The Bodyguard (Norcross #4) - Anna Hackett Page 0,6
gray, with lots of windows and Art Deco-like curves. She threw open the car door.
Rome joined her, lifting a hand to acknowledge several security guards near the house. He slipped his keys into his pocket, then slid an arm around her. “How’s your side?”
“It’s okay. Stings a little, but it’s tolerable.”
His scowl deepened. “We’ll take care of it inside. The team from Norcross came earlier. They’ve upgraded the security system, and I’ve planned out schedules for the exterior guards, who’ll patrol the grounds.”
She walked toward the door, trying to hide her grimace. Walking actually hurt a bit. “You sound unhappy, Rome.” She raised a brow. “Or do you always sound like that?”
He grunted. “I figured you’d be staying at a hotel, or a fancy penthouse.”
“Ah. Somewhere easy for you to secure.” She shrugged. “I like a place to feel like home.”
Suddenly, he stepped close and lifted her into his arms.
“I can walk!”
“I can see it hurts.” He opened the front door and strode in.
The man was way too observant. She felt a little spike of worry. How hard would it be to slip out when she needed to?
The house was gorgeous. The floors were a warm wood that instantly felt homey and welcoming. Out the main windows, there was a perfect view of the Palace of Fine Arts rotunda. She felt like she could open the window and touch it.
He carried her straight into a stylishly decorated guest bedroom and set her on the bed. “I’ll grab a first aid kit. You strip.”
Sofie jolted. “Strip?”
He strode to the closet and pulled out a fluffy robe. “This will have to do until the limo arrives with your luggage. I’ll be right back.”
Well. Sofie straightened and winced. She quickly slipped her coat and dress off. She thumbed the slash in the dress before tossing it over a chair. She’d just wrapped herself in the robe when Rome reappeared.
Sofie’s pulse did a crazy dance. He took up so much space, and somehow, that made her excruciatingly conscious of the fact that she was only wearing her bra and panties under the robe.
Perched on the edge of the bed, she watched him fish around in the big first aid box. He ripped open some antiseptic wipes and gestured.
Swallowing, she lay back and opened the bottom of the robe. The first touch of his hand made her jump.
“Sorry,” he rumbled.
“No, I’m sorry. This must be…uncomfortable for you.” Having to see her half naked.
She felt his gaze on her but didn’t look. He kept wiping and she glanced at the mirror on the wall. Her belly tightened. All she could see was his dark head bent over her body.
Don’t lust after your bodyguard. Don’t lust after the man who isn’t interested.
“I’ve seen injuries before,” he said. “This doesn’t bother me. I’m just pissed you got hurt. I shouldn’t have let it happen.”
“Rome, it wasn’t your fault. I asked to greet the crowd, and we couldn’t have guessed an unhinged, knife-wielding maniac would be there.” She stilled and wondered if that guy was her stalker? No, she doubted it.
“It’s my job to anticipate that.” Rome cleaned her wound, fingers brushing her skin, making her stifle a moan.
His job. Of course. She was sitting here, breathing in his scent, weaving silly fantasies, but to him, she was just a job.
“Thank you again, Rome. I know this is beyond your job description.”
“Hey.” He gripped her chin. “I’m here, whatever you need.”
If only. Be an adult, Sofia. “I want you to know that what happened in…” Goodness, this was much harder than she’d thought. “That what happened in New York won’t happen again. I know you…are a professional, and it’s clear you don’t think of me that way. I’m sorry I ever put you in that situation.”
Rome cocked his head. “What?”
Was he going to make her spell it out?
“I…” Ugh, this was horrible. “I won’t make the mistake of letting things get personal. I get that I’m…not your type, and you aren’t interested.”
Rome carefully pressed a bandage on her wound. “Are you serious?”
She blinked. “Yes. I’m trying to clear the air, after New York.” Then the horrible thought hit her. God, what if he’d forgotten? Hadn’t even thought about it or her? Nausea washed through her and she felt her cheeks burn. Sofie prayed for an earthquake, or maybe a crashing meteor, to hit and save her. “Just forget I said anything.”
“You think I’m not attracted to you?” Rome said slowly.
She managed what she hoped looked like a smile. “You