The Bodyguard (Norcross #4) - Anna Hackett Page 0,69
much to live for.”
Rome opened the bustier and let it drop. She turned and undid the buttons on his shirt.
In the flickering candlelight, they undressed each other.
“So beautiful.” He kissed her. “I can’t believe you’re mine.”
“So hot and handsome.” She touched his strong jaw. “I can’t believe you’re mine.”
She still wasn’t sure how they’d make this work—his job, her duties—but she wasn’t worrying about that tonight.
Tonight was a celebration of life and love.
Lola and Tori had both had their chance to live stolen from them, but Rome and Sofie would live for all of them. They’d make every moment count.
When they were both naked, he lifted her and stepped into the tub. He sank down, shifting her to straddle him.
Sofie smiled at the big, gorgeous hunk in the bath. “How often do you have a bath?”
His nose wrinkled. “Never.”
She nipped his jaw, his lips. “Well, I like them, so expect to do it more often.”
He cupped her breasts in his palms. “If you’re with me, I think I can struggle through.” His face turned serious. “I love you, Sofie. So much.” He leaned forward and kissed her injured neck.
She arched her head back. He gently kissed every one of her bruises. Her insides turned to mush. No one had ever cherished her like Rome.
They took their time—slow kisses, long caresses, soft moans.
Finally she couldn’t stand it anymore. She grabbed the condom he’d set out on the side of the tub earlier. She tore it open, then fumbled in the water to slide it on him.
“Fuck,” he growled.
Sofie rose up, notched the head of his hard cock between her legs, and slowly sank down.
Their gazes stayed locked, staring into each other’s eyes as he filled her.
“Sofie. My Sofie.”
His big hands clenched on her ass.
“Rome. My Rome.”
She moved faster, water splashing.
Soon they were kissing wildly, bodies straining. Then she felt a rush of pleasure, her muscles clenching.
“Oh, Rome.” She burst apart.
He swallowed her cries, then pushed her down.
“Sofie…fuck.” He groaned through his own release.
Afterward, they were both breathing heavily, holding onto each other.
“I want to wake up with you every day,” he said. “I don’t want to only see you occasionally.”
“I want that too.”
“But I have a job here. One I like. One that I need.”
She knew he wasn’t talking about a financial need. His work filled a void inside him. She understood that.
“I know.” She sucked in a breath. “And I have duties. Some of them international.” She touched his cheek. “But I want to make this work, Rome. Whatever it takes.”
He kissed her again. “Whatever it takes.”
“Now, how about we get out of this bath and into bed?”
“Tired, Princess?”
“No.” She slid her hand down his abs. “Not at all.”
“I’m fine, Mum. I promise you.”
On the laptop screen, Sofie looked at her worried parents. Beside them was Caro, her face creased with concern.
Sofie sat in the kitchen, which was drenched with mid-morning light. She’d slept like a rock the night before, held in Rome’s arms. He was around somewhere, with his phone glued to his ear.
Sofie met her best friend’s gaze. “It was Lorenz all along. He ran the Black Fox gang, he hurt Tori, and he was stalking me.”
Caro cursed—using some very creative phrases in a few different languages.
Sofie’s father raised a brow.
Caro flushed. “Your Highness, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry,” Sofie’s father said. “If not for years of royal protocol and fatherly instincts, I’d do the same.”
“I’m not hurt,” Sofie assured them.
“I can see the bruises, sweetie,” her mother said. “I’d like a crack at Lorenz myself.”
“He’s in police custody and the Black Fox gang is in disarray. The San Francisco PD are working with Interpol to dismantle the gang’s operations.” Sofie felt a small kernel of warmth inside her, like a flower unfurling.
It was over.
She’d anonymously turned over all the information that she’d collected. San Francisco PD, via Hunt, had received a package from Robin Hood. Her stalker was behind bars and the Black Fox gang was done. The Sapphire Wave tiara was secure in the safe at Norcross Security.
“When are you coming home?” her mother demanded. “I want to hug you.”
“Oh, well.” Sofie pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “The thing is—”
Caro leaned forward. There was glee on her face. “You met someone.”
Sofie broke out in a grin. “I’m in love and ridiculously happy.”
Her parents blinked.
“Mum, Papa, I’d like to move to San Francisco.” She glanced around. “Actually, I’m thinking of buying this house that I’ve been renting.” She met their startled gazes. “Rome is…amazing.” Her