The Bodyguard (Norcross #4) - Anna Hackett Page 0,12

of Fine Arts and the man-made lagoon that enclosed it. Stunning. The sun was shining, the air was crisp. To the left she had a wonderful view of the city as well.

She loved San Francisco. She also loved Caldova, but it had much cooler, and often grayer weather. They had very short summers.

Winter was coming here in San Francisco, yet the sunshine was glorious.

She’d had a busy night researching all the gems and jewelry that would be on display at the exhibition. Families and museums from around the world were contributing. Everything would be on display at the Bently Reserve building in San Francisco’s Financial District. The imposing structure had once been the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, but was now rented out for events and conferences.

Her mind was already whirling, making plans. The Black Fox gang had plenty of targets to choose from.

The biggest prize would be her Sapphire Wave tiara. She stretched a little more and smiled. But she wasn’t letting them get that.

Sofie set her foot down, then leaned down into downward facing dog. Then she turned her head, and almost lost her balance.

Rome stood in the doorway to the terrace, staring at her.

Or more specifically, her ass.

For a fleeting second, what she saw on his face made her chest lock. Then he blinked, and his face was back to a rugged, impassive mask.

Sofie straightened.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” he said. “I hope you slept well.”

“I did, Rome. I thought I’d start my day with a little yoga.”

His gaze dropped to her leggings before flicking back to meet hers.

“You’re exposed out here. It would be better if you’d stand on this part of the roof.” He pointed to another part of the terrace. “It’s more protected.”

With no view. “Protected from what? We’re three stories up.”

“Sniper.”

She blinked. “I think my stalker’s been pretty clear about being up close and personal to strangle the life out of me.” She shivered. “I can’t see him taking up sniping.” Suddenly feeling a chill, she wrapped her arms around her middle

Rome moved closer. “Are you okay?”

She nodded. “I am taking the situation seriously. The notes creep me out.”

Rome touched the end of her pony tail, before pulling his hand away. “It’s sensible to feel some fear.”

“I bet you’re never afraid.”

“Be stupid not to feel fear in some situations. I do feel it, but I use it. I’m trained to deal with it.”

“From your time in the military?” She knew he’d been in some covert special forces team.

He nodded.

Sofie sucked in a breath and got a hit of his scent. He’d recently showered and she smelled fresh skin and soap. Along with that tantalizing cologne. She stepped closer.

“Sofia.” His voice held a tight edge. “Don’t look at me like that.”

She swallowed. “I’m trying.”

“Try harder.”

“Then you shouldn’t look so good, or smell so good.”

He growled, his hand gripping her hip. “And you shouldn’t wear leggings and a tiny top that leaves your belly bare. And that damn piercing.”

Like magnets, they moved closer and she pressed her hands to his chest. God, the look in his eyes…it was a mix of anger and something else that took her breath away.

A shiver went through her, and he spun her so her back was pressed against the wall. She loved the way his big, strong body made her feel so small. Her pulse fluttered madly.

“Fuck,” he muttered, his head lowering.

Then the distant squawk of a radio interrupted. They both froze. Down below, the murmur of some guards talking echoed in the morning air.

Sofie blinked and watched Rome morph back into her cool, protective bodyguard. He stepped away from her.

No. She heard the word echo in her head.

“We should head inside,” he said.

“Are we just going to ignore what almost happened?” she asked.

“Yes.”

She saw his hand flex, and for some reason that made her feel better.

“You do yoga every day?” he asked.

“Most days. I have a bag full of tips and tricks to avoid jet lag.” She waved a hand. “That includes yoga.”

“Next time, do it over there.” He nodded to the protected spot on the terrace.

“Yes, sir.” She saluted.

“That’s a terrible salute.”

She leaned down and rolled up her yoga mat. He held the door open for her.

“Your designer arrives in an hour.”

She nodded as they descended the stairs. “I’m going to shower and change.”

“I’ll be in the living room. I want to work on the security for your upcoming interviews.”

“Thanks, Rome.”

Suddenly, Sofie missed a step and, with a cry, she fell.

Strong arms caught her, and she found