Page 132 of Breaking Rules

“I would’ve done so much more, but Bella stopped me,” Xander says. “She didn’t want to call the police.”

“What?” Ben and Tom yell simultaneously, drawing attention.

I sigh. “I don’t want to put Xander’s career at risk,” I explain. “We told him if he tells anyone Xander broke his nose, or if he comes near me again, I’ll file charges, and Xander will tell management the truth.”

“I don’t like it.” Ben narrows his eyes at me.

“I don’t either, but I won’t make decisions for her.” Xander pulls me into him, holding me close to his chest.

“Bella, baby, you’re unbelievable.” Tom shakes his head, glancing discreetly at Ben, suddenly looking hesitant.

I stand and hold out a hand to him. “Will you accompany me to the kitchen? I need to check on dessert.”

“Sure.”

Behind us, Ben and Xander talk in hushed voices. As I pass Aunt Millie, who’s talking to Tom’s parents, I smile warmly at her.

“You seem really happy,” Tom says when we’re alone.

“I never could have imagined being this happy in a relationship.”

The second I laid eyes on Xander, my whole existence shook. He was dangerously gorgeous in his black jacket, tight white shirt, and black pants. I couldn’t avert my gaze, even if Jake was standing right beside him.

Xander is everything I’ve ever wanted, and now, he’s mine.

“My intuition was right, as always. Do you remember when I told you he had the hots for you?”

I bark out a laugh. “Of course I do. But he didn’t admit it until I broke up with Jake. Before that, we were just friends with benefits.”

“And now here you are, with the freedom to touch that gorgeous man any time you want.” Tom licks his lips.

“Should I tell Ben you’re having fantasies about my man?” I tease.

Instead of laughing along like I expected, he instantly pales, his eyes darting around the kitchen.

I grasp his arm as my stomach sinks. “What’s wrong? I was just joking. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“No, no. You did nothing wrong. It’s me. I screwed up.” He lowers his gaze as he sighs.

I cup his face, forcing him to look at me. “What happened?”

“I wanted to organize something special for Ben’s birthday. I-I asked my parents to come because I want to propose.”

My heart leaps. I was right.

But why the hell is he so reluctant?

“I wondered when you’d finally do it.” I speak in a soft voice. “Are you having second thoughts?”

“God, no. No. It’s just…you know Ben. I should’ve realized this before. I don’t think he’ll like a grand gesture.” Tom looks up at the ceiling, sighing deeply. “What if he says no?”

“He won’t. He might be a little shocked, but he won’t say no.”

His shoulders droop. “I don’t know.”

“Tom Hayes, don’t be a chicken,” I rasp. “You love Ben. He loves you. Just do it. You won’t regret it.”

Tom gapes at me. Then he breaks into a big, lopsided grin and pulls me in for a hug. “I love you, Bella,” he whispers.

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