and popped two pills. She’d need these today.
She’d spent the night in Gia’s lovely guest room. Her friend had a gorgeous two-bedroom apartment in SoMa, with killer views of the city and the bay. Haven’s place was way smaller, and while it was cute, it was nowhere as plush as Gia’s light, airy space.
After Easton had retired from the military, he’d turned his attention to business. Apparently, the oldest Norcross had a knack for making money. He’d started with real estate, then invested in various businesses. He took care of investing for his siblings and parents, too.
Despite the lovely room and comfy bed, Haven had slept like crap. She’d kept rolling onto her injured side and waking herself up. Plus, she’d had a nasty nightmare. It had starred the thief who’d hit her, his glittering, blue eyes staring at her through his balaclava before it morphed into Leo shouting at her.
Blowing out a breath, Haven finished getting ready for the day. They’d detoured by her apartment in Pacific Heights on the way back to Gia’s the night before, and she’d grabbed some clothes. Today’s skirt was gray, and she had a ruby-red shirt on. It might take the attention off the bruises on her face.
She glanced in the mirror again and winced. Or maybe not.
She headed into Gia’s bright, light-filled kitchen. It was ironic that her friend had a chef’s wet-dream kitchen that she barely used. Gia could cook, she just had no time for it.
There was a scent of coffee in the air, and Gia turned from the coffee machine. She took one look at Haven’s face and her lips firmed into a flat line.
“I’m going to kill those assholes.”
“It looks worse than it is.” Haven slid onto a stool at the island.
Gia looked stunning in a fitted, white, sleeveless dress. It followed her curvy body like a determined lover. Her dark curly hair was partly pulled back, while the rest of her curls fell down her back.
“Well, it looks like you went a few rounds with a bulldozer, and lost.”
Haven wrinkled her nose, which tugged on her bruises. “Thanks for the pep talk. Now I feel beautiful.”
“You aren’t going to work,” Gia said.
Haven stiffened. “Yes, I am. I’m bruised, not bedridden.”
Her friend’s brown eyes narrowed. She slammed a piece of toast down in front of Haven.
Haven’s stomach churned. She really wasn’t that hungry. She was worried about the security guards, and stressing about the painting being gone.
“I want to stop by the hospital and check on David and Gus.”
“Of course, you do.” Gia pushed a mug of coffee across the island. “As always, worrying about everyone else but yourself.”
Haven grabbed her hand. “Thanks for looking after me.”
Her friend was silent for a moment. “I hate that you say that with a faintly surprised tone to your voice.”
Haven hunched her shoulders. Her mom had died when Haven was eleven. Her dad was off saving sick kids in Africa. She saw him whenever he was in the States, but it wasn’t often, and when he was here, he was usually busy fundraising. She’d been looking out for herself for a long time.
“I will always be here for you, Haven,” Gia continued softly. “My brothers will deal with the situation.”
Surely Easton was pissed the Monet was missing. He had to be angry that Haven had let the damned thieves in. Guilt felt like a thousand needles stabbing at her skin.
“I spoke with Vander this morning,” Gia said. “Your guards are both conscious, and doing well.”
Haven pressed a hand to her chest. Thank God. Gus loved reading thrillers, so she’d take him a few. And David had a weakness for chocolate-covered almonds he thought he was hiding. She’d grab them some gifts and visit them first thing.
Grabbing a knife and the jar of honey, she spread some on her toast.
“And,” Gia continued, “Vander said that Rhys is hot on the case. My baby brother is pissed, and determined to find who hurt you.”
Haven’s heart went pitty-pat. No. Don’t go there. She sipped her coffee, trying to keep her face blank.
Gia leaned a hip against the island, her laser-like gaze on Haven. “Nothing to say?”
“No.” She took a bite of toast.
“Nothing to say about the dreamy-eyed hunk cradling your face, vowing vengeance for you?”
“You can’t call your brother a hunk, there’s a rule against that.”
“Facts are facts, girlfriend. I, unfortunately, have had to deal with having three hot brothers all my life.” Gia’s gaze sharpened. “So, Rhys…”
Haven sipped the coffee too fast and