Page 145 of The Rule Breaker
Nathan’s in the corner, his arms crossed over his chest. Dad is standing behind the desk, jaw tight, arms folded like he’s trying very hard not to lose his temper.
Too bad. I already lost mine.
I step fully into the room, letting the door swing shut behind me. “What thehellis wrong with you two?”
My voice slices through and their eyes snap toward me.
Nathan turns to Ryan, his eyes narrowing. “You snitched?”
Ryan shrugs, wincing as a smirk tugs at his lip. “I wanted her to kiss it better.”
Nathan groans and steps forward, rolling his neck. “My fist will kiss it better.”
I move toward him, eyes scanning the damage to his face. “God, Ryan…”
Nathan exhales sharply through his nose. “Izzy?—”
“No.” I whip back toward him and Dad. “You found out I’m dating someone, and your reaction was to punch him in the face? You don’t get to play protective big brother and stoic dad after this. I knew you’d be mad, but you had no right to punch him.”
Nathan shrugs. “He deserved it.”
Ryan sighs behind me. “Can’t say I disagree.”
I whirl around, shooting him a glare. “You’re not helping.” I take a deep breath, turning back to my dad and brother. “You don’t get to dictate my life. You don’t get to decide who I date. You don’t own me.”
Dad exhales through his nose. “We’re trying to protect you, princess.”
“From what?” I throw my hands up. “From being happy?”
Nathan shakes his head. “From getting hurt.”
I let out a dry laugh, disbelief washing over me. “Getting hurt? Newsflash, Nate—you’re the one who just punched my boyfriend in the face, so forgive me if I don’t take your concern all that seriously.”
Nathan shifts, like he’s holding back whatever angry older brother speech he’s been rehearsing since birth.
“I didn’t ask for your permission,” I continue, my eyes locked on theirs. “And I don’t need it. If this is how you treat someoneI love, then don’t expect me to ever bring anyone else home again.”
They both open their mouths at once, but I lift a hand and cut them off.
“No. You’ve said enough.” My tone sharpens. “You don’t get to act like this is about protecting me when all you’re doing is trying to control me.”
There’s a beat of silence, and then a throat clears behind me.
Ryan.
I turn slowly to find his eyes narrowed. “Anyone else?”
My heart stutters.
I step closer, cupping his face without a second thought, brushing my thumb over the bruise on his cheek.
“No one else,” I assure him. “Just you.”
He exhales, long and shaky, and I lean in, pressing my lips against his. He hums against my mouth, his fingers curling around my waist.
Nathan groans behind us. “Jesus. Do you have to do that here?”
I turn just enough to raise an eyebrow. “Would you prefer if we texted you a time and location first?”
