The Bodyguard (Norcross #4) - Anna Hackett Page 0,58
simple band with alternating diamonds and sapphires.
“A little something from me,” he said.
Her pulse leaped. “I love it.”
He slid it on her right hand.
She smiled at it. “It’s perfect, Rome.”
“Let’s go,” he said.
That’s when Sofie spotted the envelope resting on the table. “What’s that?”
Rome’s face went blank. “Nothing.”
“Rome—” She stepped closer.
He tried to block her.
“Rome, don’t hide things from me.”
He muttered a curse and let her pass.
She opened the envelope and pulled out a photo. It was of Sofie and Rome kissing.
“It was taken through the windows here, with a telephoto lens.”
She looked so small against his big frame. They were kissing passionately. She would have liked a copy of it, except scrawled on the bottom of it in red ink were the words He will die, too.
“Oh, God.” Nausea crawled through her stomach.
Rome took the picture and threw it onto the table. “Forget it.”
“You’re a target now,” she said woodenly.
“Bodyguards are always targets. I don’t care. I want the asshole to come for me.”
“Don’t say that.” Maybe she should run. Go back to Caldova and hide. Whatever it took to keep Rome safe.
He cupped her face. “I’ve got this, Sofie. We’ve got it. Take a breath.”
She managed a shaky one.
“We aren’t going to let this asshole win. And the Black Fox gang can’t have the tiara. Tonight, you’ll shine, people will enjoy themselves, and your charity will raise a lot of money. If the Black Foxes or your stalker strike, we’ll be ready for them.”
She nodded.
“Ready?” he asked.
“I think so.”
He held out an arm to her. “Will you give me the honor of escorting you, Princess?”
She slid her arm through his. She’d stand beside him every day for the rest of her life, if he let her.
Chapter Seventeen
After the limousine pulled up at the Bently Reserve, Rome exited first. He scanned around.
The historic building was lit up, its impressive façade dominated by a row of huge columns. A red carpet led up the center of the wide stone steps at the front.
The crowds were being held back by temporary fences. Four Norcross guards moved into position, the lead one nodding at him. Cameras clicked and fans shouted.
Vander stepped into view wearing a tuxedo like he’d been born to it. His boss gave Rome a slow nod.
Rome pulled in a breath. He knew the others from Norcross would be around, and he also knew that Ace had a drone in the air, scanning for anyone who shouldn’t be on the nearby rooftops. They were all wearing sleek earpieces they could activate if they needed them.
Rome hoped they didn’t need them.
Leaning into the back of the limo, he held out a hand.
Sofie took it.
“Ready?” he asked.
She nodded and stepped out. There were cheers, and shouts, and screams. She smiled and waved to the crowd.
Rome motioned for her to walk ahead of him up the steps.
“No.” She clamped her fingers on his arm. “You’re walking with me, not behind me.”
He scowled. “Sofie—”
“I’m not budging. I don’t care what people think or say. You’re mine. I’m walking with you.”
Damn. She cut through every single one of his defenses. He gave a short nod.
She beamed at him.
He tucked her arm against his side and they started up the steps. There were more cheers and shouts.
Sofie looked exquisite. A true fairytale princess.
One who’d captured his heart.
His mom was right. Rome was all in with Sofie. Falling head over heels. The guys would rib him. He’d given Rhys, Saxon, and Easton plenty of shit about being whipped.
Now here Rome was, willing to do anything for a small princess with pink-gold hair.
They reached the top of the stairs, passed through the columns, and followed the crowd inside.
A woman stepped forward, dressed in a forest-green dress. “Welcome, Princess Sofia.”
“Helen, the place looks amazing. You’ve done an incredible job.”
“Wait until you see the main hall.” Helen’s gaze moved to Sofie’s head. “The Sapphire Wave tiara. It’s even more stunning than the pictures.”
“I feel like a princess.” Sofie winked.
The event planner laughed. “Congratulations on the gala. On the entire exhibition. It’s exceeded all our expectations.”
“Everyone’s worked so hard and I appreciate it.”
“Go, find yourself a drink.”
Rome and Sofie walked into the main hall.
“Oh, Rome.”
It looked like a fairytale and perfect for a princess. The huge main hall looked magical and glowed with a golden light. Round tables filled the floor and two huge, circular chandeliers dangled from the high ceiling. By the columns at the sides of the room were cherry blossom trees in huge pots. A dance floor was