Forgotten Rules (Rules 4)

Will.

Never mind, I’ll take the bear.

“You’re here,” he pants.

Was he… running?

He came all this way for me? How did he even know where to find me? I sure didn’t tell him about what happened. Come to think of it, I didn’t text him once today. I’m quickly reminded of why I didn’t text him.

Right. He’s sleeping with Callie again.

“What are you doing here?” I zero in on the sunset.

He scoffs. “You’re asking me? News flash, this is still my tree house.”

I don’t grant him a response, wishing he’d retire to Callie’s bed and leave me alone. I’ve been hurt enough for one day.

“What are you doing here?” he returns the question.

“Oh, you know, just contemplating how people are heartless liars who will inevitably disappoint you in the end.”

I purse my lips in anticipation of a snarky reply that never comes. Dumbfounded, I look down at him.

“What? No sarcastic remark? No ‘I warned you about feelings, control freak?’” I scoff.

I get everything but a joke.

I get a look.

One that reeks of pity.

He knows.

Great.

“I take it from the sad puppy eyes that you know?”

He nods faintly.

“Kendrick is worried sick, Kass. You need to go home. Or at least call your brother.”

That explains it. He’s here as Kendrick’s messenger.

“So that’s why you’re here.” I scoff, hugging my knees to my chest as though it’ll keep my ruptured heart from completely shattering. “Kendrick sent you.”

He frowns. “What? No. He doesn’t even know I’m here.”

Lies.

“I’m here because you went through hell today and I was worried about you. Is that a crime?”

“I’m fine. You can go now.” I switch up on him, and he pulls a surprised face, assessing me carefully before climbing up the old ladder without a word.

Crap.

I don’t move a muscle, my knees still operating as shields between my heart and impending pain. I pretend like his presence doesn’t affect me. And I pretend even harder when he plops down by my side.

“I’m not leaving until you are.” He scoots closer to me.