AllFreeNovel
Share Us
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.
