Page 89 of Breaking Rules

“Let me go!” I protest.

He whirls me around and pushes me facedown into the countertop. Then he lifts my skirt and slaps my ass with his open palm. I bite my bottom lip, stifling the sounds, knowing they only rile him up more.

“Next time you pull something like that, you’ll regret it. Got it?”

Got it?Those two words are like icy daggers to my heart.

Jake is just like Kevin, always has been. My coping mechanism, my ability to retreat when I’m hurt or triggered, has caused me to miss vital red flags. My fear of being left alone and my need to be loved have led me here, to this dark full-circle moment.

“Jake.” My voice is weak, just like my legs. I’m outside, yet it feels like the walls are closing in on me, making it hard to breathe.

“I asked you if you understand,” he says, raising his voice.

My body trembles, and my breakfast threatens to reappear, but I will my mind to stop its spiraling. Breaking up with Jake at the stadium after his game is what Meg suggested I do yesterday. That way, there will be other people around. He wouldn’t dare make a scene in public, but right now I just want him to leave. I want to escape him and his threats by any means possible.

And so I let him think he’s got the upper hand.

I nod, avoiding looking him in the eyes. “I understand.”

He grabs my chin and lifts my face to his. His lopsided grin makes me sick to my stomach. “I’m glad we’re finally on the same page, baby. See you on Sunday.” He kisses my lips briefly and takes a step back.

I stay where I am until long after he’s gone.

When I come back to myself, I press a palm to my forehead and take a deep breath.

Everything’s going to be alright. Meg will be with me on Sunday. I can do this.

An ache in my wrist draws my attention, and when I tug up the sleeve of my hoodie I see red, blotchy skin. I lower my sleeve, feeling nauseous all over again. That will surely turn into a bruise. When the queasiness becomes unbearable, I whirl to my left and rush to the nearest bush, emptying my guts into it.

CHAPTER29

TAKE ME HOME

XANDER

October

“Hey. When did you get back?”

Bella gives me a gentle smile and closes her laptop. “Ten minutes ago.” Standing, she stretches then shuffles my way. But instead of greeting me, she crouches to pet Milo. “I figured you took him for a walk. I missed you, little boy.”

I smirk. “Didn’t you miss me?”

Honeyed laughter spills from her lips as she straightens and wraps her arms around my torso. “You too.”

I lower my head and capture her lips with mine, kissing her slowly. Instantly, my body grows warm. It’s been a good day, butthis? This is the fucking highlight.

I lean away and look down at her. “How was your day?”

“It was fine.” She untangles herself from me, and as she steps back she tugs on the sleeves of her white hoodie so only her fingers are visible. “Wanted to go to the movies with Meg, but she’s busy.”

“Movies? What did you want to see?”

“There’s a new Charlie Hunnam movie…” She grins, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Oh yeah? How about you and I go?”

Her smile drops, and she bites her bottom lip. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She shifts her weight from one leg to the other. “What if someone sees us together? What if they take a picture?”

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