The Bodyguard (Norcross #4) - Anna Hackett Page 0,25
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“You were almost engaged to the prince, though, right?” Matt persisted. “Until he was caught in a compromising position with supermodel Paulina Rocco.”
Sofie kept her cool, but she really wanted to punch him in his perfect teeth. “Our relationship had run its course. I wish Crispin very well. I don’t believe he’ll be at the gala, though.” Sofie looked at the camera. “Remember, you don’t need to be royalty to come and see the jewelry. The gala is sold out now, but please come to the jewelry exhibition and see the crowns, tiaras, even some cursed diamonds.”
“It sounds amazing,” Jenny said.
“And the proceeds go to the Victoria Foundation. A charity that helps victims of domestic violence.”
Jenny nodded. “A very worthy cause.”
The two hosts finished up the segment, and the cameras stopped.
“Thank you.” Icily polite, Sofie rose. “I appreciate you talking about the exhibition.” She pulled the mic off.
Matt smiled. “Princess, you know—”
Rome appeared. “Your Highness, we need to go.”
“Hey, man, we were talking,” Matt said.
Rome speared the man with a look. “You’re done.”
He swiveled and hustled Sofie back to the green room to collect their gear.
“You okay?” he murmured quietly.
She lifted her chin. “Yes, it comes with the territory.”
“Sorry he dragged up your ex.”
She shrugged. “Crispin was a mistake I clearly needed to learn from.”
She’d fooled herself into thinking he really felt something for her, and had set aside his playboy ways to be with her. She’d believed that their shared background of being raised royal, of duty to their people, would be a good foundation for a relationship.
She snorted. It definitely hadn’t been.
Grabbing her bag, she looked at Rome. “I wasn’t engaged to him. Contrary to what the press says, I’ve never agreed to marry anyone.”
Rome grunted. “None of my business.”
Sofie swallowed. “But I’d like it to be.”
He shot her a hot look. “Got everything?”
She lifted her bag, and he held the door open for her.
“Wait.” She rummaged around in her bag. “My phone must have fallen out.”
“I’ll get it.” He strode back into the room.
As Sofie stood in the hall, she felt a prickle along the back of her neck and turned.
The corridor was empty.
She looked back, but couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her. She glanced back into the waiting room, and saw Rome searching the cushions on the couch.
“Princess.” A hand gripped her bicep.
She looked up and saw Matt. “Mr. Grable.”
“Look, I hope there are no hard feelings. I was just doing my job out there. Giving our audience what they want.”
Sofie fought not to roll her eyes. Chasing ratings, more like it. “It’s fine.”
Matt leaned in. “There’s a new nightclub opening tonight. I’d love your company. I know you like that kind of thing.”
She did not. Crispin had dragged her to several clubs during their short time together, and made sure they were photographed.
“I don’t, and I’m very busy.”
Matt reached for a strand of her hair. He rubbed it between his fingers. “You’re very beautiful. I’d love to spend more time with you.”
“Step back, Mr. Grable.” She fought back her annoyance.
“Sofia—”
“That’s Princess Sofia,” she snapped.
“Back off.” Rome appeared, pushing between them. “Don’t touch her.” With one hand to Grable’s chest, he shoved the TV host back.
Matt almost lost his balance, but caught himself at the last second. “Careful. I was just being nice.”
Rome just glared at the man.
Matt shifted nervously and straightened his jacket. “No one gives a fuck about jewelry. They just want to know who she’s fucking.”
Rome moved, lightning-fast. He punched the guy in the gut and Matt fell on his ass.
“Rome!” she cried.
“Stay back, Sofia.” Rome advanced, towering over the TV host.
Matt scuttled back. “Not the face!”
“Touch her again, and I’ll break your fingers. Your teeth will be next.”
Rome took Sofia’s arm and led her down the hall.
Her body felt electric. The way he protected her… She shivered.
An angry vibe was coming off him in waves.
“Wait.” She tugged on his arm. He stopped, and she glanced over and spotted an empty office. She pulled him in and shut the door.
“What is it?” he asked.
“I just wanted to say thank you. For punching him.” Her voice was a little breathless.
Then she went up on her toes and kissed him.
Rome made a deep sound in his throat. His arm wrapped around her, and he yanked her closer. His mouth opened.
Oh. Goodness.
He took control. The force of the kiss bent her head back. She slid her tongue against his and moaned.
He lifted her off her feet, holding her easily against his body, and