Promised (The Promised Series)

he warns. “Arwyn Elizabeth, don’t try me on this. I’m letting you finish when I don’t have to. You’ll have much more important things to do on that day, so let it go.”
    “Ok, Daddy.” I whisper my defeat, wanting nothing more than to get away from everyone so I can release the tears that are threatening to fall, but knowing that I’ll be stuck with these people till late in the night. And because of Shay Dawson and his stupid “proposal”, I’m forced to be the center of all of their attention.
    Sensing the tension, Shay places his hand at the small of my back and proceeds to guide me away. “Let’s go show Dani and Adam your ring, Winnie.”
    I wait till we’re a decent distance away from my parents before I pull away from Shay’s touch and turn to scowl at him. “Only Adam is allowed to call me that, Shay, and you know it.”
    Running his fingers through his perfectly tousled, blonde hair in frustration, he says. “Sorry, I know that. I’m just as flustered as you. I didn’t want to do it.” He throws his arms wide to indicate the crowded room around us and continues. “Not this way.”
    “Why did you want to do this at all?” I ask, throwing my hands in the air in my own frustration.
    Shay looks around the room to make sure no one is watching us. Thankfully, they’ve all focused their attention on my parents, who are loudly discussing wedding plans with anyone who will listen. Seeing that the coast is clear, he grabs my hand and guides me out of the house and into the back yard.
    “Why do you think I did this?” He asks, releasing my hand to pace back and forth in front of me.
    “Because you’ve started taking drugs and they’re causing you to slowly go insane.”
    He stops his pacing and looks at me earnestly. “I’m being serious here.”
    “So am I!”
    “Jesus, don’t you know that I love you.”
    All I can do is stare at him in shock, wondering when he officially lost his mind or if he’s always been like this and I’m only now seeing it.
    “I have since we were kids. Why do you think I’m always around?”
    “Because you’re friends with my brothers, not because you have some ill-advised crush on me!” I yell, coming out of my shocked state.
    “Damn it, Wyn. This isn’t a crush. I love you and we’re getting married!”

Chapter 9 – Linc
    ~Try Your Best~
    I stop my pacing in front of the Challenger and look at my watch for the fifth time. She’s late. It’s New Year’s Eve and I haven’t seen her since Christmas. We’ve exchanged numerous texts, but something didn’t feel right. It was either she found a way to meet me tonight, or I was going to go barging over to her house to make sure she’s alright. Thankfully, she talked her parents into letting her have a night out with “Dani” alone. But now I’m thinking she stood me up, or they found out about us and are stopping her from meeting me.
    I pull out my phone to try and call her again. But before I can press the first button, Dani’s car comes flying into the parking lot, stopping right beside me. I shove the phone back into my pocket and walk to the passenger side to open the door for Wyn. She takes my offered hand and steps out of the car, one long, tanned leg at a time.
    “Sorry, my phone’s battery died or I would’ve called to let you know we were running behind.” She explains softly.
    Pulling my eyes from her mesmerizing leg, I clear my throat before replying. “It’s fine.” I would’ve waited around all night if it meant seeing those legs in those heels. Damn!
    She releases my hand and crosses to the driver’s side of the car where Dani is standing.
    “Are you sure this is ok?” Wyn asks, giving her friend a hug.
    “Of course, go and have fun.” Dani encourages as she hugs her back.
    Wyn pulls back and her eyes find me over her friend’s shoulder and she smiles. “Oh, I will.”
    Dani releases Wyn and turns to face me. She places both of her hands on the roof of the car and leans in with a stern look directed my way. “She needs to be back to me before dawn. Call me and I’ll pick her up; it doesn’t matter what time, and I expect you to bring her back in the same condition she is in now. Understand?”
    Dani is an adorable red head with a very rounded, pregnant belly. She stands at least half a foot below me, but damn if she isn’t an intimidating, little sprite. So nodding my head I say. “Yes, ma’am.”
    She taps the top of the car and her face softens as