Rules of the Game (Rule Breaker, #2)

by Jessa Wilder

Several moments passed before she answered. “Because I wanted it to be you.” Jesus Christ. I wanted to be the one she called, fucking desperately. It was a dangerous feeling coursing through me. One I needed to stop. “Well, next time, call him. He’d want to know.”

A jolt of electricity buzzed up my arm when Lucas’s elbow brushed mine. He slid a bowl full of my cereal over to me. “Thank you.” My voice came out a whisper, and my heart jumped in my chest, knowing he clearly made sure I got some. But it dropped when he just grunted, barely acknowledging me. How could someone be so sweet at night and become so distant during the day?

Jax knocked his shoulder against mine. “What’s going on with you? You seem all sappy and shit.” “You worried about me, Jaxie?” He raised a brow. “Should I be?” I don’t know. “Never. I’m good. I just don’t like being out. You know that. Hurts my introverted soul.” “If you say so.”

Jax wrapped her up in a hug and led her toward the car, but I stayed, still looking over the water at where ice clung to the steep banks. My eyes burned, and I blew out a breath, not sure how to start. “I’m so fucking sorry, Marcus. I’m sorry we fought the last time we spoke. I’m sorry I went behind your back instead of explaining to you just how much I fucking love her.” Tears froze my cheeks, and I wiped them with my jacket sleeve. “I’m sorry I didn’t take care of her for you this past year. I promise I won’t make the same mistake again.” I tossed a stone into the water and watched the small splash. “I love you, man.”