Page 76 of Unbroken Rules (Rules 3)

What the fuck?

It’s probably just drunk blabber. Don’t panic.

I frown. “Lie to me? What is he talking about?”

“Tell her!” Caleb pushes him again. This time, Haze pushes him right back without batting an eye. Caleb almost falls backward, gripping the closest piece of furniture.

“Tell me what?” It’s my turn to yell.

Haze can’t even look at me.

“What is he talking about?” I repeat.

“Tell her or I fucking will,” Caleb barks. When no answer comes from Haze, Caleb continues. “He’s lying to you, Winter. The bastard’s been lying to you for months.”

I shake my head. “What? No. He wouldn’t do that.”

Haze’s gaze finally meets mine. His eyes are red, his jaw clenched. He doesn’t speak. But his eyes do.

They’re filled with anger, pain… shame?

“I followed him. A few days ago, when you were at Allie’s. I followed him to his so-called job.” He makes air quotes with his fingers. “And you want to know what I found out?”

“That’s enough.” Haze threatens Caleb with a step, but Caleb walks out of his reach.

“He never ever went to the auto shop. He probably doesn’t even work there.”

“Caleb, stop!” Haze growls, but I can hear the desperation in his tone. He’s begging him. Unfortunately for Haze, there’s no compassion, no second chances to be found in Caleb’s eyes. Nothing but pure anger.

“Tell her. Tell her why you really came to Canada. Tell her the truth for once in your goddamn life.”

I keep waiting to wake up from this nightmare. For Haze to give me a rational explanation or deny Caleb’s accusations, but he never does.

Instead, he reaches for my hand. “Baby, please, just… come with me. I’ll explain everything. Just let me take you somewhere else.”

“No, tell me here.” I move away from his grasp, growing terrified.

Caleb pulls his phone out before I can blink.

That’s when I hear it.

The voice.

“Yeah. I just need you to cover for me if she calls.”

Haze’s voice.

Caleb flips his screen over to us.

It’s a recording.

Color instantly spills out from Haze’s face.

“You don’t get it… I can’t. And even if I could, what the hell would I say? ‘Hey, babe. You know how I moved to another country with

you and said it was because I love you? Well, I lied.’”

I stop breathing.