The Bodyguard (Norcross #4) - Anna Hackett Page 0,48
own my own business, so I can make my own hours.”
Haven tucked her hair back behind her ear. “And mine and Harlow’s boss drove us here.”
Harlow smiled. “Easton’s parking the car.”
“It’s nice of you to check on us,” Sofie said.
“I’ll make tea,” Harlow said.
“Tea?” Gia exclaimed. “The woman needs a cocktail.”
“It’s too early for cocktails,” Rome said.
Gia headed for his kitchen and looked back over her shoulder. “It’s never too early for cocktails.”
“I only have beer,” Rome said.
Gia spun, undeterred. “Well, luckily, I have a bottle of wine in my bag.”
Sofie watched Gia open her huge—and super cute—handbag and pull out a bottle of white wine.
Rome made a choked sound. “What else do you have in there?”
When Gia opened her mouth, Rome held up a hand. “Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.” He sighed. “I have some wine glasses from my mom and sister’s last visit.”
He stalked off to the kitchen with Gia. Soon, Sofie found herself on Rome’s comfy gray couch, sipping a glass of Chardonnay.
There was another knock at the door, and Rome let Easton in.
The billionaire nodded at Sofie. “I’m glad you’re okay, Sofie.”
“Thank you.”
The oldest Norcross brother sat in a black armchair, then pulled Harlow down to sit on the arm. He kept a tight hold on her. With a smile, the blonde dropped a kiss to his lips. They looked beautiful together, and clearly happy.
Gia leaned forward. “So, tell us everything.”
Rome moved behind the couch and rested a hand on Sofie’s shoulder. “She doesn’t need to relive it. She needs to shower, change, and rest—”
Sofie reached up and touched his fingers. “It’s okay. You need to know the details. It was my stalker. He’s here.” She shuddered. “And it might be good to talk it out. Get it off my chest.”
There was another knock at the door. Rome huffed out a breath and went to open it. Vander walked in with two of her suitcases.
Sofie froze. “Who packed my stuff?”
“I did,” Vander said.
Sofia blinked, having trouble picturing badass Vander Norcross packing her clothes. And her underwear.
Oh, God.
She prayed he hadn’t thought to check under the bed. All her Robin Hood stuff was stashed there.
Vander also handed over her handbag. “Recovered this from the Palace Hotel.”
She took it. “Thanks, Vander.”
“Up here.” Rome led his boss up the stairs to the bedroom with the suitcases.
Once the men were back, Sofie sipped her wine. “So, the luncheon started off fine…” She launched into the story.
Rome sat beside her and when she reached the part about being trapped with her stalker, he tensed. Harlow, Haven, and Gia made shocked exclamations. Easton and Vander scowled.
“God, Sofie,” Harlow murmured.
A muscle worked in Rome’s jaw. “It could’ve turned out very differently.” He could have lost her.
She grabbed his hand. He tangled his fingers with hers.
She turned her head, conscious of the others watching them. Vander looked impassive, Easton looked amused. All the women were smiling, not even bothering to hide their glee.
Gia looked pointedly at Rome and Sofie’s joined hands and winked.
“We need to step up work on finding the stalker,” Vander said.
Sofie jolted. “But that’s beyond the scope of just guarding me.”
“Don’t care,” Rome said. “I’m going to find the asshole.”
“Rome also shared… About the jewelry thefts being linked.” Vander gave her a pointed look, but was careful to keep the identity of Robin Hood to himself. “I think the Black Fox gang deserve a closer look.”
Sofie pondered. “You think my stalker is part of the gang?”
“It’s a possibility,” Rome said. “I want to check it out.”
She straightened. “I want to help.”
He looked like he wanted to argue.
“I know more about them than anyone.”
Reluctantly, he nodded. Then he glanced at their guests. “I think it’s time for Sofie to rest now.”
“That sounds like our marching orders.” Harlow stood and hugged Sofie. “Feel better.” The blonde ran her tongue across her teeth and rolled her eyes at Rome.
Sofie grinned, enjoying the playful teasing.
Rome showed everybody out.
“I like your friends, Rome.”
He grunted. “They grow on you. Like mold.”
She giggled, and then her stomach growled.
“Hungry?” he asked.
“I didn’t get to eat much before the luncheon got interrupted.”
“I’ll see what I’ve got.” He headed for the kitchen.
“Actually—” she fiddled with her hair “—I’d love a burger and fries.”
He smiled and pulled out his cell phone. “I can order you a burger, Princess.”
“And fries.”
“How do you stay so slim?”
“Princess secrets.”
He ordered. While they waited for the food, she showered and changed. The bandages made it a bit tricky, but she was just really glad