Page 150 of Changing Rules

“Is this the guy you thought she was dating?”

With a smirk, I nod. “Yeah. Kaden. He’s here for a few days. The three of us hung out yesterday. It was fun. He’s a good guy. I’m grateful she had such a good friend while she was gone. They have a pretty strong connection, but they’re just friends.”

“Are you sure?” Her voice becomes gentler.

“Yeah.” I scratch at the scruff on my jaw. “I met his girlfriend on FaceTime yesterday. Kaden and I are good.”

“Glad to hear that.” She grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. “I just worry something will happen, and you’ll slip back into the depression you battled when she left.”

“Mom…” I groan, though the sound is cut off when my phone vibrates in my pocket.

“Don’tMomme. You were like a ghost.” She sips her water as I fish out my phone. “I hated seeing you like that, knowing I couldn’t make it better for you. And then Audrey…”

Her words don’t register as I blink at my phone.

Why is Kaden calling me?

I lift my finger, signaling to Mom I need to take this, then press the device to my ear. “Hey, Kaden. What’s up?”

“It’s Bella,” he rasps, his tone strained. “They’re taking her to the hospital.”

My lungs seize. I stare at my mom, but my vision blurs.

“Xander? Did you hear me?”

The note of panic in his voice snaps me out of my daze. I rush to the foyer, phone still pressed to my ear.

Mom runs after me, calling my name.

“What happened?” I demand, stuffing a foot into one shoe.

“It’s Miller.”

I snap up straight, every muscle rigid. Miller? The blood in my veins turns into ice, but it’s quickly replaced by a burning rage.

“He attacked her. It’s pretty bad.”

Jesus Christ! “Where are they taking her?”

“St. Mary’s Hospital. I’m going with her?—”

“I’ll be there.”

I hang up, slip my phone into my pocket, and hurry to the front door, fully focused on getting to Bella.

Mom grasps my elbow, staggering me. “Where are you going? What’s wrong?”

I brush her hand away and walk out the door. “St. Mary’s Hospital. They’re taking Bella there.”

Mom gasps, covering her mouth with a hand. “What happened?”

“It’s Miller. He attacked her, and I—” My throat clogs with tears. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “I need to be there for her, okay?”

“Oh my God. Of course, go! I’ll look after Milo, don’t worry.”

I drive way too fast the whole way. I need to see her. I need to know she’s okay.

I need her to be okay.

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