Page 130 of Breaking Rules

“Yes.”

“Was it… Did you…” Jake takes a deep breath and clears his throat. “Was there something between you two while we were together?”

I shrug. “No. We became friends while I worked on his bathroom, so when we reconnected after you and I broke up, I realized I was attracted to him, and I decided not to resist it.”

Jake and I stare at each other for a long moment. His stormy eyes only accentuate how miserable he looks. Then he shifts his gaze to Xander.

“Is this because of your ex? Did you want to get back at me…for what happened in college?”

“No. I thought Bella was stunning the moment I saw her at the welcome party. My relationship with her has nothing to do with college, or you. It’s about me and her. That’s it.” Xander leans forward, putting his elbows on his knees. “I desperately wanted to make you pay for what you did to Stacey. I wanted everyone to know the truth about you, but Bella changed my mind. She changed my whole life. Now, I couldn’t care less about you. Though, I must admit, seeing you like this is…satisfying.”

“I gave you everything you needed for payback. I shouldn’t have come here.” Jake hangs his head low. Deep down in my gut, I don’t believe the act. He’s manipulating us because he knows he’s at a disadvantage. We cornered him, and he’s playing his part. “When are you going to go public?”

Xander shrugs. “When Bella is ready.”

Jake peers at me, his eyes coasting slowly over my face, as if he’s memorizing my every feature. “I’m sorry, Isabella…for hurting you. I’ve always been territorial, and when I found out you chose Walker, my jealousy blinded me.”

“I didn’t choose Xander. I chose myself.” I take a deep breath, the plan Xander and I discussed ready to spill from my lips. “I won’t press charges this time, but only if you promise not to reveal that Xander broke your nose?—”

“And swear to stay the fuck away from Bella. If you even look her way, I’ll go to Coach, to management, to our teammates, to the press—to anyone ready to listen. I’ll expose you. I’ll make it my life’s mission to ruin your career.”

A dark ugliness flares behind Jake’s eyes, but he quickly suppresses it and nods. “Okay.” His gaze ping-pongs between Xander and me. “What happened today won’t happen again. I swear.”

“You better keep your promise, Miller.” Xander straightens. “I would’ve done so much worse if not for Bella.”

“I’ll keep my mouth shut,” Jake promises, rising to his feet.

Xander stands too. “I’ll walk you out.”

On his way to the foyer, Jake sneaks one last glance at me. It’s full of sorrow and what might be remorse. “Bye, Isabella.”

“Bye, Jake.” I look him in the eye when I say it.

Once he’s out of sight, the adrenaline drains from my body. Then, Milo is there, trembling and pawing at my leg. I pull him onto the couch, and he rests his head in my lap. “It’s okay, Milo. Everything’s fine. You were so brave, trying to defend me.”

The couch beside me dips, and two muscular arms envelop me. I close my eyes and relax into him.

“I wanted to kill him when I opened the door and saw him all over you.” Xander nuzzles my neck, inhaling deeply. “He looked like a damn psychopath.”

“I know,” I whisper. The image of Jake’s bewildered look appears in my head. “What does it mean for the Warriors? His broken nose, I mean.”

“It will be fine, even if he’s out for a few games. We have Isaiah Gibson—he’s got a ton of talent. We won’t suffer.” He hugs me tighter. “Did he hurt you?”

“He could hardly control himself,” I say, knowing Xander won’t like hearing it.

He crouches in front of me, assessing my face before working his way down my body. When he notices bruises on my forearms, he clenches his jaw.

“Mr. Jensen said he pulled your hair,” Xander hisses through gritted teeth.

I bow my head and nod.

With a curse, he snakes his arms around my waist. The move dislodges Milo. Then, Xander is lifting me. “We still have a few hours before the party. What do you want to do? Will you let me take care of you?”

“Will you just hold me?”

Mouth tilting up at the corners, he cups my cheek and caresses my skin. “Whatever you want.”

Angling closer, I brush my lips over his, erasing the memories of my encounter with Jake. I replace them with memories of my time with Xander, allowing his love to flow through me. With him, I can overcome anything.

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