Page 69 of Breaking Rules

“Too cheesy, dude.”

“How was your mom’s party?”

Relief washes over me when Xander changes the subject, and I can’t help but wonder whether Jake thinks I’m at home.

“It was good. Stayed up too late drinking with my dad,” he mutters. “I’m on my way home now.”

“I thought Isabella was with you.” Xander puts his hand on my knee and squeezes it lightly, tipping his head to the side.

“She was, but then she pulled her usual shit. Played the victim and bolted, leaving me to deal with my parents,” he grumbles. “I tried calling her, but her phone is off. She’s probably at her aunt’s. If it wasn’t for the game on Sunday, I would’ve headed to the club after the party, to have a little fun before having to deal with her again. The girl has looks, and she’s great in bed, but, man, she drives me nuts.”

Xander holds my gaze and says, “Then why don’t you break up with her?”

“Are you fucking insane? Why would I do that?” Jake laughs. “She lives with me. I’m gonna pop the question soon, and then I’ll just knock her up again and again and again.”

“Ah, so she’s gonna be your trophy wife then?” Though his tone is cheerful, the look on his face is murderous.

“Glad you get it.” The laugh Jake lets out crawls inside my skull and makes my vision blurry. “Anyway, have fun with your bitch. I’m heading to the gym.”

When the call ends and we’re plunged into silence, I realize I’m trembling. I hug myself tighter, but the shaking only grows stronger. Such a short call, but so many things to unpack.

Xander wipes his hands on his sweatpants and exhales deeply. “Are you okay?”

“So hedidsleep with Cindy.”

He shifts, threading his fingers through his hair. “Sounds like it, but I’m not really in the loop when it comes to that shit. Especially after he found out what I told you about her.”

“And maybe because of your history. What happened there? Ben said?—”

“I promise I’ll tell you everything. Just not right now.”

Disappointment forms like a lead ball in my gut. “You want me to open up to you, but you’re not doing the same.”

“Bella, I will. I just need some time to work up the nerve. I worry it’ll change things.” He curls his hands into fists but quickly loosens them again.

“Whatever.” I sigh and take the remote from him. “Let’s watch the movie.”

The last thing I want is to tank my mood further.

CHAPTER23

YOU’RE NOT A MISTAKE

XANDER

October

When I stepthrough the front door, Milo is sitting in the foyer, focus fixed in the other direction, his leash beside him. Only when I say his name does he wander my way, finally acknowledging my presence.

I drop my duffel bag and kneel so I can pet him. “Hey, bud. What’s going on here?”

“Sorry I made you wait, sweet boy,” Bella says as she comes down the hall. When she sees me, she halts in her tracks. “Oh, you’re home.”

“The game ended two hours ago.”

As she approaches, I take her in. She’s in a black hoodie and leggings, holding a ball cap.

“Why do you need that?” I nod at the cap.

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