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She dropped in a heap at his feet, rolled quickly away, and jumped to her feet, jabbing her hands in the air. Hays could’ve grabbed her before she rolled away, but he was too disappointed at missing out on a chance to kiss her.
“I did it!”
“Yes!” Easton cheered.
“Nice job,” Hays managed.
“The art of distraction,” she said, smiling at her triumph.
Distraction for sure. She distracted him like nothing in this world could. Hays was proud of her for escaping but disconcerted that she hadn’t been carried away in the moment and aching for a kiss like he was.
There was no way she could be devoted to him like he was to her.
Devastated. That was how he felt as she and Easton celebrated.
Chapter
Fifteen
Elizabeth congratulated herself for somehow managing to keep her focus and get away from Hays. His arms around her had her head cloudy and full of dreams of them escaping to Greenland and living out their days in a cottage by the icy sea. When she’d kissed his neck and then he’d spun her so quickly, made her tremble with his hands caressing her arms, his dark eyes filled with a meaningful look, and then bent to kiss her, all she’d wanted was to return his kiss. Thankfully she’d remembered his instructions, dropped in a heap, and rolled away.
She wanted to kiss him again. Horribly. The beautiful kisses they’d shared were never far from her mind. How could she justify kissing him over and over again when she knew they wouldn’t be together long term?
Now she was watching outside the ring as Hays and Easton sparred. They were both incredibly strong, their upper bodies well-muscled with some significant scars. She wanted to ask Hays about each scar and kiss each one. She pushed that thought away and focused on what impressive fighters they were. She didn’t know fighting terminology, but she appreciated them wrapping their hands with white tape and wearing headgear to protect their brains as they hit and kicked at each other. It looked painful.
Easton continually taunted Hays, and Hays patiently smiled in return and got in another hard hit. No matter how hard Easton hit him in return, Hays had a grin on his face. It wasn’t his usual easygoing smile; it was a smirk that said, I am a master at this and I’m holding back. I’ll destroy you soon.
She might have been putting thoughts into that smile, but she felt as if she knew Hays so well. He was the nicest man she’d ever been around, but then he’d gone and decimated Peter to protect her. She hadn’t realized as an eighteen-year-old when she’d teasingly called him Superman how well it fit. He was understated and thoughtful like Clark Kent, not wanting the glory or the praise, but he could beat anyone and make his lady yearn with longing for him. Elizabeth was grateful that unlike Lois Lane, she knew both faces of her Superman.
“Is that all you got?” Easton shot at Hays.
Hays grinned and kicked him in the head. Easton swayed. Hays backed off, watching Easton when he could’ve finished him off.
Shaking his head, Easton called out, “Come on, you beast, stop toying with me. I’m not a pansy mama’s boy.”
“You sure?” Hays asked.
Elizabeth couldn’t help but laugh. She thought Hays was asking if Easton was sure he didn’t want to be toyed with, but Easton seemed to think he was referring to not being a ‘pansy mama’s boy.’
Easton growled and launched himself at Hays. Hays dodged and threw Easton against the corner. Easton bounced back, whirled and fought wildly, his hits growing increasingly desperate.
Hays patiently went at Easton with a series of well-executed jabs and backed him into a corner. Elizabeth clapped her hands together, half-cheering and half unnerved by the battle. She’d think a fight like this would dredge up the memories of her father’s men beating somebody, but it had such a different feel to her. These men were willingly fighting and having fun with it.
She could sense Hays would knock him down soon. Easton was blustering and bragging more than ever and swaying on his feet.
“Come on,” Easton crowed. “Maybe you’re the pansy mama’s boy.”
Hays chuckled. Elizabeth sensed Hays could knock him out anytime he wanted, but he didn’t want to decimate Easton’s pride.
The door leading into the barn burst open and Walker rushed through. “Papa needs you all. Now.”
“What’s happened?” Hays demanded, flipping off his headgear and dodging out of the ring and toward her, hurrying to unravel the tape on his hands as he came.
“Breaking news about Elizabeth’s guards being found.”
Breaking news? Where had they found her guards? Still tied up? For two days? That was miserable, but they were all her father’s henchmen and deserved some discomfort.
Hays finished pulling off the tape on his hands as they ran after Walker and out of the barn. Easton followed them at a stumbling jog.
