Chapter 2

Chapter

Two

Elizabeth clutched her hands together to control the trembling. Her pulse point was going like mad, but her father wasn't here to smile about it or touch it. That was a freedom she hadn't felt in years.

Peter studied her from the seat next to hers, sucking any thought of freedom right out of her head. She pretended she didn't notice and glanced around at the picturesque valley her sister now called home. Montana. It was stunning. She'd traveled with her mother and father often, but usually only to cities. The forested mountain range and blue sky was unfamiliar, appealing, and overwhelming in its beauty.

The vehicles pulled to a stop near a charming two-story wood cabin. At least fifty people milled around on the grass. All were focused on the two expensive SUVs carrying her and seven guards. She was accustomed to being the center of attention. It was seeing Jacey and Quaid again and putting them in danger that had her nervous. How would they react? How would she? More importantly, how would she keep them safe?

All right , she commanded herself. You have greeted royalty, politicians, and dignitaries. You deal with Father's demented chess game every day. Exude the confidence and calm you have cultivated for years.

Peter barked a command. The guards unloaded from the vehicles but waited for him. He strode around, opened her door, and extended his hand. Elizabeth had to act unaffected and place her hand in his. The touch of his strong hand chilled her clear through. She'd watched this monster torture and kill people. She would never reveal her fear to him.

She instantly noticed all the sidearms on the ‘guests' at this party. Were they prepared for her guards? She wasn't certain if the fact these cowboys were armed was reassuring or if it would escalate a battle Quaid and Jacey's friends would never win.

A handsome, smiling cowboy broke away from the crowd and angled for her, sticking out his hand. "Easton Coleville, ma'am. It is an honor."

Her eyes widened, and she nodded and offered her hand. This Coleville cowboy was brave but foolhardy. Possibly too young to be scarred by life or love yet, or maybe in this picturesque spot young men weren't manipulated and tortured by their families but raised with fresh air, hard work, and love. She'd heard of tales like that from classmates at Yale. Hays had a loving family. She'd pried details out of him about his parents, siblings, and home. Even with the one man she'd trusted and loved, she had skirted the topic or given the trained answers about her family and how loving and perfect they were.

She placed her hand in Easton Coleville's and shook it, firm enough to be taken seriously and never be underestimated, soft enough to disarm him with her feminine qualities and instill protective male instincts. As with everything she said or did, her father had coached her for years.

"Elizabeth Oliver. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Coleville." She retrieved her hand and searched for Quaid or Jacey. She saw Quaid with an arm around his smiling bride off to the right. They looked incredible together. Quaid was model handsome and his Anna was angelic. Quaid's glower at Elizabeth marred the vision, but Elizabeth expected nothing less.

"It's Easton to you, ma'am." He leaned in and placed a hand on the vehicle door behind her. His inexpensive cologne was fresh and clean. He was an appealing and too-confident cowboy. She prayed those qualities did not place him in mortal peril someday. Especially not today. She'd stopped counting years ago the number of innocent deaths on her head. Caring about the people she met only led to agony.

Peter edged into her space and gave Easton a warning look. The cowboy ignored him. Very brave, or very reckless.

"Will you be in Montana long?" Easton asked.

"Regrettably, only this evening. This is the most beautiful spot I've ever seen." She used the comment as a pretense to glance around. Where was Jacey? And why didn't Quaid come greet her? Her little brother. Over nine years of not seeing him, and he was right there. She longed to talk to him, see how he had grown into a successful military man, look into his blue eyes and see if he was happy and not in torment any longer.

Not that she'd expected him to welcome her with open arms. Quaid was no longer concerned with social parameters, and he loathed her as much as he had their mother. He'd never believe how deeply she cared for him and how she'd fought and schemed as she tried to help him and Jacey.

All she could worry about right now was finding a way to convey her message before Father instructed Peter to yank her away. She was ready for anything to happen. Peter to identify Quaid and Jacey, then grab Elizabeth and push her back in the car and start shooting these innocent people. She could tell the men outnumbered the women. Even if they were all armed and it was thirty Montana residents against her eight guards, it would be a war zone and Peter and his men would cause death and destruction.

Would Father even give her the chance to ‘make her siblings allies' or was his plan completely different?

Make your siblings martyrs .

She couldn't dwell on those words, or she'd vomit. What if he had instructed Peter to murder Quaid and Jacey in front of her and take away all hope in her life?

Her palms began to sweat. Why had she agreed to come? Did she stand any chance of defeating or outsmarting her father?

"You've made it infinitely more beautiful, Elizabeth," Easton said, interrupting her internal panic.

"Thank you." She smiled. Always smiling. Always pleasant. It was second nature, thankfully.

"There's a rodeo over in Kalispell tomorrow night. You could come watch the top bull rider in the West compete."

A rodeo? What would this young man say if she told him she had never been allowed to sit through any sporting event? She had made appearances for photo shoots, but to actually watch and cheer? Never.

" The top bull rider?" She played along, hiding her agitation and the churning of her stomach. She was an expert at hiding both. "And who could that possibly be?"

He gave her a slow cowboy grin and leaned closer. She could imagine all the local girls and rodeo groupies were smitten by him. She could be cordial, even tease with him, but if she actually showed interest in a man who didn't further her political path or wasn't approved by her father, she would put that man in extreme danger. Peter was watching closely, and she knew recording devices were on.

She checked again for Jacey, aching to see her sister. Yet if Peter did something nefarious and gave the signal to start shooting, she didn't want Jacey to be out here.

Her gaze stopped on a man whose confidence, stature, and appeal made him stand out from the crowd. She was thrown into a tailspin, one she had not foreseen nor prepared herself for.

Not fifty feet away, the man of her every longing stood, studying her openly.

Hays. Hays West. It was him. Not a mirage created by her deeply buried yearnings.

His mesmerizing brown eyes caught and held her in their grasp. She was warm all over, and her stomach hopped happily. Her legs wanted to run for him, but she was so weak she leaned against the SUV.

She smiled at him, the first genuine smile she had given in many years, hoping he could see that he was her heart's only desire.

His handsome face softened into a welcoming grin. Her pulse raced.

Hays was here. For her? Was there still hope in this world? Hays had been happiness and her safe space. He was the only person she'd ever truly been herself around, the only man who had captured her heart and made her lips and body tingle. The yearning for Hays was the one indulgence she allowed herself. In her head.

Could she run to him? Tell him truths nobody in this world but her and her father knew? Beg him to whisk her far away from the darkness of her world, safeguard her from Peter and her father, love her? They could live out their days and nights in Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland. The cold would not affect her with Hays nearby, his strong arms surrounding and sheltering her.

No! Elizabeth. Stop this insanity before it takes root and you can no longer keep up your fa?ade.

What was she thinking? Peter had edged so close his arm was pressed against hers. She could smell him. Metal. The metal of his gun was this depraved beast's scent. He was practically breathing on her neck. She couldn't endanger Hays.

Years ago, she had been forced to break Hays's heart when he dared come for her. He'd bravely fought through her guards but she had no choice but to coldly send him away, knowing he would be beaten by the guards because of the words she'd spoken that day and praying the ruse would work and her parents believe she didn't care for him. Far better for Hays to be heartbroken, beaten, and sent away than tortured for years and eventually murdered.

It had worked—one of the few times she'd sort-of won. She'd waited with bated breath for years, certain they would somehow use Hays to hurt her. So far, that guillotine hadn't dropped. She wouldn't give Peter a reason to hurt him or report back to her father about him now.

Hays started toward her, a determination in his soulful brown eyes that made her heart flutter. Dressed in a simple, short-sleeved button-down shirt and fitted gray slacks, Hays's build was defined and enticing. His success as a Navy SEAL was obvious in the confident set to his broad shoulders, the striations in his muscular arms, and the poised tilt to his chin. He was absolutely beautiful, in a manly sort of way. Even with how obviously fit he was, Hays was unique and different from other special ops soldiers and especially from her bodyguards. There was nothing outwardly intimidating about Hays. Though he could fight and win intense battles, he came across as the friendly, happy boy next door. She'd called him Superman often and it fit. His superpowers were hidden.

One of her guards stepped in front of her, and she realized Easton Coleville was no longer speaking. Easton, her guards, and most of the party had noticed the interaction with Hays. Oh, no. Hays should not even be at this party, let alone drawing her guards' attention. Peter, the enforcer, brushed her left elbow. She instinctively edged the other direction then cussed herself for revealing any discomfort.

How could she protect Hays? How could she keep the interaction from getting back to her father? He hadn't told her she would be recorded, but that didn't mean she was safe. She hadn't been safe in her closet with Jacey's card either. Every word of this trip was likely being recorded and transmitted. She hadn't pinpointed cameras in her clothing or on her guards, but that didn't mean they weren't there. Would her father use face recognition and hurt the family members of every person who'd come to this party? Cold sweat broke out on her brow.

"Lizzy!" Jacey's voice rang out in the warm afternoon air, temporarily pushing her fretting over Hays to the side.

"Pardon me." Elizabeth edged between Easton and Peter.

There she was. Her little sister. Elizabeth's heart gave a happy leap, then immediately dropped in cold panic. Every person she cared for was in one location. Had Father somehow orchestrated this? Saved his knowledge of her love for Hays for over fourteen years until this moment? She wouldn't put it past him. Peter and the guards would kill all the people here but take Hays, Jacey, and Quaid for Father to torment.

Jacey grinned and danced down the stairs of the cabin's wide front porch, her cowboy husband hot on her heels. She ran for Elizabeth.

How was she supposed to respond? Her father had said to make Quaid and Jacey allies, but she couldn't allow them to be captured again. Keeping them safe and warning them about the danger they were in was all she could hope for, and the hope for success was about two percent.

I have to push you away, little sister, for your own good.

Jacey didn't stop as she all but ran into Elizabeth.

"My Lizzy." Jacey grabbed her in a fierce hug. Elizabeth returned it. She hadn't willingly touched or hugged anyone in years. Not even Jacey before she was rescued. It was obvious her sister thought the parameters had changed with Mother's death.

Jacey's gaze darted to the guards, and she visibly trembled in Elizabeth's arms. Her little sister pulled back first. Without Elizabeth's well-honed self-control, she would have struggled to release her. One glance at Peter, still on her left, helped her focus.

"Congratulations. You are the most exquisite bride," Elizabeth said.

"Ah, Lizzy." Jacey clasped her hands and leaned in. "The pain is over. We are all safe. We can be sisters again."

Elizabeth's pulse raced. She would've loved that, but the danger she represented to Jacey made it impossible.

Jacey's husband watched them intently, easing closer as Elizabeth's men also tightened their circle behind and to the sides. What could she say? They were far, far from safe. Elizabeth refrained from agreeing, even though it was what Father would want. She didn't want to add fuel to the hope and safety Jacey was feeling.

"Where is Dad?" Jacey's face was bright, happy, unafraid.

"He volunteered to take on all my obligations so I could come. You should see him soon." She hoped not. If their father came personally … she shuddered and quickly changed the subject. "This valley is breathtaking."

When could she get Jacey alone and warn her? Her sister was genuine and even more radiant and beautiful in person. She did not deserve to have her husband slaughtered and her beautiful valley blown up. The terrifying thing was, Elizabeth had no idea if that was the route their father would take. Mother loved death, torture, bombs, and fire. Now that Mother was not his enforcer, would Father choose more quiet routes—poison, an accident, car trouble?

Not if he'd sent Peter.

"Not as breathtaking as my husband," Jacey sang out.

Elizabeth could not stop her smile at that. Jacey was a joy, and she was happily in love. "Congratulations." She forced herself to release her clasp on Jacey and offer her hand to Cade Miller. Husband. How incredible.

He was larger than even the photo of them had revealed. He had almost half a foot on Elizabeth in her five-inch heels, and he was broad and tough. No wonder Jacey felt safe. If only Elizabeth … she chanced a glance, but Hays wasn't in the same location. Had he left? Her chest tightened when she should be relieved he wasn't in danger's path.

The cowboy shook her hand firmly. "Nice to meet you, Elizabeth."

"You as well, Cade. Thank you for …" Emotion rose in her throat. Elizabeth didn't display emotion. Ever. She cleared her throat and said, "Protecting Jacey."

Cade slid his arm around her sister and drew her close to his side. "With my life," he vowed, gazing into Jacey's eyes and then giving Elizabeth and her guards a look that was a clear warning. They were on his property. If they dared say a wrong word to Jacey, he would take them out. He and all the armed men spread around the grassy area wouldn't be able to best her guards. Even if they could, Father would send more mercenaries within hours or take retribution on their loved ones when they least expected it.

Elizabeth snuck a glance at Quaid. Did he loathe her? She stiffened as he glared at her. Jacey motioned to their brother. Quaid softened and walked to them, holding his wife's hand.

Elizabeth's heart beat so fast, she feared they could hear it.

Quaid stepped up and stiffly shook her hand. No emotion. No warmth. She hadn't expected either, though she could admit to herself that she longed for a flicker of connection.

Thomas had grown from that adorable, brave but beaten little boy to an exemplary, strong, and handsome man.

When they'd discovered his assumed name, Father had shown Elizabeth documentation of the military prowess his son had accomplished. He'd been proud and ready to use Quaid's accomplishments for their gain after they retrieved Jacey. Quaid had won that battle. As far as Elizabeth was concerned, escaping from and rising above their parents was her brother's greatest feat. She was proud of him, though she could never tell him that.

"Elizabeth, this is my wife Anna."

Anna surprised her with a brief hug. She returned it and felt an innocent love from the sweet-looking woman. Emotion surged through her, and she had to bite her cheek to hide it. Hugs and acceptance weren't part of her life. She wasn't certain how to react, but she savored the connection.

"My goodness, I feel like I'm meeting the Queen of England," Anna said, pulling back and beaming at her.

"Oh." Elizabeth was at a loss. "I am honored to meet you. Quaid has always been …" She swallowed down the emotion again. How she loved her brother and sister and had never been able to show it, except sometimes privately with Jacey. Not with Quaid. Any kindness from her had resulted in ugly torture for him. "A loyal and exemplary brother. The best of all men."

He looked unaffected by her praise. Glowing words from her meant nothing. He did not trust her. He never would.

Glancing away, she let her gaze sweep the crowd and could not find Hays among them.

Panic filled her chest. Her Superman, her one safe spot, had disappeared. But she pushed the panic away. Her feeling safe didn't matter. She needed to keep them safe.

She catalogued the people she had to protect from Peter and her father. Hays—incredible, enticing, out of reach as ever, one enthralling glance and now he had disappeared. Jacey and Anna —genuine, beautiful, innocent, sweet, and in need of protection that she had no idea how to impart. Quaid and Cade—tough, imposing, untrusting, protective, and shooting her warning glances with no clue she was on their side.

Could she somehow whisper the truth to each of them, or would her guards never budge from her side? Could she sneak in the house and at least leave the note she'd managed to write in her father's private jet's bathroom? It was currently wrapped around the string bracelets she and Jacey had made twenty years ago, which was stashed in her bra. The simple bracelet had remained next to her heart all these years.

Hays being here felt significant and also made her uneasy. She could not let her father know via his guards or a recorded transmission that she was still smitten with her high school crush.

"He is the best of brothers and men," Jacey said. She and Quaid shared a fond look, and Elizabeth was on the outside. As always.

"Lizzy." Jacey turned the power of her blue eyes on her. Even their father had been unable to injure Jacey like he could Quaid and Elizabeth because of those eyes. The happiness Jacey brought to everyone had penetrated even Father's cold heart. "Can you stay?"

"Stay?" she repeated.

"Here. With Cade and me. Even for a few days. I know how busy you and Dad are, but I have been looking forward to seeing you again and reconnecting. Now that Mother is gone, there is so much to talk about, so much pain to heal and light to impart."

Elizabeth stared at her, stunned. Stay in this mountain paradise? For a visit with her sister? Father would never approve.

"I will check with Father," she said.

Quaid gave her an annoyed look. Jacey smiled, as if checking with Father meant Elizabeth would get the answer Jacey hoped for.

"He would know my schedule," she added.

Quaid's gaze intensified. He knew she had a near-perfect memory and would know her own schedule. Did he know their father was the monster he should fear and protect his wife and Jacey from?

"If you can, it would mean the world to me." Jacey smiled. "I am so grateful you're here."

"As am I." Elizabeth meant it. At the moment. Hugging her sister, seeing that happiness in Jacey's eyes, hoping there might be a chance Quaid would listen to her. If she could convey her message, and Peter hadn't been instructed to murder these people, she would be thrilled for these stolen moments with her siblings.

"Come." Jacey grabbed her hand. "You have to meet Cade's family and the Colevilles."

"I am acquainted with Easton," she said, smiling and feeling more carefree with her hand in Jacey's than she had since she was twelve, when their parents had been away at a governor's banquet. Quaid and Jacey's beloved Nanny Maria had proven herself and been allowed to keep Elizabeth with her siblings for the evening. She had somehow arranged for a picnic dinner on the Long Island estate's spacious lawn that swept down to the ocean. They had eaten, played games together, splashed in the water, and laughed. Besides her time with Hays, it was one of the few good memories of her life. Maria had been killed not long after for trying to kidnap, or rather rescue, Quaid and Jacey.

"I am certain you are." Jacey and the others laughed. "Easton and Walker will flirt shamelessly with you."

Elizabeth smiled at that, but her gut tightened. If Jacey and Quaid thought it was innocent to allow these cowboys to ‘flirt shamelessly' with her, they did not know the truth or the risk.

She had to open their eyes.

Before it was too late.