Chapter 4
Chapter Four
S ofie stretched up, elongating her body, balancing in tree pose. There was nothing like morning yoga on a rooftop to get the blood flowing.
Her gaze rested on the Palace of Fine Arts and the man-made lagoon that enclosed it. Stunning . The sun was shining, the air was crisp. To the left she had a wonderful view of the city as well.
She loved San Francisco. She also loved Caldova, but it had much cooler, and often grayer weather. They had very short summers.
Winter was coming here in San Francisco, yet the sunshine was glorious.
She’d had a busy night researching all the gems and jewelry that would be on display at the exhibition.
Families and museums from around the world were contributing.
Everything would be on display at the Bently Reserve building in San Francisco’s Financial District.
The imposing structure had once been the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, but was now rented out for events and conferences.
Her mind was already whirling, making plans. The Black Fox gang had plenty of targets to choose from.
The biggest prize would be her Sapphire Wave tiara. She stretched a little more and smiled. But she wasn’t letting them get that.
Sofie set her foot down, then leaned down into downward facing dog. Then she turned her head, and almost lost her balance.
Rome stood in the doorway to the terrace, staring at her.
Or more specifically, her ass.
For a fleeting second, what she saw on his face made her chest lock. Then he blinked, and his face was back to a rugged, impassive mask.
Sofie straightened.
“Good morning, Your Highness,” he said. “I hope you slept well.”
“I did, Rome. I thought I’d start my day with a little yoga.”
His gaze dropped to her leggings before flicking back to meet hers.
“You’re exposed out here. It would be better if you’d stand on this part of the roof.” He pointed to another part of the terrace. “It’s more protected.”
With no view. “Protected from what? We’re three stories up.”
“Sniper.”
She blinked. “I think my stalker’s been pretty clear about being up close and personal to strangle the life out of me.” She shivered. “I can’t see him taking up sniping.” Suddenly feeling a chill, she wrapped her arms around her middle
Rome moved closer. “Are you okay?”
She nodded. “I am taking the situation seriously. The notes creep me out.”
Rome touched the end of her pony tail, before pulling his hand away. “It’s sensible to feel some fear.”
“I bet you’re never afraid.”
“Be stupid not to feel fear in some situations. I do feel it, but I use it. I’m trained to deal with it.”
“From your time in the military?” She knew he’d been in some covert special forces team.
He nodded.
Sofie sucked in a breath and got a hit of his scent. He’d recently showered and she smelled fresh skin and soap. Along with that tantalizing cologne. She stepped closer.
“Sofia.” His voice held a tight edge. “Don’t look at me like that.”
She swallowed. “I’m trying.”
“Try harder.”
“Then you shouldn’t look so good, or smell so good.”
He growled, his hand gripping her hip. “And you shouldn’t wear leggings and a tiny top that leaves your belly bare. And that damn piercing.”
Like magnets, they moved closer and she pressed her hands to his chest. God, the look in his eyes…it was a mix of anger and something else that took her breath away.
A shiver went through her, and he spun her so her back was pressed against the wall. She loved the way his big, strong body made her feel so small. Her pulse fluttered madly.
“Fuck,” he muttered, his head lowering.
Then the distant squawk of a radio interrupted. They both froze. Down below, the murmur of some guards talking echoed in the morning air.
Sofie blinked and watched Rome morph back into her cool, protective bodyguard. He stepped away from her.
No . She heard the word echo in her head.
“We should head inside,” he said.
“Are we just going to ignore what almost happened?” she asked.
“Yes.”
She saw his hand flex, and for some reason that made her feel better.
“You do yoga every day?” he asked.
“Most days. I have a bag full of tips and tricks to avoid jet lag.” She waved a hand. “That includes yoga.”
“Next time, do it over there.” He nodded to the protected spot on the terrace.
“Yes, sir.” She saluted.
“That’s a terrible salute.”
She leaned down and rolled up her yoga mat. He held the door open for her.
“Your designer arrives in an hour.”
She nodded as they descended the stairs. “I’m going to shower and change.”
“I’ll be in the living room. I want to work on the security for your upcoming interviews.”
“Thanks, Rome.”
Suddenly, Sofie missed a step and, with a cry, she fell.
Strong arms caught her, and she found herself yanked against a rock-hard chest. Everything in her flared to life. He was so big and hard, and smelled so good.
“Sorry, I’m not usually clumsy.” Damn, her voice was breathless.
His arm flexed against her, then he quickly released her. She almost lost her balance again, and he reached out to steady her on the step.
“Go and shower. I’ll let your designer in when he arrives.”
Sofie stayed on the stairs, watching Rome walk away, and bit her lip.
It was official. She was totally in lust with her bodyguard. She hadn’t known Rome Nash long, but she knew he was a professional who took his job seriously.
He’d fight this attraction between them. She sighed. She didn’t think she’d get the chance to explore that big, intriguing body anytime soon.
She was surprised by the depth of the ache that thought generated.
She shook her head. She had a jewelry gala to attend, and jewelry thieves to outsmart.
Her plate was full. She had no time for a sexy, brooding bodyguard.
She continued down the stairs and headed to her bedroom. She was just finishing blow drying her hair when there was a knock at the bedroom door.
She turned her hair dryer off. “Come in.”
Rome opened the door, scanned the room, then stepped back.
A short, slim, elegant man in fitted, white pants and a blue shirt rushed in.
Luis Medrano was lean, dark-haired, and handsome as sin. He was always filled with energy, looked stylish, and was quick to smile, or frown, depending on his mood. She never knew if he’d have a boyfriend, or girlfriend, or both when she visited him.
He held out his arms. “Darling, you look gorgeous, as always.”
“As do you, Luis.”
He kissed both her cheeks.
Rome reappeared, directing a man and woman pushing racks filled with clothes, mostly dresses.
“Over here, over here.” Luis directed traffic.
Arms crossed, Rome watched from the doorway.
The assistants disappeared, then brought several bags in, dumping them on the bed. Rome even carried a few in himself.
“Thank you, big man,” Luis said.
Behind Rome’s back, Luis caught Sofie’s gaze and pressed a hand to his chest and rolled his eyes to the ceiling.
She smiled. She couldn’t blame Luis for his obvious appreciation one little bit.
Finally, the assistants finished arranging everything.
“Out.” Luis shooed them. He looked at Rome. “Thanks again, big man.” Luis paused. “I don’t suppose you’re gay or bisexual?”
“No,” Rome said.
“Shame. Now go, I have a princess to make look beautiful.”
Rome glanced at her and her toes curled. Then he strode out, closing the door behind him.
“Sofie, darling, that man is fine . He’s fantasy-inducing, belly-clenching fine.”
“I know.”
Luis cocked a dark brow. “Do I detect some repressed burning desire?”
She couldn’t help but smile. “He’s rugged, big, and sexy, not to mention scowly and moody. Of course, I’m attracted.”
“Did you see the size of his biceps?” Luis shivered.
“I did.” And she’d felt them around her. They’d made her feel safe. “But he’s my bodyguard.”
Luis released a dramatic sigh. “So, off-limits?”
Her belly twisted and she nodded.
“Well, then, let’s do something that’s sure to cheer you up.” He clasped his hands together. “Try on fabulous outfits that will achieve the impossible, and make you look even more beautiful than you already do.”
Sofie smiled. “I like the sound of that idea.”
“And…” Luis rushed over and dug through the bags. “I brought a very special something that you requested.”
She smelled a delicious aroma, and saliva pooled in her mouth. “You are a wonderful, wonderful man.”
Luis held up a Burger King bag. Sofie snatched it and tore the paper open, then pulled out the container of fries. Beneath them, she spotted the neatly wrapped Whopper.
“Don’t get grease on me, darling.”
“I’ll save the Whopper for later. Let’s try on some clothes. I need you to make me look like a million bucks.”
“I’ll make you look like ten million.”
And maybe she could make a stoic, serious bodyguard’s mouth water a little bit.
* * *
Rome was sitting at the kitchen island working on his laptop when the designer finally reappeared, two hours later.
How long did it take to try on dresses?
“Finished?” he asked.
Medrano jumped and slammed a hand to his chest. “For a big man, you are awfully quiet. Yes, we’re finished, and she looks even more ravishing than she did before.”
Rome didn’t think that was possible, and he wasn’t going anywhere near the word ravishing in relation to Sofia.
He followed Medrano to the front door.
The man spun. “Big man, do me a favor and take care of my girl. She deserves a little laughter.”
Rome scowled. “I’m here to keep her safe.”
“Keeping someone safe requires more than just guarding the body. You need to understand them, their light and shadows. All their hopes and secrets.”
Secrets? What secrets did Sofia have?
The designer gave Rome another thorough once-over, sighed, then sailed out the door.
Rome wandered back, glancing at the stairs.
Sofia had a few phone interviews throughout the afternoon. Another hour passed, and she still hadn’t appeared.