Breaking the Rules (The Dating Playbook #2)

by Mariah Dietz

“I couldn’t talk to you because if I had, I wouldn’t have jumped, and then I’d have to live with myself knowing I let him die. I know you guys think he’s just a dolphin, but it didn’t seem fair that his life was so inconsequential. Not when I’ve stood back and watched for so long and could finally make a difference.” Her chest sinks as she takes in a ragged breath. “I thought of you every single second. I fought for you. I cut off the damn drugs in the hospital because I was terrified I’d never see you again.”

“What wizarding school of assholery are you enrolled at, dick face?”

“Astra indlinant, sed non obligant.” “I know this is tough to imagine, but not all of us speak Latin.” His lips tip higher. “It translates to the stars incline us, they do not bind us.”

“We have our own free will. No star, god, or other power can force us to do anything.”

“Stay here, Rae, and stain it all. Stain everything.”

Lincoln shakes his head. “When are you going to realize that you’re the only girl I see?”

“Dating,” I tell her. “That’s what we’re doing. You’re my girlfriend, and I’m your boyfriend, and we’re not going to dance around shit anymore or try to avoid the obvious, which is that we want to be together.” Her eyes glitter with affection.

“I’m going to smother you in your sleep.” “Hopefully, with those fantastic breasts. That would be a great way to die.”

“I fell in love with your best friend. If that isn’t proof that I’m crazy, then I don’t know what is.” Pax shakes his head. “I told you to date a book nerd.” “I did—I am,” I correct. “Have you seen how many books Lincoln owns?” Lincoln smirks,

Tell me you love me without following it by diving into the fucking ocean again.”