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“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?”
