Page 67 of Elias

“I’m a fraud, and I got lucky,” Hayley said. “Princess Isolt seemed so sure she would win. I had to prove her wrong. You are no one’s property. You are free. I’m not going to shackle you to me like you’re my slave.”

“You can. It’s to be expected,” Elias said. “You made a claim for me, and you won. That means I’m all yours to do with as you see fit.”

“No, you’re not mine. You’re free. I free you. You are not obligated to be with me.”

His smile died. Didn’t Hayley want him? She was removing her claim after she’d battled so hard to win him?

Alarm filled her eyes. “What have I said that’s wrong? I wish I understood you better. I think I’m saying the right thing, but you look so unhappy. I keep messing things up with you.”

Elias forced a smile on his face, even though his heart ached from her rejection. “I am happy you won. I’m sure as hell happy not to be the next unfortunate mate of Princess Isolt. But I thought you wanted to own me. You claimed me. I am yours. Do you not want that?”

Hayley smiled cautiously. “I do, but not in the way you think. We have a lot to talk about.”

“If that is what you desire, we can talk for as long as you wish.”

“There is something I desire.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.

Elias tasted the sweat on her top lip as their kiss deepened. Her tongue pushed inside his mouth, and he pulled her to him, drinking in her scent in case this was the last time she would kiss him. This was Hayley; he trusted her. She’d saved his life. She would do nothing to harm him, but if she set him free, it would destroy him. He would have nothing in his life that mattered.

Hayley pulled back and stared deep into his eyes. “I’m not letting you go, but I must make sure you know your options.”

“You are the only option I care about.” He wrapped an arm around her and drew her closer, their lips joining again.

Someone cleared their throat loudly behind Hayley. “What is going on?”

Elias broke apart from their kiss and stared at the human with the cybernetic arm. “I’m kissing the woman I love.”

The woman tutted and glared at him. “Hayley, why are you fighting with a member of the Retar royal family, when you should be working with her to ensure she has a successful human mate?”

Hayley’s eyes widened, and the color drained from her cheeks. “Diadora, I had to come. Princess Isolt made a claim on Elias. She planned to eat him. I couldn’t let that happen.”

Diadora’s gaze shifted to Elias. “You are in a relationship with Hayley?”

“I am. Or at least, I will be very soon.”

She tutted again. “I am deeply disappointed, Hayley. You have had your head turned by an alien just like everybody else.”

“I promise I’ll make up the time I lost today,” Hayley said swiftly. “The hearing was scheduled, and I couldn’t miss it.”

Vegas walked over, her hand on her belly. “You can blame me. I agreed to cover for Hayley and to represent her on this panel. She’s here to right a wrong. You should applaud her for that.”

Diadora glared at Vegas. “Do you also support the fact she assaulted the princess’s future mate?”

Vegas’s expression turned puzzled. “What are you talking about?”

Elias grabbed Hayley’s arm as he saw her flinch and step away.

“Are you going to attempt to cover that up, as well?” Diadora said. “Before she came here, Professor Grenville visited Hayley to discuss his match with Princess Isolt. Hayley attacked him.”

Vegas shook her head. “Why would she do such a thing? Hayley, what’s going on?”

“I can explain everything.” Hayley’s gaze turned fearful as she looked around the group. “I know Professor Grenville from my time in college. He—”

“Yes, you know him, which is why you were there to assist him with his pairing, not to attack him. Have you lost your mind?” Diadora said.

“You don’t understand. He’s not who he says he is. He can’t be believed.”

“I checked Professor Grenville’s credentials myself. He is who he says he is. I made an error putting you in charge of such an important match,” Diadora said. “You will no longer work with Professor Grenville.”