Loving You

➳24. The Promise

A/N: Edited only once. Please be patient with me guys! I'm sorry for the late update. Please make my day and comment and vote <3 Love you guys bunches!

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Daisy POV

"Nathaniel, it's good of you to join us," Mr. Winstrom says, clapping Nathaniel on the back. Nathaniel's gaze lingers on me, but I can't bring myself to look at him.

Declan blocks Nathaniel from my view, his hand reaching behind to hold mine.

"Do you want to go?" Declan asks me quietly, tilting his head to the side.

Taylor rolls her eyes. "it's just a night. Everyone benefits."
I highly doubt that, I think to myself.

Declan ignores Taylor, turning around to face me so his back to everyone else.

He takes a few steps forward, making me retreat slightly so we're slightly out of ear.

"Let's go," he tells me, his eyes roaming my face in concern.

I shake my head, clearing my throat. "It's okay. Stay. This night is a big deal for you."
Declan's brows are furrowed and I know he's conflicted. I rest my hands on his chest, smiling reassuringly and Declan automatically pulls me closer. His hands cup my face and I am cut off from the rest of the world and their judgmental gazes.

"I'm sorry," he says.

"Don't be," I laugh softly. "You need money in case Mr. Winstrom withdraws his support." I peek over his shoulder and Mr. Winstrom is saying something to Taylor. "it looks like he might withdraw soon too," I whisper to Declan, laughing when Mr. Winstrom looks up at us with a peeved look.

Declan exhales in frustration, pouting slightly when he leans down to rest his forehead against my own.

"I'm sorry."
I close my eyes, trying to focus on the steady beat of his heart. Declan's nose brushes against mine when he kisses me softly. With Declan covering me from the world, it's easy to forget Nathaniel's presence and Taylor's displeasure.

Declan doesn't say anything as he steps back, his hands dropping. His eyes hold my own, his lips downturned in a frown.

"My condition for doing this is that you leave her alone tonight," Declan says, turning around to look at Mr. Winstrom, Taylor and Nathaniel.

"I don't think you're in the position to be pulling the strings here," Nathaniel scoffs, shoving his hands into his pocket.

Declan walks until he is towering above Nathaniel, his shoulders tense. Nathaniel looks up defiantly at Declan, but Declan doesn't budge.

"Pull the strings and see what happens," Declan tells Nathaniel, his voice hard. Declan doesn't say anything else but the promise behind his threat is clear.

"Alright, that's enough. It's time," Taylor says, trying to butt in between the two. She wraps her hands around Declan's arms and pulls Declan back.

Declan makes eye contact with Stephan and wordlessly, Stephan steps up to my side.

"Glad we could work this out," Mr. Winstrom says dryly as he turns around, expecting Declan and Taylor to follow him.

Taylor pulls Declan forward, but Declan untangles his arm from her grasp. His eyes hold mine and I smile softly.

Finally, Declan breaks his gaze from me, running a hand through his dark hair.