when I ask for anything, and I’m trying to emulate that. This relationship deserves all the time and effort I can give it. I am his first serious relationship, and even though he isn’t mine, he’s the first man to treat me with respect and care. Obviously, not all days are perfect; we learn by trial and error, but what I feel for him makes it all worth it.

“How do you feel?” he asks as he rounds the car and meets me at the passenger door.

I shrug. “I’m good.”

“So you’re not nervous?” He drapes an arm over my shoulder.

I chuckle, cuddling closer. His hoodie smells like him—woodsy, with notes of tobacco. I love it.

“A little bit.”

“You have nothing to worry about. My parents already love you,” he says. “Besides, Audrey and Ryan are here too. Familiar faces should ease your fears, right?”

Everything in me stills.

Audrey’s presence does the opposite of ease my fears—it puts me on edge, but I don’t mention that to Xander. His sister means so much to him, but the woman doesn’t like me one bit, despite how often he tells me otherwise.

I hum noncommittally.“Are they still looking for a house?”

“Yeah. Audrey is next-level picky. She wants something big and spacious but also cozy and comfortable. She vetoed the last one because it didn’t have a pool.”

“I thought she was dead set on a hot tub, not a pool.”

“Exactly.” He kisses my nose. “I’m not sure she knows what she wants. Other than the location, since she’s looking for a house in our neighborhood.”

His words send a shiver down my spine. The idea of having her so close makes my stomach roil.

As if he can sense my unease, he holds me closer. “Everything’s going to be fine, I promise. You’re safe with me.”

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