Chapter 19

Chapter

Nineteen

Elizabeth's nerves thrummed as she and Jarom mingled and greeted people at their fake engagement party in a beautifully decorated and sprawling mansion in Gilbert, Arizona. Darkness fell outside, though the patio and pool lights illuminated part of the large backyard.

Hays wasn't far away. His very presence strengthened her, and though she preferred him holding her close, right now she had to stand on her own. Just as she'd done for many years.

She, Hays, Jarom, and all the bodyguards had indistinguishable earpieces in. Aiden hadn't given her much detail besides the instruction to stay close to Jarom and Hays, not to believe her father, to play her role of impressive billionaire like she'd done so many times before, and to trust him. He promised he had prepared for every eventuality, but she knew her father too well. He'd throw a curveball. Somehow, he'd hurt everyone she cared about.

She looked at Hays. His deep-brown eyes made her quiver with longing for him. What if her father killed him?

Hays had told her to lean on his faith. She didn't understand faith or heaven and had never known God's love, but Hays did. Elizabeth felt like a dejected child who'd never been loved by her own parents or her heavenly parents. Was that not God's fault or her fault, but all on her father and mother, like everything else rotten in her life?

As she smiled and spoke with people, she found herself saying a quiet prayer in her head.

Please, God. Protect Hays, Aiden, and all these people who are risking their lives to take down my father. If it is possible, let us triumph over him. Please watch over Jacey, Cade, Quaid, and Anna. If I can give my life for Hays or my siblings, please let me do that.

Maybe the prayer was all wrong. She didn't hear a voice or feel any reassurance that it would all work out, but she had no idea what praying people felt. She did notice her hands were steady and her heart rate wasn't racing out of control. Was that prayer or because Hays was close by?

People had been spilling into the elaborate party for the past twenty minutes. Some she recognized—actors and actresses, influencers, politicians. Some she did not, but Aiden had explained there would be undercover police and FBI agents loyal to him posing as guests. Aiden had his men spread throughout the party as well, with guards inside and out and a contingent manning cameras and sensors for the large property. The low thrum of a helicopter circled above the property. It was high enough not to be too loud but to keep an eye on everything from a different vantage point.

There were reporters and paparazzi everywhere, watching, waiting for something. Some did spontaneous interviews with celebrities, but most kept their focus on her and Jarom, hoping for another announcement or maybe wondering if the engagement was real or a coverup. After all, Elizabeth Oliver had been kidnapped and her guards supposedly butchered by the infamous Aiden Porter, which had caused an uproar. Then Jesse's show had revealed Aiden and his men actually rescued her from her kidnappers for her fiancé, the billionaire bachelor Jarom Love.

Lots of drama. They were salivating. Nobody knew who the kidnappers were, and that had to be driving them insane.

She and Jarom moved together to the back patio above the pool glowing blue in the evening sky. They held hands and greeted party guests, all who congratulated them on their upcoming nuptials. The Jesse episode had gone viral, and the invited guests were thrilled to celebrate with the sensational couple.

Her father had not made an appearance yet. She wasn't certain what Aiden had up his sleeve, or how he thought they could best her father. Even with her father's guards unarmed and dozens of armed men on her side, any calm her brief prayer may have created disappeared. Her stomach churned and her palm was slick against Jarom's. ‘Trust me', Aiden had said. She'd rarely trusted anyone besides Hays.

"You are doing fabulous," Jarom said in a low tone.

"Thank you," she managed. "For everything."

"I was looking for an adventure." He winked and turned to greet their next guest.

An adventure. Fun adventures with Hays seemed a lifetime away. Swinging on a rope swing while clinging to his back felt like it had happened in another world. She'd never get back to the peace and safety of the Coleville Ranch.

Would she ever get back to Hays's arms? She saw him off to the side. The warmth in his deep-brown eyes lifted and inspired her.

She could stand against her father with Hays close by. Maybe she'd get one more enticing kiss from the love of her life before she had to leave him forever. Her negative thought gremlins were creeping in, but she also felt the fear that Hays was an elusive dream, as he'd always been.

"Your father is entering the house now," Aiden's voice said in her ear. "His men have been searched and disarmed. Everybody be on high alert. You've got this, Elizabeth."

She swallowed and found herself praying again.

Please help me. Keep Hays safe.

Why hadn't Aiden told them the moment her father's entourage pulled up? Perhaps it was a kindness. No need to stretch out the anticipation and stress.

A stir came from the entryway. Elizabeth held her breath. It was time. Her father walked in, all smiles and handshakes. Peter was by his side, the other guards trailing him. Her pulse raced in her neck. She hated that tell and knew he'd love seeing it.

He greeted friends and acquaintances as he came. "Thank you for coming … Yes, I'm thrilled my sweet doll is getting married."

What a farce. Everything about her life was a farce. Except her love for Hays and her siblings.

She clung to Jarom's hand with a death grip. He let her. It didn't help like Hays's touch would, but it was something to hold on to.

Her father was almost to them. He glanced at her and gave her a smile that made her stomach turn over. She and everyone she cared for were in grave danger. Aiden had his plans and surprises, but Elizabeth knew how her father worked. She had to convince him this engagement to Jarom was all part of the plan to make allies of her siblings and further her political ambitions and their overall plans. Even if she did, it felt all hope was lost. Somehow he'd win and people she loved would die.

Peter's gaze zeroed in on Hays as they approached. The guard's black eye and the cut on his face made him look even more menacing.

Her father's blue eyes followed his guard's. Ice prickled at her spine. She stepped forward. Jarom stepped with her, wrapping an arm around her waist to stop her advance. "Don't reveal anything," he whispered.

He was right. Any show of her love for Hays could only hurt all of them, especially Hays.

Hays stepped in front of Peter and folded his arms across his chest, blocking his path. Peter stopped and appraised him, an ugly glower on his face.

"Forgive me. We haven't been introduced," her father said, pleasant as always. He stuck out his hand. Hays looked at his hand but didn't unfold his arms and offer his own. Had her father ever been snubbed like that? She'd thought Hays looked tough and dangerous when he defeated Peter and when he met Jarom. This was next-level.

"I'm Lieutenant Hays West, Navy SEAL, and Elizabeth's …" He glanced over his shoulder at her and paused long enough that Elizabeth felt a thrill go through her. He was going to claim her as his girlfriend, thump Peter and the other guards, and carry her far away from her father and this nightmare.

Greenland. Oh, please let us go to Greenland.

At a look from Aiden, who was close by, Hays finished, "…top bodyguard."

Any thrill at Hays showing his love for her vanished. Her father knew exactly who Hays was now. He wouldn't be safe anywhere.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, son," Benjamin said.

"I wish I felt the same," Hays returned.

Elizabeth had to hide a smile. Aiden was smirking as well. Her father dropped his hand but didn't otherwise react. Not a surprise. He was a politician clear through.

"Pardon me while I meet my future son-in-law," her father said, smiling silkily. "Peter would apparently like a word with you."

Hays grinned. "I've already spoken with Peter."

"Let's talk again. Outside," Peter insisted.

"Unlike some half-rate bodyguards, I refuse to leave Elizabeth's side." Hays grinned even bigger. "Though I would enjoy talking again, I'm sure our previous interaction is sufficient."

Peter's jaw clenched.

Her father ignored their interaction and stepped up to her. That Clive Christian cologne made bile rise in her throat. "Doll." He kissed her cheek. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you as well, Father." She smiled, knowing her fake smile was as convincing as his.

Jarom released her hand to shake with her father. "Jarom Love. A pleasure to meet you, sir."

"You as well. The man who has captured my doll's heart." Benjamin smiled. He held onto Jarom's hand and started walking across the pool patio, tugging the younger man with him. The heat from outside warred with the nonstop air conditioning, fans, and misters from the patio. It was dark beyond the patio and pool area. Elizabeth hated the darkness and the unknown.

"I don't like this," Aiden said in her ear. "Jarom, stop walking."

Jarom obeyed.

Her father turned back toward her. "Come, doll. We have much to discuss."

Elizabeth also didn't like this, but she didn't know what to do except cross the distance to them. Hays, Peter, her father's bodyguards, and a bunch of Aiden's men followed. Why did her father want them away from the house? One glance at Hays showed he didn't like the move either.

Her father grasped her hands, glanced at the pulse in her neck, and smiled. Before he could say anything, there was a flurry of footsteps and people exclaiming and backing out of the way. They all turned to see men in suits who were obviously FBI agents approaching.

"Benjamin Oliver," the lead suit confirmed when they reached them.

"Yes?" Her father didn't appear concerned.

"You are under arrest."

Elizabeth's heart soared. Death would be better, but arrest would at least let her sleep at night. If she was in Greenland and her siblings in Antarctica or Point Nemo.

"Pardon me?" Father's voice was silky. "On what charge?"

Everybody stared as Quaid materialized from behind a group of people. "Murder, extortion, tax evasion, fraud, kidnapping, assault. Take your pick; there's a long list."

Elizabeth's heart raced out of control. She didn't want Quaid here. Worrying about Hays was more than enough.

"Thomas." Her father beamed. "It's wonderful to see you, son. It's been years."

How could their father act like nothing was wrong? There were cameras everywhere, news media pressing in, and enough FBI agents to take down a dictatorship. What did he have planned?

"I'm not your son," Quaid said, striding up to them. She felt proud of her handsome, brave, tough brother, but she didn't want him here. "And you will rot in the darkest prison cell they can create for you."

Father never stopped smiling. "Not possible."

"On the contrary. We have the testimonies of your own men. James Truman and Vance Neff."

Father's eyes reflected concern for the first time. "Unfortunately, the men you speak of were killed."

"They survived." Quaid's grin widened. "And to add to their incriminatory testimonies of all they have seen and how you ordered their deaths, we also have the witness and picture-perfect memory of your daughter, Elizabeth. You will be locked up for a very long time."

"Elizabeth would never ..." Her father looked at her.

Elizabeth would normally quake at that look, but she stood strong despite her pulse point thrumming at her neck. "You have no idea what I would do, Father."

"You and I. Together, doll. Always." Her father smiled.

The smile. What was coming? Something nefarious. She'd sacrifice herself for Hays and Quaid.

As if her thoughts had conjured him, Hays was suddenly at her side.

"Never again," Elizabeth said, drawing strength from his presence. "My purpose in life is protecting my siblings and seeing you pay for the crimes you've inflicted on many, starting with Quaid, Jacey, and myself"

"I can't believe you would betray me." His voice was quiet. He was playing the beaten-down victim, a role he excelled at. She felt a moment of fear, but then she realized he was simply trying to play the crowd, gain sympathy and support.

"Believe it." Satisfaction she'd never experienced filled her. Peace as well. Maybe heaven didn't hate her.

"With all the information Elizabeth has been able to give us," Quaid continued, "the FBI is going to be ecstatic as they seize your properties around the world and the billions of dollars Aiden's tech team are currently draining from multiple accounts. Many of your allies will be indicted. I can only imagine how those men and women will rat out you and others to lessen their own sentences. Your empire is crumbling. Check mate."

Quaid gestured to the lead officer, who stepped forward.

Elizabeth could hardly believe it was over. Father and his men would be arrested. If his empire truly crumbled, there was hope her siblings could live out their lives in peace. Not her. She'd have to hide. If he lived, she'd be his number one target, even from prison.

Hays's arm pressed against her. Could they be together?

"You might want to slow down," her father said. He held a phone up so she and Hays could see it. There was a beautiful brunette perched on a hard chair, a gun pressed to her head by a large man. It appeared her hands and legs were bound to the chair.

"No!" Elizabeth cried out. She didn't know who this woman was, but she would be killed.

"Your sister, I believe, Lieutenant Hays? A student at UNC?"

"No!" Elizabeth screamed again. Hays's sister. Hays's sister.

Everybody else in the room seemed to freeze—the FBI agent, Quaid, Aiden. Only Elizabeth was flipping out.

"Father, no. I'll come with you. Please. Have your man release her and I'll do what you want."

"Liz." Hays squeezed her hand, his voice calm. How could he be calm? His innocent sister, Carmel, would be killed.

"Come to me, Elizabeth," her father instructed. "Peter."

Elizabeth started forward. Hays held onto her, and then he smiled. What was he doing?

"My sister is blonde," Hays said.

What?

As they watched, the woman lifted her unbound hands, yanked the gun from the man's hands, grinned at the camera, and then fired. She must've shot whoever was holding the camera because the phone clattered and the view went haywire as the sounds of fighting came from the small speaker.

"What?" Her father looked stunned now. He pulled the camera back around.

"Autumn Cardon is the woman you paid to kidnap while she posed as Carmel West," Aiden explained. "Autumn is one of my top people. I stole her from the FBI." He looked to the agent. "Forgive me."

The agent smiled. "We'll try."

"Add another kidnapping to the list," Quaid said.

"Done."

Her father looked stunned, but then he said, "Execute."

Peter ripped the pocket of his pants open.

The sound of helicopter blades filled the night sky. Automatic weapons fired. Aiden's helicopter was hit and spiraled off into the trees.

"No!" she cried out.

She heard a grunt of pain and glanced back. Her father's other guards had yanked flat, long knives out of their pants and were jabbing them into Aiden's guards.

Hays dodged in front of her to protect her when Peter hurled himself at them. Peter buried his knife in Hays's stomach.

"Hays!" she screamed.

Hays's eyes reflected his pain, but the warrior came out. He landed a solid punch to Peter's face, knocking him away, and then pulled the knife out of his own abdomen and clutched it in his left hand, still punching Peter with his right. Blood oozed from his stomach wound, turning his white dress shirt red.

"Hays," she whimpered.

Peter jabbed at Hays and blood sprayed from Hays's nose. Hays brandished the knife, but Peter grabbed his wrist.

Screams punctuated the night air as another helicopter arrived and the black-clad men inside it started discharging their weapons at the house. People dove for cover. Men who had been coming out of the house to join the fray were forced back under cover.

Elizabeth couldn't look away from Hays and Peter's vicious fight.

Jarom knocked her to the ground, covering her with his body. He was yanked off of her, and two of her father's men hefted her to her feet and pinned her between them.

"Let's go, doll," her father said, running down the patio steps, the shots from the helicopters pinning down and distracting everyone as he made his escape.

The two guards started after him, dragging her along. Elizabeth would have willingly sacrificed herself for Hays, her siblings, Hays's sister, or anyone else in danger, but she wasn't her father's ‘doll' any longer. Hays had taught her to defend herself. She would not be taken away and be in bondage again. Not if she could help it.

She dug her fingernails into one man's arm and the point of her heel into the other man's ankle. They both grunted in pain but didn't release her. She made her body dead weight and sank toward the ground, raking her fingernails down each of their arms.

The one released her, and she grabbed the other man's arm with both hands, digging in with her nail points, and then she bit him as hard as she could. He screamed in surprise and released her. She scrambled back toward Hays.

Hays and Peter were brawling like monkeys on the ground. Hays's blood marked their arena. How was he still fighting?

People were screaming and scrambling back into the house to avoid the bullets from the helicopter. Several victims were sprawled out on the patio.

"No," Elizabeth groaned.

One of the men dove at her from behind, grabbing her leg and yanking her back. She screamed.

Hays looked to her, and determination filled his eyes. He flipped Peter onto his back and retrieved the bloody knife from the ground. Peter grabbed at Hays's hand, the knife slicing his palm. Hays shoved Peter's hand and the knife into Peter's chest.

Peter stopped moving.

Elizabeth's eyes widened. Was that monster actually dead? Was Hays all right?

Her father's guard yanked her to her feet and pinned her from behind. His arms were a steel band around her chest.

She fought with everything she had—clawing at him, head-butting him, kicking her heels back at him. The other man joined him, and they pinned her between them.

Hays stood. He looked wobbly on his feet and absolutely glorious. Rips in his shirt and pants revealed his strong muscles, and his dark eyes were full of determination and love for her. Blood streamed from his nose, his abdomen, and a cut on his arm.

She called him Superman, but he was more the Hulk now. He'd discarded his easygoing persona and was pure beast underneath. A beast who loved her and would never let her down.

He strode toward her. Bullets dug into the ground, and she screamed in horror. They'd shoot him.

He dove at her father's guard, ripping the man from her and rolling, using the guy as a shield. The bullets hit the man.

The other guard tried to run backward with her. She head-butted him, kicked him, and he dropped her.

Suddenly, the helicopters soared up into the sky and the bullets stopped. An uneasy silence ensued before more helicopters approached.

The guard grabbed her arms and lifted her up. "You'll protect me," he sneered at her.

"Let her go," Hays demanded. He didn't wait for a response but flew at them. The guard tugged her in front of him, his chest pressed against her back and his arms tight around her.

Elizabeth yanked her heel up into his crotch and felt it connect. She didn't want to think about the damage she'd caused as the man squealed in pain and released her.

Hays ripped him away from her and body slammed him to the ground.

"Police," a bullhorn announced from one of the helicopters.

Elizabeth let out a whimper. Officers and Aiden's men streamed from the house.

It was over. They were saved.

Hays turned to her. His face was white. He sank to his knees before she could reach him.

Elizabeth dropped to her knees beside him as he jammed a hand over the wound on his stomach.

"Hays." She grabbed him and pushed him over onto his side. "Lie down. Don't move. Somebody will help."

He glanced up at her, his dark eyes cloudy and full of pain. "Knock knock," he said.

Elizabeth could not believe him. "Who's there?"

"Not me," he said, then his eyes closed.

"Hays!" she screamed. "Hays! Help! Please help him."

No! Her father had escaped. She'd fought and Hays had rescued her. He couldn't die now.

Please help him , she prayed. Please!

Quaid and Aiden both dropped to their knees beside them.

"Medic!" Aiden commanded.

"He's got a pulse," Quaid said, shoving his fingers against Hays's neck and leaning down. "He's not breathing."

A woman darted in above Hays's head. "Starting rescue breathing," she called out, then covered Hays's face with her own.

Quaid wrapped an arm around Elizabeth and tugged her back away from the medics. Aiden stayed right in the middle of everybody. "Trauma dressing," Aiden commanded. "Let's prepare to move him."

"Quaid!" She clung to her brother. "Will he die?"

"They'll help him," he said. "Aiden had medics on standby."

But he didn't promise they'd save him.

The medics quickly lifted Hays onto a litter. Instead of putting it onto the nearby stretcher and wheeling him through the house, they hefted the litter and carried him straight past Quaid and Elizabeth. His face was drained of color and he looked lifeless already.

"No," Elizabeth whimpered.

A basket lowered, and they placed Hays on it. He was quickly strapped down and lifted into the helicopter.

"Okay." Quaid seemed surprised. "That'll be quicker. We'll meet him at the hospital. Aiden! Get us to wherever they're taking Hays."

"On it."

Quaid ushered Elizabeth through the carnage. People were dead and injured, paramedics everywhere. Guests screaming, moaning, crying.

Jarom hurried up to them and kept pace. "Are you all right?"

"Thank you," she managed. "You dove on me to protect me."

"The least I could do for my fiancée," he said gallantly, but she could tell he was shaken. "I'm sorry I couldn't stop them."

"You did great," Quaid assured him.

"Thank you." He focused back on Elizabeth. "Is your Hays all right?"

"I don't know," she admitted. Tears streaked down her face.

They burst out the front door and jogged to a nearby Lincoln Navigator. She recognized Paul Braven opening her door.

"Thank you, Jarom," Quaid said, shutting her door and then clapping the man on the shoulder.

She lifted a hand to Jarom as he stood watching them. Aiden conversed with a police officer who looked as if he wanted to stop them for questioning.

Quaid hurried around and slid into the opposite seat. Paul and Aiden jumped in up front. They drove away from the mansion.

Hays. Oh, Hays. Was he dying? He'd fought Peter. He'd protected her. He loved her. She wasn't in her father's power, but even that relief paled in comparison to her stress over Hays.

Please, someone in heaven. Save Hays.

She'd wanted to give her life for him. What if it was the other way around? How would she go on living?

"Lizzie." Quaid's voice brought her head around. "I'm here."

He didn't promise her Hays would live, but her brother was here for her.

"Father?" she squeaked out.

"One of his helicopters took out Aiden's."

She nodded. She'd seen that.

"They lowered a basket and covered his escape with all that gunfire." Quaid's voice was bitter. He looked at her, and his gaze softened. "At least they didn't get you. I was fighting with one of Father's guards, but I saw you fighting and Hays coming for you. You were very brave, Lizzie. I'm grateful you're safe." His voice broke, and he looked away.

Elizabeth hated these bucket seats. She unbuckled her seat belt, kneeled on the floor, and grasped her brother's hand.

"Ah, Lizzie." Quaid wrapped his arm around her, holding her to his side. "Dear Lord," he prayed. "Thank You for keeping Lizzie out of our father's grasp. Thank You for all the brave men and women who fought evil tonight. Please be with the loved ones of those who gave their lives. We also beg of You. Please. Spare Hays."

Elizabeth echoed the prayer in her mind. She was turning to heaven, desperate for Hays to live. She could admit it was miraculous those guards didn't get her into the helicopter basket with her father, that somehow Hays fought and won against Peter and the other guards when he was bleeding from that vicious stomach wound.

But Hays … Did she have any faith that he'd survive? She couldn't lean on his faith or cling to him.

Please. Tears wet her brother's shirt as she leaned into him. Please let him live.