The Bodyguard (Norcross #4) - Anna Hackett Page 0,62

entranced dance partner spun her, it showed that the back was virtually nonexistent.

“A dress,” Rome said.

“And who the fuck is he?” Ace scowled. “He could be an asshole, a rapist, a murderer. And she’s letting him paw her.”

The guy was holding the helicopter pilot close, but not overstepping any lines. Maggie would have no problem punching anyone who did something she didn’t like.

“I think they’re just dancing.” Rome let his gaze move across the room to Sofie.

She was with Harlow, Gia, and Haven, as well as Liana. They were all oohing over a jewelry display.

Ace shook his head. “I’m going to tell that pretty boy to keep his hands to himself.” Ace stomped off toward the dance floor.

Shit. Ace was going to get a fist to the gut from Maggie if he kept this up.

Rome moved over to Sofie and the women.

“Oh my God,” Harlow said. “Look at that ruby and diamond ring. It’s to die for.”

“It’s beautiful,” Sofie agreed.

“And expensive.” Lia sipped her wine. She saw Rome and winked.

“It’s a beauty,” Gia agreed.

Harlow sighed. “It sure is. At least Easton can’t buy it.” She fingered the sparkly necklace at her neckline. “He’s always trying to give me jewelry.”

“Oh girl, you have it tough,” Lia drawled.

Harlow smiled, and looked over at Easton. “I’m not complaining.”

Lia tipped back her wine. “I think I’m going to dance with a billionaire.” Her gaze locked on Zane, Liam, and Maverick. “Who gets to say that every day.”

Harlow sipped her drink. “Me.”

Lia shot the blonde a look. “I hate you.” There was no heat in her words.

As his sister strode off, Rome froze. He didn’t want his baby sister dancing with anyone.

Sofie appeared at his side. “Zane and the others are decent guys. They’ll dance with Lia, but they won’t take advantage.”

He gave a short nod, and watched Zane smile and lead Lia to the dance floor.

“I want to touch you,” Sofie murmured.

Rome’s fingers curled into his palms. “Soon.”

She looked around and nibbled her lip. “I keep waiting for…something.”

He knew the feeling. “Maybe we’ll get lucky.” Maybe the Black Foxes and her stalker would steer clear.

“A girl can hope.”

Rome saw Vander signal to him. “I’ll be back.” He watched her join the women again.

“Got a ping.” Vander held up his phone and on it were two mug shots of two dark-haired men with scowling faces and empty looks in their eyes. “Dragan Tadic and Luka Kezman. Both former Serbian military. They were suspected of being part of the international jewelry thief gang, the Pink Panthers. It was broken up a few years ago and most of the leaders were sent to jail.”

Rome had heard of the Pink Panthers. The gang had been made up of ex-soldiers with extensive military and paramilitary backgrounds. They’d carried out some audacious thefts before getting greedy and sloppy.

“Tadic and Kezman were recruited by the Black Foxes,” Vander continued. “Both were also hired by tonight’s catering company a week ago.”

“Fuck.” Rome glanced at the nearby waitstaff. He didn’t see the pair anywhere. “They’re here.”

“Yes, but I haven’t seen either of them.”

“We have to find them.” Rome circled the room, staying close to Sofie. He stared at every one of the uniformed servers holding trays of food and drinks. The sit-down dinner would start soon.

A woman bumped into him.

“Ooh, you’re a big one, aren’t you,” she purred.

She was tall and thin, and wore a tiny scrap of a sparkly dress. She had a thick mass of black hair and a heavy accent. Probably Italian.

Rome sidestepped her. Sofie was laughing with Gia. She was fine.

“Easton, what are you doing?” Harlow’s sharp voice.

Easton dropped to one knee beside Harlow. The woman went wide-eyed.

“Oh.” Gia clapped her hands together.

“Harlow, from the moment you came into my life, you drove me crazy,” Easton said.

There was a smattering of laughter from their friends.

“You meet me toe to toe. Make me laugh. Let me take care of you, and you take care of me in return. You light up my life, and you’ve made every damn thing I’ve ever done worthwhile.”

Tears welled in Harlow’s eyes. She cupped his jaw. “Easton.” There was a wealth of love and feeling in her voice.

“You see me,” Easton continued. “And you let me see you. I love you. When I think of the future, all I see is you.”

“I love you too, Easton Alessandro Norcross.”

Nearby, Easton’s mom was crying, leaning into her husband.

Easton held up a small box and opened it. “Will you marry me?”

“Oh, Easton, yes—” Harlow’s gaze narrowed. “Wait. Is