Page 94 of Breaking Rules

“I’m glad you didn’t,” I whisper.

The bathroom door bursts open, making us jump away from each other. A beautiful brunette stands in the doorway, her jaw slack.

“Alex?” she asks, her voice melodic and deep.

My stomach plummets. Who is this woman? Why is she here so early?

“Old habits die hard, I see.”

“Stop being dramatic.” He saunters over to her and drapes an arm over her shoulders.

Heart twisting painfully, I study them. It only takes a moment for relief to wash over me. They’ve got the same deep blue-green eyes, the same pouty bottom lip, the same straight nose with a smattering of freckles.

“Will you introduce me to your girl, or will you pretend she’s not here?” his sister asks, her tone a little too snide for my liking.

“This is my friend Bella. She helped me finish this bathroom.” Xander holds an arm out, gesturing to the space. “She’s staying with me while she looks for an apartment.”

Brow arched, she assesses me before she breaks into a gentle smile. She untangles herself from Xander and holds out her hand. “I’m Audrey, this idiot’s sister.”

“I’m Isabella—Bella.” I return the smile even as nerves ricochet through me. I’m not in any position to meet his family. “Erm, I don’t want to bother you two.”

“You’re not a bother. Have breakfast with us,” Audrey suggests.

“I’m not?—”

“That’s a great idea. You’ve got plenty of time before work anyway.” Xander breaks into a lopsided grin.

Beside him, Audrey’s eyebrows are raised expectantly, so I nod. “I’d love to.”

Xander grins and spins his sister around by her shoulders. “Why don’t you go wait in the kitchen? I’ll be right there.”

Rather than leave, Audrey grasps my hand and tugs me along with her. Clearly, the impatience is hereditary. So is the demanding persona.

“Do you want help?” I ask as she goes straight to the fridge.

“No.” She waves a hand. “Sit.”

I plop myself down on a chair and stroke Milo’s back. “Xander said Milo was a gift from you.”

Crouched in front of the open fridge, Audrey looks at me over her shoulder. “Yup. I thought they’d be good for each other. My little brother can play the cool dude, the heartless jerk, but in reality, he’s a softie.”

“A softie? Really?” I chuckle.

Audrey meets my eye and bursts out laughing. “Right? With all his tats and muscles, you’d never guess it.”

“He definitely gives off a bad boy vibe,” I murmur, remembering seeing Xander for the first time.

“He’s not perfect, but he has a kind soul and a very big heart. It’s impossible not to love him.” She starts preparing toast with peanut butter, and Milo barks. Grinning, she peers over the island at the dog. “Do you really think I don’t see you?” She pulls some lunch meat from the fridge and tosses a slice of ham at him. Milo practically inhales it.

“Now I see why Xander calls him a glutton.”

“He’s been like that since he was a puppy.” Audrey’s expression is tender as she surveys the dog, but it turns shrewd when she fixes her gaze on me. “How long have you known my brother?”

“Three months or so, I guess. I helped him with his bathroom, and…well, he’s my friend now.”

“Just a friend?”

Unease sweeps through me, but I tamp it down. “Just a friend.”

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