Unbroken Rules (Rules 3)

During the drive to Allie’s, I didn’t reach for her hand, didn’t kiss her goodbye before she got out of the car, didn’t even comment on how great her ass looked in her jeans. Now that I can’t touch her, it’s all I’m thinking about. She’s good—really good. She “accidentally” dropped her phone right in front of me, and “randomly” chose to wear the tightest jeans she owns today. I’m already fucking dying from not feeling her for a whole week. Shit, I’m totally going to lose, aren’t I?

Walking alone, I tuck my hands in my pockets. It’s getting colder out. Soon we’ll be buried in snow. Winter was right—the first snow melted before it even touched the ground. I’m starting to think I won’t be happy once it’s here to stay.

I grab my phone and dial Vic’s number.

Two rings.

He picks up.

“Hey, man.” His voice is faint, barely there.

“Hey… Is everything okay?” He sounds like crap.

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

“Vic, what’s wrong?” I’ve known him since we were kids. He’s lying through his teeth.

A long silence sits between us.

“It’s Bea. She’s cheating on me.”

I wince. They’ve been together for years. He loved her so much he moved to another fucking country for her.

He did what you couldn’t, my conscience taunts me.

“I’m so sorry. How long?”

“Since we got to Toronto. But I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Are you… going to stay here?” I really hope he doesn’t run back to Colton Gate. He’s already studying here. Might as well stay.

“I don’t know. I can’t think about that right now. I’m going out with some guys from school tonight and finding myself a rebound pussy. You coming?”

“Rain check. I still got a shit ton to prepare for Winter’s birthday this Saturday.” I feel awful for not being there to cheer him up.

“No worries.”

A noise.

“Hold on.” I swivel so quickly I scare off a bird on the ground.

What the…

Footsteps?

No one.

I’m alone in the alley.

I bring the phone back to my ear. “Sorry. I’m fucking paranoid. I could’ve sworn I heard something.”

He scoffs. “Yeah, well, lying to your girl for months will do that to you. Hey, did you need something? I got to get to work, then I have to go drink until I don’t remember Bea’s name.”

With a bad feeling, I glance around the alley once more. “Yeah. I just need you to cover for me if she calls.”

“Another shift, huh?” His tone gives away how disappointed he is in me.

Believe me, Vic. No one’s more disappointed than I am.