Page 15 of The Rule Breaker (Colton U Playbook #1)

ISABELLA

I sn’t alcohol supposed to loosen you up?

Because I feel like it’s doing the exact opposite.

Three shots and a glittery pink drink with cotton candy later, and I’m tenser than I was when my brother approached Ryan and me. It was a good thing, really, because the way the conversation was headed would have only ended in destruction.

“You’re thinking too hard.” Aurora taps my forehead with a perfectly manicured finger, flashing me a grin. “Your brother isn’t here anymore. You can have some fun.” She glances around the crowded bar. “Where’s that hot friend of his you like?”

I let out a sigh, shaking my head. “Not happening,” I tell her.

I saw the look in Ryan’s eyes when Nathan clapped him on the back and asked him to keep an eye on me. My brother doesn’t hand out his trust easily, so for him to say that? To trust Ryan with me? I know exactly how much that means.

Aurora blows a raspberry, unimpressed. “His loss. You look sexy as fuck. You could bag any guy in here.”

“I second that.”

I snap my head toward the deep voice, catching sight of a guy sliding closer to me on the dance floor. He’s tall, broad- shouldered, and grinning as his gaze drags down my body, shaking his head slightly before locking eyes with me again.

“You’re the hottest girl in here by far.”

I let out a laugh, tilting my head. “You must not have seen many girls.”

He grins, stepping closer. “No, I have, and they don’t even come close to you.” He lifts his chin toward the dance floor behind me. “I’ve been watching you and your friend all night. Dancing. Grinding. Fuck, it’s hot.” His eyes darken, voice dropping. “I kinda want to recreate it.”

He places his hands on my hips, tugging me closer, and I let him. He doesn’t care about my brother—or doesn’t know Nathan’s my brother—and he’s hot. A blond, which isn’t exactly my type, but still attractive enough to hold my attention.

“Can you dance?” I ask, arching a brow.

He chuckles. “Oh, darling. I can do anything you want me to.”

The music shifts, something faster, sexier, pulsing through the speakers. Mystery guy—whose name I still don’t know—starts moving, guiding my hips with his hands, pressing his body against mine.

I should be enjoying this. I wanted this, didn’t I? A rebound. Someone new. Someone to kiss, maybe more. Someone to help me forget Jacob—and Ryan.

But then my mind goes somewhere else.

I imagine those hands traveling lower. Or higher. Somewhere that takes this from PG-13 to R-rated.

And instead of heat, I feel cold.

It hits me all at once—the reality of what I’m doing. What this could lead to. The idea of going home with him, undressing, letting him touch me, expose me. I don’t even know his name.

A bucket of ice-cold water crashes over me.

I stop moving.

He frowns. “What’s wrong?”

I take a step back, my vision blurry as the alcohol in my system does its job. “I’m sorry. I thought I was ready, but?—”

I offer him an apologetic look as I take another step. And another. And?—

Slam into someone.

Hands grip my hips, and before I can react, I’m spun around. A gasp slips past my lips as I throw my hands up for balance, my palms landing flat against a solid chest.

My eyes widen as I look up at the familiar brown eyes, and gorgeous lips I almost kissed at the welcome week party.

“Ryan?” I ask, my eyes narrowing as the room spins, hoping this isn’t just a mirage. “What are you doing?”

His jaw clenches, his grip tightening. “I don’t fucking know,” he admits, voice rough. “I saw you out here dancing with—and I—” His jaw locks again, his nostrils flaring.

I suddenly become aware of my hands on his chest, the heat of his skin burning through his thin t-shirt. I shift them slightly, feeling every hard muscle beneath my fingers.

Ryan exhales sharply, a low groan slipping from his lips—so quiet I almost wonder if I imagined it.

His tongue flicks out, wetting his lips. “You going home with him?” he asks.

“Who?”

His eyes flick over my shoulder. “The guy you were just dancing with.” His hands flex on my hips, one last squeeze before they drop away.

I lower my hands and take a step back, shaking my head. “No, I’m not.”

His brows furrow. “What about your rebound?” His eyes darken, jaw going taut. “Don’t tell me he did something creepy.” His voice drops, dangerously low. “Tell me he fucking didn’t before I assume the worst and cut his hand and dick off.”

A laugh bursts out of me before I can stop it. “As much as I appreciate you mutilating a guy for me, he did nothing wrong,” I assure him.

Ryan exhales, shoulders dropping in relief. “Thank fuck. I almost committed murder.”

I hum, swaying slightly as I blink up at him, the alcohol making everything feel a bit slower. “I know. It was kinda hot.”

His brows lift, a slow, teasing smirk pulling at his mouth. “Good to know a criminal record turns you on.”

I shrug, my lips quirking. “What can I say. I like my men like I like my coffee. Strong, hot, and guaranteed to keep me up all night.”

That earns me a small chuckle. But his smile settles as his eyes lock on mine. “So, what happened?” he asks. “Why didn’t you go home with him?”

I tilt my head, narrowing my eyes as I press a finger to his chest, pushing him an inch. “Are you jealous?” I tease, wagging my brows.

He scoffs, grabbing my wrist and lowers my hand, but doesn’t let go, my skin breaking out in shivers when he rubs his thumb over my skin. “Not answering that.”

I let out a laugh, but my balance wobbles, forcing me to grip his forearm for stability.

“Jesus. Yeah, I’m glad you’re not going home with anyone. You’re wasted.”

My eyes find his and I let out a harsh sigh. “I just… don’t think I’m the kind of girl who sleeps with strangers,” I admit.

His lips twitch, his eyes on mine, but he doesn’t say anything.

“Hey, Cap!”

We both turn as Austin and Logan stumble toward us, grins wide, drinks obviously long gone.

“We’re heading home. You coming?” Austin slurs, barely staying on his feet.

“No,” Ryan says, his gaze flicking back to me, softening just a little. “I’m staying.”

Austin winks knowingly. “Ahhh. I hear ya.”

Ryan groans, rubbing a hand down his face. “Get him the fuck to bed.”

Logan scrunches his nose. “Y’know, I love the guy, but he’s not my type.”

Austin gasps, clutching his chest dramatically. “I’m a fucking catch, thank you very much.”

Ryan pinches the bridge of his nose. “Christ. I’m dealing with children. Just go home.”

They both saunter off and Ryan lets out a rough sigh, shaking his head. “Sorry about them. They need a fucking leash.”

I chuckle. “I work with you guys practically every day,” I remind him, lifting a shoulder in a shrug. “I’m used to them.”

Ryan scoffs. “Beats me, cause I’m not.” His lips twitch, but as our eyes lock, something shifts in his expression. “Back to what you said before we were interrupted by a couple of drunk idiots.” He tilts his head. “You’re not doing the rebound thing anymore, then?”

I kinda wish he’d forgotten about it because the alcohol is making me way too honest.

“I don’t know,” I admit with a sigh. “I wanted to move on from my ex, since he was the only guy I’ve ever been with, but?—”

His head jerks back slightly. “What?”

“I wanted to move on fr?—”

He shakes his head, cutting me off. “No, that wasn’t the part I was shocked by.”

A sheepish smile creeps onto my face. “I know it’s the complete opposite of what you’re used to, but…” I shrug. “I told you; guys are too scared to approach me, and Jacob was no different.”

Ryan scoffs, pressing a hand to his chest. “Hate his name already. I’m an Edward guy but continue.”

I let out a laugh, shaking my head. “My brother made it clear no one was allowed to touch me—protective big brother and all that crap.” I roll my eyes. “And guys listened. They stayed away… until Jacob. But, of course, he didn’t want my brother to know, so we kept it on the down low.”

I exhale, shutting my eyes for a second. “And after he dumped me, I couldn’t shake him, even though he never wanted anyone to know about us. I just…” I trail off, feeling that familiar ache.

Ryan stays quiet, watching me, his brows furrowed.

I exhale a laugh, shaking my head. “Aurora told me I needed to find myself and I agreed. I thought sleeping with someone else would help me move on.” My voice drops, my fingers absently toying with the hem of my dress. “I was hoping it would be better with someone else.”

“Uh oh,” Ryan teases, cocking his head. “My man Jacob have problems in the bedroom?”

I let out a short laugh. “No, it wasn’t that.

It was… good.” I pause, frowning slightly.

“But I just… I don’t know. We did everything in secret.

Bathrooms at parties, closets, his car. It was always rushed so no one would see us together.

” I shake my head. “I guess I thought maybe it would be better if we didn’t have to rush, you know? ”

Ryan nods, a hint of understanding in his eyes. “Definitely better when you don’t have to rush.”

I let out a breath, swaying a little, and I notice Ryan’s hands twitch like he’s ready to catch me if I tip over. “I thought things would be different when we got to college. That we’d finally have some time to ourselves. But then he dumped me before summer even hit.”

Ryan’s face hardens, his jaw tightening. “What’d he say?”

“Long-distance is too hard,” I say, rolling my eyes. “Which, okay, I get it. He wasn’t wrong, but I just… I don’t know. I felt like?—”

“Like you didn’t matter to him,” Ryan finishes, his voice quiet but sharp.

My breath catches, and I glance up at him, a little surprised by how easily he reads me.

I exhale sharply. “Yeah. I was so hurt by the breakup, but he seemed fine, like I was nothing.” I tilt my head, the alcohol making everything a little hazy.

“Hence the whole ‘can’t sleep with someone unless I know them’ thing.

I’ve only ever been with one guy, and he kept me a secret.

” My shoulders slump. “You probably thing I’m an idiot. ”