Page 36 of Breaking Rules

Xander steps in front of me like a human shield and puts his hand on Jake’s shoulder. “I’ll take Bella wherever she wants to go. The two of you can talk tomorrow.”

“Walker, what the fuck?” Jake swats at his friend’s hand, shifting a little so he can see me.

“Trust me, this is the best solution. Give her time to think. Get your shit together.” He squares his shoulders, straightening his back. His body, so close to mine, emits power, making my heart beat faster.

Xander is standing up for me. Holy shit. This is the first time in my life someone who isn’t Meg or my aunt or Ben has done that.

“She clearly doesn’t want to listen to you right now.”

Jake curses under his breath and focuses his attention on me. “I expect you home tomorrow morning.”

I snort. “Youexpectme?”

“Why are you looking at me like that? How can we fix things if you’re?—”

“Bella will be home tomorrow,” Xander says, “if she’s ready to see you. But you can’t force her.”

Jake’s nostrils flare, his lips twisted into a deep scowl. “Fine.” Wheeling around, he makes his way upstairs to the VIP section.

Xander turns to look at me and angles in close. “Ready to go?”

“Y-yeah, thank you,” I stammer, hand pressed to my chest. I’m still stunned. Nothing makes sense.

Quickly, I snap myself out of it and head for the exit, eager to get away from this place.

Why am I still with him?I should find an apartment and move out.

Meg rushes over to me, clutching my hands in hers, searching my face. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine.” I sneak a glance at Marco, who stands a few feet away from us. “At least one of us can still have a great time.”

“Izzy…”

My chest tightens at the concern on her face. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll rest and think things through. I promise.” I wrap my arms around her shoulders and hug her tight. “Call you tomorrow.”

“I’ll be waiting,” she whispers. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” I kiss her cheek and step back.

With a hand on my back, Xander leads me through the throng of people. The music is loud, echoing in my ears, spreading through my body.

When I agreed to come tonight, I didn’t expect things to play out this way.

As soon as I step outside, I take a deep breath, letting my shoulders slump.

“I’m sorry, Bella.” Xander’s deep, penetrating whisper in my ear sets my whole body on fire, enveloping me in warmth.

I assess him. “Don’t be. It’s not your fault.”

He shrugs. “Where am I taking you? Or do you want to go home and stay in the guest bedroom?”

Only then does it hit me.Shit. I drop my head into my hands and resist the urge to cry.

“Hey.” He grabs my wrist. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t have keys.” I hold up my tiny purse, nibbling on my bottom lip.

Xander looks me up and down, and a gentle smile blooms on his lips. “Milo will be thrilled to see me back this early, especially with you in tow.”

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