Chapter 17 #2
The throaty, feminine drawl made Sofia look up to see a striking woman striding toward them.
She wasn’t classically beautiful, but she sure caught the eye. She had bronze skin and ink-black hair cut in a short style that emphasized her long, graceful neck. Her makeup made her dark eyes stand out and her full lips were blood-red.
“Maggie,” Harlow said. “You look like you should be on a catwalk.”
The woman ran her hands down her bronze dress that looked like liquid. “I’ve never owned anything like this before. Very different to my usual jeans.”
“Maggie works at Norcross Security,” Harlow said. “She’s a helicopter pilot.” Harlow introduced her around. “And this is Princess Sofia.”
“Well, it’s my first time meeting royalty.” Maggie smiled. “Do I bow or curtesy?”
“Shaking hands is fine. Please call me Sofie.”
Maggie shook her hand. “I heard that you’ve been keeping Rome on his toes.” The pilot winked. “Those boys need it. Keep it up.”
But as the women continued to talk and laugh, Sofie couldn’t quite relax and enjoy herself. She felt like there was a ticking time bomb somewhere. She looked at the well-dressed crowd. Was one of them her stalker? How many were members of the Black Fox gang?
“You all right?”
She smelled Rome’s woody cologne, then felt his hand press against her lower back. He dipped his head.
She realized the men had joined them. She watched Easton drop a kiss on Harlow’s mouth. Saxon tugged Gia to his side. Rhys pressed a kiss to Haven’s temple.
They could be so easy with their affection. Sofie desperately wanted to lean into Rome and do the same.
Right now, they were close, but not close enough to set tongues wagging. She hated even that small distance.
“Sofie?” he asked.
She forced a smile. “Fine. I’m fine.”
“You’re not alone, beautiful.” His face was serious.
She smiled. “I know.” She wasn’t. She often felt alone at events like these, even surrounded by people. Usually most people wanted the princess, not the woman behind the tiara.
Now she had Rome, and a smiling, good group of people who were here to support her.
She looked up at Rome.
And protect her.
“Your Highness?”
She turned to see an older gentleman in a white tuxedo, with a head full of salt and pepper hair smiling at her.
“Mr. Bradley!” He was a wealthy donor of the Victoria Foundation.
“May I have this dance?” he asked.
She felt Rome stiffen.
“Gia, feel like dancing, darling?” Saxon said.
Gia cocked her head. “Yes, I do feel like dancing with my hot fiancé.”
As the pair moved to the dance floor, Saxon nodded at Rome.
“Rome, this is Mr. Bradley,” Sofie said. “A very good supporter of my foundation.”
Rome gave the man a flat stare. “Enjoy your dance.”
Sofie practically heard the “I’ll be watching.” She took Mr. Bradley’s arm.
They chatted and joined the whirl of dancers. She saw Saxon and Gia staying close, and Saxon winked at her.
Finally, the dance finished.
“Thank you, my dear,” the older man said. “Always a pleasure.”
“Absolutely a pleasure, Mr. Bradley. Tonight would not have been possible without your generous support.”
“Truly a wonderful charity. You do such good work.”
As he stepped away, she turned…and saw Prince Crispin of Sanovia. He smiled at her, a smarmy look on his face she was sure he thought looked charming.
“Sofie, darling, you look good enough to eat.”
Her smile dissolved, but she dredged up her polite, princess smile. “Crispin, this is a surprise. I didn’t see you on the guest list.”
“It was last minute. I was in the States and knew I couldn’t miss it.” His perfect white smile widened. “And I am royalty, so I figured I’d give everyone a treat. And now you aren’t alone.”
She swallowed a snort. “Well, I hope you enjoy your evening.” She stepped away.
Crispin grabbed her arm. “Let’s give everyone a thrill. A prince and his princess dancing.”
“I’m not your anything,” she said.
“Paulina is out of the picture.” He stroked a hand down her arm. “We were good, Sofie. Let’s make up for lost time and have some fun.”
“I don’t think so.” She tried to pull away from him.
His brow creased. “Sofie—”
Saxon appeared and slid an arm around her. “Let’s go, Sofie.”
She leaned into him, accepting the lifeline.
Crispin’s face twisted and he didn’t look so handsome anymore. “You replaced me?”
“We were a very short-lived mistake, Crispin. Let’s leave it at that.”
Vander materialized on her other side, his gaze locked on Crispin. “Sofie, you okay?”
Crispin glanced between Saxon and Vander. “Did you need two men to replace me, Sofia?”
Ugh . What had she ever seen in him? “Just go, Crispin.”
Vander leaned in, his tone sharp as a blade. “You don’t talk to her like that. Ever.”
Vander’s voice chilled Sofie’s blood. Gosh, she really was glad that it wasn’t directed at her.
Crispin froze, then dredged up some bravado. He straightened his tuxedo jacket. “Or what? I’ll answer to you?”
One of Vander’s dark brows rose. “No. You’ll answer to him .”
Sofie turned her head.
Rome was striding toward them, his jacket flaring out behind him, his jaw set, and his green gaze locked on Crispin.
He looked like a warrior ready for battle.
He also looked gorgeous. Sofie’s pulse went crazy.
Across from her, Crispin swallowed.
Rome stopped and Saxon shifted her to him. He wrapped an arm around her middle, pulling her against him.
“You all right?” His voice was a deep rumble.
She nodded and pressed a hand to his chest, then slid it under his jacket.
Crispin watched them, his lips twisting. His mouth opened.
“Be careful what you say,” Rome said.
“Crispin, this is Rome, Vander, and Saxon. All former military. All former special forces.”
Crispin straightened. “Sofia, enjoy your evening.” He stalked off.
Sofia had the sudden urge to laugh. She pressed her face to Rome’s chest and giggled.
“Not sure this is funny, beautiful.”
She looked up. “Oh, it’s hilarious.”
His lips twitched.
“Thank you,” she said.
His fingers brushed her jaw. “I’d do anything for you.”
Sofia felt like her insides melted.
Suddenly, Gia appeared.
“Well, after that, I think you need a drink, Sofie.”
Sofie nodded. “Absolutely. Where’s the champagne?”