Sutton Smith entered the elegant ballroom with his spine stiff and his head held high. He hadn’t been on the soil of his motherland for over twenty-five years. It was eerie how familiar it all felt. He glanced at his men, dressed in tuxedos and spread throughout the room to blend in. More members of the team were performing roles in other parts of the estate. This was River’s mission and plan, but Sutton would make certain it was all executed perfectly.

Lord Kingsley spotted him and inclined his chin toward a dark corner, away from the media and any watchful eyes. Sutton followed him at a sedate pace, extending his hand to his lifelong friend when they stopped behind some potted plants.

“It’s been too long, old chap.” Kingsley pumped his hand vigorously. “I say, do you ever age?”

Sutton arched an eyebrow and clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re the one who looks sporting.” Kingsley had gone soft and portly, but his eyes still sparkled with mischievous humor, reminding Sutton of young and innocent days he would never see again. “How’s the family?”

“Happy and busy. I am a blessed man.”

Sutton forced a smile. Kingsley was blessed, and Sutton was the soldier. Destined to be alone and sacrifice his life for others. He didn’t complain. He wasn’t bitter. But there were many, many nights when he could still smell the scent of vanilla and almost feel the softness of Liz’s skin. He would see her tonight. He wished he knew how he’d react.

“The plan’s in place?” Kingsley asked.

“Yes. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate your help.”

“Blimey! To have the chance to sucker-punch that twit Gunthry? The weasel pretends he’s an upstanding member of the House of Lords yet enslaves his own wife and daughter.” Kingsley grinned. “Ex-wife now. The papers were finalized this morning. I can’t wait until Liz and Ally are safe and Gunthry finds out exactly what he signed yesterday.” He bobbed his head vigorously. “I’d give up everything but the wife and the little ones for a night like tonight and the other brilliance we’re going to throw at Gunthry soon.”

Sutton completely agreed, relieved beyond measure that Liz was no longer married to the piece of scum. Gunthry’s sucker-punch had been due for decades. Interesting that one of Sutton’s own men, River, and Liz’s daughter, Ally, were the instigators and not Sutton. He’d fought so many battles, yet he’d never come to claim Liz like he’d always wanted. But that was because of choices she’d made. He wouldn’t surrender his pride, even for her. It seemed fate, however, wouldn’t leave well enough alone.

He shook his old friend’s hand again. “Get back to being the esteemed host, chum.”

“Right you are. Let’s catch up before you leave the country.”

Sutton inclined his chin and watched his friend bustle away. If the plan went accordingly, there would be no time for catching up. His heart beat faster at the thought of the entirety of the plan. Although she didn’t know it yet, Elizabeth, former Duchess of Gunthry, would be leaving with him tonight.

How would she react to seeing him again? How was he going to stay detached and aloof? He straightened his spine and reminded himself that she’d chosen the duke over him twenty-five years ago. It didn’t matter that she was free now. She wasn’t Sutton’s love anymore. She was simply a mission to him. An abused woman who needed rescuing. The thought of his sweet Liz being beaten down and belittled by the duke for all these years ripped at him, no matter what lies he tried to tell himself.

A slight ruckus at the entry drew his eyes. Cameras were flashing like mad as the duke and Liz glided into the room. Liz was as exquisite and perfect as ever. Her blonde hair was swept up with a few curls adorning her beautiful face. Her skin was smooth and unblemished. Her body was lithe and curvy in the fitted, silver dress. But to him, Liz was so much more than the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. She was sweet and kind, and she had an understated humor and an undying love for those less fortunate.

Sutton’s mouth went dry, and he swore he could smell the tantalizing scent of vanilla. Liz. She was here, and soon she’d be in his arms again.

No. He had to be strong and professional. She wasn’t his Liz anymore. She would never be his Liz again. Sutton’s eyes flickered to the duke, smiling regally and shaking Lord Kingsley’s hand and kissing Angela’s fingers. They proceeded farther into the room, and the duke introduced Liz to River’s father and mother, Barry and Poppy. Barry Duncan and Lord Kingsley were about to help Sutton and River give the duke everything he deserved. Sutton allowed himself a small smile, despite the ache he was feeling for Liz.

High stakes had always been a part of Sutton’s life—in his short military career, in business, in the Warrior Project. This mission, however, had an entirely different texture. It had never been personal like this before. If they didn’t stop the duke, a lot of people Sutton cared about stood to lose everything. Nothing could go wrong tonight.

* * *

Elizabeth Gunthry placed her hand carefully on the arm the duke extended to her and strolled by his side into the elegant ballroom. His eyes flickered over her silver sequined dress, perfectly coiffed blonde hair, and professionally made-up face with disdain and possessiveness. “You look lovely, my dear.”

“Thank you,” she said automatically. The duke didn’t expect a return compliment. She supposed he was an extremely handsome man, to those who didn’t know his black heart. To her, James was the ugliest and vilest of monsters. His touch made her stomach curdle and her heart shrivel and want to stop beating. Mercifully, he hadn’t tried to be intimate with her in years. She only had to endure his touch in public and his violence in private.

The Kingsley’s spacious ballroom was as full as she’d ever seen it, with dozens of couples dancing to a waltz played by a small orchestra and many more people mingling around the edges. Lord Kingsley and his lovely wife, Angela, greeted them as they entered the room. Liz had already asked too much of her only confidant when Angela helped arrange for Ally’s protection in Kauai by an American Navy SEAL. Sadly, that plan had failed. The courageous young SEAL had lost his life and torn Ally’s heart out. Liz had almost despaired of ever securing her daughter’s freedom, but she would never give up. It didn’t matter if her own life was sacrificed. She would not allow Ally to repeat the purgatory that her life had been.

Kingsley was still trying to help them though and, just last night, had secured Liz’s divorce, for which she would be forever grateful. He had found a judge who would keep the proceedings quiet until Ally was safe. Liz would be in mortal peril when James found out she and Kingsley had tricked him into signing divorce papers while he thought his friend, Lord Kingsley, had helped him access more of Liz’s immense fortune. It was worth it to know, at least on paper and before the courts, she was free.

Glancing back, she caught a glimpse of her daughter. A lot of people thought they looked like twins but Ally was much more beautiful, confident, and fun-loving than Elizabeth had ever been. At one time, Liz had had the confidence and happiness that love brings, but that had been ripped away from her years ago. There was no hope for love for her now, and to know that Ally’s first love had been murdered by James last week had almost sucked any hope from her heart. But Ally was still young, and the world lay before her. Somehow, someway, they would secure her freedom or die trying.

James escorted Liz to a broad, good-looking man and his adorable wife who had such springy dark curls Liz wanted to touch them.

“Mr. Barry Duncan and his wife, the lovely Poppy.” James smiled magnanimously. “May I present my beloved Elizabeth, the Duchess of Gunthry.” James bowed to her as if he truly worshipped her.

Liz gave them her brilliant smile. She was more impressive than any actress she knew at this point. Her heart was singing. She was no longer the Duchess of Gunthry, and soon James and the world would know that. “Such a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Mr. Duncan shook her hand, all smiles. “The pleasure is all ours. Your acclaim is world-wide, Duchess.”

Liz held on to her smile. Acclaim for being touted as the most beautiful woman in the world. Oh, how she hated that. She didn’t care what anyone in the world thought of her and was so sick of her face and body being the only thing that mattered to anyone. Her daughter knew there was more to her, and that was all that mattered. Liz would play her part, and she would play it well until her daughter was free. At that point, James would probably kill her as he’d threatened a week ago. “Thank you.”

Poppy surprised Liz by reaching up and giving her a tight squeeze. The little woman smelled like the flowers, befitting her name. She would be a bright spot anywhere. “You and I are going to be fast friends.” Poppy declared in her quick American accent.

She released Liz, and for once, Liz didn’t know how to respond. She didn’t have friends except for Angela Kingsley, and she rarely saw her. James had isolated her so completely that she barely knew who she was any longer, besides his slave and decoration.

Poppy held on to her hand and tugged her around to her side as her husband engaged James in business conversation. She knew James was ecstatic to make contact with the American billionaire. Liz couldn’t care less. She was wealthy independently of her husband, fat lot of good it did her. She lifted her chin and reminded herself it was all different now. She was divorced from James, and that knowledge made her heart soar. Even if she never physically got away from him, she wasn’t shackled to him in the sight of heaven or the good Lord’s witnesses any longer.

“Now point out your sweet daughter to me,” Poppy requested, squeezing her hand. “I haven’t even met the angel, and I already know I’m going to love her.”

Liz glanced down at the petite woman in surprise. Something was going on here, and she felt like she was a step behind. She did as requested and pointed to Ally and Henry standing across the room. Ally was a vision in a white fitted dress that flared from the hips down with red and pink flowers adorning the dress and her hair. “That’s Alexandria.” Liz purposely avoided mentioning Henry, the swine Ally was being forced to marry.

Poppy gasped. “Oh, my goodness, she’s even more beautiful than the pictures of her. I can see why Riv—” Poppy seemed to catch herself. “I can see why she makes such a stir everywhere she goes. And that dress. It’s prettier than my wedding dress was.”

Liz didn’t quite know what to make of this verbose woman with her charming accent and rapid speech. Had she been about to say River? Liz shook her head. No. She’d heard Ally moan that name in her sleep over and over, so it was stuck in her own brain. Along with questions of how the good Lord could be so cruel to take Ally’s young love away before they even had a chance to begin. Liz fingered her diamond necklace absently. Liz’s own love hadn’t been killed, but he might as well have been.

“Tell me all about yourself,” Poppy said. “What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?”

Fun? Liz released her necklace and tried to think of the last time someone had wanted to know something about her besides who designed her clothing, styled her hair, did her makeup, or which brand of anti-aging cream she used.

“Well, er, I used to fancy surfing, but you know how busy life gets.” She sighed and then caught herself when she saw the duke’s sharp glance. How could he hear her conversation when he was ten feet away and involved in his own? “I swim every day.”

“Oh, that’s lovely. That’s why you look so fantabulous.”

Liz couldn’t help but laugh at the silly word. “What about you?”

“My life is my boys, my grandbabies, and my garden.” She beamed. “I whip those cute little men into shape and they bring me such happiness.”

Liz felt the splinter drive deeper into her heart. Boys, grandbabies, and happiness. She couldn’t understand or relate.

“I bet your daughter brings you such joy.”

Liz glanced over to where Ally had been and saw her striding quickly across the room. “Yes, she does.” She wished she could excuse herself and chase after her girl, but the duke would not approve, and she couldn’t risk enraging him with Ally in his grasp. If he ever hurt Ally the way he’d hurt Liz … A shudder ran through her. Every day, the vow she’d made to die defending her daughter if it ever became necessary came closer to being a prophecy.

A subtle wash of sandalwood and musk stole over Liz, and she couldn’t help but close her eyes and simply savor that smell. Sutton. That certain cologne always screamed his name to her. Twenty-five long years, and the only glimpses she’d had of him were when he was on the telly for some donation or philanthropic mission.

“Oh!” Poppy gasped next to her then let out a low whistle.

Liz opened her eyes, and a vision was before her. Her knees went weak, and her stomach swooped. “Sutton?” she whispered.

He gave her a very practiced smile, not his genuine grin that she used to bask in, but a cold and detached smile. Nonetheless, he was even more handsome than he’d been at twenty-three. He was tall, regal, with the sculpted face of a man who had been through his share of battles and had come out the victor. His muscular frame encased in a tailored black tuxedo screamed he was not a man to be trifled with, but she wished with everything in her that she could trifle with him.

How was he here? Why now? All the years fell away, and it was all Liz could do to restrain herself. She wanted to throw herself against that lovely chest and kiss him until all the anguish, fear, and despair of the last twenty-five years disappeared.

“Hello, Duchess,” he said in that deep, melodious voice that sent tingles dancing along her skin.

Did he know she was no longer the duchess? That she was free and still as enamored by him as she’d been as a teenager?

“Are you James Bond?” Poppy asked.

Sutton’s real smile burst through for half a second, and Liz had to lean against Poppy or she would’ve fallen over. Was he truly standing before her?

“No, ma’am. I’m 008.” His accent was slightly different than Liz remembered. Maybe it was a bit Americanized, or maybe it was just a sign of how hardened he’d become over the years.

Poppy laughed and then clasped Liz’s hand. “Oh, my,” she whispered. “If he smiles at me again, I’m going to pass out.”

Liz was close to passing out herself. 008 had been her and Sutton’s personal joke years ago. She’d call him James Bond, and he would say he was 008, stronger and smarter than Bond and committed to only one woman. Oh, if only the last part were true and that woman was her. Did he even remember what they used to have? The depth of his blue gaze said he did.

“Duchess.” Sutton bit the word out with a bitterness that stung. Still, he extended his hand and bowed slightly. “May I have the pleasure of this dance?”

Poppy pushed her forward. “Go!”

Liz felt like she was back in high school with her friend Angela pushing her toward her dream man. Sutton took her hand in his, and all the years and pain melted away. Her stomach was full of butterflies, and the only thing in the world she wanted was for him to smile at her. Really smile at her. As if she was all that mattered to him.

Sutton placed his large palm on her lower back, and she barely restrained a sigh at how delicious his touch was. He brought their clasped hands up to his chest. Liz wrapped her fingers around his broad shoulder, awed by the muscle that was under her grip.

Sutton carefully guided her around the room. Her heart was beating too hard. She could hardly catch a breath, but somehow, she could still smell his lovely cologne.

He glanced at a burly young man in the corner. Something passed between them in a nod, and then he finally focused his brilliant blue eyes on her face. “Barry is doing a brilliant job of distracting the duke so I can explain things to you.”

The duke? A pit formed in her stomach. Liz had forgotten about him completely. She chanced a glance James’ direction, and his expression was murderous. No! She couldn’t risk Ally, even for the joy of being close to Sutton once again.

“Ally.” She choked out.

Sutton stared harder at her. “Ally is protected. River will find her shortly.”

“River?” Liz was so confused. How did Sutton know Ally, River, or the American billionaire? “River was murdered.” Of all the black deeds James had done, killing the man Ally loved was among the vilest.

Sutton gave a harsh bark of a laugh. “Your duke isn’t as powerful as he thinks he is.”

Liz wanted to argue that he wasn’t “her duke” and he was more powerful than the Queen and Prime Minster put together, but her heart was beating painfully now. Sutton hadn’t come for her like she’d always dreamed he would, and at the moment, he didn’t seem to care about her one way or another. His words were cold and detached. The only indication that he remembered any of their love was something deep in his gaze. Something no one but her would notice.

“River survived,” Sutton said.

Liz’s legs buckled under her.

“Whoa.” Sutton released her hand and wrapped both his strong arms around her back. He supported her weight and held her even closer to his chest. “Are you all right?”

“I thought River was dead.” A small squeak escaped as she clung to Sutton’s shoulders with both hands now. River was alive! “Ally loves him so much.”

Sutton’s splendid arms encased her, and for the first time in twenty-five years, all was right in her world. River was alive, Ally was protected, and for the moment at least, Liz didn’t doubt that Sutton still cared for her.

He leaned close and whispered in her ear. “I need you to be strong right now, Liz. I need you to act your part. Can you do that? For Alexandria?”

Liz glanced up at him, loving that he’d finally called her Liz and not the hated title of “Duchess.” She’d always been Liz to him. His handsome face was so close. She wanted to go on her tiptoes and see if his lips were still firm and warm and able to light up her world, but Ally’s life and happiness were at risk. She would do anything he said.

“What do you think I’ve been doing the past twenty-five years?” she whispered back.

Sutton gave her a fleeting smile then pulled back, removed her hand from his shoulder and grasped it again. They started dancing around the room, blending in with the rest of the happy throng. She hadn’t allowed herself to look at the duke, but she could feel his glower and dark presence as they went past that spot in the room.

Sutton stared intently at her, serious and detached. He did look like James Bond. The way he’d said 008 had made her want to laugh and pretend she was eighteen again. She loved his quiet humor. Liz couldn’t believe she was having such silly thoughts at this moment. The moment she’d been craving for years. She was finally in his arms again. This would be the last time she touched him. If there was a plan to rescue Ally, it meant Liz’s time was up. Her sacrifice would be called for soon. She didn’t know what lies the duke would tell about her death, but at least the divorce papers were final. Maybe those papers and Kingsley would be the duke’s downfall and Ally would be completely safe.

Liz wanted to savor Sutton, his every look and touch seemed like a gift for what may be her last night on earth. Yet Sutton wasn’t mushy and besotted with her. He seemed so businesslike, so detached. Except for that brief interlude when he’d asked her to be strong and called her Liz. She shook her head. Ally. This was about Ally. River was alive. She wanted to jump and scream. She really wanted to find her daughter and celebrate with her.

“Ally?” she asked again.

“River has a plan to rescue and protect both of you.”

Liz shook her head quickly. A sick pit forming in her stomach. She knew what happened to men who tried to rescue her. “No.”

“No?” Sutton arched an eyebrow.

“Not me. Ally is all that matters.” She pulled in a quick breath. “James will never let us both go, and her happiness is all that matters.” James would fulfill his threat of killing Liz and “upgrading to a newer model,” but it didn’t matter. Ally would be free and with the man she loved. Liz felt such joy at the thought. Giving her life for her daughter’s would be no sacrifice at all. She hardly had a life anyway, and even with the divorce, she knew James wouldn’t allow her to be free of him.

Sutton’s eyebrows dipped together, and his beautiful lips thinned into a hard line. “James,” he said mockingly, “has little choice in the matter. You’re leaving here. With me. Tonight.”

Liz’s breath whooshed out of her body. The possessive way Sutton had said that shot warmth to her core but also terrified her. He had no idea how much she’d dreamed of escaping with him, daydreams and night dreams for years and years, but the duke would never allow that to happen, and Sutton would be insane to put himself in the duke’s path again. The threats and blackmail from the past twenty-five years rushed back to her. Liz had sacrificed herself so Sutton didn’t serve prison time for a mission gone awry when he was a commodore in the Royal Navy. He had no clue what she’d done, and she would do it for him again, but now was not the time to get into all of that.

“I can’t. You don’t understand the power he has.” Her voice was begging now. Sutton couldn’t do this. They had to protect and rescue Ally and not waste effort or resources on Liz. She could distract the duke and take his wrath. Liz knew her life was of little consequence to anyone but Ally, and being in Sutton’s arms was another cruel reminder that happiness and love were never to be for her.

“Power?” Sutton gave a wry chuckle and arched that perfect eyebrow again. He leaned close, and his breath brushed her cheek. “Soon you’ll understand the power I have. For now, suffice it to say that the duke will be brought to his knees, and he will never hurt you again.”

Liz’s breath was coming in fast little pants. Power and command radiated off of Sutton, but she didn’t think he understood what he was promising. The duke always won. James would either beat or kill her tonight, and she wouldn’t allow anyone else to be murdered on her account, especially not Sutton. She wished with everything in her she could stay in Sutton’s arms and let him shelter her, but it wasn’t to be. Even if Ally was safe, Liz still couldn’t risk involving Sutton. The duke had evidence against Sutton that he’d kept hidden for years. Sutton had been dishonorably discharged from his position as commodore, but it could’ve been much worse. The duke could have Sutton thrown in a dank prison cell or worse, murder him like Liz’s personal guards who’d tried to shelter her on her foiled escape attempts. She couldn’t let that happen. No matter if Sutton didn’t love her anymore, she still loved him with every cell in her body.

Sutton drew back so he could study her face. “You don’t believe me.”

“Sutton, you don’t understand.”

He kept staring at her, frustration and impatience evident in his gaze, until the well-built young man she’d noticed him nod to tapped him on the shoulder. “It’s time, sir.”

Sutton nodded shortly. He released her waist, and she felt bereft of his warm touch. Holding lightly on to her hand he walked her back toward James and the Americans. Each step was a death knell to her heart. Maybe Sutton did understand. He was taking her back to her prison cell. He was going to allow her to sacrifice herself for Ally—and unwittingly for him. He had no concept of what she’d been through to protect him, but that was just as well. She only wanted him and Ally to be safe and happy.

He bent down close as they neared the duke. “Keep a smile on that beautiful face. I’ll be coming for you.”

Liz gave him a brilliant smile, risking the duke’s wrath if he guessed what had transpired between them. James wouldn’t allow the media or his peers at the party to see the ugliness inside of him, but all too soon, they’d be home, alone, except for James’ cretins who were always close by.

Sutton ignored James’ glower completely, bestowing a wink and a slight smile on Poppy who fanned herself and exclaimed loudly. “Whew, you do heat a body up!”

Her husband chuckled at her exuberance, and the duke’s silence was deafening.

Sutton released Liz’s hand and bowed slightly. “Thank you for the dance, Duchess. Best wishes to you and your lovely daughter.” He walked away with his head held high. Liz had no opportunity to respond, which was just as well. Until Ally was safe, she couldn’t enrage James.

Poppy grabbed her hand again and giggled. “How was dancing with 008?”

“Exhilarating,” Liz murmured, sneaking one more glance at Sutton’s well-built frame. Her last chance to touch him and talk to him had ended much too quickly. She wanted to freeze that moment when he had held her close and called her Liz.

Poppy laughed harder. “I’ll bet.” She fanned her face again. “I’ve never seen the likes of him off the movie screen.”

“Elizabeth.” James’ voice cut through the temporary joy of Sutton holding her in his arms. You’re leaving here. With me. Tonight. Had Sutton really said that to her? With those brilliant pauses? The protective and sensual note in his tone brought a flush to her cheeks that no miserably indentured woman should ever feel. Yet she wasn’t indentured any longer. She was finally free from James. Happy butterflies lit up her stomach before James’ voice slammed her back to purgatory. “Come stand by me, love. Something is happening with our little pumpkin.”

Liz’s eyes widened, and she hurried to James’ side. She couldn’t be free until Ally was safe. Then James would probably kill her, but at least she could fight to the end.

He put a possessive arm around her waist that made her shrivel inside. As taught, she stood tall and smiled for the world, feeling it come a bit easier now with the hope that Sutton was right and James would never hurt her again. Yet how could anyone accomplish that, even someone as strong and brilliant as Sutton?

Her eyes sought Ally. It wasn’t hard to find her girl. She was standing in the middle of the dance floor with a handsome, tough-looking young man in a dark navy-blue tuxedo. Could it truly be River? All the happiness she’d felt with Sutton resurfaced as she saw her daughter’s face beam with joy. James’ arm tightened around her like a noose, but she didn’t care. Could Sutton truly protect her daughter and give Ally a life of happiness with the man she loved? It was poetic justice for everything Liz had suffered.

The music had been stopped, and the entire room was watching the scene unfold like they were part of a romance film. Henry stormed up to them. Liz’s mouth dropped open as River slid off Ally’s five-carat engagement ring and tossed it to the pompous idiot. Henry protested, but four burly guys stepped in and efficiently helped him walk all the way out of the room. Liz noticed other well-built men wearing the same cut of tuxedo evenly spread around the room. None of James’ bodyguards were in view. What in the world?

“What is going on here?” James asked with tight lips.

“Our boy is gonna marry your girl.” Barry informed him.

James stared at the American businessman. “What, here? Now?”

Pieces started clicking in Liz’s head. The American billionaire and Poppy—River’s parents? They’d set this entire night up. A rush of excitement bubbled in her abdomen. This was why Poppy had been so intimate and kind with her.

“No time like the present.” Barry pushed his shoulder against James. “And you and I can get a fabulous business deal from the arrangement, eh?”

James’ face straightened out. From what Liz understood, Barry Duncan imported billions upon billions of pounds in products to Europe and the United States from China, Taiwan, and Thailand each year. He was looking for a new shipping company to keep up with the demand. It would be a huge boon to James’ shipping business, and he’d told Henry on the way over he’d be ecstatic to get a chance to even bid on the work.

“I would like that very much,” James said silkily. “We had no idea River was your son.” His act was good, but he couldn’t hide the vein throbbing in his forehead. Someone would pay for this affront, most likely Liz, even if the business venture did turn out to be profitable.

“These crazy kids.” Barry laughed. “Guess they fell in love in Kauai a couple weeks ago. We’re just hearing about it ourselves.”

“And I am just tickled pink.” Poppy grinned at both of them.

“We are as well.” James lied smoothly.

Liz beamed at Poppy. This woman would be a mum to her daughter, comfort her when James killed Liz. What a blessing.

Lord Kingsley’s voice boomed out about forgiving Ally for marrying an American. Liz was in shock and so happy. James would permit this to happen because he wanted Barry Duncan’s business. Barry Duncan was River’s father. Ally would be protected by her father-in-law’s wealth and influence. Even without the financial incentive, James had no power at the moment with all of his lackeys missing in action. Since there was nothing he could do to stop it, he put on his politician smile and pretended all was well.

Ally glowed as she smiled up at her future husband. All was right in Liz’s world. She glanced around for Sutton but didn’t see him anywhere. Her heart sank. She wouldn’t be leaving with her one true love tonight, but that was okay. She’d had that last dance. The chance to smell and touch him. If only she’d been brave enough to tell him how much she still loved him.

James pulled her in even tighter, his grip on her waist tight enough to restrict her breathing, but she didn’t let herself feel it. She’d endured much worse, so she didn’t even flinch.

Clasping her hands together she savored each moment as a vicar who appeared to be one of Sutton’s burly men stepped forward, Bible in hand, and commenced the ceremony right there in the Kingsleys’ ballroom! The short, impromptu wedding was the most beautiful event Liz had ever seen, and she had to repeatedly wipe away tears of joy.

James’ touch was a constant warning. Liz was due for tremendous amounts of pain later tonight.

It didn’t matter though. Ally was happy, and soon, she would be safe with River. Liz could deal with anything for that.