Page 15 of Changing Rules

“I like it this way, thank you very much.” He peers over at me, his lips twitching. “You want to stay? Or are you ready to head home?”

In unison, Audrey and Pauline look my way.

“We didn’t leave Milo much food.” I worry my lip. “He won’t be happy with us if we stay out much longer.”

“You’re right. I refilled his water, but not his food.” He sticks his hands in his pockets, his posture easy. “I’ll go tell Dad we’re leaving. Okay?”

“Sure.” I nod, relief washing over me.

He returns to the table while Pauline wanders off to put away the photo album. That leaves just me and Audrey.

“I didn’t expect you to create problems for me.” Audrey’s low whisper catches me off guard.

Furrowing my brow, I blink at her.

“If you wanted to know why I didn’t ask for your help with the nursery, you should’ve come tomeabout it. I would’ve gladly explained why I decided to hire aprofessionaldesigner rather than someone without the proper credentials. There was no need to involve Alex, make him question my decisions.”

My jaw practically hits the floor. “What? I didn’t say a word to Xander.”

“Right,” she huffs, standing and towering over me. “I’d appreciate it if you stopped trying to get between Alex and me. I never had problems with any of his girls, ever. Until you.”

A wave of anxiety washes over me, making my muscles go rigid. “I know how much your brother means to you, how much he loves you. I respect that. I’d never?—”

“Then make sure it doesn’t happen again. If it does…” Audrey leaves the rest unspoken.

A cold chill runs through my veins. Is she threatening me?

“If it does?” I ask, feigning a smile. I straighten my back, hold my head high. I can’t allow her to tarnish my relationship with Xander. He’s too important to me.

“You’ll see.” Audrey’s lips curl into a sickening smile, her eyes stormy. “You’re a smart girl, Isabella, so I hope you learned your lesson.”

I stand as well. “Oh, I did. I definitely did.”

With that, I skirt around her and head to the table. When I get to Xander, I lace my fingers with his. The warmth of his skin brings me solace. With him by my side, I can handle whatever his sister throws at me.

I hope one day I can stand my ground without relying on him. I need to learn how to spread my wings alone, so he can be proud of me.

CHAPTER 5

THE TYPE

BELLA

A year and two months ago

June

I push awayanother piece of paper and bite the inside of my cheek. My mind is elsewhere, and it aggravates me. I need to focus on the sketch I’m working on, but I can’t. It’s like nothing I do is enough.

A few days before we left for vacation, Xander finally convinced me to apply for in-person classes. He said it doesn’t matter where I go. He says he’ll follow me, that there’s nothing he won’t do for me. I felt good about my decision at first, but now, the creeping doubt is suffocating me.

What if I fail all my classes?

Milo barks, startling me from my thoughts, and a second later, the front door opens.

I stand and go to the foyer, where Xander stands with his duffel bag slung over his shoulder.

As soon as he meets my gaze, he smiles. “Hey.”

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