Page 33 of Breaking Rules

I stick my phone and my red lipstick into my clutch and secure the clasp. It’s too small to fit anything else. I blow a kiss to my reflection, then twirl around and head downstairs.

“Wow.” Meg whistles as I step into the living room. “You look amazing.”

“I could say the same about you.”

She’s wearing a red dress that barely covers her butt, showing off her long, tan legs. She’s dressed to impress, and I know exactly who she has in mind—Marco. Coincidentally, he is coming to the party alone. He and Kennedy “didn’t work out.”

“I’m gonna show up at the club with the two hottest girls in town.” Jake loops his arm around my waist as he sneaks up behind me. “No, not the town—the country.” He kisses my cheek. “Let’s go.”

* * *

As we walkacross the street to the club entrance, I’m on the lookout for paparazzi or reporters, but it’s quiet. Strange.

“Walker rented VIP sections in two clubs,” Jake says, as if reading my thoughts. “One under his own name, the other under an alias. We’re at the second one. No one knows about it, trust me.”

“He’s a smart boy,” Meg comments. “You always make headlines when you go out.”

He grunts a response and tugs me toward the entrance.

The bouncer lifts his chin and gives Jake a “Hey, man,” as if they’re buddies.

“Do you know him?”

“Connor?” Jake purses his lips. “Yeah. He’s here all the time.”

“Oh, that’s right,” Meg says. “This is one of your favorite clubs, isn’t it?”

My stomach twists painfully. I didn’t know any of this, which shows howcloseI am with Jake.

“You could say that.” Smirking, he pulls the second set of doors open, revealing the dance floor. It’s huge and packed with people. “Damn! This ought to be good.”

Instantly, my anxiety kicks in, and my heart rate skyrockets. My hand goes sweaty in Jake’s, and I have to fight the urge not to shake him off.

Xander said this would be a small gathering, but the VIP section is almost full.

Jake drags me along behind him, chin lifted as he scans the crowd.

“Man, this party is fucking amazing!” His voice booms over the music as we climb the stairs to the roped-off area.

Xander is at the top of the stairs, shaking Jake’s hand. When he focuses on me, the back of my neck goes hot. His hair is mussed, his forehead covered in a thin sheen of sweat, like he’s been dancing.

“I’m glad you like it.” Xander tips his chin to the dance floor. “Does the King of Parties approve?”

“You bet I do,” Jake laughs, finally letting go of my hand.

I force myself to take a deep breath. The air is thick and warm, and already I’m itching to get out of here. This club, the loud music, the alcohol—it’s so not me, even if I loved it in the past.

“It’s good to see you again.” Meg smiles at Xander as she steps up beside me. She gently brushes my hand, as if to give me reassurance. “Thank you so much for the invite.”

“You’re welcome.” He smiles warmly at her, then shifts his gaze to me. “Hey, Bella.”

His deep voice sends shivers down my spine, as if he’s whispering in my ear. All it takes is my name on his lips to get me all excited.

Dammit.

“Hey.” I take in the VIP crowd. “Nice party.”

“I hope you enjoy yourselves. The bar up here is open, and the crowd is full of very cool people.”

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