Covertly Strong (The Strong Series Book 1) by N.A. Alcorn Page B

echo throughout the ballroom. “I’m proud to announce that Project Smiles will be taking another journey to Guadalajara, where we will not only use our charitable researches to perform some of the most life-changing surgeries for children with birth defects, but we are also going to focus our efforts on administering as many life-saving vaccinations and immunizations to the women and children who reside in that area. I would lastly like to thank the generous contributions the SEAL of Honor Foundation has provided the ongoing cause I am so passionate about.”
    The end of her speech is met with a standing ovation, and she humbly smiles from the podium, bowing her head in obvious appreciation.
    Nix observes her with appraising eyes as she makes her way back towards her table. He watches her like a hawk until she sits down and is swallowed up by the crowd of tables that separates them. He continues to mentally question the possibility of the fact that maybe this isn’t Sloan, but his heart, his soul—every ounce of his being—is screaming that the woman who just stood on stage—the woman who goes by the name Felicia Santora—is, without a doubt, Sloan Walker.
    Should I try to confront her? A sharp laugh escapes his lungs at that question.
    A few people surrounding him direct curious looks his way, and he tries to hide his laugh behind a cough. God, she’s turning me into a psycho path and I haven’t even spoken to her .
    There is no way in hell he can let this night go without talking to her. He’s waited a long fucking time for this kind of opportunity.
    “You all right, buddy?” Julian asks.
    Nix nods and a tight smile crests his mouth. “Of course. You know I hate formal events.”
    Julian chuckles. “Me too. But hey, at least one of the speakers was enjoyable to look at.” His eyes dance in amusement. “Just getting a chance to steal a glance at that chick was worth the trip.”
    His friend’s blatant appreciation of Sloan’s beauty causes Nix to cringe, but he manages to rein in his scattered emotions. He flashes Julian a sly grin before diving into the plate of food that’s placed before him by one of the hired banquet staff. The Navy went all out for this charitable affair—filet mignon, lobster, asparagus, and a baked potato are the items on the delicious menu tonight. Nix, Julian, and Slade show their approval of the food selection by eating with gusto. The grueling workout Nix put his guys through today has encouraged a hearty appetite.
    The three men enjoy their meal while chatting politely with a few of the Navy officers who reside at their table. The only time SEALs wear their tridents is during events like this, and it’s interesting the amount of questions they receive when fellow military members notice the emblems that adorn their dress blues, but they are well versed in flying under the radar. They are masters at dodging probing questions regarding their platoon.
    Nix easily changes the topic of conversation, and for the rest of dinner, the men at the table enjoy animatedly discussing the potential MLB teams that will be playing in the World Series next year. If there is one thing that’s a universal language among American men, it’s baseball. As the evening proceeds and more speakers approach the podium, Nix can’t prevent his eyes from continuously wandering towards a particular table, constantly seeking her out.
    Her presence is a siren’s call.
    At a snail’s pace, the night eventually comes to a close as the final speaker ends his speech by encouraging the attendants of the dinner to consider donating to the SEAL of Honor Foundation’s noble cause.
    Nix is acutely aware that this is his opportunity—most likely his only chance.
    He swiftly stands up from the table and mumbles, “I’ll be right back,” to Julian and Slade, pointing a finger in the direction of the bathroom in explanation. His intent gaze seeks her out in the crowd. His laser-sharp stare is watching, waiting,