Page 5 of Let Me Protect You

Victor faces Mrs. Barlowe. “Mother, this is none of your concern.”

Anita and her men inch closer as if we won’t notice them. Their cameras and microphones are already out and ready. “Who is this man?” Anita asks, pointing at Elias with her free hand.

“I’m a friend of the family. I escorted Harmony’s sister and niece.”

My lips part. It’s almost like he’s speaking a foreign language, and I don’t understand it, but it’s perfectly executed English. Definitely not Spanish as I learned that while spending countless evenings at his house with his family who came from México.

Victor’s mother steps forward and flicks her wrist as if to dismiss me. “She probably led you along on this show to get her five minutes of fame. I’m surprised she didn’t marry you just to try take all your money.”

“That’s an interesting theory, Mrs. Barlowe.” Anita turns and narrows her eyes at me. “Is what she said true? Was it your plan all along to break poor Victor’s heart?”

“What?” How can anyone possibly think all the nonsense Victor’s mother spewed is true? Not to mention, I signed an ironclad prenup before he proposed. I clear my throat. “Victor is a good man, and we formed a genuine friendship, but I don’t think of him romantically. And I’d like to reiterate that Elias is only a friend of the family. My sister gets nervous traveling alone with her young daughter.”

I meet Victor’s bright blue eyes. There’s something in his gaze that I can’t place. Disappointment? Relief?

“I know Victor will make a fine husband for someone in the future and whoever he marries is a lucky woman. I’m very sorry,” I finish, hoping that will be enough to satisfy the executives.

That hope is short-lived because Anita turns to my ex-fiancé. “How do you feel about this?”

Victor’s face twists in confusion as he eyes Elias, but when he turns back to Anita, he pastes the fakest smile on his face. “My faith in Harmony has never wavered, and it won’t now. I’m sorry everyone, but as much as I would like to marry Harmony, I cannot force her.”

Even though I turned him down in a public way, he’s still on my side.

The host’s eyes narrow on me, snaring me to my spot. “Why would any woman turn down this handsome billionaire?” She leans toward the camera and says to the audience, “I find that quite suspicious.” She points at Elias and makes a knowing gesture.

My cheeks flame. “I—”

“Why not introduce your real boyfriend to the audience?”

A man I’ve never seen before bursts into the hallway and says, “Hello, my darling. I’m so happy I got here in time.”

Chapter 4

Harmony

Victor’s inquiring gaze turns to me again, but he says nothing. My heart sinks when he doesn’t immediately jump to my defense. Serenity tenses beside me, but she places a gentle hand of encouragement on my shoulder. She’s the one person who’s always on my side.

I take a deep breath to calm my out-of-control pulse. “I-I don’t know who this is,” I stammer.

It’s the truth. But will anyone believe me?

The tall, lanky stranger comes closer, and I back away until I bump into the wall.

Serenity moves with me while shielding her daughter. Is this who is threatening me? Or maybe he works for them? No, that makes no sense. If he is, he wouldn’t be out in the open, on live TV.

A small squeak escapes my lips when he nears us. “Please, get him away from me.”

Elias steps in front of me. I peek around Elias’s broad form, and the man finally stops in his tracks. His cat-like eyes roam over Elias as if he’s judging whether or not he can take him in a fight.

A look of uncertainty flickers across this stranger’s features before a smirk overtakes his mouth. “Why are you being shy now?”

I ignore his question and spit out, “I’m telling the truth. I don’t know this man.”

Before Anita or the stranger can say anything else, Victor steps forward and says, “We are thankful for everything Everlasting Love has done for us, but we’d appreciate no more questions or accusations.”

“Please, don’t go with them.” The stranger sticks out a hand. “Stay with me.”

Victor eyes him before leading me away, but my pounding ears almost make me double over. I grip Serenity’s arm for support, and we sink into each other.