Page 50 of The Rule Breaker (Colton U Playbook #1)

ISABELLA

M eeting the family usually comes with a handshake. Ryan got a busted lip.

I shouldn’t be here. Ryan told me not to come.

But when your boyfriend texts you ‘Don’t freak out, but your dad kinda found out. And your brother punched me’, staying at home isn’t an option.

I shove open the office door without knocking, my eyes immediately finding my boyfriend.

Ryan’s slouched in a chair, one ice pack pressed to his eye, another resting on his groin. His jersey halfway off, shoulder pads tossed beside him, blood dried at the corner of his mouth. He’s bruised and beaten—and still, somehow, manages to look hot. But my stomach twists at the sight.

Because this isn’t supposed to be happening.

I knew they’d be mad when they found out. I just didn’t think they’d take it this far.

Nathan’s in the corner, his arms crossed over his chest. Dad is standing behind the desk, jaw tight, arms folded like he’s trying very hard not to lose his temper.

Too bad. I already lost mine.

I step fully into the room, letting the door swing shut behind me. “What the hell is wrong with you two?”

My voice slices through and their eyes snap toward me.

Nathan turns to Ryan, his eyes narrowing. “You snitched?”

Ryan shrugs, wincing as a smirk tugs at his lip. “I wanted her to kiss it better.”

Nathan groans and steps forward, rolling his neck. “My fist will kiss it better.”

I move toward him, eyes scanning the damage to his face. “God, Ryan…”

Nathan exhales sharply through his nose. “Izzy?—”

“No.” I whip back toward him and Dad. “You found out I’m dating someone, and your reaction was to punch him in the face? You don’t get to play protective big brother and stoic dad after this. I knew you’d be mad, but you had no right to punch him.”

Nathan shrugs. “He deserved it.”

Ryan sighs behind me. “Can’t say I disagree.”

I whirl around, shooting him a glare. “You’re not helping.” I take a deep breath, turning back to my dad and brother. “You don’t get to dictate my life. You don’t get to decide who I date. You don’t own me.”

Dad exhales through his nose. “We’re trying to protect you, princess.”

“From what?” I throw my hands up. “From being happy?”

Nathan shakes his head. “From getting hurt.”

I let out a dry laugh, disbelief washing over me. “Getting hurt? Newsflash, Nate—you’re the one who just punched my boyfriend in the face, so forgive me if I don’t take your concern all that seriously.”

Nathan shifts, like he’s holding back whatever angry older brother speech he’s been rehearsing since birth.

“I didn’t ask for your permission,” I continue, my eyes locked on theirs. “And I don’t need it. If this is how you treat someone I love, then don’t expect me to ever bring anyone else home again.”

They both open their mouths at once, but I lift a hand and cut them off.

“No. You’ve said enough.” My tone sharpens. “You don’t get to act like this is about protecting me when all you’re doing is trying to control me.”

There’s a beat of silence, and then a throat clears behind me.

Ryan.

I turn slowly to find his eyes narrowed. “Anyone else?”

My heart stutters.

I step closer, cupping his face without a second thought, brushing my thumb over the bruise on his cheek.

“No one else,” I assure him. “Just you.”

He exhales, long and shaky, and I lean in, pressing my lips against his. He hums against my mouth, his fingers curling around my waist.

Nathan groans behind us. “Jesus. Do you have to do that here?”

I turn just enough to raise an eyebrow. “Would you prefer if we texted you a time and location first?”

Ryan chokes on a laugh, and Dad mutters something that sounds like a prayer.

Nathan glares. “This is not funny.”

“It’s a little funny,” I say, shrugging. “Especially the vein popping out of your forehead right now.”

Nathan glares at Ryan. “You can’t blame me for being skeptical. You’ve never had a relationship in your life.”

Ryan shrugs, his eyes finding mine. “Guess I was just waiting for your sister.”

Nathan makes a gagging noise.

Dad starts to say something else, but I hold up a hand.

“Nope. We’re done here. You’ve both officially lost your talking privileges.

You don’t get to decide who I’m with. You don’t have to like it, but you will respect it.

” I grab Ryan’s wrist, tugging him up from the chair. “Come on, Ryan. Let’s go have sex.”

Ryan blinks. “Uh?—”

Nathan throws his hands in the air. “For the love of God, at least use protection!” he yells. “I am way too young to be an uncle.”

“Don’t worry,” I shoot back. “He’ll pull out.”

The silence that follows is immediate and painful. Dad looks like he’s just had a stroke. Nathan opens his mouth, then closes it again like his brain short-circuited.

I grab Ryan’s wrist and drag him toward the door.

As soon as we’re away from the office, Ryan comes to a halt, scratching the back of his neck. “Not that I’m against the idea, babe, but… I did just get my nuts kicked.”

I sigh, turning toward him and reaching up to gently touch his jaw. His skin is warm beneath my fingers. My thumb brushes his busted lip, careful not to hurt him.

“God,” I murmur. “What did they do to you?”

Ryan just smiles, that stupid crooked grin that got me into this mess in the first place. “Worth it.”

I shake my head, laughing despite everything that just happened. “You’re ridiculous.”

He slides his hands around my hips, pulling me closer. “I’d take a hundred more beatings if it meant being with you.”

My heart squeezes in my chest.

“I really hope it doesn’t come to that,” I say softly.

He grins, leaning in until his forehead rests against mine. “Me too. But hey, there is a silver lining to all this.”

“Yeah?” I reply, raising an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

His hand curls around the back of my neck, his thumb brushing against my skin—the way he knows I love. He stares into my eyes, a smile tugging at his lips. “We don’t have to hide anymore. Your brother knows. Your dad knows. The team knows.”

My smile widens at the realization, and then he leans in, capturing my lips with his.

Ryan pulls away from the kiss, still grinning. “Guess there’s no turning back now, huh?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Nope. You’re stuck with me now.”

He tugs me closer, his hands sliding down to my hips, his grin widening. “Good. Cause I wouldn’t want to turn back even if I could.”