Bending the Rules (The Rules, #1)

Shea

I can't remember when this video was taken.

Fuck.

I know I said some nasty shit in the past. Even played the part. Now it's all going to backfire on me. Not that I should be complaining. I deserve everything that's coming for me. The wrath of Karma.

Me, Brenna, and the rest of our friends stand in the middle of the hallway, the door open and letting the spring air seep inside. Brenna's still gripping my shirt, and I can smell her perfume. Or maybe it's her mango chapstick.

We watch as the video continues to play on. For the first portion, Connor victimizes himself. He plays the role well. A sad, insecure boy who's just lost his position on the team that's portraying his frustrations through anger. Because that's the only way men are allowed to show emotions, right?

I'm tempted to bang my head against a wall.

It's a fucking bet, Connor!

I cringe when I hear my voice. First, it doesn't sound like me. The pitch is all wrong, almost whiny, and it sounds a little hollow. Second, it's robotic. As if...

The truth dawns on me. The bastard edited the video.

In my arms, Brenna flinches. I tighten my arms around her, hoping the comfort makes her realize the context is wrong. Whatever I've said in this video is either fabricated or being taken out of its original context.

A few more seconds pass before the finale comes. Video me says: I hate Brenna Harrison more than your pathetic mind can comprehend. Sleeping with her was the plan.

The screen goes blank, and then Connor is crossing his arms and grinning at us with his smug grin. It takes every ounce of self-control to not lunge and beat him to a pulp. Why can't he just leave us alone? We played the game and fooled him. That's not our fault. It's his fault for thinking he could fuck with Brenna Harrison.

When Brenna turns to me, I shoot her a pleading look. Then squeeze her hand. "That video is out of context, Bren. Someone edited it. Connor and I had this conversation after Boxing Day. Hell, I kicked his ass after telling him the bet was over. "

Several seconds pass before Brenna squeezes my hand and smiles. I breathe a sigh of relief, feeling some of the tension ease from my shoulders. I never should've doubted her.

Still holding my hand, Brenna turns around. I can't see her face, so I'm not sure what her plan of action is. Usually I can gauge where things are going by reading her expressions.

I can, however, see Connor. He still looks as smug as ever. He raises his eyebrows, staring at Brenna. "How does it feel, Harrison, to be played?"

Brenna shrugs. "Not sure, Connor. How does it feel?"

Connor's expression doesn't falter.

She gestures to where the video was just playing. "Do you really expect me to believe this? It's clear someone edited the video. The tone of Shea's voice isn't normal. People talk in cohesive sentences, not choppy, robotic ones. Even when they're nervous, the tone still makes sense."