Page 170 of Breaking the Rules

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His smile.

The ever so slightly condescending tone to his voice as he explained Plato'sAllegory of the Caveto me.

The sigh as he leaned in to kiss me.

His hands under my dress.

My palms against his chest as I tried to push him away.

The way he pretended he was okay to stop.

The change in his posture when he stopped pretending.

I still remember that look in his eyes.

The one that saidI'll take whatever I want, so you might as well give it to me.

I did.

I froze.

It was easier to close my eyes and tell myself it was okay.

To convince myself I wanted it.

That he was sloppy.

That it was a bad date.

Not a sexual assault.

But…

My fingers curl around the pale pink bra. This one isn't my size, sure, but it's the same garment.

It's been so long that it's on sale.

It was trendy then.

Now it's out of season.

The nylon lace is rough against my fingertips.

It's a familiar feeling—most of my bras are made out of nylon—but this exact fabric, this exact pressure…

For three months, I've been telling myself this doesn't matter.

But it does.

Only…

What the hell do I do with that?

I can't wallow in it. I'll fall apart.

I can't share it with anyone. Brendon will kill Vinnie and I can't ask Kaylee to keep this from him. I can't put that on her shoulders.

Hunter…

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