Bending the Rules (The Rules, #1)

Brenna

The air outside is musky with spring. It smells of damp earth and Shea's cologne. I still haven't let go of him. Connor's expecting me to slap Shea or toss him to the curb because of this video. I can see it on his smug face.

Fuck, I hate him. Every time I see him, murder becomes more and more tempting.

However, when I catch a hint of realization on Shea's face, I doubt my judgement. It's like opening a floodgate. Several questions centred around our relationship fill my mind with negative notions.

I stare at his face, my bottom lip trembling. He didn't do this. He couldn't. Wouldn't. Shea's working towards becoming a better person. 

The camera is focused on Shea as the video continues on. After hearing Connor whine about being kicked off of the team, conversation shifts. It becomes focused on the bet, and it's concerning how focused everyone is on the video. KJ, Jayden, Hunter, Shea, Ian, Drew. Even Connor and his cronies are watching. Being the only girl makes me feel like I'm on the outside of an inside joke. I wish I had Cat next to me. But Connor planned this party. He would never invite the girl who replaced and overpowered him. 

It's a fucking bet, Connor!

At first, those words are like a slap to the face. But something sounds strange about the tone of voice Video Shea is displaying. It sounds almost... robotic. As if someone cut words from the sentence...

My mouth drops open.

Connor edited the video. That's how stupid he thinks I am. I avert my gaze from his phone, staring at him instead. He's too immersed in the video to care, all smug and basking in his assumed glory. Even his posture sickens me. He's relaxed, but poised, ready to claim victory.

What is it with men underestimating women? It baffles me.

But I want to see how this plays out.

As the video continues on, more false words flitter by. This video looks too recent. And with the progress Shea has made, I know he wouldn't say any of these things.

I'm tired of you tiptoeing around that bitch, Video Connor says.

Video Shea snorts. I hate Brenna Harrison more than your pathetic mind can comprehend. Sleeping with her was the plan.

The video ends there, and Connor tucks his phone back into his pocket. His smug grin makes me want to punch him.

Shea turns to me, his eyes wide. I turn to him. He threads his fingers through mine and squeezes my 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. That we were dating and this is real." He gestures between us. 

Because my back is facing Connor, I smile and give Shea's hand a reassuring squeeze.

Relief flickers in his eyes, and there's the slightest ease of tension in his shoulders.