Page 322 of Breaking the Rules

---

But it's not right.

The lingerie, the lipstick, the R&B—this isn't me.

I toss the chemise on the ground. Pull on my everyday bra and panties. They're comfortable, but they're sexy enough.

I go to my computer. Switch the playlist to one that's right.

There.

A thrashing guitar riff fills the space.

Then a laugh.

Hunter finds me amusing.

He loves mocking my taste in music.

Which is… sweet, actually.

There's something about it. Something that saysI love you.

He knows me.

Trusts me.

Wants me.

This…

I can do this.

I can do this as me.

I wipe off my subtle mauve lipstick. Find my favorite crimson red.

There.

Now, I'm Emma Kane.

Maybe I'm not a sex goddess.

Maybe I'm still a scared, vulnerable girl.

But I'm not running from that.

Deep breath.

Steady exhale.

I step into the hallway.

Push the bedroom door open.

The curtains are down. The only illumination comes from the string lights lining the walls. The same ones that used to adorn my old room. Tiny paper stars that glow against the darkness.

They're beautiful, soft, perfect.

And there's Hunter, sprawled over the bed in nothing but his jeans, his arms pulled over his head, his wrists bound.

---