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Romy instantly picked up on Emerald’s coquettish behavior. Romy couldn’t deny that Emerald intrigued her, but she was determined to remain professional.So naturally, I should keep my distance, although there’s nothing wrong with being friendly and polite. After all, this is probably the highest-profile client I’ve had in my career; references from Emerald Crowle would set me up for life.Romy looked at Emerald out of the corner of her eye, noticing her curves and lovely body that was emphasized by the silky red material.She certainly is easy on the eyes.
“I’m not so much a breakfast person; coffee is my first meal of the day,” Romy replied, holding up her mug. “But if you have something, I’m happy to keep you company. In fact, we should continue to talk more about Thomas. I have some interesting findings that you should be aware of.”
“Alright, that sounds lovely. I’ll have Marilyn make me a plate, and I’ll join you injusta few moments.” Emerald winked at Romy as she glided out of the dining hall. Romy kept her eyes on her keyboard, but something stirred inside her, distracting her attention from the laptop screen.
While Romy continued to investigate Thomas Black, she heard murmurs of Emerald and Marilyn from a nearby room. Romy settled in and honed her focus. Part of her research involved inputting the details that she received from the agency into a criminal database. As she reviewed the information, Romy's eyes widened.Oh no, this is bad. Huh, I didn't realize that Thomas Black was such a threat.She continued to read the reports that popped up from the archives. Shaking her head, Romy finally understood why Emerald required her assistance; she was concerned for the actress's safety.
Luckily for Romy, Thomas Black was not the most threatening criminal she had encountered in her career. Instead, she was well-trained and experienced, using her intelligence, skills, and strength to protect her valued clients. But Romy needed to share this new information with Emerald immediately.
Looking around the empty dining hall, Romy decided to find Emerald. Marilyn rushed into the room to check on the guard as she stood. “Is everything alright, dear? Can I get you anything else?”
“No, thank you, Marilyn. However, I do need to speak to Emerald immediately. Do you know where she is?” Romy inquired.
Marilyn pointed towards the staircase. “She's upstairs. I was just about to prepare her breakfast. Would you like to wait for her down here?”
While she felt a sense of urgency, Romy didn't want to impose on Emerald's morning routine. “Um, sure. Yes, I can wait. I'll be waiting—”
“Okay, I'm ready!” Both Romy and Marilyn turned to see Emerald gliding down the stairs, still wearing her red silk robe, although Romy noticed that she had fixed her hair and added light makeup to her face. “Romy, you had better stay right where you are.”
As Marilyn hurried back into the kitchen, Emerald took a seat beside Romy. Romy could smell the faint scent of designer perfume.I know that smell. It's the same perfume a woman I used to be seriously into wore. Chanel Chance, I think?
Romy assumed a solemn expression. “Emerald, I need to share some information with you; it's about Thomas Black, and it's serious.”
The actress placed a hand on Romy's forearm, squeezing it. Romy wasn't sure how to react; her clients had never touched her. But Emerald's hand felt warm, sending a wave of energy through Romy's body. If Romy was completely honest with herself, she didn't mind, although she didn't want to feed Emerald's ego with a reaction.
“Goodness, what's that? What do you mean by serious?” Her hazel eyes became fearful as Emerald bit her lip. Again, she squeezed Romy's arm, leaving her hand on the flesh.
Clearing her throat, Romy turned to her laptop screen. “As it turns out, your ex-husband has some interesting associates. How much do you know about his past?” As Romy looked back at Emerald, she met the actress's gaze. Again, they locked eyes, and Romy was overcome with a giddy sensation.What is wrong with me today? Romy, focus!
Slowly, Emerald's eyes traveled toward Romy's mouth as she licked her lips. Shaking her head slowly, Emerald replied, “Um, not much, I guess. I know that he was in the Marines, and that personal training was his life, but he was also passionate about acting. He was always bitter, being seen as a low-budget star.” Emerald tucked a strand of golden-blond hair behind her ear and added, “Oh yeah, he became a big drinker during our marriage, and that's when he became more aggressive.” Bringing her face closer to Romy's, Emerald suggestively raised an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”
I swear, this woman could look sexy blowing her nose. She still seems composed, even flirtatious for someone with such a dangerous ex. Who is this woman, anyway?But Romy kept her expression even. “Listen, your ex-husband has former gang ties. He is associated with one of Southern California's most vicious criminal organizations. But that's not all.”
Emerald put a hand to her chest and gasped, clearly shocked. Then, as her jaw dropped, she shook her head, grabbing Romy again with both hands. By her expression, Romy believed that the actress had been none the wiser; the way Emerald grasped her seemed to suggest that Emerald wanted an embrace. But Romy wasn't here to provide comfort as much as she was here for protection.
She took Emerald's hands and slowly guided them away from her body. “It's true. But I don't want you to panic. I'm getting familiar with this organization, so that I can be prepared. But you need to understand that Thomas may not be acting alone. It's possible that he could enlist in his contacts to co-ordinate an attack on you.
Romy settled back into her seat. “This is why it's imperative that I remain by your side. Today, I will locate his vehicle and put a tracker on it so I can be aware of his whereabouts.”
“Of course, yes, no problem. No, I want you here at all times.” Emerald appeared distraught, and for the first time, Romy sensed a genuine vulnerability in the actress. “Are you okay?”
Emerald shook her head. “No, I'm not. This is seriously worrying.”
Worry lines etched over her face and for once she looked genuinely vulnerable. Her hazel eyes looked up hopefully at Romy.
Was it real or just the gifts of a talented actress?
Romy felt overwhelmed with a desire to hold her. But she knew that that would be entirely unprofessional.
She settled for putting her hand on top of Emerald’s immaculately manicured soft hand.
“I’ve got this, Emerald. You can trust me to keep you safe.” Romy hoped sincerely that her words would prove true.
Emerald’s hand was warm under her own. Emerald offered a weak smile.
“I trust you,” she said.
5
