Page 59 of Breaking Rules

With a thick swallow, I plaster a relaxed expression onto my face. “How was your day?”

“A fucking disaster.” He meets my gaze, his lips tugged down, and props his feet up on the coffee table. “Mom’s throwing a birthday party for herself in two weeks, and she wants you to invite your parents.”

The lead fist squeezes painfully. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“That’s what I told her. I explained, again, that you don’t talk to your mom.” He trails off, frowning. “She thinks that since we live together, we’re ready to take our relationship to the next level. And if we’re going to be a family, you should try to mend your relationship with your parents. My mom knows your?—”

“I can invite Aunt Millie and Ben,” I blurt out, grasping for an acceptable alternative. “But inviting my parents is out of the question.”

With a grunt, he sits up, his hands balled into fists. The move makes my hands go clammy and my heart rate take off.

Shit.

“Look at it from my perspective,” he says, his blue eyes icy. “My parents have been happily married for twenty-seven years. For them, it’s important to have a good relationship withallfamily members…and if you’re going to be my wife one day, it means your parents will be part of that family.”

My mouth goes dry. “Your wife?”

We’ve never talked about marriage. Where is this coming from?

“Yes, my wife. And once we’re married, your parents will be my family too.”

“If you keep pushing me to spend time with my parents, I highly doubt I’ll agree to be your wife.” With a huff, I stand and walk away. This conversation is pointless.

“You can’t be fucking serious,” he growls behind me, his voice getting louder. “And where the fuck are you going?”

I halt in my tracks and whirl around. My heart pounds painfully against my breastbone as he strides toward me.

“We’re in the middle of a conversation. Why are you walking away?”

“I told you I’m not going to invite my parents?—”

“No. You told me you don’t want to be mywife!”

Breath held, all I can do is stare at him. “I told you I won’t agree to be your wife if you push me to spend time with my family.”

“For fuck’s sake! Is it that hard to sit through one fucking dinner? One fucking dinner is all I’m asking!” His face contorts in anger, red painting his cheeks.

“My mother and my stepfather have no intention of being a part of my life. I can’t even remember the last time I talked to them,” I snap, blood rushing in my veins, my hands trembling. I’ve never been so pissed at him.

“I don’t get it. They raised you; they did everything for you. Kevin even paid for college?—”

“Kevin?” I all but screech. “Aunt Millie paid my tuition with the money she inherited after my father’s death. Kevin had nothing to do with it. The only thing he’s ever done for me is ruin my life.”

Jake invades my personal space and grasps my wrists tightly. “Look, I know they left you on your own a lot, or with your aunt. Sure, they weren’t the most attentive, but saying Kevin ruined your life? That’s a bit of an exaggeration, don’t you think? It’s silly that you’re still holding a grudge. It’s time to let go.”

I clench my jaw, my pulse racing. “My mother and Kevin never treated me like a part of their family. So trust me, they won’t be upset about not being invited to your mom’s birthday.”

“Isabella.” He softens his voice, and his hold on my wrists loosens. “My mom will eat me alive if your parents aren’t there. Please. It’s only one dinner.”

I pull my hands out of his grip and take a step back. “No.”

I won’t do it. Not even with a gun to my head.

“Babe.” He moves closer to me, craning low to look me in the eyes. “Sorry for being so pushy. But please, for me, won’t you try to look past your issues with your parents?”

He doesn’t understand that no means no, and maybe that’s my fault. Maybe I give in too easily. But not this time.

“Jake, I said no. That’s final.”

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