Page 157 of Forgotten Rules (Rules 4)

“He’s a traitor.”

Of course he is.

“He helped Haze’s brother set the whole thing up. He’s been working on both sides for months. Something about knowing things would go to shit when Winter got involved and looking out for himself.” Will heaves a bitter scoff, disgust prominent on his face.

I know I should be shocked, hurt that my ex-boyfriend was not only a backstabbing piece of shit toward me, but he also betrayed his best friends. But somehow, I’m not even remotely surprised to hear the bastard who cheated on me with my own best friend had his own agenda.

“He took a bullet in the leg when we rescued your cousin. Kendrick also beat the shit out of him. Safe to say he won’t show his face anytime soon.”

“So, to recap, Winter will be living in another town from now on.” I recall the story out loud in the hopes that it will feel real. “She’s not there alone, is she?”

“No, Kendrick is staying with her. They’ll both be graduating online. It took a shit ton of arguing with the school, and Maria feeding them a bunch of BS, but it was nothing doctor’s notes from her friend couldn’t fix.”

I can’t believe Winter won’t be at prom. That she’ll flee Florida and move right back to Canada as soon as the school year is over and her parents return from their work trip.

“I-I could’ve stopped this. I could’ve done more. Warned her more often. I—”

“Don’t.” Will’s blue eyes flicker to mine. “Don’t do this to yourself. It’s not your fault. It’s Blake’s, and Tanner’s. End of story.” The authority in his tone puts out my guilt before it soars out of control.

“And Haze? What’s up with him?”

“Kendrick said he’s out of Winter’s life.”

Like hell he is.

“Although if I’m being honest, I don’t buy it for a second.” He speaks what’s on my mind.

“Why not?”

“Well, for starters, you’re never going to believe what Haze told Winter when she was passing out after she cut her leg.”

“What?”

He laughs quietly. “He told her he loved her.”

No way.

“I know. Haze fucking Adams said he loved someone other than himself. Can you believe it?”

/> The answer comes to me.

Actually, I think I can believe it.

“And that’s not even the end of it. He betrayed his fighters and worked with us to find her after the fight. Kendrick would rather cut his dick off than admit it, but Haze is not the monster he makes him out to be.”

“So, you disagree with my brother, then? You think Haze is good for her?”

Will snorts. “Fuck no. But I think Kendrick has no business telling people who they can and can’t love.”

A thick silence descends over us.

He’s not talking about Haze and Winter anymore, is he?

“Anyway. That’s why I didn’t text you. I’m sorry, we spent every waking moment looking for Winter, I couldn’t—”

“Will, stop. Don’t apologize. You were trying to save my cousin’s life. I couldn’t be mad at you if I tried. I was just afraid that you… ” I shut myself up.

“That I was what?” he presses, searching my eyes. “Running after we slept together?”