Page 103 of Breaking Rules

Be convenient.

The words that have run through my head on repeat for years surface, but for the first time in my whole life, I mentally bat them away.

Fuck no.

Flexing my jaw, I force a smile. I’ll play by his rules for now, because the consequences of saying no scare me more, but I’m not changing my mind. Ben should be at Jake’s place already, waiting for me so I can get my stuff. This proposal changes nothing. I’m done with him and this relationship.

I nod, wearing the fakest smile. Like a mantra, I tell myself over and over that this means nothing.

He jumps to his feet and slides a huge diamond ring onto my finger. It’s heavy and sparkly, but I can’t bring myself to care. He steps closer and scoops me into his arms, covering my mouth with his. It’s a show. He wants everyone in the room to know I belong to him, that I’m his property. His future trophy wife. A lesser human he can order around and force to do whatever the hell he wants, including giving him babies…just like he told Xander.

The kiss lasts an eternity. A very strange eternity, because as my lips are fused to his, the gaze of another person burns into me like a brand. Finally, Jake breaks the kiss and peers at me. His breathing is erratic, and his hard cock strains against my hip.

I fight back a shudder.

It means nothing.

“Miller, don’t you think that was a bit much?” Xander’s voice drifts to me. “That level of PDA was way more than my poor heart can handle.”

“Sorry, I got carried away,” Jake quips, pressing me harder against his chest.

“Don’t worry. We all know Isabella is yours.” Xander’s eyes find mine, and my heart plummets. Those blue depths swim with so much hurt. “Congratulations, you two.” He nods, a tight smile plastered onto his mouth. Then he turns around and heads into the locker room.

The next few minutes are a blur. Congratulations, kisses on my cheek, hugs and shaking hands. My brain barely registers what’s going on around me. I’m just playing along for now so I can fix it later.

“Wait for me here,” Jake tells me as he steps back, ready to follow his teammates into the locker room.

“Sure.” I soften my voice. “Meg will keep me company. Maybe Audrey too.”

“Audrey?”

I nod. “Xander’s sister.”

He scoffs. “I don’t want you spending time with that bitch. She’s scheming and manipulative.”

Look who’s talking.

“She’s been nothing but nice to me. I think you’re wrong.”

“I’m never wrong, Isabella.” He glances at someone behind me and purses his lips. “Wait for me. I’ll take you home so you can get ready for dinner. You’ll need to dress up. We’re celebrating our engagement.”

With one more brief kiss, he trudges into the locker room.

I exhale a shaky breath and turn, coming face-to-face with my best friend. Meg hugs me tight, whispering over and over that everything’s going to be fine. I hold on to her for a moment before I step away, needing one to myself.

A fucking avalanche of regret crashes down on me, poisoning my mind. Thinking I had everything under control was a huge mistake. Getting involved with Xander was my undoing.

More than anything, I need to make things right.

I don’t know what it will cost me or how Jake will react when he sees Ben at his house, but this fake engagement ends tonight.

I’m done.

CHAPTER33

DOESN’T A WINNER DESERVE A KISS?

BELLA

---