Hale

PANIC STRUCK AS SOON as he turned away from Heaven. It was like getting sucker-punched out of the blue, and by the time the door to the roof deck slammed shut behind , the idea of marriage resembled a hangman's noose tied around his neck.

And with every second that passed, he could feel the rope tightening, bit by fucking bit.

He called his secretary, and Jenkins answered right away.

"I'm sorry, sir—-"

"You better have a damn good reason for stopping me from flying."

"A package has arrived in your office," Jenkins explained, "and it's something you'll want to take with you to Jackson Hole."

"A package ?"

"Yes, sir. There are actually two of them, and I've left both in your office."

stared at his phone in disbelief as the line went dead. Did his own secretary just hang up on him?

What the hell?

This was completely out of character for the older man, and he wondered grimly if Jenkins was suffering from some kind of midlife crisis. Or whatever it was called when one was in their early sixties but with both the physical and intellectual faculties of someone still in his prime.

tried to focus on his thoughts on Heaven as he took the elevator back to his floor, but all his mind cared to remember was that today was the same day he had lost his parents.

What the fuck's happening to me?

The thunderous expression on his face had those working on his floor quickly jumping out of his way even as they started exchanging knowing looks.

'There's trouble in paradise', those looks said, 'and they're not even married yet!'

shot them a glare, and his staff hurriedly got back to work.

He walked back into his office, and a brunette jumped off his desk with a grin.

"Surprise!"

She threw herself into his arms, and panic temporarily took a backseat as gave her a bear hug.

Mikey and Rush were the only two people in his life cared about. Prior to being adopted by the Wilfreys, Mikey had spent a couple of months in the foster home he and Rush had shared. It was only a short period, but it had been enough to build a lifetime bond.

The three of them would always be family by choice.

And yet...

In the past several years, ennui had even managed to take away his joy in their company. They had noticed this, too, but despite their frequent attempts to reach out to him, had only felt himself drifting farther away from them.

Until now.

knew the pleasure he felt in seeing Mikey again was real. And it was something he hadn't felt for years. He was able to feel joy again, but ironically, the only person he had to thank for this was also the same person making him feel he was about to run out of oxygen.

"I hope you didn't give Jenkins too much of a hard time," Mikey was saying. "I insisted that he keep things a secret. It's not every day people get to surprise the Great Aryan ." She looked at him slyly. "And we did surprise you, didn't we?"

His gaze bored through hers, and she laughed. "I guess I'll take that as a yes."

"Is Rush with you?" he asked.

"He is. But he had to step out and take a call. You know how you billionaires are with your phone calls." Mikey looked at him expectantly. "But enough about Rush. You're the one we need to be talking about. Did I really hear Jenkins right? You're getting married ? For real? "

"Have I ever been the type to waste time on something that's not real?"

Mikey a face. "To be fair—-you were born a sourpuss, and you never pretended to be otherwise."

"Then you have your answer, don't you?"

Mikey gave him another hug. "Congratulations!"

His throat tightened anew, but managed a tight-lipped smile. "Thanks."

"But how? Who? Is it someone Rush or I know?"

"I doubt it."

Mikey rolled her eyes. "Details, . Details ."

"You can ask her everything instead when we meet up in Jackson Hole. Does Rush have his jet with him?"

" Duh ."

"Then you guys can catch up with Heaven and me—-" He stopped speaking when he saw Mikey jerk as if someone had suddenly walked on her grave.

"Heaven?"

"My fiancée's name. Heaven Gaines—-" broke off for the same time as Mike's face lost color. "Mikey?" He reached for her, but she stumbled back to avoid his touch.

What the hell?

Mikey was now staring at him, and she looked completely terrified. "Did she...did she tell you about me?"

His gaze narrowed. "You know her?"

A strangled laugh escaped Mikey. "Know her? Oh, I more than know her, babe, and—-and—-" She choked back a sob. "I wish I didn't have to tell you this, but you can't marry her, . She's bad news—-"

"If you're talking about her past—-"

" She 's the reason I quit, ," Mikey cried out. "She pushed me off the runway, and I could never go back to dancing after that. She ruined my life, and she'll ruin yours, too, if you let her."

could feel himself growing cold as Mikey rushed forward and clutched his shirt. "Please, . Please. You have to trust me on this. If you know about her past, then you probably know about her stepdad, too. R-Right? "

's jaw clenched.

"She's very, very good at convincing people that she's just a victim, and that she's nothing like her stepdad. But she is, . She is! And just...just t-think about how your parents would feel if they knew you were to marry someone who's no different from the man that killed them?"

Was this why , he wondered dully, he had been feeling wrong all this fucking time?

Mikey grabbed his hands in a fit of desperation. "Don't break your parents' heart, ."

Was it his parents doing their best to warn him from the other side not to make the biggest mistake of his life?

swallowed hard. "Heaven..."

"Where is she right now?"

"The chopper..."

"Give me your phone," Mikey urged, "and I'll take care of everything."

Mikey gave him another hug after taking his phone. "It's going to be okay, . I promise."