by Anna Hackett
Downstairs, he pulled the front door open.
Rhys stood there with a stack of pizza boxes.
“Those better be from Tony’s Pizza,” Gia said.
Haven shoved past Saxon and threw her arms around Gia.
“I’m fine,” Gia reassured her friend.
Haven just hugged her tighter.
Vander appeared behind them. “I brought beer.”
“I don’t drink beer,” Gia said. “Rhys is my favorite brother now.”
“Your man has a wine cellar,” Vander said. “And Easton is on his way. He was stopping at Tartine for dessert.”
“Ooh! Easton’s my favorite brother,” Gia cried, grinning.
Vander pulled on her hair.
“What is that?” Haven squealed and grabbed Gia’s hand. “Oh, my God, oh my God.”
Gia smiled at her ring, then Saxon. No, her fiancé. “I decided that Saxon wasn’t quite as annoying as I’d always believed.”
Her man smiled at her, and she felt it in her heart. She planned to make him smile, make him happy, as often as she could.
“How did he propose?” Haven asked.
“Well, if we ignore the declaration while the bad guy was pointing a gun at us in some shady warehouse—”
Haven laughed.
“—I was naked in the bath and there was Moët.”
“If we’re discussing Gia naked, I need a beer.” Vander headed for the stairs.
“And I’m joining you,” Rhys announced.
Vander slapped Saxon on the back. “Congrats, brother.”
“Thanks,” Saxon replied.
“Good luck,” Rhys added.
“Not my favorite brother anymore,” Gia snapped.
Easton appeared in the doorway. “What did I miss?” He was holding a white bakery box.
“Gia and Saxon are engaged,” Haven said.
Easton smiled, and kissed Gia, then gripped Saxon’s hand.
“Happy for you guys.” He met Saxon’s gaze. “And good luck.”
Gia mock scowled. “I no longer have a favorite brother.”
Easton touched her nose, then headed up the stairs.
“Come on,” Saxon said. “I have another bottle of Moët chilling.”
Gia smiled. “Look, he’s even well-trained.”
Haven linked her arm through Gia’s. “I’ll remind you of that the next time he’s pissed you off.”
They headed up the stairs.
“Gia, this house,” Haven breathed. “It’s like it was designed for you.”
“I know.” Just like the man.
Chapter Twenty
Saxon leaned back in his desk chair, phone pressed to his ear. “Yeah. Okay. Thanks, I’ll be in touch.”
He ended the call and swiveled to look through the glass wall. He was back on his regular cases, and as always, Norcross Security had plenty of work to keep them busy.
He spotted Ace talking with Rhys and Rome across the Norcross office. In the two days since they’d rescued Gia, Albert Sackler had been charged with a string of offences, and his dirty little empire was being dismantled. Dennett hadn’t been charged with anything, but he was laying very low.
Gia was safe.
She was back at work, his ring was on her finger, and she was as sassy as ever.
They’d had dinner with her parents the night before. He grinned. Mrs. Norcross had cried…then started in on when she could expect her first grandchild.
Vander appeared in the doorway and gave Saxon a faint smile. “You look like a king whose kingdom is exactly as he likes it.”
Saxon rested his hands behind his head. “Sounds about right. Hey, you available to help Gia move into my place this weekend?”
Vander raised a brow. “Saxon Buchanan is well and truly off the market.”
“Think I always was, just took me a while to realize it.”
“I can help her move. I’ll round up Easton, Rhys, and Dad, as well. That woman has enough shoes and clothes that it’ll take us all day.”
And Saxon had a closet for her to fill.
“Only person with a similar amount of clothes to her is you, with all your fancy suits.”
Saxon shot his best friend the finger.
“I got word that Dennett has decided to relocate to a different city,” Vander said.
Saxon rested his arm on his desk. “How did you manage that?”
“Easton put some business pressure on him, and I spoke to a few people. Dennett found his opportunities in San Francisco drying up rapidly.”
The idiot had really messed up by going up against the Norcross family.
“Wonder where the diamond is now,” Saxon mused.
Vander shrugged one shoulder. “Locked up somewhere safe in Nevada. Now, I hope we can be drama-free for a while.”
Saxon heard the tap of heels and looked up. His fiancée powered across the Norcross office. It was a little uncomfortable to feel his cock take notice with her brother, his best friend, standing right beside him.
She wore a tight, black skirt, with a silky red blouse. Her hair was pulled back tightly, with just a few wisps escaping.
She looked smooth, polished, and professional, until he saw her shoes. They were very sexy stilettos with red soles that gave him some X-rated ideas.
Vander shook his head. “Whipped.”
Saxon grinned. “Yep, and I am not complaining about it.” He drank her in. Oh yeah, he planned to fuck her later while she wore those shoes.
“I know that look.” Vander scowled. “I’m out of here.”
“Hey, it’s my favorite brother.” Gia kissed Vander’s cheek.
“Why am I your favorite today?”
“Life is good, so you’re all my favorites today.”
Shaking his head, Vander tugged on a loose strand of her hair, then headed toward his office.
“Hello, love of my life,” Gia said.
Saxon smiled. “Hello, Contessa. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
She sauntered closer. “Just wanted to see my man.”
When she got close enough, he spun and pinned her against his desk. Her hands clamped onto his forearms and he rose, then closed his mouth over hers.
She hummed in pleasure, a sound he loved hearing from her. The kiss took a while, and he heard someone wolf whistle outside his office.
Saxon pressed his forehead to hers. “Damn, I wish my walls weren’t made of glass, because then I could push up this sexy skirt and fuck you on my desk.”
“My office walls aren’t made of glass,” she murmured.
His cock throbbed. Images of what he could do to her on her desk bombarded him.
She smiled. “Visit me close to closing one day, Hot Stuff.”
“I’ll add it to my agenda.”
She stroked her hand down his shirt. “Have you got time for lunch?”
“Hell, yeah.”
Rome appeared in the doorway, his face composed as always. “Guys, you’ve got a visitor.”
Saxon swiveled, then felt Gia stiffen.
Rome stepped back to show Willow standing just outside Saxon’s office.
Hell. She wore jeans and a simple shirt. Her hair was pulled up in a ponytail. She didn’t look strung out or high, just pale and tired.
Saxon moved. “I’ll get rid of her—”
Gia put her hand on his arm. “No, it’s okay.”
“It’s my job to protect you, Contessa. From anything that could hurt you.”
Her face warmed. “I know. I want to talk to her, and just knowing you’re here gives me the strength to do it.”
He sighed. “Okay, but I’m staying.”
She rolled her eyes.
Willow stepped inside the office, fidgeting. “Hi.”
“Hi,” Gia said.
Willow fiddled with her hair. “I came to say I’m sorry. For everything.”
Gia eyed her for a second. “Okay.”
“I’m in a rehab program, I…” She looked at both of them. “I want to
make better choices.”
Gia’s mouth softened. “I’m glad, Willow.”
The woman’s shoulders sagged. “You’ve given up on me.”
With a sigh, Gia stepped closer to her friend. Saxon took her hand and squeezed. She smiled at him before looking back at Willow.
“Willow, you’ve made me promises before. After everything that’s happened, you’re going to have to show me that you’ve changed, not tell me. But I believe in you, I always have.”
“No one else ever did.” Willow straightened. “That’s not an excuse, I’m just saying. Thank you, both of you, for helping me. I’m sorry you got dragged into my mess and I put you in danger.”
Gia nodded, then hugged her friend.
Saxon wasn’t willing to trust Willow yet, but he’d give her a chance.
They’d have to wait and see.
“Oh, look at that ring.” Willow smiled. “I always knew you two would end up together. Like a matching set. Congratulations.”
Gia beamed. “Thanks, Will.”
“All right, I’d better go.” With a nervous wave, Willow headed out.
Saxon pulled Gia into his arms. “Okay?”
“I want her to make it,” Gia said. “I want her to find her happy, like I have.”
“It’s up to her. You can’t find it for her.” He kissed the top of Gia’s head. “My girl’s got such a big, gooey heart.”
She looked up. “And it’s all yours.”
“How about lunch at home?” he said. “And a quickie on the hall table?”
Heat flickered in her eyes and she shifted against him, purposely brushing his cock. “I like that idea.”
He leaned close, his chest full of love for his woman. “And Gia?”
“Yes?”
“Make sure you leave those heels on.”
Putting a diamond stud in her ear, Gia hurried into Saxon’s bedroom. “Sorry, I know we’re late.”
No wait, not Saxon’s bedroom, their bedroom. An excited shiver ran through her.
They were officially living together. She’d moved in the previous weekend.
She glanced sideways into her closet. Ooh, so beautiful. All her clothes were hanging in there, and looked gorgeous.
“Let’s get a move on,” Saxon grumbled. “I’m not sure we can be late for our own party.”
He was standing by the bed, wearing a gorgeous blue suit. Oh, yum. She stared at him—from the top of his dark-blond head to his shiny shoes. All hers.
He looked up. “Fuck.”
He stared at her, hunger in his eyes. It didn’t matter that they’d made love in the shower an hour ago.
She smiled and posed. “You like the dress?”
It was tiny, black, with lace in strategic places, and lots of silver shimmer. And her silver Badgley Mischka shoes were pure sex kitten.
“I like the dress, but I like the sexy body in it even more.”
“Well, you can show me how much later, because we’re late. And I promised we’d pick Easton up from his office on the way.”
Haven had organized a little engagement celebration for them at ONE65. Her parents were coming, the Firelight PR staff, and the guys from Norcross.
Saxon strode to her and gripped her hips.
“No,” she said. “Don’t get distracted, and don’t mess me up.”
“I get distracted any time I look at you.”
She smiled. “And don’t be sweet right now, either. Let’s move, or Easton will stay at the office, working all night. He works too hard.”
“He needs a woman.”
Gia snorted. “They’re either intimidated by the great Easton Norcross, or they fawn all over him with dollar signs in their eyes.”
“True.”
They drove to Easton’s office building, and security let them into the elevator.
The Norcross Inc. floor was empty, except for raised voices coming from Easton’s office.
“Okay, Mr. Slave Driver, I’m heading home now.”
Harlow’s voice. Uh-oh.
“Hot date?” Easton drawled.
“None of your business.”
Harlow stalked out of Easton’s office, her face flushed and a smile on her lips. Then she spotted Gia and Saxon. “Oh, hi.”
“Hello, again.” Gia smiled. “We’re here to pick up Easton.”
“Good. I was worried I’d have to bean him with a stapler so I could make my getaway.”
“Well, how about we distract him so you can escape?” Gia winked.
Harlow smiled and opened her mouth to answer, just as her cell phone pinged. She pulled it out. Whatever was in the message wasn’t good. Her smile fell, and all the color drained from her face.
Gia frowned. “Harlow? Is everything all right?”
The woman’s head whipped up, and she pinned a fake-looking smile in place. “Fine. All fine.”
Gia looked at Saxon. He was frowning. It wasn’t all fine.
Harlow glanced at her phone again and her chest hitched. “Um, I’d better get going. Have a great night.” She started shoving things in her handbag.
Gia headed toward Easton’s office. When she glanced back, she saw Harlow’s shoulders slump, and Gia thought she saw the glimmer of tears in the woman’s eyes.
She looked so dejected and alone.
Easton stood behind his desk, the city skyline his backdrop as he shrugged into his jacket.
“Hi,” he greeted them.
Her brother was so damn handsome, and he did work too hard.
“Busy day making squillions?” she asked.
He smiled. “Always.”
“Well, time to go and get a drink,” Saxon said.
“Good. I’ve had so many meetings today, so I’ve earned it.”
Gia frowned. “Did you stop to eat lunch?”
“My dragon of an assistant forced me to eat a sandwich. If I recall correctly, she threatened to hit me with my keyboard if I didn’t.”
“Speaking of Harlow, she just got a message.” Gia chewed on her lip. “She looked pretty upset.”
Easton stilled. “What?”
“Just now, she—”
Her brother stormed past her. Gia raised a brow and saw Saxon trying to hide a grin.
“What?” she said.
He shook his head.
Gia spun and reached the doorway.
Easton had Harlow pinned against her desk.
“What’s wrong?” he demanded.
“Nothing.”
“Carlson—”
“You can grumble all you want, Mr. Glower, I’m not telling you.”
“Mr. Glower? That’s not one of your best.”
Harlow huffed out a breath. “I know. It’s been a long day, because my demanding boss is a workaholic.”
Easton lifted a hand, like he wanted to touch her, but then let it drop. “Tell me, Harlow. I can help.”
“No one can help.” Harlow’s voice was soft, edged with something sad. Then she shoved Easton back. “I have to go.” She snatched up her coat and bag. “Have a great weekend.” She almost ran out of the office.
Easton stared after her, frowning.
Hmm. Gia bit her lip. She wanted to rub her hands together.
Harlow was neither intimidated by her brother, nor in awe. And her brother had that look in his eye, the one that said he wanted something.
Easton never let anything stop him from getting what he wanted.
Saxon gripped her shoulder. “No meddling, Gia Gabriella,” he whispered.
She smiled at her man. “Who, me?”
He sighed.
“Saxon?” Easton said. “I want you to run Harlow’s background. See if you find anything concerning.”
Gia stiffened. “Easton, I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t be happy about that.”
“I don’t care. If she’s in trouble…”
“I’m on it,” Saxon said.
“Men.” Gia threw her hands in the air.
Saxon slid an arm around her. “Let’s
get you some champagne, Contessa.”
“I know when you’re trying to distract me, Saxon Buchanan.”
He smiled at her.
Dammit, he was so handsome, and he knew it.
“You’re the smartest, sexiest woman I know, Gia Norcross, soon to be Gia Buchanan.”
She gasped. “Oh God, Gia Buchanan.”
He lowered his head. “You like that?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Me, too.” His mouth covered hers.
And then there was just Gia and Saxon.
They were safe. They were happy and in love.
She knew they’d fight, make up, laugh, love, and have each other, always.
I hope you enjoyed Gia and Saxon’s story!
There are more Norcross stories on the way. Stay tuned for THE SPECIALIST, starring Easton Norcross, coming in 2021.
If you’d like to learn more about the mysterious, covert team in black, Team 52, then read on for a preview of the first Team 52 book, Mission: Her Protection.
Or for a little adventure with your romance, you can check out the treasure hunting former Navy SEALs of Treasure Hunter Security in the book, Undiscovered.
Don’t miss out! For updates about new releases, free books, and other fun stuff, sign up for my VIP mailing list and get your free box set containing three action-packed romances.
Visit here to get started: www.annahackett.com
Preview - Mission: Her Protection
It was a beautiful day—ten below zero, and ice as far as the eye could see.
Dr. Rowan Schafer tugged at the fur-lined hood of her arctic parka, and stared across the unforgiving landscape of Ellesmere Island, the northernmost island in Canada. The Arctic Circle lay about fifteen hundred miles to the south, and large portions of the island were covered with glaciers and ice.
Rowan breathed in the fresh, frigid air. There was nowhere else she wanted to be.
Hefting her small pickaxe, she stepped closer to the wall of glacial ice in front of her. The retreating Gilman Glacier was proving a fascinating location. Her multi-disciplinary team of hydrologists, glaciologists, geophysicists, botanists, and climate scientists were more than happy to brave the cold for the chance to carry out their varied research projects. She began to chip away at the ice once more, searching for any interesting samples.
