Chapter 18

Chapter

Eighteen

Hays clenched his fists and counted slowly down from a hundred in his mind as he watched Jarom and Elizabeth fawn all over each other, convincing the exuberant talk show host and hopefully America that they were madly in love, that Aiden Porter had actually rescued Elizabeth from the mercenaries who'd kidnapped her and then returned her to Jarom's arms.

Aiden and Jarom were charming and played off each other with jokes. Jesse seemed to be eating it up. Elizabeth was breathtaking, but she appeared far too interested in Jarom for Hays's state of mind.

Elizabeth's kiss had been incredible. Did it mean anything to her? In his mind, her actions said she loved him, but she wouldn't say it, even after he tried to prompt her with a cheesy knock-knock joke. He shouldn't have done that. He'd told himself he wouldn't force her to say she loved him, even if he swore to never leave her side so he could keep her safe.

He folded his arms across his chest and noticed Jarom's gaze flick nervously to him. Good.

Rolling his eyes at himself, he backed up a few steps and tried to stand down. He was acting more like hot headed Jagger than himself. Yet this was Elizabeth being touched by a billionaire bachelor most women would die to even meet.

This was bigger than his jealousy. If they could truly draw Benjamin Oliver to a party to celebrate this fake engagement and expose him, Aiden and Quaid claimed they'd ‘hit him from multiple angles', Elizabeth could be safe and free, her siblings as well. Would Hays stand a chance with her then? She'd kissed him back both times he'd kissed her. Yes, she'd definitely kissed him back.

But they were in a battle zone. This was no time for sweet yet passionate kisses and begging the woman he loved to love him back.

Jesse's voice broke into his thoughts as she declared that the ‘heartthrob Jarom Love' had officially made the ‘breathtaking Elizabeth Oliver the luckiest woman on the planet.' Hays's gut churned.

When Jesse asked them to kiss, he had to look away. Every muscle in his body tightened, but miraculously he didn't leap across the space and throttle Jarom. The preppy billionaire was risking his life for a lady he only knew socially and because his good friend was close to Aiden. Hays should be praising Jarom's name, not wanting to choke him.

They finally signed off. Elizabeth immediately pulled away from Jarom's arms, helping Hays's blood pressure calm a little.

"That went well," Aiden said. "On to the next step. Calling your father."

Elizabeth's face blanched, and she swayed on her heels. She glanced at Hays, stark terror in her blue eyes. That was all the entreaty Hays needed. He strode to her and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight to his chest.

"You are the most incredibly brave warrior I have ever known," he said.

She looked up at him. "I'm not a warrior."

"Yes, you are. You've been fighting a battle your entire life with no support. You are brave, resilient, and stronger than anyone I know, Liz."

Her chin quivered and her eyes brightened as she cuddled into him for a few blissful seconds, but then that strength that defined his Liz showed through. She nodded and firmed her jaw. Then she arched up and kissed his cheek. "You strengthen me. Thank you for being here."

"Always."

He meant it as a pledge. He'd strengthen her and never leave her side.

She tilted her chin regally and stepped out of his embrace. He didn't like that, but this wasn't their time to kiss and declare their love. She held her hand out, and he wrapped his palm around hers.

"Thank you," she whispered.

He nodded.

Aiden started giving instructions and Hays focused. Then Aiden dialed a number, put the phone on speaker, slid it closer to them, and pointed to Elizabeth.

"What have you done with my daughter?" Benjamin Oliver demanded.

"Father," Elizabeth said. "It's me. I am well."

"Elizabeth?" Her father let out a heavy sigh. "Is it really you, doll? I've been so worried. Are you safe? Did they hurt you? What are their demands?"

"It is me, and I'm perfectly safe. No demands. I was rescued by Aiden Porter and his men." Her voice was so fake, not her at all.

They were playing an interesting game, not saying who she was rescued from. Aiden had told her, if her father directly asked, she should say his guards had turned on her, planning to traffic her because she was famous and beautiful.

The pulse in her neck thrummed quickly. If only he could kiss it and comfort her. He gently squeezed her hand, hoping to strengthen her. Hays realized the only time she relaxed was … with him. That had to mean he was the right one for her.

"Oh, doll. I'm afraid you've been misguided. Peter told me Aiden Porter and his men beat him up, killed six of our men, and kidnapped you."

"Oh, Father. I'm afraid you've been misguided. You should be careful who you listen to."

Elizabeth paused. Hays was proud of her and learning more about her past. She'd not only been unloved and fought night and day to try to protect her siblings, but the mind games she'd been subjected to were palpable in the underlying tension between father and daughter. The conversation sounded amicable, but it was anything but.

"Pardon me, doll?" her father said.

"Please watch the talk show Jesse 's most recent episode and then wait for a text from this number. My fiancé and I want you to be at the celebration this evening. All the news media will be there as well. You will be thrilled with my choice of husband, Father. Jarom Love will further all our ambitions and the two of you will get along wonderfully. He's very … easy-going."

"Jarom Love." His voice was calculating. "I had considered him."

"You'll love him, Father. Just as I do. His circle of influence and financial support will make winning Senate a cinch."

"That does sound ideal. You're set on this path?" His voice was full of a threat, telling her to choose cautiously.

Hays stiffened. If this went badly he'd take Elizabeth and disappear. She'd given Quaid and Aiden all the information she had. She'd given far too much of herself and her life. It was past time Hays took care of her.

"I am, Father. I love Jarom and I know he'll help us fulfill all of our dreams."

"Will the two of you be staying close to me?" Benjamin didn't directly approve. "I don't know what I'd do without you close, doll."

"Of course, Father. You know I rely on you for support and instruction."

Hays's gut churned. He wasn't certain if Benjamin Oliver believed Elizabeth was in his power, or if all the horrific things he did to control Elizabeth proved he didn't.

"Thank you, doll. What of your siblings?"

"I believe we have their support."

"I hope so. I'd hate to never see either of them again. Unfortunate accidents are common these days."

The underlying threat was so strong in his voice everybody in the room tensed. Jarom's eyes were wide, but thankfully he held his tongue.

"I will do anything to keep Thomas and Jacqueline safe," Elizabeth countered.

"I can see that now, doll. You're an exemplary oldest child."

Elizabeth's jaw tightened. "Thank you, Father."

"Will Thomas and Jacqueline be at your celebration?"

"They regrettably cannot attend."

"That is regrettable. Please influence them to change that decision."

"Of course. Whatever you think is best, Father."

"Thank you, doll." His smooth voice said he didn't think she would dare let him down. Hays looked forward to upsetting all of this man's diabolical plans.

"I must say goodbye for now, Father. It's time to board the plane. I'll explain everything soon. Goodbye."

"You know I'd be nothing without you. I look forward to being together again. Goodbye, doll."

Aiden pushed the end button. "Well done," he said, nodding. "Extremely well done." He studied her. "Do you play games of chess like that every moment with him?"

"For as long as I can remember."

"You're impressive." He blew out a breath. "My father was overzealous in how he pushed and trained my brother Ike and me, but he loved us."

"I've never known love," Elizabeth admitted. She looked to Hays. He wanted to shout that he loved her. Didn't she see that? She meant love from a parent. Correct?

"I'm sorry to hear that," Jarom interjected. "Mr. Oliver has always been pleasant to me, but he gives off quite the creeper vibe when he speaks with you."

Elizabeth laughed at that. Hays smiled hearing her laughter and some of the tension dispersed. "You have no idea," she said.

"I'm afraid I'm about to."

"Don't worry. You'll both be safe," Aiden assured him. He grinned cockily. "I am in charge, after all."

Elizabeth focused on Hays. He read the look. She needed his strength, or maybe he simply needed hers. He released her hand and wrapped both of his arms around her waist and lower back.

She instantly melted into him, and he felt ten feet tall. He lowered his voice. "Knock knock."

"Who's there?" She looked up with the sweetest expression on her face. Her blue eyes showed appreciation and gratitude for him and the distraction.

"Superman."

"Superman who?"

"Superman has never been more impressed. You are inspiring, Liz."

"Thank you." She swallowed and blinked at him. Hays knew she didn't let her guard down like this for anyone else.

"Where are we off to?" Jarom asked. He appeared unbothered by Hays holding his fiancée close.

"One of the safest cities in the nation," Aiden answered. "Gilbert, Arizona. It will take your father much longer to get there than the media traveling from California, and he'll have little time to assemble a large team. We'll be on our home turf. Plus, no weapons allowed inside this engagement celebration." He winked. "Except for our men."

One of the guards pulled open the front door. Aiden stopped Hays and Elizabeth with a hand on Hays's arm. "I understand reconnecting and true love better than most in the world, but this …" He pointed at the two of them. "We can't have a hint of this once we step off the plane in Arizona."

Hays hated it, but nodded that he understood. The entire situation was much larger than his need to be close to Elizabeth.

"Hays strengthens me," Elizabeth said, focused on Aiden, not him. "But don't worry, I know how to stand on my own." As if to prove that point, she walked away from Hays.

"She's quite an extraordinary lady," Aiden said.

"Yes, she is." Hays focused on Aiden. "Do you really think Benjamin will walk into a party undefended, knowing Elizabeth will have armed men around her?"

"He believes Elizabeth is still in his control. Did you not hear his voice? But I know he'll have tricks up his sleeves and alternate plans. We'll prepare for every eventuality."

"All right."

"Hays. Quaid is bringing pieces of the puzzle into play, but thank you for not questioning what we're planning. I know that isn't easy when you're used to being a leader."

"Not at all." Hays studied him. At least he was acknowledging Hays was in the dark.

"Can you please continue to trust us?"

"I've done it for this long."

"All of two days," Aiden teased, grinning. He dropped his smile. "Your role is to stay by Elizabeth's side. Don't let Peter or her father take her hostage, and don't trust anything her father says. You can taunt Peter or her father. No stress. It's what I would do."

"Thank you for that approval." He nodded. "Anything else you can tell me?"

"I pray you can trust me. It won't all go according to the plan in my head. Things rarely do." He grinned. "But with Elizabeth's help we've got techs ready to destroy him financially and take out some of his connections at the same time. Exposing him at a party filled with media will work. We will triumph."

Hays was impressed with Aiden, but even more so with Elizabeth. She was very capable of standing on her own. She'd done it for many years.

Did she need or love him? Even if she did, would she ever admit it, or would she stay strong and aloof to protect him?