Protecting Tessa (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Brotherhood Alliance #6)

Chapter 21

21

T essa stepped into the party room at the Fisherman’s Wife, her breath catching at the transformed space. String lights twinkled overhead, casting a soft, golden glow over the two-top tables draped in glittering tablecloths. Centerpieces of pink and white flowers surrounded by flickering candles added a touch of charm. The room buzzed with energy. The smooth, sultry strains of a jazz quartet in the corner mingled with conversations and the laughter of patrons.

She was home! Every detail from the music to the menu was a testament to her meticulous planning. Tessa circulated around the room, clipboard in hand, making sure everything was perfect and running smoothly. And what a venue this was. The owners donated the space, which overlooked Haywood Lake. Everyone helped with decorations. A full moon was out, stars were twinkling, and her heart was full.

She looked for Ford, who stood near the bar with the other men of the Brotherhood Alliance. The dark suit and tie made him look handsome. The sound of him laughing with a patron, relaxed and carefree, made her heart sing.

Ford glanced at her and winked as their eyes met. Smiling, she made her way over to him, greeting guests along the way until she reached his side. Ford leaned over, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “You outdid yourself, Tessa. Everything looks terrific.”

“Well, everyone pitched in.” She smiled, gazing around the room. “It’s perfect.” She made small talk with several members of the Brotherhood Alliance before giving him a quick peck on the cheek. “Gotta go. Need to make sure everything is running smoothly.”

As she moved away, Tessa noticed a small crowd gathering around the silent auction items and smiled. Those donations alone would bring in a goodly sum to support the shelter. In an hour, the live auction would start, and considering how many people were enthusiastic about being here, she knew the shelter’s goal would be met and then some.

“Tessa Donnelly?”

Tessa turned toward the voice. The soft hum of the jazz quartet faded into the background. She saw a tall, elegant, dark-haired woman who exuded confidence standing nearby.

“Yes,” Tessa replied, offering a polite smile while extending her hand. “And you are?”

“Simone Benedetto.” The woman’s handshake was firm. “This is a wonderful event,” Simone continued as her dark eyes swept the room. “You must be pleased.”

“Thank you. I’m happy the project is running smoothly and that the shelter will have the money to help more women and children.”

A small, nagging doubt crept into her mind. Who was Simone Benedetto, and what did she want?

Simone smiled. “You’ve done a terrific job,” she said, her gaze lingering on Tessa for a moment. Then she paused. “I’d like to talk to you more about some projects that you might find interesting and certainly would align with your talents.”

Tessa’s brow furrowed. Projects? Talents? She and Simone only just met. What did she know about her talents? “I don’t have a business to call my own yet,” she said with a light laugh. “I only agreed to help the shelter because I have event-planning experience.”

“No matter,” said Simone, waving a dismissive hand. “You’re very talented, and I can help with your business too.”

Tessa’s heart skipped, her mind alive with possibilities.

Could she really restart her business?

The idea had been so distant after leaving Atlanta and Damien.

But why would a stranger help her? Although, having met many strangers who became friends offering kindness and support, maybe having another person in her corner would be fine.

The faint scent of Simone’s perfume of vanilla and spice lingered in the air, vying with the cardamon and cinnamon drifting from the dessert table, reminding Tessa to check on the food and champagne. “I’d like to talk to you more,” said Tessa. “Maybe later this week?”

“That would be perfect,” Simone said. She opened her purse and handed Tessa a business card. “I have a couple of events coming up and would welcome your thoughts.”

Tessa stood for a moment, watching Simone move around and greet people. This could be the opportunity she’d been waiting for since moving out of Ford’s cabin.

For the first time, she was optimistic that her future seemed a little brighter.

“I’d like to talk to you more…” Malina moved through the fundraiser, smiling to herself. Oh, they’d be talking all right, just not about fundraising or events. Although she noticed a flicker of hesitation when she suggested they meet. Maybe Tessa wasn’t as naive as she looked, but that just made the game even more fun.

After snagging a glass of champagne, Malina stood at the bar watching Tessa as she laughed with a couple of donors.

The bitch was happy now, although she had no idea how much danger she was in.

Malina turned her attention to the man who kissed her. Friend? No. They looked like they were something more. Boyfriend perhaps. It sure didn’t take Tessa long to find another sucker. Malina wondered what this guy’s story was.

He looked all muscles and was very serious. He was trouble; she could feel it in her gut. In fact, there were quite a few men here built like that. Could be that they were security guards. Hmmm. She’d have to explore that possibility. The one thing she didn’t need was a security company, the police, or God forbid, the FBI looking into her business.

Her phone buzzed. As she pulled it out of her purse, she glanced at the ID and frowned.

“Any luck?” he asked.

Damn Damien. He screwed up, and now he was harassing her?

“It’s under control,” she snapped.

Hanging up, she slipped the phone back into her bag and gazed around the room. The event was certainly successful.

Malina sighed. While she had no qualms about selling drugs or hurting people who got in her way, abusing women was a big no-no in her mind—unless, of course, one of them betrayed her.

Betrayal was an unforgivable sin in her book.

She’d had it with men who thought they could get away with bullying or striking a woman. That behavior disgusted her.

Malina had no idea how her mother put up with the bullshit her father and brothers believed in. She died when Malina was five.

All her father would ever say about her mother was that she knew her place. That phrase shaped Malina’s resolve not to be a woman who cowered or accepted less than she deserved.

The event was winding down. Malina took one last look around. Tessa was coordinating the silent auction, and everyone’s eyes were on her except for the boyfriend. He fixed his gaze at her, a small frown marring his good looks.

He wasn’t just trouble, he was dangerous. And that meant she needed to be very careful.