Page 41 of Protecting Bianca

She smiled. “Thank you. But you don’t have to keep opening the door for me.”

“I want to.” I tucked her hand in the crook of my arm. “Are you sure you’re okay to do this?”

“Walk in there with a room full of strangers about to meet four military men I don’t know. All of them probably as big as you? Yep, that definitely sounds less stressful than what I’ve just been through.”

She made light of the situation, but I knew from the tension in her arm that she wasn’t kidding. Distance had helped a little, but Bianca was still tense from that interaction with her mother.

We walked up to the bouncer at the front door, and I gave my name to the woman in black holding a clipboard. “Mr. Payne?” She looked up and blinked. “We weren’t expecting you, but I know who you are. Please come on in.”

“Thank you.” I steered Bianca inside the hotel lobby and helped her slip off her coat.

“She knows who you are? What does that mean?”

I shrugged.

“Come on, Jager. What haven’t you told me?”

How did I say I was one of the largest donors to this event each year without sounding like I was bragging about my money? I didn’t know how much Bianca knew about me. Judging by how upset River was that I was back in her life, I’d guess he’d told her nothing.

“I’m sure there’s a lot we need to catch up on between the both of us.”

“Mmm…” She smiled. “I feel like you’re keeping something from me, but I’ll get it out of you, Jager. I know how to work my magic.”

I swallowed and stared at her glowing face. She was probably the only one who could rip every secret from my heart without even trying.

“Jager!” a deep voice called from several yards away. I recognized Will maneuvering through the crowd, waving me down.

He reached us surprisingly fast as most of the people happily moved out of the tall, muscular man’s way as he barreled toward them.

“Hey, I didn’t expect to see you tonight. I thought you were on a date.”

I cleared my throat and pulled Bianca forward with our clasped hands. “I am.”

She opened her mouth in surprise but shut it quickly. “Hi. I’m Bianca.”

“Shit. Sorry. Bianca, this is my army brother, Will. Will, this is Bianca.”

Will stuck out his hand. “Pleasure to meet you.” Then he looked up. “Oh, just in time. Babe, I want you to meet someone.”

Christina, Will’s girlfriend, walked up to us with a small smile. “Christina, this is Jager’s date, Bianca. Bianca, this is my better half, Christina.”

Christina stuck out her hand. “Thanks for coming, Bianca.”

“I confess, I’m not really sure what this event is for. Jager said it’s some sort of charity gala?”

“Yes. Will and the guys have been silent donors for several years now. It helps raise money for a women’s shelter we’re both very close to.”

“Oh, that’s a great cause.”

Christina spoke succinctly, but there was something in her features that softened when she looked at Bianca. “Would you like to meet one of the women who works there? She’s a good friend of mine.”

“I’d love to.”

Christina put her hand on my forearm. “Don’t be put out, Jager. I’m sure you can mingle while we’re away.”

I shook my head and grinned. “I’ll try to behave while you’re gone.”

“Oh, no. Don’t do that,” she winked and led Bianca toward the back of the room.

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