that apart from a couple of deep cuts, her hands weren’t as bad as they could have been.
They ate the burgers on his couch and watched Netflix.
Apart from Rome regularly checking in with the security guards outside, Sofie felt like they were just a normal couple, doing normal things on an easy night at home. Just the two of them.
She leaned into him.
It was perfect.
Chapter Fourteen
The next morning, Rome woke in his own bed, with Sofie plastered to his side, and her hair spread all over his chest.
Sofie was in his bed.
It felt damn good.
He glanced at the clock on the bedside table. Crap. She had a press conference at the Norcross Security office in an hour, to talk about the attack at the Palace Hotel.
He slid his hand down to cup her hip. He wanted to stay in bed all day, but duty called.
He slipped out of the bed. She murmured, but didn’t wake. He smiled. He’d kept her up a little late, testing out his bed.
When he returned from the bathroom, she’d moved into his spot in the bed, hugging his pillow.
A bolt of emotion punched through him. He liked Princess Sofia of Caldova right there.
He crouched beside the bed. “Sofie?” He pushed her hair off her face.
Her pretty brown eyes opened the tiniest crack and she grunted.
Shit, she was cute. “You’ve got a press conference in one hour.”
She blinked, then exploded off the bed.
“I have to shower. And do my hair.” She gasped. “I hope Vander packed my hair dryer.”
Rome grabbed her, and kissed her long and slow. “You look beautiful all the time.”
Her face softened. “Who knew you could be charming?”
“I have my moments.” He spied a bruise on her neck and touched it. “Crap, looks like I left a mark.”
She smiled. “I can hide it, but we’ll both know it’s there.”
He gave her butt a light slap. “Go and get ready.”
When she came downstairs, she wore a long, black skirt and a cream top. A jaunty scarf was tied around her neck, hiding the hickey. Her hair was piled up on her head, and her makeup emphasized her eyes.
They kept breakfast simple—toast and cereal—before he hustled her into the X6 under the watchful gaze of the guards.
It was a short drive to the Norcross Security office. The street outside the converted warehouse was lined with news vans, but Rome drove straight into the underground parking.
Sofie dragged in a breath. “Time for Princess Sofia mode.”
“I’ll be right with you.”
They walked upstairs, but before they reached the top, he stopped and pressed a quick kiss to her lips.
Her tense body went lax.
“Mmm.” She had a dazed, smiling look on her face.
“Go and do your thing,” he said. “Once it’s done, we can get to work on researching the Black Fox gang.”
She nodded.
When they stepped into the main level of the warehouse, reporters were sitting in chairs that had been set out. The central space was all open, with a polished concrete floor and industrial metal touches. Glass walls enclosed the offices along the sides.
Rome led her over to the microphone. Vander stood nearby, nodded. There were various Norcross Security guards dotted around.
“Good morning,” Sofie said. “I wanted to talk a little about the terrible attack at the charity luncheon yesterday.”
Rome folded his hands in front of him and listened as she spoke. She spoke well—clearly, keeping things simple. She smiled at the right moments, appeared grave at others.
“Princess Sofia?” A female reporter raised her hand. “Is this the work of the thieves targeting the jewelry of the exhibition?”
“I don’t know,” Sofia answered. “I’m leaving it to the experts. The San Francisco police have been wonderful. I appreciate all their hard work.”
“Princess?” A male reporter stood. “You’re lucky you weren’t hurt, or worse.”
Rome glared at the weasel. He could already see the hungry look on the man’s face. He wanted to relive the salacious details of the attack.
“Yes, I am very fortunate to have amazing protection provided by Norcross Security.” She nodded at Vander.
“Princess Sofia?” another woman said. “There have been some photos circulating of you in your bodyguard’s arms. Can you tell me about your relationship? You appear very close.”
Rome stiffened and felt some gazes glance his way.
Sofia’s smile cooled. “When you spend twenty-four hours a day with someone, and trust them with your life, yes, you get close. Especially after a frightening attack. As I said, I’m extremely grateful for the work of Norcross Security.” She looked around. “That’s all, thank you. I look forward to