The Bodyguard (Norcross #4) - Anna Hackett Page 0,56

rose and his chest tightened.

“The girls are adamant that they wanted to support Sofie,” Saxon said.

“Easton got a ticket for Maggie, too,” Vander added. “She’s out buying a dress.”

Maggie was their hotshot helicopter pilot. Rome wasn’t sure he’d ever seen the former Navy pilot in a dress before.

“My parents are coming, as well,” Vander added.

Saxon snorted. “Mine will be there too, unfortunately.”

Rome’s throat went tight. “You’re all coming to keep her safe.”

“To help you keep your woman safe.” Vander grasped Rome’s shoulder. “We’re a team.”

Rome nodded. “Thanks, guys.”

Vander’s phone rang. “It’s Ace.” He pressed it to his ear. “Yeah. Hang on, Ace, I have Saxon and Rome here, I’ll put you on speaker.”

“Hi.” Ace’s voice. “Just got word, and it hasn’t hit the news yet.”

“What?” Rome demanded.

“Attempted jewelry robbery. Some big, fancy necklace owned by a woman out of Washington D.C.”

“Fuck,” Rome said.

“They tried to blow the safe, but couldn’t get in.”

Rome relaxed. “That’s good news.”

Ace made a sound. “Gets ugly, mi amigo.”

Gut churning, Rome glared at the phone. “Go on.”

“They attacked a woman. Attempted rape. A neighbor heard the screams and interrupted. The thieves took off.”

“Fucking hell,” Vander muttered.

“She’s pretty beaten up, but alive,” Ace continued. “She’s in the hospital, and her family’s with her.”

Rome scraped a hand over his head. “I want this damn gala over.” He wanted Sofie safe.

But a bad taste filled his mouth. Once the gala was over, her time in San Francisco was almost done.

Then what?

Rome wanted her in his bed every night. Wanted to watch her cook, smile, laugh every day, not just on random trips here and there where they could hook up.

He pressed a hand to the back of his neck. He couldn’t focus on the personal stuff right now.

He needed to keep her safe. The Black Foxes were getting bolder. Her stalker was growing more unhinged.

And now, Rome had to break the news that a woman was attacked just like the friend she’d lost.

“Anything else on Chantal Lockwood?” Rome asked. “Or who rented the house in Sausalito?”

“Lockwood appears clean,” Ace said. “Nothing more on the company that’s renting the house. Been watching CCTV footage and haven’t seen anyone of interest come in or out.”

Damn. “Thanks, Ace. I need to talk to Sofie. She has a stylist and hairdresser arriving soon to help her get ready.”

“It’s going to be fine, Rome,” Vander said. “We’ll be with you.”

He nodded and Vander’s phone pinged again.

“Armored vehicle with the tiara’s arriving,” Vander said.

“You mean the three armored vehicles.” Saxon smiled. “Vander put together the most complicated plan to get the damn Sapphire Wave tiara here.”

With a rumble, an armored truck pulled up, like the ones used to transport money. Right behind it was a Range Rover as an escort vehicle. Rome could tell right away that the Range Rover was armored, as well.

A moment later, a second armored truck turned onto the street.

Vander turned and opened his jacket. “They were all decoys.” He pulled out a black velvet bag.

Rome took it, but didn’t open it. Only Vander Norcross would transport a priceless tiara in his suit jacket.

“I’ll see you all there tonight,” Rome said.

Vander and Saxon nodded.

“Hope your tux is ready to go,” Saxon said.

“It is.” Rome waved and walked into the house.

Sofie ran out of the kitchen. She’d obviously finished her yoga and showered, and was now in her silky blue robe.

“Oh my gosh, Luis and the hairstylist will be here soon.”

Rome gripped her shoulders. “Take a deep breath.”

She did. “A kiss would be better.”

He kissed her and she shivered.

“There’s my sexy shiver,” he murmured.

She smiled up at him. “I’m not usually this wound up. I’m just nervous.”

“You should be. You can’t get complacent.”

She nodded and stared at his face. Her smile dissolved. “What’s wrong?”

“There was another attempted jewelry theft.”

She pressed a hand to her throat. “Okay. But they didn’t actually get the jewelry? So why do you look so angry?”

“They didn’t get the jewels, but they attacked a woman. Sexual assault.”

“No.” Sofie shook her head.

“She’s here from Washington D.C. Someone interrupted the attack, she’s alive.”

“But still violated and traumatized.” She closed her eyes. “I should go and see her.”

“Sofie, you don’t know her. She’s with her family.”

Sofie lifted her chin. “I’m going to send flowers. I’ll get someone from the Foundation to check in with her. We have fantastic therapists.”

Such a good heart. He pulled her to his chest. “There’s something else.”

She stiffened, raised her head. “What now? I’m not sure I can deal with more.”

He lifted the velvet bag.

“The Sapphire Wave