Page 32 of Breaking Rules

It’s so unlike me…but I want to go. I don’t want to dig into why, at least not now, so I dip my chin. “Fine.”

His face lights up with a smile.

“But…” I hold up a finger. “Jake won’t like it that you invited me.”

“He’ll live,” he says, his tone easy as he gives me a wink.

“You’re unbelievable.” With a snort, I turn and stride to my car.

In the driver’s seat, I take a minute to assess his house again. Naturally, he’s still where I left him, his shoulder propped against the doorframe, staring at me with an intensity that makes my stomach flip. Since the moment I met Xander, my life has been turned upside down. It’s changing in ways I never thought possible, and yet I’ve done nothing to stop it.

It’s almost as if I’m enjoying it.

CHAPTER11

LONELY

BELLA

August

“Areyou sure you want to go to the party?” Jake stands behind me, hands on his hips, while I apply my makeup.

I meet his gaze in the mirror, rolling my eyes in annoyance. “You’ve already asked me that.” I put my eyeliner into my makeup case and turn around to face him. “If you don’t want me to go, then say that. Just say the word, and I’ll figure out something else to do with my weekend.”

“That’s not what I meant.” He runs a hand through his dark brown hair. His white T-shirt is so tight, it strains against his pecs, his long legs clad in slim black jeans.

“What did you mean, then? You’ve been asking me if I want to go for days. Honestly, it feels like you’re the one who wants me to stay home.”

He shifts, his attention darting away for an instant. My questions make him uncomfortable. It’s the only confirmation I need—he doesn’t want me to go.

He heaves a sigh. “I don’t like the idea of Meghan being there either.”

I barely keep myself from laughing. It’s an excuse. His problem has nothing to do with Meg.

“Xander invited her, not me.”

That’s a lie. Xander suggested inviting Meg to keep me company, and I agreed.

“I know.” He shakes his head, his mouth twisted into a scowl.

“Don’t worry. I won’t keep you on a leash,” I snap. “You can do what you always do when you go out: pretend I’m not there.”

His expression turns from confused to mischievous in a blink. “In that dress, there’s no way I can pretend you’re not with me.” He closes the distance between us and spins me around, sliding his hands to my ass. “You’ll be the most beautiful girl in the club tonight, babe. I should be on the lookout. What if someone tries to steal you away from me?”

An image of Xander flashes before my eyes.Fuck. I shouldn’t even be entertaining the idea.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” I take a step back. “Give me ten minutes, and I’ll be ready to go.”

“You look ready to me.” He licks his lips, eyes burning holes into my body as he sweeps them over me.

My anticipation for tonight’s party has made me impatient, and the desire in Jake’s gaze only heightens my annoyance.

Luckily, I’m saved from turning him down when a knock sounds at the front door.

I take another step back, and he raises his eyes to the ceiling. With a harsh exhale, he stalks away, mumbling under his breath about Meghan always being on time.

Shaking my head, I return to the mirror. I check my reflection one more time, and a thrill shoots through me. This short black dress is effortlessly simple, with a darted bodice, cutout waistline, and a mini skirt. I’m wearing more makeup than I usually do, the dark liner around my eyes making my blue irises sparkle.

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