Page 25 of Breaking Rules

“Isabella.” Ignoring her cold stare, Miller steps into her, his arms winding around her waist. “You’re the best woman in the world. Everything you do is perfect. If I were here, I’d have gotten in the way.”

“Flattery won’t get you anywhere.” With her hands on his chest, she tries to push him away.

He doesn’t budge. He’s at least twice her size.

“You asked me to organize dinner then disappeared for the entire day. I don’t know why you think I’d want you loving up on me like this.”

His grip on her waist tightens, his fingers digging into her sides. I clench my jaw, and discomfort floods my system. My whole body goes rigid as he angles in so they’re nose-to-nose.

“I’ll make it up to you, babe. I promise.” He evens out his tone, trying to mask his irritation. “Anything you want.”

“Right now, I don’t want anything. In fact, I’m thinking about going to my aunt’s.” With a huff, she wriggles out of his embrace.

A groan of disapproval slips from Miller, but this time, he lets her go.

“Your guests will be here any minute.” She spins to her right and picks up a bowl of salad before heading out of the room. As she passes me, our eyes meet, and she nods, acknowledging my presence for the first time today.

Good girl. I keep the thought to myself. I can’t say it aloud, no matter how tempting it is.

“What’s gotten into her?” Miller mutters under his breath.

Eyes narrowed, I stare at him. Is this motherfucker really that stupid?

When he catches me watching him, he blanches. “Um, do you want something to drink?”

“No, I’ll wait for dinner. The food smells delicious.” I push off the wall. “Should we go to the living room?”

“Yeah, sure.” He threads his fingers through his hair, his gaze wandering over the kitchen. “Let’s?—”

The knock on the front door pulls him out of his thoughts, and he storms out of the room, muttering something about Isabella being difficult.

For a minute, all I can do is watch him go. This dinner promises to be way more interesting than I anticipated, and I’m here for it.

When I eventually make my way to the living room, I find Miller and Isabella talking to a petite blonde with a short bob. Her short green dress hugs her body, emphasizing her thin waist and round breasts. She’s gorgeous. Still, my thoughts stray to Miller’s girl.

As if she knows I’m thinking about her, Bella turns her head, and our gazes instantly lock. Her lips part slightly, and she sucks in a breath.

Hands stuffed into my pockets, I turn on the charm and head over.

“Izzy, your food smells absolutely mouthwatering.” The blonde’s gaze darts to me. “Oh, hey.”

“Hey.” I stop beside Bella, making sure to brush her arm with mine as I hold out a hand to her friend. “I’m Xander.”

“Meghan.” She takes my offered hand, her green eyes roaming over my face. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too.” Pulling back, I peer at Miller on Bella’s other side, who’s urgently whispering something in her ear. “Are we waiting for someone else?”

Miller gives me a smug smile that makes me want to punch him in the teeth. “Garcia. He should be here in a few minutes. He’s bringing one of his recent conquests. Not sure what her name is.”

Meghan looks from Miller to Bella, her brow creased. “Izzy, do you need help in the kitchen?”

“I need to use the bathroom.” Bella stalks out of the living room, and her best friend follows.

When we’re alone, I squint at Miller, and his smile only gets bigger. “Women,” he says. “Gotta love ’em.”

If this is love…please, God, save me from it.

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