The Bodyguard (Norcross #4) - Anna Hackett Page 0,60

up in a gorgeous package isn’t easy to find.”

Liam sipped his drink. “That’s the truth. Although every socialite mama with marriage on the brain in New York is throwing her daughters at Zane since he was voted Sexiest Man of the Year last year.”

Zane grimaced.

“Glad you could come tonight,” Vander said.

Zane nodded. “I’m in town to do business with Easton.”

Easton lifted his drink.

“And I didn’t want to miss the gala. I dragged Liam and Mav with me.”

Maverick grunted.

Liam elbowed the man. “We have to drag you out of your lab sometimes, Rivera.”

“Plus this supports a great charity,” Zane continued. “I admire Princess Sofia a lot.”

Liam glanced over at Sofie. “There’s a lot to admire.”

Rome stiffened. Kensington was exactly what people would picture for Sofie. The man didn’t have a royal title, but he was rich, successful, and good-looking.

“She’s taken,” Vander said.

Zane spun, eyebrows raised. “You fell for a princess, Norcross?”

“Not me.”

Sofie turned, smiling their way. Her gaze found Rome’s and her smile brightened.

“Rome?” Zane shook his head. “You are the last man I expected to take the fall.”

“She’s mine,” Rome said.

“And in danger,” Vander added.

The faces of all three billionaires turned serious.

“She has a stalker, and jewel thieves are targeting the exhibition,” Rome said.

“Hell,” Zane said. “If we can do anything, let us know.” His friends both nodded.

“Thanks,” Rome said.

The music changed and people started heading onto the dance floor.

Rome kept his gaze on Sofie. They’d keep her safe, whatever it took.

“God, look at them,” Harlow murmured.

Sofie turned to look at the Norcross men. She glanced over the handsome, rugged group but her gaze went straight to Rome. So yummy. She couldn’t wait to get him out of that tuxedo. She shivered.

“Oh, Zane’s here,” Haven said.

Sofie instantly recognized the handsome, dark-haired billionaire. They’d attended some events together in New York.

“Who is that hot, blond god with him?” Gia murmured.

“That’s Liam Kensington,” Sofia said. “And Tall, Dark, and Grumpy is Maverick Rivera.”

“The Billionaire Bachelors of New York,” Harlow said.

Gia sipped her champagne. “Nice.”

“Don’t let your fiancé hear you,” Haven warned.

Sofie looked around. The gala was going well. They had a full crowd. She saw that Rome’s mother and sister looked like they were having a good time.

“Good evening, ladies.”

The throaty, feminine drawl made Sofia look up to see a striking woman striding toward them.

She wasn’t classically beautiful, but she sure caught the eye. She had bronze skin and ink-black hair cut in a short style that emphasized her long, graceful neck. Her makeup made her dark eyes stand out and her full lips were blood-red.

“Maggie,” Harlow said. “You look like you should be on a catwalk.”

The woman ran her hands down her bronze dress that looked like liquid. “I’ve never owned anything like this before. Very different to my usual jeans.”

“Maggie works at Norcross Security,” Harlow said. “She’s a helicopter pilot.” Harlow introduced her around. “And this is Princess Sofia.”

“Well, it’s my first time meeting royalty.” Maggie smiled. “Do I bow or curtesy?”

“Shaking hands is fine. Please call me Sofie.”

Maggie shook her hand. “I heard that you’ve been keeping Rome on his toes.” The pilot winked. “Those boys need it. Keep it up.”

But as the women continued to talk and laugh, Sofie couldn’t quite relax and enjoy herself. She felt like there was a ticking time bomb somewhere. She looked at the well-dressed crowd. Was one of them her stalker? How many were members of the Black Fox gang?

“You all right?”

She smelled Rome’s woody cologne, then felt his hand press against her lower back. He dipped his head.

She realized the men had joined them. She watched Easton drop a kiss on Harlow’s mouth. Saxon tugged Gia to his side. Rhys pressed a kiss to Haven’s temple.

They could be so easy with their affection. Sofie desperately wanted to lean into Rome and do the same.

Right now, they were close, but not close enough to set tongues wagging. She hated even that small distance.

“Sofie?” he asked.

She forced a smile. “Fine. I’m fine.”

“You’re not alone, beautiful.” His face was serious.

She smiled. “I know.” She wasn’t. She often felt alone at events like these, even surrounded by people. Usually most people wanted the princess, not the woman behind the tiara.

Now she had Rome, and a smiling, good group of people who were here to support her.

She looked up at Rome.

And protect her.

“Your Highness?”

She turned to see an older gentleman in a white tuxedo, with a head full of salt and pepper hair smiling at her.

“Mr. Bradley!” He was a wealthy donor of the Victoria Foundation.

“May