Page 111 of Break the Rule
This might be one of the stupidest things Eden has ever done. A lifetime of self-preservation skills thrown down the drain because of dick.
Dick and a pretty face.
Dick and a pretty face and an annoying personality Eden can’t get enough of.
“Everyone is inside.” Charlie links their fingers, all but tugging him towards the front door as if he can’t wait to show Eden off.Dumbass.
Dread pools in the pit of Eden’s stomach as he’s guided inside, where he is immediately confronted with Charlie’s home filled with the rich, enticing aroma of home cooked food and the sounds of laughter. There’s an older woman on the couch talking to a man with bright red hair. He’s tall, folded in on himself where he’s curled in the corner with a giant dog in his lap.
Both of them look up at Charlie’s approach, and with a soft whine, the dog tries to crawl further into the red-headed man.
“It’s okay, Freddie,” the man murmurs.
“Guys, this is Eden,” Charlie says, as if they should already know who he is.
“Charlie King, you introduce me properly,” the older woman scolds.
“Sorry.” Charlie ducks his head. “Eden, this is Mabel. She’s the office assistant at Santa Leon High School where Jason works, and she can’t get enough of us King men.”
“Charlie’s full of shit,” Mabel replies without missing a beat. “I’m old, and they won’t let me retire or leave me alone.”
“But Mabel, we love you.”
Mabel scoffs, but there’s a smile on her face that is accentuated by the heavy blush on her cheeks. Eden knows exactly what shade it is, used to wear it himself when all he could afford was makeup from the pharmacy.
“Maybelline,” Eden blurts, snapping his mouth shut when everyone turns to look at him. “The uh…your blush.”
“It is.” Mabel touches her cheeks, her smile softening. “My husband Jim liked it.”
“It suits you,” Eden tells her. It’s a bit too heavy, but she’s beautiful in the way everyone who gets to be that old is. Eden never thought about growing old. He didn’t even think he’d live to be twenty. God, a therapist would have a field day with him.
“That’s Freddie hiding right there,” Charlie says, pointing out the dog. “He’s Jason’s rescue. And that pretty man is Emerson, he?—”
“Anyone want a drink?” Someone asks, their booming voice making Eden jump.
That voice belongs to a mountain of a man—several inches taller than Charlie and twice as wide. His thighs alone are thicker than Eden’s waist, his arms equally massive. Everything about him, from his body to the athletic wear he’s dressed in, screamsjock. Involuntarily, Eden takes a step back.
“Is this Eden?” The man says, moving directly towards Eden. “Nice to meet you. I’m this asshole’s more handsome brother. I’m sure he’s told you all about me.”
“No,” Eden says, holding Charlie’s hand so tight he’s surprised he hasn’t cut off the circulation.
This must be Jason then. Harmless. That’s what Charlie called him. What Charlie neglected to mention was that Jason is the size of a fucking semi-truck. Harmless Eden’s fucking ass.
“In your dreams you’re prettier than me,” Charlie says, putting his body between Eden and Jason.
“I said more handsome, not prettier. Besides, we can all see the pretty one is Eden.” Jason smiles at him, his pearly white teeth on full display. “Well, and you, Mabel.”
“Flatterer,” Mabel giggles like a schoolgirl.
Unable to shake his unease, Eden tries to smile but feels pretty certain it must come out as a grimace.
“Can’t believe someone is finally putting up with Charlie. We should give you a medal.” The last part is directed at Eden.
“Fuck you.” Charlie flips him off. “Go back to your couch cocoon with Emerson.”
Emerson’s eyes widen at being brought into the conversation, seemingly shrinking in on himself. Despite knowing that they’re dating, Eden is still surprised to seeEmerson’s entire body relax when Jason settles himself on his free side. It’s not just Emerson either, the dog’s whining lessens as it crawls into Jason’s lap and licks his face.
“I know, we’re meeting so many new people today,” Jason tells the dog. “But you’re a brave boy, aren’t you, Freddie? Such a good boy.”
