Page 2 of Daring the Defender

I’d been shocked when he started talking to me during our volunteer hours. All the girls had a crush on him–including the teens we worked with. He’s got a warm, welcoming smile andwhen he turns it on you, it feels like a ray of sunlight. But better than that, he makes me feel steady.

I’d never had a boyfriend before. Father allowed dating, but when every boy you know is a member of his congregation, most wouldn’t dare ask. I wasn’t one of those rebellious preacher’s kids–that was Axel’s job. I like following the rules, and deep down it always felt like I was saving myself for someone. Turns out that someone is David Jones.

“We couldn’t be happier with this engagement,” my father says, and it warms my heart knowing he approves. “I’ve prayed long and hard that the right person would come into both Shelby and Kingdom’s life and to my surprise you were already here.”

I smile when the men laugh.

“With you marrying Shelby and joining the ministry, the council wanted to offer you a little start and keep you close to the church.” My father lifts a rolled-up sheet of paper and spreads it across the coffee table. “There’s a nice piece of land Kingdom owns that will be perfect for your first home. I’ve had blueprints drawn up and once I give the final approval the contractors are ready to break ground.”

First home?

“I’m thinking of a four-bedroom, which will give you room for a few babies.” My father winks at Reverend Jones, and a wave of discomfort passes over me. “I’ve added a few other perks, like a small at-home office for you, a large kitchen for Shelby, a family room, and a great backyard.”

The throbbing in my temple starts its slow and steady beat. A decision to hold the party outside was one thing, the swatches, the dress, the dates… all of that is something I can swallow, but building a house without my input?

A sharp pain shoots down my shoulder so hard that I drop the teapot to the floor with a thud. I grab my neck, trying to ease the throbbing pain, and slump against the wall.

What. The. Heck.

“Shelby?” David’s voice penetrates, and I look up to see him standing in the doorway, worry creasing his forehead. “What happened?”

“My neck…” I start but don’t know how to finish. I glance down at the shards of ceramic and the dark liquid splattered across the floor. “I’ll get it,” I say, ignoring the pain and automatically shifting back into gear. I force myself down to the floor, crouching, and David does the same. He quickly picks up the pieces of the broken pot. “Go back with the men. I can do this.”

“Shelby.” His hand grabs my wrist. “What’s wrong?”

I don’t know how to say the words. I’ve been taught to obey and what would I say anyway? Confess that everything is moving too fast and feels out of control? Complain about my family giving me the world, the perfect man, an amazing wedding, and now, a lovely home? It’s entitled and bratty and ignoring the throbbing that has moved to my temple, I swallow it back.

But I do have one question. “Did you pick this out?”

He frowns. “Pick what out?”

I tug off the ring, turning it so the word ‘Promise’ catches in the light. “The ring.”

David is a lot of things. Smart. Funny. Handsome. Motivated. But most of all he’s not a liar. “Well, not exactly. Your father–”

I’ve heard the proverb about the straw that breaks the camel’s back more times in my life than I can count. I never understood what it meant until now.

But this?

This is my straw.

And I think I’m broken.

2

Reid

Buzz

It’s embarrassing to admit how fast I check my phone when a notification comes through. I lunge for it–heart crammed into my throat.

Thank you for ordering from Badger Pizza! Fill out this survey for a discount on your next order!

Well… fuck. I definitely thought that maybe it was her.

Tossing the phone on the table, next to the half-eaten pizza, I unpause my game and continue with the ass-kicking I’m handing out on screen. At least there’s no one else home to witness my humiliation. I’d never live it down.

It’s my choice to stay home, even though there are a few parties going on around campus. Tonight isn’t a night for a single man, especially not one that has a firm ‘no serious relationships’ policy at the moment.

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