Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
S ofie pinned her smile in place and walked into the television station offices. She wore a lovely white dress with a blue pattern on it, and a thin blue belt at her waist. Luis had done an outstanding job selecting clothes she loved.
Rome was right behind her, with his bodyguard face front and center.
She leaned into him. “You know, if I have a princess face, it’s nothing compared to your bodyguard face.”
He shot her a look. “Behave.”
“Princess Sofia, welcome,” a voice said.
She took a deep breath and turned. There was a small group who made up her welcoming committee. A woman with a headset stepped forward with a smile.
“It’s a pleasure to be here,” Sofie said.
“I’m Gloria Mattson. We’re thrilled to have you on Good Morning, San Francisco .”
“Thank you. I’m very excited to talk about the Glittering Court and my charity. And this is my bodyguard, Mr. Nash.”
Gloria nodded and waved a hand. “This way.”
They went up several floors in an elevator, and when the doors opened, she saw the studio. People bustled around, and cameras were lined up in front of the brightly lit set.
Rome stepped closer to Sofie, pressing a hand to her lower back. He scanned around.
“The lovely Princess Sofia,” a deep, masculine voice drawled.
One of the hosts of the show, Matt Grable, stepped forward. He wore a sharp suit, and had a wide, perfect smile that had to make his dentist proud. Combined with his square jaw, brown hair, and dimples, he looked perfect for television.
He took Sofia’s hand but didn’t shake it, just held it. “You’re even more beautiful in real life.”
“Thank you.” She saw the glint in his eye. A man used to women tumbling at his feet. She tugged her hand free, and gave him a cool, regal look.
“Princess, we have a private green room where you can wait, with snacks and refreshments,” Gloria said.
Sofie inclined her head.
“Jenny, my co-host, and I are real pleased to have you on the show.” Matt smiled again.
Rome steered her away. Gloria showed them to a green room with a large couch and small kitchenette.
“I’ll come and get you when it’s time. It won’t be long. Makeup will be along shortly.”
Sofia waited for the door to close behind the woman, then dropped onto the couch. “Mr. Grable’s teeth were so white they almost blinded me.”
Rome grunted, but it sounded like he was hiding a laugh. He walked around the room, checking everything. “You like these sorts of things?”
“Interviews?” She shrugged. “Some are better than others. It’s a chance to increase awareness of the exhibition and the Victoria Foundation, so I take any inconvenience that comes with it.”
There was a knock at the door. Some makeup artists and a hairdresser arrived to touch-up Sofia’s face and hair.
After they’d left, there was another knock, and the door opened. Gloria’s head appeared. “Ready?”
Sofia rose. “Ready.”
They walked out. More lights were on, washing the set in bright light. There was a couch and two armchairs. The two hosts were being fitted with their mics.
“I’ll stand over there.” Rome pointed to the left of the set. “If you get worried about anything, you head there.”
“Thanks, Rome.”
“Go and kill it.”
His quiet support made her straighten.
As a technician fitted her with a mic, Jenny Jackson, the second host, strode over to meet her. She was an attractive African-American woman with her hair in a dark bob.
“A pleasure, Princess Sofia. Welcome.”
“Thank you.” Sofia settled on the couch.
“Ready?” Matt winked at her.
She kept her calm, serene smile in place, and nodded.
Cameras blinked on. The two hosts smiled.
“Good Morning, San Francisco,” Matt boomed.
“I hope your day’s off to a great start,” Jenny followed.
The pair bantered, talking about some local topics of interest. They made some jokes.
“Well, we have a truly special guest today. Royalty right here in the studio.” Matt waved a hand. “The beautiful Princess Sofia of Caldova.”
Sofie smiled. She glanced to her right, but couldn’t see Rome due to the bright lights. “Good morning. It’s a pleasure to be visiting your gorgeous city.”
They made small talk. The pair asked her about her favorite places in the city.
“But you’re not just here on vacation,” Jenny said.
“No. I’m here for a wonderful reason, one very close to my heart. The upcoming Glittering Court royal jewelry exhibition and gala.”
“What woman could pass up the chance to see diamonds and famous gems?” Jenny said, with a smile.
“It’s going to be entrancing.” Sofie gave her practiced spiel on the exhibition. “The event launches with a special gala night in just a few days.”
“I hear tickets are already sold out for that,” Jenny said.
“Yes, but still plenty of tickets for the exhibition. The jewelry will be on display for several weeks.”
“There will be lots of guests at the gala.” A sly look covered Matt’s face. “Will your former fiancé be there?”
Sofie stilled and fought back her annoyance. They’d been asked to stick to questions on the exhibition, not personal items or gossip. “I’m sorry, Matt, I’ve never been engaged.”
“Prince Crispin.”
“Oh, we were never engaged.” She leaned forward. “I would’ve thought you knew this, being in television, but you shouldn’t believe what you read in the tabloids.”
Jenny stifled a laugh and Matt looked disgruntled.
Asshat . Sofie kept her smile in place.
“You were almost engaged to the prince, though, right?” Matt persisted. “Until he was caught in a compromising position with supermodel Paulina Rocco.”
Sofie kept her cool, but she really wanted to punch him in his perfect teeth.
“Our relationship had run its course. I wish Crispin very well. I don’t believe he’ll be at the gala, though.
” Sofie looked at the camera. “Remember, you don’t need to be royalty to come and see the jewelry.
The gala is sold out now, but please come to the jewelry exhibition and see the crowns, tiaras, even some cursed diamonds. ”
“It sounds amazing,” Jenny said.
“And the proceeds go to the Victoria Foundation. A charity that helps victims of domestic violence.”
Jenny nodded. “A very worthy cause.”
The two hosts finished up the segment, and the cameras stopped.
“Thank you.” Icily polite, Sofie rose. “I appreciate you talking about the exhibition.” She pulled the mic off.
Matt smiled. “Princess, you know—”
Rome appeared. “Your Highness, we need to go.”
“Hey, man, we were talking,” Matt said.
Rome speared the man with a look. “You’re done.”
He swiveled and hustled Sofie back to the green room to collect their gear.
“You okay?” he murmured quietly.
She lifted her chin. “Yes, it comes with the territory.”
“Sorry he dragged up your ex.”
She shrugged. “Crispin was a mistake I clearly needed to learn from.”
She’d fooled herself into thinking he really felt something for her, and had set aside his playboy ways to be with her. She’d believed that their shared background of being raised royal, of duty to their people, would be a good foundation for a relationship.
She snorted. It definitely hadn’t been.
Grabbing her bag, she looked at Rome. “I wasn’t engaged to him. Contrary to what the press says, I’ve never agreed to marry anyone.”
Rome grunted. “None of my business.”
Sofie swallowed. “But I’d like it to be.”
He shot her a hot look. “Got everything?”
She lifted her bag, and he held the door open for her.
“Wait.” She rummaged around in her bag. “My phone must have fallen out.”
“I’ll get it.” He strode back into the room.
As Sofie stood in the hall, she felt a prickle along the back of her neck and turned.
The corridor was empty.
She looked back, but couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her. She glanced back into the waiting room, and saw Rome searching the cushions on the couch.
“Princess.” A hand gripped her bicep.
She looked up and saw Matt. “Mr. Grable.”
“Look, I hope there are no hard feelings. I was just doing my job out there. Giving our audience what they want.”
Sofie fought not to roll her eyes. Chasing ratings, more like it. “It’s fine.”
Matt leaned in. “There’s a new nightclub opening tonight. I’d love your company. I know you like that kind of thing.”
She did not. Crispin had dragged her to several clubs during their short time together, and made sure they were photographed.
“I don’t, and I’m very busy.”
Matt reached for a strand of her hair. He rubbed it between his fingers. “You’re very beautiful. I’d love to spend more time with you.”
“Step back, Mr. Grable.” She fought back her annoyance.
“Sofia—”
“That’s Princess Sofia,” she snapped.
“Back off.” Rome appeared, pushing between them. “Don’t touch her.” With one hand to Grable’s chest, he shoved the TV host back.
Matt almost lost his balance, but caught himself at the last second. “ Careful . I was just being nice.”
Rome just glared at the man.
Matt shifted nervously and straightened his jacket. “No one gives a fuck about jewelry. They just want to know who she’s fucking.”
Rome moved, lightning-fast. He punched the guy in the gut and Matt fell on his ass.
“Rome!” she cried.
“Stay back, Sofia.” Rome advanced, towering over the TV host.
Matt scuttled back. “Not the face!”
“Touch her again, and I’ll break your fingers. Your teeth will be next.”
Rome took Sofia’s arm and led her down the hall.
Her body felt electric. The way he protected her… She shivered.
An angry vibe was coming off him in waves.
“Wait.” She tugged on his arm. He stopped, and she glanced over and spotted an empty office. She pulled him in and shut the door.
“What is it?” he asked.
“I just wanted to say thank you. For punching him.” Her voice was a little breathless.
Then she went up on her toes and kissed him.
Rome made a deep sound in his throat. His arm wrapped around her, and he yanked her closer. His mouth opened.
Oh. Goodness .
He took control. The force of the kiss bent her head back. She slid her tongue against his and moaned.