Page 5 of Breaking Rules

College buddy?I fucking hate him.

But I keep that to myself. Instead, I say, “Yeah, it’s like the good old days.” I’ve gotta keep the lie going, because playing for the Warriors is important to me. I swallowed my feelings and played nice with Miller in college. I can do it again.

“I think you’ll be a good fit.”

“I’ll do my best.”

A ruckus behind me makes me look over my shoulder. Jake is laughing about something, his head thrown back. The room’s decor tints his face red and white, and I’m instantly thrown back to a different room, one full of the same colors.

I blink, my hand involuntarily tightening around my glass.

There’s blood—so much blood. The glossy white tiles enhance the vibrant scarlet hue. A metallic smell hits my nose, and a wave of nausea crashes into me. It can’t be… Please, fuck, no… Please?—

“Xander?”

With a harsh inhale, I force myself out of the memory. This is not the fucking time or place for that.

“Sorry, Coach, what did you say?”

Coach studies my face before he nods and gives me a knowing smirk. “Go have fun. Once training camp starts, I expect everyone to be on their best behavior, so take advantage of the opportunity to let loose. Get to know your new teammates, make friends.”

“Thanks.” I take a step back, realizing my fingers are still trembling. “Have a great night.”

“You too.”

I turn, desperate for fresh air but knowing I have to play the game.This is your job, Xander. Focus on it. So I force a smile, banish the disturbing images that haunt me, and center my attention on the people who matter.

I can do that.

* * *

“Where did you disappear to?”

I jump at the voice and spin around. When I see who it belongs to, I grit my teeth.

Miller tips his head, signaling over his shoulder. “Ready to go?”

“Sorry, man. I had some catching up to do.” I look from him to Isabella, who stands beside him, her fingers locked in his. “Did you change your mind?”

Her beautiful blue eyes widen, and her puffy lips part. “What? Oh, no, no. I’m tired anyway. I better go home.”

“Nothing is better for a restful night’s sleep than our bed, right?” Jake suggestively arches an eyebrow as he drapes his arm over her shoulders and pulls her to his side.

“Right.” Isabella’s cheeks redden, and she clutches her purse to her stomach.

Her gaze flickers to mine, and a thrill rushes down my spine.What the fuck?Something about her draws me in, and it’s not just her beauty.

“I’ll walk Isabella out, and then we can go,” Jake tells me.

I lick my lips. “Do you mind if I come with you? A few minutes outside will do me good.”

“Sure.” With a shrug, he starts for the exit.

As I follow, I keep my eyes trained on her. His head is bent, his lips at her ear. My body temperature ratchets up at the sight of him touching her, and not in a good way. I slip a finger beneath my collar and pull on it slightly. My neck is stiff, just like my muscles.

When I taunted her about the way she looked at me, it was to see how Jake would react. His dismissal was exactly what I expected. Her reaction, on the other hand? Priceless. Shecanstand up for herself, be hostile.A beautiful menace.Yet here she is, allowing him to control her.

Once outside, I lean against the wall, hands in my pockets, and watch him help her into a waiting car. This is not the Jake Miller I know. I’m not buying into this caring boyfriend act. No. He has just mastered the skill of playing the role.

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