"Get in, then, before I ravish you and rip apart Holly's expensive-ass dress and we never make it to the gala," I say, backing away so she can slide into the car.
Lia is quiet the entire ride to the banquet hall. Rivers Edge only has two locations for parties, and this one is the only one large enough to cater to a party this size. I find a parking spot in the lot and get out of the car. I throw on my jacket before I open Lia's door. She places her small hand inside of my extended one, and I gently help her out.
At the entrance of the hall, an elderly couple is sitting at a banquet table. "Good evening," the woman says. "Do you have a ticket?"
I produce our ticket from the inside pocket of my jacket and hand it over. Dinner and drinks for two for a one hundred dollar donation.
"There's a silent auction area over to the side," the gentleman says as his wife takes our ticket. "Have a great evening," he offers with a friendly smile.
I lead Lia inside and spot my family right away. Jake has his arm protectively around Erin as they visit with Avery, Maddox, Josselyn, and Travis. We start to head that way as Will walks up beside me.
"Thanks for grabbing my tux," he says before taking a drink of the dark, amber liquid in his glass.
"Not a problem. You owe me ninety, though," I tell him with a smile.
"Oh, you're not paying for it for me, too?" he asks with a grin.
"Not on your life," I tell my younger brother.
The girls instantly start talking as Holly and Jase walk up. It's still weird seeing Jase Bentley in Rivers Edge. He may be one of the world's biggest rock stars, but the guy is really cool and down to earth. He's nothing like I would have expected for somebody of his caliber with awards and acclamations. He's just a regular guy, and I enjoy bullshitting with him.
While the girls are talking about their dresses, I lean down and whisper in Lia's ear. "I'm gonna talk to the guys. I'll be right behind you," I tell her.
"Okay," she says with a small smile.
I turn to my older brother and my brother-in-law and give them a head nod, indicating for them to follow me.
"What's up?" Jake asks when we're just out of earshot from the others.
"I need to tell you guys something," I say quietly. "What I tell you doesn't leave us. I don't want you telling your wives or anyone. Deal?"
"Deal," Maddox and Jake both respond, the seriousness of the conversation evident in their tone.
"Lia comes from an abusive relationship," I confide. I have a hard time keeping my anger out of my voice and it doesn't help that Maddox and Jake are both instantly and visually upset.
"The guy comes from money and has threatened her in the past. She's never told anyone before me. Well, something's up. I don't know what, but my gut is telling me that trouble is brewing. She went on the run about eleven months ago from this guy and has been running since. He has a long political reach and enough money to buy whatever he wants. I'm afraid he won't stop looking for her," I tell them.
"I will fucking kill him," Jake says through gritted teeth before taking a drink of whatever liquid is in his glass.
"Get in line," I say. "I promised her I wouldn't say anything to anyone, but I'm worried. Tonight, she had a gift left on her doorstep. It was a pair of white lace underwear. She tried to cover and say they were from Avery, but I could tell she was lying to me. I don't know why, but something tells me that they weren't from Avery and it has something to do with Garrett."
"You know, several weeks ago, I saw Lia at the top of her stairs, staring straight ahead, lost in a trance. I hollered at her several times before I finally got to the top of the stairs and she finally realized I was there. She said she felt like someone had been there," Maddox says. "I went inside and checked it out and the place was clean," he adds.
"Do you think this asshole has found her?" Jake asks.
"I don't know. I think it's entirely possible," I reply, looking over my shoulder at Lia. She's still talking to all of the girls, but she seems distracted.
"I wanted to let you both know so you can keep your eyes open. If you notice anyone new in town, I want to know right away," I say, hands firmly on my hips.
"We're not back on until Monday, but we'll spread word to the other deputies. If someone new is in town, we'll find out," Maddox says.
"Thanks, guys," I say.
"Where is she staying tonight?" Jake asks.
"With me. I'm not letting her out of my sight," I respond.
"Good," Jake says with a hard slap on my shoulder.
"Let's get back to our ladies before they start looking for us," Maddox says with a serious look.
I slide up behind Lia, wrapping my arm firmly around her stomach. She tenses slightly - enough that I almost miss it. I lean down and whisper in her ear, "You are the most beautiful woman here tonight."
Lia turns and smiles, her cheeks blushing the most adorable shade of pink.
"Come on, everyone. Dinner is ready to be served," Erin says as she leads us towards a couple of reserved tables in front. I hold out a chair for Lia, placing her next to Josselyn. My parents and Will complete our table, while the others take the next table along with one of Erin's assistants and her husband.
Joss fills us in on Grant's latest trick to get out of going to bed, causing the entire table to laugh. The mood is light and everyone appears to be having a good time, but when I look at Lia, she seems lost in her own mind.
"Everything okay?" I whisper, leaning in until my mouth is just a breath away from her ear.
"Fine," she replies quickly with a small, forced smile. Too quickly.
I reach for her hand under the table and hold her close. Dinner is served a few minutes later. The smoked pork chops, steamed vegetables, and roasted potatoes smell good. I'm flippin' starving so I can't wait to dive in.
As dinner progresses, I notice that Lia is pushing more food around her plate than she's eating. In fact, if I were to piece together all of the small pieces of food on her plate, I'd probably find out that she hasn't eaten anything. My girl is official freaking me the hell out. I'm worried, and I don't like it. Not one bit.
After the dinner dishes are cleared from the tables, Erin and Mayor Thorsten make their way to the podium at the front of the room.
"Good evening, fine citizens of Rivers Edge," Mayor Thorsten begins, earning a large round of applause from the crowd. "Tonight, we are all gathered to raise funds for much-needed improvements to the children's section of the library. Mrs. Erin Stevens is here and is going to talk a little bit about the expansion. When she's finished, please remember to dig deep into those pockets of yours and visit the silent auction tables in back. Every little bit helps," he says with a smile.
Erin steps up as the applause dies down. "Thank you, Mayor, and good evening. When I moved back to Rivers Edge almost two years ago, it was with the sole intention of taking over as librarian here in town. What I found when I returned was so much more," Erin says and gives Jake a knowing smile. "The library has made several improvements since I took over. We installed many new programs for toddlers, grade schoolers, and teens. We updated all of the computers and started adult computer classes. We have made the slow transition to a digital Dewey Decimal System. And we've added evening hours during the school year. Now, our focus is on the children's section. The chairs are worn and in desperate need of replacing. We want to construct walls and all new easily accessible shelves, giving children their own room to learn and grow. We want the room to be bright and fun and a great place for children to learn. But, in order to do all of that, we have to raise the money. So, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for coming this evening and supporting the Rivers Edge Public Library."
A huge round of applause erupts in the room. "And now, let's dance," Erin says with a smile.
Music from the small band begins as couples around the room rise and head towards the dance floor. "Dance with me, beautiful," I say to Lia before I place I kiss on her bare shoulder.
She doesn't answer, but turns and stands before me. She's fucking magnificent in that gown. I take her hand and slowly make my way towards to dance floor. Jake and Erin are already on the floor, spinning and swaying to the music.
"I meant what I said earlier," I whisper softly into Lia's ear. I inhale quickly, sucking in all of her sweet scent.