“Hey, these guys are all like brothers. They stick together, and it will always be like that.”
“They’ve all been friends for that long?”
“Since elementary school. You see Nash and Riker were Federal agents. They got out and were involved in numerous investment opportunities that made them rich. They own Hidden Treasures. Ever been there?”
“No. I don’t really like to go out to clubs. Honestly, I’m always working.”
“Yeah, tell me about it. Sometimes I feel like I live here.”
“Anyway, Emerson and Stone, the two over there wearing the blue and black T-shirts, are crazy wild. Or at least they were until they met their woman, Toni. She owns Bliss, in SoHo.”
“Oh God, that place is so well known. I didn’t know a woman owned the place.”
“Yeah. Toni is really nice, too. You met Cash and Zane. They were the ones along with Flynn and Jett that helped to locate you.”
Tia swallowed hard.
“I was shocked when Hudson and Jagger found me. I thought I would never see them again.”
Adelina smiled and then leaned closer.
“Honey, those two talked about you for weeks. They all meet here Wednesday or Thursday nights for poker. It’s a tradition.”
“That’s very nice to have such close friends. What do you think they’re talking about now?”
Adelina looked toward them.
“They’re probably figuring out a way to protect you, and get you to Hudson and Jagger’s penthouse without you being followed. That should be simple enough. I’m sure Cash and Zane will find out soon who’s following you and threatening you. They’re really good at that and own a security firm. Their girlfriend, Chiara, owns Costiano’s.”
“Wow. Their friends landed them some very professional and independent women.” She knew she sounded defeated, and maybe even jealous. What was she? A designer in a company where she didn’t come close to making six figures. Bethany had been making six figures.
“Hey, I hear you’re a great designer—”
Tia Rose stood up. “I’m so sorry. I just thought of something. I need to text someone.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll leave you alone. I’ll go see if the guys need anything.”
“Thank you for the brandy,” Tia Rose said to Adelina. She smiled and then headed out of the room.
Tia pulled out her cell phone. And when she did, she saw the text message.
Salvador? What the hell do you want?
She didn’t read it. She just texted Alexa. Alexa was always on Facebook, and she also assisted Bethany in setting up her Facebook page. Maybe they could see where Bethany was and when her latest posts were.
She texted quickly, then went back to her main page on her cell to read the text from Salvador.
Hey, sweet buns. I was thinking about you. I miss you and was hoping to see you tonight. I stopped by, and there was some security tape on your door. One of the neighbors said you were robbed. Call me if you need a place to stay. I’d love you in my bed. It’s always open.
“Who are you texting?”
Tia jumped as Jagger approached her from behind.
“Oh, no one. Just answering some messages. Nothing.” She repeated as she placed the phone behind her and swallowed hard. Why she felt guilty for the text from Salvador, she didn’t know. But she didn’t want Jagger to see it. He and Hudson could take the message the wrong way.
He eyed her suspiciously.
“Are you sure that you told us and the police about everyone you thought could want to hurt you?”