Page 8 of Promised Vows

“I know. You feel used and trapped and a bunch of emotions that don’t even have words.” Compassion rolled off of her.

Lifting my gaze to hers, I replied, “Yeah.”

“I wish I had better words of encouragement or could help, but I don’t, so I can’t.”

I held in a laugh. “At least you’re honest.”

“If Ari is anything like Lucas, it may not be as bad as you think.”

Sighing, I wilted a little. Lucas was as much a stranger as Ari was, so that wasn’t comforting at all.

“Can you tell your brother no?”

If only it were that easy, but I wasn’t going to tell her my hope of getting Ari to change his mind either. She was marrying Ari’s brother. What were the odds she’d tell him? “Yeah, that’s not how it works in this world.” I threw up my hands in frustration. “I even understand why Jason’s doing it. I just hate that I have to marry someone I don’t even know, let alone love.” I understood. His sole purpose was to take care of our family. What Jason was doing wasn’t even all that uncommon. I wished I wasn’t the one he was marrying off.

Stepping closer, Claire took my hand and sandwiched it between hers. “I didn’t think I could either. Lucas scared me. We’re so different, but he’s nothing like I thought he’d be. He’s gentle and sweet and affectionate. I understand it’s hard but try to keep an open mind.”

He’d demanded dinner with me, and I had a feeling no wasn’t an acceptable answer. “I’m supposed to see him tomorrow.”

“Okay, don’t panic yet. See how the date goes, and then, if I need to smuggle you out of the country, I will.” She flashed this huge cheesy grin.

Chuckling, I smiled. She’d somehow managed to make me feel a little better. At least she was trying. “Maybe if I have you for a sister-in-law, it won’t be so bad.” I leaned in. “Thea scares the crap out of me.”

“Her bark is equally as bad as her bite, but give her a chance. She’s no-nonsense and loyal. Every girl needs a Thea. She does the killing, and all we need to do is provide the alibi.”

Huh. I hadn’t thought about it like that. She made a good point. I smiled. “Thank you, Claire.” I pulled her into a hug. “I was dreading tonight, but I’m so glad I came.”

“I am glad you came too.”

Taking a deep breath, I replied, “I guess I should go back out there.”

“I’ll see you in a sec.”

One last glance and I left the bathroom, passing by some guy standing in the shadows. As I reached the end of the hall, I glanced over my shoulder and caught him slipping into the bathroom.

Seriously, that was ick. I walked back to the bathroom to stop whatever he’d planned but then I’d heard them talking. It wasn’t super clear, but I caught bits and pieces of it—that he hated her and something about another man’s child. Was this man her father? Because if he was, he sounded a little crazy.

As much as I wanted to storm in there, something in my gut said that would be a wrong move. I found a small janitor’s closet and stepped inside, keeping the door cracked.

That weirdo took forever to leave the bathroom. Once I was positive he was gone, I crossed the small distance and strode into the bathroom only to find Claire on the floor. I knelt next to her and shook her. “Claire… Claire!”

She softly groaned.

I ran out of the bathroom and straight to Thea. Leaning down, I whispered, “Claire is passed out in the bathroom.” I hesitated a second. “There was a creepy old man in the bathroom with her, and it sounded like maybe he was her father and they were fighting. I’m sorry, I didn’t get a very good look at him.”

“Stay here. I’ll handle it.” The fluid way she stood, floated over to Helen, and bent down made me wonder how many times she’d been in a similar situation. To be so confident and self-assured. I was confident, but dang, if I didn’t find myself wanting to be Thea when I grew up.

Elana looked from Thea to Helen. “Is everything okay?”

Helen nodded. “Everything’s fine. Something Claire ate has upset her stomach. Thea’s going to check on her.”

“Aw,” Marianna said. “I hope she’s okay.”

“She’s fine.” I looked at Helen. “Thea’s got it completely under control.” I flicked my gaze to her, smiling.

Thea grinned and winked. She was still scary as all get-out, and I didn’t need a metal detector to know she could kill me in a heartbeat, but those two little actions were almost as good as being told welcome to the family.

It was maybe a half hour later when Thea reappeared at the table, gracefully taking her seat again. “Claire’s sorry, but she’s not feeling well. I called Lucas and told him she needed to be picked up. She didn’t want to cause a big scene, so she went out the back. I’m sure with a little rest she’ll be fine.”

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