Page 65 of Changing Rules

A breath gets stuck in my throat. My instinct is to scream, but my vocal cords fail me.

But then he speaks, and my body relaxes. He won’t hurt me. Not anymore.

“I won’t bother you again, and I’ll leave your boyfriend alone. I swear.” He releases me and stands, forcing me to back away from him. “You were the reason I stayed with Samantha for so long. But after what she said to you…I can’t be with her anymore. I’m filing for divorce.”

Behind me, footsteps echo off the pavement. I peer over my shoulder and find Meg approaching. She stares daggers at Kevin, her expression darkening with each step.

The corners of my mouth tremble, a ghost of a smile crossing my lips. I’m so happy to have a friend like her in my corner.

“Be happy, Isabella,” he whispers. “That’s the only thing I want for you.”

After a beat of silence, I nod.

Then I turn and walk away. When Meg and I meet, she wraps an arm around my waist and remains at my side until we reach the car.

I hadn’t noticed until now how beautiful the weather is. The sun shines bright, and the birds chirp, the sound slipping under my skin and settling in my bones.

I did it.

Xander will be safe.

CHAPTER 17

PANCAKES AND PRAISE

XANDER

One year ago

August

Another day has begun,and once again, I don’t want to leave this bed.

On the surface, I may appear to be more at ease, but it’s a lie. The pressure is still weighing on me. Heavily.

My parents are worried. All they talk about these days is how I could’ve lost my place on the team. But I didn’t, and my suspension is over. I’m back to practicing with the team, preparing for the second game of preseason. But my family is still on my back, scolding me for my impulsivity any chance they get. For my “bad decisions.”

I’m so fucking tired of all of it. The cryptic articles full of lies and fake sensations. Miller’s face constantly appearing in online articles and gossip rags. The fucker is eating up the attention, pretending to be my friend.

Once I heard the rumors, I called Coach. I didn’t want Xander to be kicked off the team.

Liar. He’s only out to boost his own reputation.

I roll to my side, groaning because Bella isn’t in bed with me. So much for cuddling my girl first thing in the morning. Reluctantly, I force myself up. Might as well get ready for the day.

The idea of attending Audrey’s baby shower today has a pit forming in my stomach. I’ve distanced myself from her since I talked to her about her behavior with Bella. I finally set the boundaries I’ve desperately needed for a long time. Hopefully she’ll take my concerns to heart this time.

I splash water onto my face, then pat it dry and pick up my toothbrush. As I brush, I can’t help but relive the talk I had with my agent two weeks ago.

He, along with the Warriors’ management, convinced me to keep a low profile and let the professionals handle the situation with Bella’s stepfather. I was against their plan, but my desire to stay on the team prevailed. If Kevin didn’t file charges, my place would be secure.

I had to swear I’d behave and not get physical with anyone on the team, including Miller. Though I still want to punch the fucker’s lights out, I gritted my teeth and agreed. The Boston City Warriors are my family. The team is my home. Boston is my home. I want to stay.

When my agent called with the news that Bella’s stepfather didn’t plan to file charges after all, my head spun.

Why the hell had we gone through every possible scenario and plan of action if he wasn’t going to prosecute me? Without a police report, it was all hearsay. It didn’t make any sense to me until my agent said, “It was her mom.”

That made everything clear. Samantha wanted to hurt Bella by hurting my career, but apparently Kevin wasn’t on board with the plan.

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