by Jani Kay
Ryder grimaced. “Fly? Some of my guys don’t do flying.”
“Well, there is no other choice. Riding a few hundred miles will take too long. God knows what condition Eva is in. Plus, we need to keep this as low-key as possible. Nobody can find out or warn them that we are coming. The element of surprise is our best weapon.”
“Can I come too?” Jade looked at Ryder, then at me. Her expression was serious.
“No, baby. You have to stay here. I can’t be worrying about you while we’re doing this. I’ll ask Mia if you can stay at their place and get one of the boys to watch over you.”
“But I want to help Eva. She’ll need a woman—”
“Jade. I said no. I’m not risking your life.” Ryder’s voice was soft yet stern. In spite of how much I disliked the biker, I had to take my hat off to the man. He kissed her belly and then smiled at her. “You have to look after our babies. That’s your job, okay?”
“Babies?” I gasped.
For a brief moment, Ryder cracked a smile. “Yeah, we’re having twins.” Pride shone in his eyes, and Jade beamed from ear to ear.
“I guess you’re right. I’ll hang out with Mia and we can watch movies and eat popcorn.”
Ryder chuckled. “That’s my good girl.”
I was relieved he’d been the one to refuse Jade. This was no vacation we were going on. It was risky and dangerous. Parker’s men would be heavily armed, and I wasn’t taking chances. I wouldn’t be surprised if blood was shed either.
I glanced at my watch. “How soon can you be ready? I’m chartering a small aircraft to take us.”
“My guys can meet us there. It’s easier if they come to the airfield directly from the club. I’ll go with you and we can strategize during the trip.”
There were things Ryder and I had to talk about that I didn’t want Jade to hear, so it suited me just fine.
“We’ll pick Savage up on the way. This is all systems go.” I rose to my feet, ready to start moving. I couldn’t wait to get going.
Ryder kissed Jade, and I excused myself to go to the bathroom to give them a private moment. I took a while and when I came back into the room, the two of them were still at it. I cleared my throat. “Hey, let’s get going.”
Jade blushed a deep pink as Ryder let her go and she slipped off his lap. He smacked her ass playfully before she crossed the distance between us and put her arms around my neck to hug me.
“Please be careful, Harrison. Bring back Eva and Ryder in one piece. And yourself. Promise me that?”
The lump in my throat threatened to choke me. “I promise.”
Ryder’s eyebrow rose again. He wasn’t taking my word for it.
I kissed Jade on the forehead and took a step backward.
My gaze met Ryder’s. His eye twitching, which had been barely noticeable when I’d arrived, had become far more obvious. My stomach roiled at the sense of impending doom.
As soon as we got into the car and drove away, I turned to Ryder.
“You okay?” The twitching was making me nervous as fuck.
He wavered for a second before he answered. “I have a bad feeling, man. Like something is happening to Eva . . . something really, really bad.” His face was hard as granite, and small beads of perspiration had formed on his forehead.
My heart thumped against my ribs. Fuck no. I’d bargain with the fucking devil himself if he’d keep her from harm. I pressed my foot down on the accelerator, and we sped through the neighborhood until we hit the freeway.
Chapter 38 — Eva
Standing with my ear to the door, I listened until I heard footsteps and then a door slam shut. I nodded at Sofia to open the bathroom door. It was hot and steamy with the door closed, and I was still feeling faint and queasy. With my heart beating rapidly in my ears, I wondered what was waiting for me in the room.
On the bed lay a wedding gown of pure white lace and silk. Although it was beautiful and most likely very expensive, it wasn’t what I would have chosen myself. But then, neither was the man I was getting married to. And knowing Nolan, he’d be sure to have a watertight pre-nuptial agreement in place so that I’d never escape unless he wanted it.
Maybe, if I was lucky, he’d tire of me and toss me to the side. How crazy was my situation and my thoughts? What bride went into what was meant to be the biggest day of her life with trepidation and fear, hoping for it to fail before it even started? The promise I’d made was becoming too much to bear. Would Harrison ever realize the price I was prepared to pay for his life and his freedom?
Sofia took me by the arm and led me to the vanity. I sat in front of the mirror, still and lifeless as she combed my wet hair, then dried it. I avoided looking at the gown, the symbol of my imprisonment, by turning my head so that I wouldn’t see the reflection of it in the mirror. As the minutes ticked by, dread filled my soul.
Sofia’s nimble fingers weaved flowers into my dark hair. Their sweet fragrance filled the room, and I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths to calm myself. She made a strange soft humming noise, as if she was trying to soothe me. I loved that she tried to help me in whatever small way she could.
Eventually, I had to face the dress waiting for me. Jones had returned to tell me I had fifteen minutes to go until he was coming for me. Fifteen minutes before my life changed forever.
A sense of emptiness gripped me as I stared at myself in the mirror. The sooner I made peace with the void that would reside where my heart used to be, the better I’d cope with the situation.
I’ve sold my soul to the devil.
But it would be worth every agonizing moment if it meant that Harrison was spared. He’d never know of my sacrifice, but I would, and that was enough for me. True love wasn’t about oneself or about one’s ego; it was about ensuring that the one I loved was safe and happy.
For a moment, I stared into my own eyes in the mirror. They seemed vacant, as if I’d already left my body and gone somewhere else.
Just over a year ago, I would have been the happiest woman alive marrying Nolan. I didn’t know what kind of man he was then. It was strange how sometimes the people we believed to be our heroes turned out to be nothing like the character they portrayed to the outside world. Behind the mask was another person we didn’t know existed.
I wasn’t the only fool though—thousands of people trusted Senator Parker to be a standup guy of good morals. If only they knew that beneath the façade of decency lurked an evil man who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. I shuddered as I thought of all the promises he’d made to get elected. I wouldn’t be in the least surprised if nothing came of it.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d become a Stepford wife. Pretending to be something I was not was one of my worst nightmares. Most likely, I’d end up stabbing my new husband and landing in prison. At least that wouldn’t be as bad as living a lie.
Sofia brought the dress to me and held it so that I could slip into it. I gulped for air.
This is it.
Cagey and overwhelmed, I stepped into the frothy creation with my heart pounding in my ears. I stood dead still while Sofia fastened the row of tiny buttons at the back.
For the first time, I was glad my mother was dead. I’d dreaded my wedding day since she’d died of cancer because I’d miss her presence so damn much. But now I was relieved that she wouldn’t have to witness how I’d sold out on my dreams.
Sofia smoothed the dress with the palm of her hand before helping me slip into the shoes that had been left with the gown. Everything fit perfectly, including the satin underwear I wore underneath. Nolan hadn’t spared any expense; that much was clear. Only it wasn’t what I would have chosen.
“Thank you,” I said with a weak smile as she handed me a bouquet of white lilies.
I hated lilies. To me they were the flower of death. How appropriate.
My head jerked up when the hard door knock came again. Jones stepped inside unceremoniously, and raked his gaze over me.
“Not
too bad. You’re a bit too skinny for my taste; I like my women full and voluptuous. Some meat on their bones to hold on to.”
For a fleeting moment, I wanted to burst out and laugh. Jones’s revelation was far more information than I’d ever expected from the serious, badass dude I’d become accustomed to. I relaxed just a little, letting my shoulders drop a fraction.
But before I could even comment, the hard mask had slipped back over his features. The moment was gone as suddenly as it had appeared. Yet it made me realize that no matter what we portrayed to the outside world, no matter how tough we appeared, we were all only human. Even Jones.
For the second time in a matter of minutes, Jones surprised me by holding out his arm to escort me out. My bodyguard was keeping me close. Smart man.
His ominous voice spoke in my ear. “I wouldn’t do anything silly if I were you. Smile and act like a blushing bride as if your life depends on it. There are cameras waiting.”
My heart pounded and my mouth went dry. I had no option but to slip my arm through that of the burly man because my knees were shaking so hard I was afraid I’d be unable to stand through it all.
Jones started walking toward the door. Sofia shuffled closer, and lifted the train of the dress off the ground. It was time to do this.
Chapter 39 — Eva
The bright sunlight reminded me that I hadn’t been outside in days. I blinked a few times and my eyes watered as I fought back a sneeze. I wondered what it was about the bright sun that caused a person to have such a strong reaction. I must Google it.
My mother had always said “bless you.” How I wished she was there to rescue me. She would have seen right through Nolan and put a stop to this.
Funny the stories we make up in our heads when we don’t want to face the harsh reality of what was happening to us.
“People survived the Holocaust by keeping their minds strong. Remember that, Eva.” My mother’s voice spoke in my head with every step I took closer to my ill fate.
Becoming aware of movement in the distance, I squinted and saw a few people out on the lush lawn—all wielding cameras. What if I told them what was happening to me? Would they believe me? Help me?
What if they thought I was crazy?
Maybe I was.
I nearly stumbled over a stone on the pathway. I cursed under my breath as pain shot from my toes through to my ankle. Jones’s grip tightened as he jerked me upright and held on to me. “Be careful and watch where you’re going.” Irritation was clear in his voice.
“My foot. It hurts.”
“Walk, dammit.”
I had nothing left to bargain with; I had nothing left but the smallest sliver of hope that something, someone would end this freaking nightmare.
“Jones, don’t make me do this. Please, I beg you.”
“Shut up and walk.”
“I’m not talking about my damn foot.”
“I know. Keep moving.”
Trembling, I wrapped my hand around his arm and tightened my grip, my nails biting into his flesh. He flinched for a second, but didn’t say another word. Every step was like a thousand needles stabbing my foot.
“Miss Ryder,” a man called as soon as he saw me, hastily making his way toward us to get the scoop of a lifetime. Flashes went off like lightbulbs, blinding me for a few seconds. I’d seen the media mob many famous rock stars, but I’d never imagined it would happen to me.
The sun was low in the sky, painting the horizon pink and orange. A red carpet lay before me leading to a flower-laden arch at the end of it. In front of the arch stood the groom, his chest puffed out and his straight back making him seem just a little bit taller than usual. The smile of victory that spread over his face made me want to puke.
Avoiding his gaze, I fixed my eyes on the horizon. The sun touched the ocean, kissing another day farewell. The worst day of my fucking life.
“Eva,” Nolan breathed as soon as I stood in front of him. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”
My eyes pleaded with him. Don’t do this. He wasn’t paying attention.
Jones let go of my arm and passed me over to my husband-to-be. By only taking three steps to the side, his legs wide and his arms folded across his chest, his body stance warned me that he was watching me like a hawk. There was no escape. My heart beat in my throat, and my mouth was so dry that my tongue stuck to the roof.
Sofia straightened the train of the dress, spreading it out behind me. Jones indicated for her to disappear, shooing her away like a dog with his hand. She gave me a warm smile, turned on her heels and walked away.
A sense of complete loss overtook me. I had nobody on my side now that Sofia had left. Utterly alone, my whole body shook with fear and trepidation, my knees threatening to buckle under me.
My God. This is really happening.
Strangely, I was beyond tears. Numb and empty, I stood there like a doll.
Nolan took my hands in his. “God, your hands are like ice. Turn to the cameras, darling.”
It took every bit of effort not to scream and run. To turn slowly, like instructed.
“Smile, darling.”
I can’t. My face won’t move.
With all eyes on me, I wanted to tell them all that this was a mistake. The hugest fucking mistake ever. I wanted to shout out that I didn’t want to be there. That everything about this was so wrong on so many levels that it should never be allowed to happen.
But not one word left my mouth.
I’d become as dumb as Sofia. An ice-cold zombie.
The minister, dressed in a sky blue suit that matched the graying of his hair instead of the severe black and white garb I expected, took a step forward. He smiled at me in a compassionate kind of way. He was probably assuming I was simply overwhelmed by the greatness of the moment. After all, I was marrying a senator.
In his hands, he held a book from which he started reading. I could see his lips move, but every word he spoke sounded garbled, as if he were speaking an alien language. My head swam and my stomach cramped violently. Cold sweat broke out on my skin, and I felt like I was about to black out at any moment.
“What the fuck?” Nolan’s voice boomed in my ear.
My head snapped up when Jones lunged forward, both his arms reaching out to grab me. Stunned, I felt myself fall backwards against a hard body. Strong arms folded around my waist and swung me around in a vice-like grip.
What the hell was happening?
Jones lay on the ground, a heavy boot on his back and a gun pointed at his head. His eyes were bugging and he’d gritted his teeth.
How does that feel, asshole?
I lifted my gaze to the man in the boots. A satisfied grin greeted me.
Razor? What the hell was he doing here?
“Eva, you’re okay.” Ryder’s voice broke through my fuzzy brain. “Come with me.” Half dragging me, he pulled me away toward the building a few yards away. Going limp against his body, I didn’t resist when he lifted me off the ground and carried me, the train of my dress dragging through a muddy patch from rain earlier in the day.
Still trying to figure out if my mind was playing tricks on me, I looked back toward the arch to search for Nolan. Where was he in all of this?
My gaze collided with steel-hard eyes fixed on me. All the air in my lungs left my body on a heavy exhale.
Harrison.
What was going on? He was with Razor and Ryder? How did they find me?
I’m hallucinating. Nolan must have drugged me. This is not possible.
Harrison stood, legs wide apart, staring at me with a murderous expression on his face and a gun trained on Nolan. “Don’t move a fucking inch.”
Relief flooded me as I took in Harrison’s commanding presence. His jaw was set with determination, and it was clear he was completely in command of the situation. Nolan had been trumped, and I had no doubt he’d get what he deserved; if there was one thing Harrison and the bikers were experts at, it was handling situations like these.
The photographers were having a field day. Flashes lit up the early dusk as they captured the action on their cameras. Lord help us when this got to the newsrooms around the world. This was an even bigger scoop than the senator’s wedding day.
“Are you okay, Sis?” Ryder’s voice was filled with concern as he looked down at my face.
“Yeah, but I don’t understand—”
I couldn’t help a small twinge of disappointment that it wasn’t Harrison’s arms I was in at that moment. Not that I was ungrateful to be anywhere other than under that arch with Nolan.
Looking back I saw Harrison grab Nolan’s wrists and secure them with handcuffs. There was a lot of yelling, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying to one another.
“You’re safe now. Harrison pieced it all together after Jade became suspicious. Fuck, I’m so happy you’re okay and that we got here in time.”
“God, yes. I was waiting for the ground to swallow me, thinking I was screwed forever.” A small hollow and somewhat hysterical sound burst from my lips. “I can’t believe you guys came for me. I’d prayed so damn hard but I never thought anyone was listening.”
Carrying me up a set of stairs toward the entrance of the building, Ryder said, “Somebody was, and now we’re here to fix this mess.”
“I still can’t believe you found me. I don’t even know where we are.”
Ryder smirked. “On a small island of Hawaii, one of the more private ones that rich people can rent exclusively.”
“Oh, that makes it even more incredible that you found me.”
“Yeah, it’s all thanks to Summers and his partner. They planned the whole operation and gave us each a role in the rescue. We could use someone with skills like that in the club.”
I couldn’t believe my ears or that I’d ever hear Ryder say something like that about Harrison. The fact that both men abandoned their pride and worked together to save me was incredulous enough.
I had no idea what to make of it until I’d processed the whole situation and heard his side of the story. I still didn’t get how Ryder and Harrison got together, never mind find and rescue me.