Chapter One: Rules Were Made for Nights Like This

Before you go any further, read this.

This isn't a love story. Not the kind that ends in white dresses and champagne toasts.
It's a warning. A set of rules I wrote for girls like us-the ones who feel too much and fall too fast for boys who never stay.

You know the type.

He walks into the room like he owns it. Smiles like he knows all your secrets.
His laugh is a promise. His touch? A dare.

You'll tell yourself you're not like the others. That you won't break. That you can play his game and walk away untouched.

But here's the truth:
He'll make you feel seen-then disappear.
He'll kiss you like you're the only girl in the world-then call you by someone else's name.

And just when you finally start to forget him, he'll come back.
Smirking. Apologizing.
Saying all the right things in that soft, low voice that once made your knees weak.

I know, because it happened to me.

His name was Daniel Reyes.
Twenty-six. Professional athlete. International heartbreaker.
Fast cars. Faster lies.
And eyes that made girls like me throw out every rule we swore we'd never break.

But not this time.

This time, I wrote my own rules.

And if you're smart-
You'll memorize every single one.

✦ RULES TO DATE A PLAYER
1. Don't fall for the smile

2. No athletes

3. One night only

4. Don't get personal

5. Keep your clothes on if your heart's exposed

6. Never stay the night

7. Leave first

8. Don't ask "what are we"

9. Delete the number

10. Don't make exceptions for Daniel Reyes