The Troubleshooter: Norcross Series

by Hackett, Anna

  But a strong arm curled around her.

  “Saxon, there’s no time. I need to shower—”

  He kissed her.

  Hmm. Maybe there was a little time. He tasted like coffee and yumminess.

  Then he lifted his head. “Go. Get ready. I put your bag in the bathroom. I’m already hungry for your mom’s garlic bread.”

  Gia stood. “I can make it too, you know?”

  “You going to cook for me, Contessa?”

  “Maybe. If you’re very lucky.”

  His gaze moved over her face. “I’m feeling pretty lucky today. Gia Norcross, right where I want her, after sleeping in my arms all night.”

  Heat bloomed in her belly. Who knew that sexy, classy Saxon could also be sweet?

  “I don’t recall much sleeping.” She shot him a sassy smile, then hurried into his bathroom.

  Gia showered, then did her hair and some light makeup. She pulled on a simple, chocolate-brown wrap dress and sandals.

  Saxon was dressed in tan chinos and a white, linen shirt—sleeves rolled up—and sitting at the kitchen island. There was a bunch of brightly-colored flowers resting on the countertop—daisies of all different colors. Her mom’s favorite.

  “Where did you get those?” Gia asked.

  “I have my ways.”

  Must be nice to be so rich you had people at your beck and call. “You trying to charm my mother?”

  “She already loves me.”

  “But now you’re sleeping with her daughter.”

  Saxon winced. “I’m more worried about your dad.”

  Ethan Norcross was fairly easy-going. Her former-firefighter dad had never given any of her other boyfriends a hard time, although she’d never brought many home.

  “Where are my flowers?” she asked.

  “These flowers are for the first Norcross woman I ever fell for, but I’ll get flowers for you too.”

  Those words made it hard to breathe.

  He rose and stroked her cheekbone. “Let’s get going.”

  Before long, they pulled up at the Norcross home in Noe Valley.

  Gia smiled. Home. She’d grown up here, and the neat and tidy Edwardian house was filled with so many memories. She was surprised to realize how many of them also included Saxon.

  Her mother opened the front door. “Bambinos.”

  Gia kissed her mom, and then Clara Norcross turned to kiss Saxon. He handed over the flowers and Gia watched her mother gush like a teenage girl.

  “Finally, you two worked yourselves out.” Her mother smiled at them smugly.

  “Ma—”

  “Gia, this one has watched you for a long time.” Her mom’s gaze narrowed on Saxon. “You were much slower to act than I guessed.”

  “Gia’s special.”

  Gia’s mom beamed at him. “She is. And she’s had her eye on you too. Both of you, so slow.” She shook her head. “Me, the first time I saw my Ethan, I knew he’d be mine.”

  “That’s not how I remember it.” Gia’s dad strode up behind her mother.

  He was still tall, strong, and handsome, with salt-and-pepper hair.

  “Hi, Dad.” Gia hugged him.

  “Your mother made me work for our first date.”

  Clara raised a brow. “Of course, but I’d already decided you were mine.”

  Gia’s father smiled. “I know. I remember a certain cat fight with Theresa Russo.”

  “That girl was moving in on my man.” Clara’s dark eyes flashed. “And you didn’t seem to mind very much.”

  Gia’s father laughed. “I only had eyes for you, beautiful. I just had to make you work for it a little.”

  Fighting a smile, Gia’s mom slapped his arm and they shared a look.

  They’d always been like this. Gia had always known that her parents’ love was strong and true. And she’d always wanted that for herself.

  Saxon ran a hand down her back and she looked up at him. He was watching her with a smile.

  Ethan cleared his throat. “Saxon, why don’t we get a drink while Gia helps her mother?” Her father looked a little uncomfortable.

  Gia narrowed her gaze. “Is that code for you’re going to grill him?”

  Her father sniffed. “I was considering breaking out my pliers and hacksaw for some torture.”

  Gia’s mother rolled her eyes. “Come, Gia.”

  Gia cocked her hip. “So, the women have to be in the kitchen, cooking and—?”

  “Go.” Saxon tugged on her hair. “I’ll be fine. Don’t throw a tantrum, and delay me getting some of your mom’s garlic bread.”

  She glared at him. “The garlic bread might end up burned, if you aren’t careful.”

  The annoying man just grinned at her.

  Vander appeared in the hall, beer in hand. Easton was behind him.

  “When are we eating?” Vander asked.

  “After Dad grills Saxon,” Gia snapped.

  “After Rhys and Haven arrive,” Clara amended.

  “Three guesses why they’re late,” Easton muttered.

  “Come on, Saxon.” Her father slid his arm around Saxon’s shoulders. “Let’s get the torture over with.”

  Vander’s lips twitched. “I’ll help.”

  “Me too,” Easton added.

  “Mom!” Gia cried.

  “Oh, Saxon can take care of himself.” Her mother herded Gia into the kitchen Easton had renovated for her a few years back.

  Gia helped her mother finish prepping lunch, trying to overhear the conversation coming from the living room. But all she heard was the low murmur of deep voices.

  “He’ll be fine.” Her mom took the lasagna out of the oven.

  Familiar, delicious scents filled the air. “I know.” Gia blew out a breath. “I know this is all a bit strange. Me and Saxon together. Vander…might need a little while to adjust.”

  Her mother smiled. “I know you’ve always had feelings for Saxon.”

  “Mama—” Pressure built in Gia’s chest, and she pressed a hand between her breasts. “I think I’m…” She couldn’t say the words aloud.

  Her mother smiled and cupped Gia’s cheek. “I know, cara mia. He’s worthy of your love.”

  “He’s taking care of me. He drives me crazy sometimes, but I know I can trust him.”

  “He’s a good man, and he made himself that way.” Her mother scowled. “The Lord knows those parents of his had no hand in raising him.”

  “You know them?”

  “I’ve met them a few times.” Her mother met Gia’s gaze. “Saxon has wounds, Gia. From long before he served his country. You take care.”

  The front door opened. “We’re here,” Rhys announced. “And we’re hungry.”

  Haven appeared in the kitchen, smiling, her face flushed. “Hi.”

  Yep, she’d totally gotten laid.

  “Hello, bambina.” Clara kissed Haven’s cheeks. “Let’s eat.”

  * * *

  Stuffed full of Mrs. Norcross’ amazing food, Saxon sat on the back deck with the other men, drinking his coffee. The Norcross’ had a small yard with a shed that housed Mr. Norcross’ workshop.

  Gia’s dad hadn’t tortured him, just made him promise to take care of Gia. The memory of her dad’s words still echoed in Saxon’s head. You’ve had my boys’ backs for years; I know you’ll take care of my girl too.

  The sentiment had rocked Saxon. His parents had never had faith in him, never believed in him.

  Mr. Norcross hadn’t stopped there. Besides, if you don’t make her happy, Gia won’t be shy to tell you off.

  Saxon smiled over the rim of his coffee mug. His feisty woman was inside with her mom and Haven, and he had no doubt she wouldn’t hesitate to tell him off.

  “So, you’re all keeping Gia safe while you fix the situation,” Mr. Norcross said.

  Saxon nodded.

  “I don’t trust Dennett,” Vander said.

  Easton made a sound. “After that stunt at the sports bar, I made a few calls. Some of Dennett’s
prospective business deals are going to dry up.”

  Easton was all slick businessman on the surface, but he was a warrior at heart.

  “Sackler hasn’t reared his head,” Saxon mused.

  “He’s lurking,” Rhys said from where he leaned against the railing. “An informant told me that he’s really pissed about losing the diamond.”

  “And let’s not forget about Lex.” Saxon scowled. He wasn’t letting any of these guys near Gia.

  “Any luck finding Willow?” Mr. Norcross asked.

  They all shook their heads. Willow was laying very low.

  The back door opened, and Gia and Haven appeared.

  “Finished talking about manly-man things?” Gia asked.

  Saxon snagged her and tugged her into his lap. The feel of her, the scent of her perfume, calmed something inside him. “We were going to talk about bear hunting and spear making, next.”

  She rolled her eyes.

  He thought it would be weird to be at the Norcross’ home with everyone knowing he and Gia were together. But it wasn’t. It felt right.

  He looked up, and spotted Vander watching them. His best friend had an unreadable look on his face, but he didn’t look angry.

  He gave Saxon a slight nod.

  Saxon nodded back.

  “Ready to go?” Saxon asked Gia.

  She nodded. She kissed her father and her brothers. She hugged Haven, then shared a long hug with her mother.

  Mrs. Norcross kissed both of Saxon’s cheeks. “Do right by my girl, Saxon.”

  He nodded.

  She patted his cheek. “And by yourself. You always deserved more than you believed. You’re nothing like those parents of yours.”

  Her words sent a hit of emotion driving into his heart.

  Gia took his hand and they headed out to the Bentley.

  “Can I drive?” she asked.

  “No.”

  “Typical man.” She flounced into the passenger seat.

  God, no one gave off attitude like his woman.

  His. He was going to keep her.

  But first, he had to get her safe.

  They headed back toward the city and his place.

  “Well, you survived lunch with the Norcross family,” she said.

  “I’ve eaten with your family a hundred times. At school, I used to wish they were my family.”

  She rested her hand over his. “They are.”

  Yeah, they were, in all the ways that mattered.

  Her nose wrinkled. “I don’t relish meeting your parents.”

  “For your sake, I’ll try to make that never.”

  “Your parents must not be all bad.”

  “There’s my Gia, always looking for the best in people.”

  She scowled. “Look where that got me with Willow.”

  He squeezed her fingers, resting them on his thigh. When he pulled onto the freeway, he glanced in the rearview mirror and frowned.

  “What?” she asked.

  “We’re being followed.”

  She was a Norcross, so she didn’t turn around. “You’re sure?”

  He nodded and sped up. “Silver Chevy Blazer.”

  The SUV sped up as well, following them. Saxon thumbed a button on the steering wheel.

  The call connected. “Norcross,” Vander said.

  “I’ve got a Chevy Blazer on my tail. We’re on Bayshore, but I’m going to take the next exit.”

  “I’m on it.” Vander hung up.

  Saxon picked up speed and zipped between two cars. A car honked its horn, and the Blazer roared into the other lane to follow.

  “Hang on.” He took the exit fast, tires screeching. The Bentley was well-designed, and hugged the curve.

  Gia quickly glanced back. “They’re following.”

  Saxon took another turn. Thankfully, the traffic was light because he didn’t want to put anyone in danger. He roared through a stop sign.

  He glanced in the rearview mirror. Fuck.

  “Down!” He reached across and shoved Gia’s head down.

  There was a man hanging out of the SUV’s passenger window. He was holding a gun.

  He fired. Bullets pinged off the Bentley.

  “They’re shooting at us!” Gia’s voice was enraged.

  “Stay down.”

  “They’re shooting at us.” The rear window of the Bentley shattered, and Gia screamed.

  Saxon took another turn, accelerating up a hilly street.

  Leaning forward, Gia opened the glove compartment.

  “Gia—”

  She pulled out his HK VP9, checked it.

  “Stay down,” he growled.

  “You just drive, Saxon.” She opened her window.

  He cursed. When she unclipped her belt, he cursed some more.

  She stuck her head out the window and fired.

  Bam. Bam. Bam.

  The Blazer swerved and clipped a parked car before it righted itself. Gia fired again.

  “Inside, Gia!” Saxon roared.

  She slid back into her seat.

  He jerked the wheel and pulled into the empty parking lot of a high school. He was pissed as hell.

  He swung the Bentley into a sharp turn, tires squealing. They came to a stop facing the direction they’d came.

  He grabbed the HK VP9 from Gia. “Stay in the car.” He gave a quick, hard kiss, then shoved open his door.

  The Blazer pulled to a stop.

  “Saxon, you aren’t bulletproof,” she cried.

  He strode toward the SUV, lifted the gun and aimed. He fired on the driver side of the windshield—once, twice, three times. The glass cracked.

  The door of the vehicle opened, and the driver tumbled out.

  Saxon fired, hitting him in the leg. The man cried out and dropped his handgun.

  Saxon snatched it up.

  The man who’d climbed out of the passenger seat took one look at Saxon and ran.

  “No, you don’t.” Gia’s voice.

  Dread filling him, Saxon spun. His gut clenched. She hadn’t stayed in the car.

  She was aiming her Ruger at the fleeing man. She fired several shots.

  The man stopped, dancing on the spot like a tap dancer.

  Gun up, Saxon advanced. “On your knees.”

  The man dropped. A second later, a black X6 screeched into the parking lot, and Vander got out.

  Saxon turned and zeroed in on Gia. “I told you to stay in the car.” His voice was a roar.

  She didn’t even blink, just tossed her hair back. “You’d better get used to me making my own decisions and not following orders.”

  He wanted to either hit or kiss that stubborn chin of hers. Since he didn’t hit women, and this was Gia, he suspected the kissing would win out.

  Then he heard Vander’s laugh.

  “Don’t you start,” Saxon said.

  “You signed up for it, brother.”

  “No comment.”

  Vander slapped some zip ties in Saxon’s hand. While Saxon tied up the man on his knees, Vander knelt beside the bleeding driver. “Clear shot, didn’t hit an artery. He’ll live.”

  “Who do you work for?” Saxon demanded.

  The driver just glared at them, while the second man looked at the ground.

  Saxon smiled. “Oh good, I was hoping you’d pick the hard way.”

  The driver’s defiant look wavered.

  Then Gia walked up and slapped the man’s cheek. “Who do you work for?”

  “Jesus,” Vander muttered.

  She slapped the man again. “Answer. Now.”

  Shaking his head, Saxon stepped forward. “Gia—”

  “Albert Sackler,” the man mumbled.

  Saxon met Vander’s gaze. Fuck. Sackler had entered the game.

  Gia nodded. “I’ll wait in the car.” She stalked off like she was just out enjoying a stroll.

  “She’s a handful,” Vander said.

  “I’m aware.”

  “Too late to back out now.” Vander hau
led up the bleeding driver. “I’ll get this one to the hospital, and call Hunt.”

  “And the other one?” Saxon glanced at the guy tied up with zip ties.

  “I’ll take him too. Think a visit to our holding rooms is in his future.”

  Saxon nodded. “Call me if you get any more information.”

  “Good luck with your handful.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  They pulled in at Saxon’s.

  Gia was buzzing. The car chase, seeing Saxon be a complete badass, her taking that guy down. She looked at Saxon as he parked the car. Delicious, with a capital D.

  “Sorry about the bullet holes in your Bentley,” she said.

  He shrugged. “I’ll call someone to collect it tomorrow and get it fixed.”

  She crossed her legs, uncrossed them.

  He glanced at her. “You’re wired.”

  “Totally. Watching you do your thing, me doing my thing…”

  “Instead of staying in the car,” he said dryly.

  “You had it under control. I was armed, and I know how to shoot. I wasn’t letting you deal with it alone.”

  He got a hot look in his eyes.

  Gia squirmed in her seat. She was so turned on.

  A faint smile curved his mouth. “You hungry, Contessa?”

  “My panties are saturated. Or they would be if I was wearing any.”

  He growled.

  She opened her door. As she stood, she watched him get out on the other side of the car, her heart thumping like a giant drum.

  “Think you can make it to the bedroom?” he asked silkily.

  “I hope not,” she murmured.

  She ran for the stairs.

  Her heels clicked as she flew upward. She heard him behind her, sensed him. She made it to the entry before he was on her.

  He grabbed a handful of the back of her dress, spun her. Then Gia found herself pressed against the wall, Saxon’s mouth on hers.

  Yes. Yes. Yes.

  When was the last time anything had felt this right? Maybe the first time she’d sat at her desk in the Firelight PR offices? Making friends with Haven?

  Now Saxon.

  His fingers were in her hair, his mouth hard and demanding on hers. She moaned. Waves of desire rolled through her, concentrating between her legs

  She needed one thing. Him.

  His mouth moved on hers and he deepened the kiss. He parted her lips wider and she gripped his firm biceps, sliding her tongue against his.