Page 17 of Pulse

After chugging half a pot, she arrived at the courthouse on time and then hit the office for a quick meeting with her paralegals. Ten minutes into the meeting, her assistant disappeared for a few moments, only to reappear with an extra-large coffee from the shop in their lobby. So much for fooling everyone.

It was only noon, but Talia felt as fatigued as if she’d worked a full day. And now she had to attend a grand opening luncheon for the Hell’s Handlers’ women’s shelter. Yesterday, she’d been excited for this event. Today, she wished to grab a nap first.

She admired the landscaping as she strode up the light stone walkway toward the main entrance. Beautiful flowers native to Florida adorned the path in a variety of colors. They provided a welcoming, safe, and comfortable atmosphere that was so important when creating a space for women who’d been traumatized. The building itself was modern and gorgeous, with fresh tan siding. A tall, sandy-colored door beckoned to her. Itopened before she reached the stoop, and a beautiful blue-eyed blonde wearing a sundress that Talia swore she had seen on an episode ofReal Housewives Miamimet her.

“Hello, welcome,” the woman said with an open and inviting smile. “I’m Liv.”

“Talia Davenport,” she said as she extended her hand. “I’m the club’s new attorney.”

That news transformed Liv’s face from curious to ecstatic. “Forget the handshake. You’re getting a hug.” She leaned in and gave Talia a quick squeeze. “Thanks for helping Pulse last night. These guys will keep you busy, especially my man, unfortunately.”

Laughing, Talia returned the hug with one arm. “Why does that sound like a mild threat?”

“Come on in, let me give you a tour,” Liv said as she chuckled. “And I promise it’s not a threat. I’m with Spec, the club’s enforcer, so occasionally, he needs some… legal advice.”

“Ah, got it.” The enforcer. “The club’s bad boy.” The one most likely to land himself in trouble. She and Spec would probably get to know each other well.

“Something like that,” Liv said, but her blissful smile let Talia know he wasn’t all bad. A woman didn’t beam like that unless her man was taking good care of her in all ways.

Talia stepped into the foyer and sucked in a breath. An immediate sense of calm and comfort stole over her. “Oh, wow, Liv, this is impressive.” She took her time moving around, her hand pressed to her chest as she absorbed the grays and pale blue decor. Ahead, a large common room with a plush light gray couch and a soft blue ombre rug begged her to kick up her feet and relax. The room also had a large-screen television and a modern fireplace built into the wall.

“Thank you, although I can’t take an ounce of credit for the design choices. That’s all Brenna. I’m sure you’ll meet her soon.”

“I’ve done quite a bit of pro-bono work with women’s shelters in the past, and this place gives the feeling of home and safety more than any I’ve seen, and I’ve barely stepped inside.”

Liz blinked quickly as though trying to control her emotions. “Thank you. That… that means the world to me. This project means the world to me. C’mon, let me show you the rest.”

They spent the next twenty minutes touring the immaculate building. Each bedroom had been lovingly crafted with the goal of security and serenity. They each had a double bed with a simple light wooden bedframe and matching dresser and nightstand. The walls had a few art prints and photos, but Liv explained they wanted to leave wall space for their clients to have the ability to decorate some during their stay. The kitchen was as stylish and beautiful as the rest of the house with stainless appliances and white cabinets that reached the tall ceilings. The place was a masterpiece that would be the perfect landing spot for women needing a haven.

“Liv, thank you so much for showing me around,” she said after they had toured each room. “I’ve really enjoyed this. You’ve done something wonderful here.”

“Thank you,” Liv said, nearly giddy with happiness. “Can I have your number? I know we all want to set up a meeting with you to discuss how everything will work with you providing legal counsel for our women.”

“Yes, absolutely.” She grabbed a business card from her purse and handed it over. “You’re welcome to call my cell at any time, but if you want to schedule something, you’ll have better luck going through my assistant. She pretty much runs my life.”

“Hmm, maybe I need one of those.”

“I highly recommend it,” Talia said, laughing. They hugged, and then Liv directed her to the backyard, where lunch was being served and the reception would take place.

She wandered outside, immediately heating after being inside the cool of the shelter. The backyard was as lovely as the rest of the space, with flowers, a large deck, and a round firepit. An eight-foot fence surrounded the property with multiple security cameras, but she didn’t feel closed-in. Instead, it felt cozy and secure like a secret garden inside a bubble of safety. Every detail seemed to have been thought of. It was apparent the Handlers’ women took great pride in what they’d created.

A table by the door held flutes of champagne, so Talia grabbed one and then went to explore and mingle.

When she’d first heard the shelter would be on the same grounds as the MC’s clubhouse, she’d been concerned. Many of the women they’d be serving had experienced violence and fear at the hands of men. Erecting a shelter so close to such big, gruff men sounded risky. But seeing the care they took to ensure a private entrance and plenty of distance from the clubhouse, she changed her mind. Plus, the few club members she’d met seemed as devoted to protecting the shelter as the women who’d created it. Maybe this was the best place for a woman to regain strength, courage, and confidence.

“Talia, glad you could make it.” Curly’s voice had her turning to find the MC president standing beside a pretty woman in a simple floral maxi dress.

“Wouldn’t have missed it,” Talia said, shifting her champagne from her right to left hand so she could shake Curly’s hand.

“Wanted to introduce you to Brooke, the brains and beauty behind this entire operation.”

The woman in question elbowed her ol’ man as she extended her other hand to Talia. “He makes it sound like a one-woman operation when I’ve had more help than you can imagine. This has been an all-hands-on-deck venture. A complete group effort.” A handsome German Shepard trotted over as she spokeand plopped down at her heels, panting beneath the warm Florida sun.

“Who is this?” Talia asked.

“That’s the love of my life, Ray.”

Curly rolled his eyes as both women chuckled.

---