Page 118 of Tempting Miles
“Where would I go? I’m currently drowning in a tulle ocean.”
That earns me a smile.
Mami presses a kiss to the top of my head before slipping out of the bathroom.
For the first time in weeks, I feel something dangerously close to hope.
I truly thought defying Easton would destroy our lives. But seeing Mami so calm—so certain—makes me believe maybe everything won’t fall apart after all.
I’m not sure how much time passes before restlessness starts creeping in.
The dress feels suffocating. I want out of it.
I want to burn every layer of white fabric and pretend this entire day never happened.
“Ugh. How on earth did I agree to get married in this monstrosity? I mutter, laughing weakly as I glare down at the mountain of tulle swallowing me up.
“Get the fuck off me!”
I freeze.
What the hell?
That definitely didn’t sound like Daddy… did it?
Heart pounding, I lift the ridiculous skirt and rush toward the door as fast as the giant dress allows.
The scene outside is absolute chaos.
Mami has both arms wrapped around Dad’s waist, trying to stop him from lunging at Easton.
Meanwhile, Easton looks genuinely rattled for the first time since I’ve known him. His face is pale, his eyes darting widely between my parents and a man currently being restrained by security.
Guests spill out of the ceremony room amid the commotion. The wedding planner looks seconds away from a nervous breakdown as she barks frantic orders into her headset.
It's pandemonium.
The man security is holding turns toward me.
I can’t fully see his face, but something about him feels familiar.
Every instinct inside pulls in hisdirection.
“Penny!” Easton snaps when he sees me, making a beeline toward me.
I stay rooted in place, completely overwhelmed by everything happening around me.
“Didn’t we have a deal?” he hisses once he reaches me. “What the fuck is going on? Why did your mother tell everyone the wedding’s off?”
“Because it’s true.” My voice comes out steadier than I feel. “I’m not marrying you.”
Something ugly flashes across his face.
“What the fuck did you just say?” he bites out. “Remember, I still have plenty of proof to make your father’s life miserable.”
I stare him straight in the eyes.
For once since this nightmare started, I’m not intimidated by him.
