Page 63 of Breaking Rules

“I’m so sorry, really. But it’s just dinner, right? Please, babe, just ignore them. It’ll be fine.”

Taking a deep breath, I fold my arms over my chest. “No. I made it clear I don’t want to see them. You only made things worse when you didn’t bother to tell me they’d been invited. So no, I won’t bear the presence of the two people I hate most in the world.” My skin is buzzing, and pure fury flows through my veins. “I’m going home.”

“Isabella,” he mutters, reaching out. “I’ll make it up to you.”

I take a step back. “Don’t bother.” The words come out before I can process what I’m saying. “I need a break from this relationship, some time to think about what I want for my future.”

I turn on my heel and head for the house, but I only make it a step before he catches my elbow. His fingers dig into my skin as he pulls me back, making me stagger.

“What do you mean you need a break?” he all but shouts. “Are you breaking up with me?Again?”

I shake my head. “I just need some time to myself. Away from you.”

“What am I supposed to do without you?” he rasps. He already has on that hangdog expression he always uses to make me feel bad.

This time, I refuse to fall prey to his tricks.

“And for how long? A day or two? A week?”

With a sigh, I lift one shoulder. “I don’t know. Maybe a month.”Until I can find an apartment I can afford. But I don’t say that aloud, for obvious reasons.

“A month? What are you talking about?” He steps up close, towering over me. “You’re breaking up with me over some stupid dinner?”

Behind me, the door opens, and Mr. Miller calls out, “What’s taking you so long? Everyone’s waiting on you two.”

“I’m sorry, Dave. It’s my fault.” I force an apologetic smile. With my chin lifted, I head inside, not bothering to look at Jake or his father. In a few minutes, I won’t have to deal with any of them. I don’t care how pissed Jake will be. I don’t care what he tells his parents when I leave.

None of it will mean shit.

I’m done here.

CHAPTER21

TWO SIDES OF THE STORY

XANDER

October

“Seriously,I don’t understand why you’re so worried about me.” With my phone pressed to my ear, I watch Milo roll on the grass.At least one of us is having fun.

“Alex,” my sister says, “every time I call, you’re at home. You don’t go out; you don’t spend time with your friends. All you do is practice and sit around that big, empty house.”

“And?”

“And who are you and what did you do with my brother? Because the Alexander Walker I know is the life of the party.”

My chest tightens a fraction. “Maybe I’m growing up?”

“No, I don’t think you are. I don’t know what’s going on with you, but I’ll find out.”

“Whatever, Audrey.” I laugh and tug on Milo’s leash, getting his attention. “Let’s go home, buddy.”

“I’m gonna visit you soon, so be ready to answer a ton of questions.”

I huff another laugh as I head around the house to the front door. “Whatever?—”

All my breath escapes me at what I find on the porch, and my heart pounds in my ears.

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