Page 67 of Sasha’s Secret

He had more reason than ever, now. The urge to tell her how he felt was overpowering, but this was neither the time nor the place. “I will. I think there’s something else we both forgot, though.”

“What’s that?”

He leaned in close, so his lips were close to her ear. “Your panties. They’re the devil’s work, and as soon as we get back here, I’m getting you right back out of them.”

* * *

By the time she reached the atrium of the main house, Sasha was confident no one would ever guess what she’d been doing with Rocco barely fifteen minutes earlier. What that man did with those hands of his was nothing short of sorcery, and what he’d promised her for later would make sure the evening wasn’t a drag.

Because hopefully it would be a drag—the alternative would mean they were right and they had serious trouble on their hands.

Rocco had gone to escort Linzi and her boyfriend from her suite. The rest of her entourage and her security detail was waiting here, and once Linzi and Ram joined them, they’d be on their way to attend the Diamond ACE Music Awards.

A loud whoop drew Sasha’s attention to the top of the main staircase. Linzi was already in celebratory mood, and so was her boyfriend. Rocco was right behind the couple as they descended the stairs, his expression the epitome of stoic professionalism, and a million miles away from the lover who had gifted her an orgasm so explosive, she could still feel the echoes of it now.

No doubt the rumor that Linzi was up for an award was the reason for her riotous behavior—she thrived on being the center of attention. Even if she didn’t win, she’d still be on the receiving end of plenty, especially when she gave the closing performance of the evening, which was why four more of her backup dancers were also joining them. At least there’d be plenty of room for all of them in the stretch Hummer.

Even without alcohol, spirits were high between Linzi and her dancers. However, while they hadn’t consumed any alcohol—yet—Gerry Brookes had already gulped his way through almost a full bottle of champagne. Linzi’s manager had returned from New York a day or two earlier, and given his level of intoxication right now, Sasha was glad they’d decided to keep him in the dark about the possibility of a threat against Linzi being carried out that evening. He couldn’t shoot his drunken mouth off about what he didn’t know.

And then there was Linzi’s producer. Trent Birling was so engrossed in his cell phone, Sasha doubted anything short of nuclear Armageddon would get through to him.

Linzi’s security detail was a different matter. Rocco was the consummate professional, of course, and Scott was quiet and focused, standing straight as his gaze swept dispassionately over the gathering.

Then there was Brian. To an outsider, he might appear as cool and collected as his colleague, but to Sasha, there were plenty of red flags to tell her he was as taut as a bowstring. Hardly proof positive of intent to do harm, but why would a supposedly experienced bodyguard radiate that kind of negative energy on what should have been a virtually risk-free endeavor? She was more relieved than ever that Ghost and his team were providing backup.

“May I have your attention, please?”

Rocco’s voice rang around the atrium. Oh, that sexy accent. It had done crazy things to Sasha right from the first moment she’d heard it, and the command it carried now underscored its impact on her.

“This is the first time Linzi’s been out in public for a while. We have reason to believe there’ll be a significant turn-out of her fans at the venue, wanting to catch a glimpse of her. Some of them may be a little too enthusiastic. I’ve also had a report from the guard on the gate here that there’s been an unusual increase in traffic in this area—it may not be connected, but on the other hand, I don’t believe in coincidence. Brian, Scott—I want you both to be alert to possible threats as soon as we leave the compound. Linzi?”

Sasha watched as Rocco addressed her employer—and waited. It was going to be one of those evenings. Sasha stepped forward to where Linzi was still laughing with her boyfriend. “Linzi, Rocco needs to tell you something. It’s important.”

At least Linzi didn’t roll her eyes, but the look she bestowed on Rocco was little better—classic Linzi. Sasha doubted she’d remember a word of what Rocco was saying, and judging by the subtle changes in his expression, Rocco likely shared her opinion. He’d barely finished when Linzi went back to draping herself over Ram.

“Scott. Brian. A word.”

Rocco beckoned the two men over to a corner of the atrium. Sasha wandered over in the general direction, feigning interest in a flower arrangement to cover her eavesdropping.

“You know your assignments for this evening,” Rocco continued. “Comms check now.”

Sasha turned her attention to the two guards. Scott was fully focused on what Rocco was saying, but Brian was a case study in crackling tension. His jaw was rigid, and his dark, resentful glare was directed straight at Rocco, barely changing as he completed the check. His hostile demeanor continued as Rocco confirmed again that each man was clear about what he was expected to do.

“Okay, that’s all in order. Any questions?”

Sasha held her breath—was this the moment when Brian would lash out? She waited, but both men merely confirmed they were good to go. Scott moved away first, and it was then that Brian struck.

“Equizi, you might think you’re in charge here—”

Before Brian could even finish his sentence, Rocco had twisted his arm up his back and bundled him face first into the nearest wall with minimal disturbance to the people around them. “You listen to me, Schofield. If anyone—anyone—in this party comes to any harm tonight because of you, I’ll kill you myself. Understood?”

Schofield’s expression was a picture of snarling hostility. He shook Rocco off, but only because Rocco allowed it. “Understood… sir.”

With a final, venomous glare, Schofield followed Scott to the center of the atrium. When he was out of earshot, Sasha closed the distance between herself and Rocco. Though she longed to ask him if he was all right, she couldn’t undermine his authority. “Have you heard from Ghost?”

“While I was waiting for Linzi. His team are all in place. Beatle and Truck have been outside Frank’s place since mid-afternoon—they’ve seen him moving around, but he hasn’t left the property. Ghost and Hollywood are at the venue. They’re going to meet us in the lobby.”

A little of Sasha’s tension eased. “They’re good men—they know what they’re doing.”