Page 12 of Breaking the Rules

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Chapter Four

Hunter

Honestly, I'm not sure why Brendon trusts me with his kid sister.

Or why he's willing to help me.

But I'm earning that trust.

Whatever it takes.

I text him a promise I'll keep an eye on Em.

He texts back something about helping her with clearing out her old apartment and finding a new place.

And a thanks.

Fuck, it feels good.

Him caring. Expecting help from me. Believing I'm a worthwhile guy.

I'm not used to it.

I need to deserve it.

If that means helping Emma without touching her—

I can do that.

For a while, I turn my attention to my sketchbook. But it doesn't distract from the questions swirling around my head.

It's too close. Too personal.

When I draw, my subconscious takes over.

All that shit stirring inside me, the shit I don't want to face, is right there.

On the paper.

I'm not sure what this means—a bottle in the shape of the heart, broken on the floor, bleeding whiskey like it's blood—but I know what it means about me.

Footsteps move up the stairs. The hallway light turns off.

Emma moves back downstairs.

Yeah, she's a smoking hot woman with a smart mouth and perfect tits.

But she's also my new roommate.

I need to get over how much I want her.

I close my sketchbook and move into the hallway.

She stops halfway down the stairs. Turns back to me with irritation in her dark eyes. "You don't have to spy."

"I'm not." I'm not a good liar. Not sober. The words are awkward on my tongue.

Disbelief spreads over her face.

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