Mica reached for him and his heart beat changed and his pulse quickened. Her hands around his hips made him jumpy with needs he hadn't fulfilled in years. “We need to talk about your choice in men.”
She stared at his lips as she asked, “My choice in you?”
Him? This wasn’t right. She deserved someone… clean, so he untangled himself. “I’m not good.”
She hugged her waist--making the most powerful woman he’d ever met appear timid. “Who is? I’m not.”
The glistening of her eyes hit him hard, worse than being beaten in a prison riot over rotten potatoes. He glanced at the wall as he said, “Look, I have a record.”
Her cheeks blushed and she lowered her eyes. “About that…”
He swore he saw a shadow move from the corner of his eye on the security camera. “Go back.” He pointed to the camera. “Check the cameras again.”
A footstep echoed outside and Mica tossed the remote at him and ran toward her baby’s crib. She came back holding Jacob who was sleeping in her arms as Rocco studied what he saw.
On freeze frame.
The shadow seemed one man, probably his brother Harry’s size when he’d been alive, big and brawny.
Either way, someone was lurking around the chalet that shouldn’t be.
Perhaps a burglar. Perhaps someone hired by her ex’s family. “I’m nervous now,” Mica said. “That sounded like a bang.”
Rocco needed to act and going back to jail was better than having anything happen to Mica—he knew she would take care of his mother. “Yeah. Call the police, or your private security. As a backup, if we can’t wait it out here, where are your keys? How far is the helicopter?”
She went to her desk and opened the top drawer to show him her keys. “We’d have to run.”
If it was just one man, they might be okay.
Rocco knew how to brawl. He’d grown up in violence. The Marines had prepared him for anything, and jail… that was a constant place where he'd lived on the edge, with his fists. He spoke calmly. “Let’s just sit quiet, with the lights off and see what’s happening first. You said this room was like Fort Knox.”
“It is. Give me one minute.” She handed him her son and took out her phone. "The line’s not working.”
“No police?”
“Let me email them.” She headed to her computer but her nose twitched a minute later. “Can’t… the internet’s out.”
“But security is still working?”
“Yes. I have the controls and that’s not on WIFI but I haven’t added the landline for phone calls. Once we’re online, I’ll call.”
She reached for Jacob and they took chairs—Mica held her son close as he slept.
After a while the same feed just looped like nothing had happened and she turned toward him in her seat, her knees brushing his. “This is all live and I’m not seeing anything.”
If this was a robbery, maybe the burglar was long gone. The hotel had nothing of value while it was being remodeled. If this was an assassin or someone sinister then he needed to ensure nothing happened to Mica or Jacob. “Can these cameras be manipulated?”
Her lips pursed. “What do you mean?”
Good people like her might not know about the dirty side of life. He folded his hands between his open legs and said, “A man I knew, let’s call him Bear, he said he used to hack into corporate computers. He could loop security cameras so the viewer thinks everything is fine, but it’s all prerecorded.”
Her son woke up and started crying. She bounced him as she said, “Once we want to leave, I can call my team in New York for them to check the feed with a fine tooth comb.”
If this was someone here to hurt them, Jacob’s cries would lead whoever was inside the chalet to their rooms. He stood, grabbed the bottle from Jacob's crib, and brought it to Mica. “Do it.”
She put the bottle in her baby’s mouth and walked to her desk to grab her phone. “Rocco?”
In his mind, he was ready to fight to the death if anyone came near her.
Her voice was like an anchor. He squared his shoulders and asked, “Yeah?”
She juggled her son and her phone as she met his gaze without blinking. “Don’t think about leaving me.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it, ma’am.” He listened at the door. It was better to be prepared.
She called out, “Don’t…”
He gave her a quick smile, knowing she needed to be calm. “Mica, relax. We’re probably just on edge because of our imaginations. We’re safe for now as you said and maybe whoever he is just takes what he wants and leaves.”
Her eyebrow popped up like she didn’t believe a word he just said. “You think it’s a burglary?”
It was always better to remain calm. He winked. “I’ll get you out of here in one piece.”
She sucked in her lip and her face went red again as she said, “We need to talk. Give me two minutes.” Mica started to talk on her phone.
He took a seat closer to her television and watched the cameras.
Once she was done, he’d ensure she was prepared, slip out and case her entire house until he found whoever was here.
It was time to bring the fight to whoever had dared come here. His life wasn’t worth much, but Mica and Jacob’s absolutely were.
Chapter 13
Mica’s heart was in her throat. She stood next to Rocco in her office looking out the windows next to her desk and a white Chevy Tahoe pulled into her parking lot.
This wasn’t delivery.
Rocco patted her on her back which was the only thing that kept her sane as she curled Jacob over her shoulder. Rocco turned to the televisions to write down the license plate number.
Her entire body went cold. She turned to Rocco and said the obvious, “I don’t recognize that car.”
He had eyes and could see for himself, but the words helped her calm her nerves.
He traced his fingers up and down her back, then picked up her keys from her desk and placed them in her hand. “I’ll go down and find out who it is. Be prepared to get in your car and go.”
No. Her car was too far away. They should just call the police as this was now an intruder situation.
And if so, she was safe where she was.
The panic room she’d installed within her suite walls were there in case Ali’s men arrived. She lifted her chin and met Rocco’s gaze as she said, “No. My rooms are built like a bomb shelter. No one can get in here.”
He crossed his arms and his biceps bulged in his t-shirt. “How secure are these rooms? They might have automatic weapons or brute strength to break them down the walls.”
Heat rose in her face. She sucked in her bottom lip and let out a sigh as she said, “I should have told you a lot of things.”
He traced her cheek like he wanted to comfort her when she was the one holding secrets. “Like what?”
She ignored how her pulse quickened or how electricity from his touch coursed through her. “Like I know your name is Rocco Hellsworth and you have a… prison… record.”
This time his cheeks flamed and he backed away from her as he shook his head. “We can talk about that later. I’m here to help and protect you.”
Right now was all that mattered.
“The walls are bullet proof, fireproof and even flood proof for a few hours. No man can break through the walls.”
Her brother’s castle during the siege had been made of strong stones, but her hotel was modern. Now, hotels weren’t normally built to a code that protected from mass shootings, but Mica’s took everything she could imagine for danger into the design. After her own near death experience, she hadn’t thought she’d ever trust her instincts or in a man, until Rocco as she said, “I believe in you.”
He pushed her hair behind her ear and pressed his forehead to hers. His closeness calmed her and made it seem like she was in a cocoon where nothing might get to her. He said, “I won’t hurt you like your ex.”
“I believe that too.” She
realized her son seemed content between them as he cooed and smiled.
Rocco stepped back and nodded at her like they were working together. “Good.” He then backed up and glanced around the suite like he was searching for her weapons. “You don’t have any more medical supplies in here.”
She should have added the refrigerator sooner, but she hadn’t wanted to be inconvenienced by delivery men so she’d pushed it off. Clearly a mistake.
If they called the police, Rocco could stay in here until whoever was in the white Tahoe left. Her heart began to race and her hands trembled.
This was a tell. No! She shoved her infant son into Rocco’s arms.
A second later, her body doubled over in agony.
She reached for Rocco’s shoulder. “I need my medicine.”
He gently ran his fingers over her son’s scalp, placed him in his crib, and handed her the meds from the cooler bag. “Got it….”
"I hope it works.” She swallowed the pills he’d given her.
But her entire body rolled in absolute torturous pain.
He squared his shoulders. “I’ll go and get all the rest of your medication and more formula from the refrigerator.”
At least her son was cooing his way to sleep.
Danger was out there. Her security team would have called the station already but still…she had to stop him.
Then Jacob gave a small cry.
Soon he’d have a large one.
She ignored the sharp pains that doubled her over and went to get him a bottle.
Rocco had already made it and placed the bottle in her son’s mouth.
She pressed her hand against a sharp muscle spasm at her waist and pointed toward a cabinet with her other hand. “Wait. I have a gun. Take it.”
His face went white. “The last thing I need is a firearm in my hand for when the officers arrive.”
Right. She should have told him before now. She lifted her chin and said, “Rocco-”
He strode to the door. “Tell me when I get back, and don’t be afraid to call for police when you can.”
“Remember to knock three times fast and one slow one.” She followed him and poked her head out the door.
No one was there. He caressed her arm until she glanced up at him. “Don’t come charging for me. Protect Jacob.”
True. Yes. Her son needed her. Despite how her body was like a train wreck, she nodded. He met her gaze for a second but then she closed and locked the door.
She returned to her office where her son now slept and she crossed her arms as she watched Rocco on her television screen via security camera.
He was alone and heading down the steps. She picked up her phone and called her assistant as her heart raced.
As Rocco went into the kitchen, she saw a dark shadow move stealthily. She pressed her hand to her chest. “Julie, connect me to Cardona.”
Julie said, “Sure thing. IT is still working on my computer.”
Mica’s hands trembled as a man came from behind Rocco and knocked him down, smashing her crystal vase over his head.
Her mouth opened to scream but she was aware of not alarming Jacob. “Have Cardona call me in two minutes.”
Without another word she hung up.
Rocco had jumped to his feet and knocked the man back.
She needed to help. She needed him alive! She picked up her phone again and dialed the police.
The man who was inches shorter than Rocco pounded against his waist like he was a boxer.
This was bad. If her son wasn’t here, she’d scream and run to help, but she knew she couldn't leave this suite. The operator answered and said, “911. What’s the nature of your emergency?”
She hoped her voice didn’t scare her son as she spoke fast and said, “This is Mica Murphy at the Breakers Resort. I’d like to report a break in--my bodyguard is currently taking a beating.” Her father once said police respond better to guns so she studied the screen and saw a gun holstered at the man's side.
She swallowed. Any moment she could lose Rocco. “They’re armed and intend to kill me and my infant son if they find us.”
“We’ll send a police car.” The operator asked, “Are you and your child in a safe location?”
Rocco’s face was being used as a whipping post. She stood taller but told the operator, “We’re fine, but my bodyguard won’t be.” And then the CEO voice she’d honed in herself for years took over. “Send the squadron because I intend to shoot if anyone comes in this room.”
“A car is already en route.”
Without another word Mica hung up and walked to the TV that displayed the camera feed.
She winced like she’d been hit and not Rocco, but then she saw Rocco take the food processor and crash it on the man’s head.
He fell back and Rocco had the advantage in that moment.
The police needed to get here soon. What was taking so long? Her phone rang and she considered ignoring it but read her lawyer's name.
Rocco had the intruder on his knees. “Cardona. What do you have for me?”
“You can tell Rocco Hellsworth he’s free and clear,” Cardona said. “His record has been expunged."
Just in time. The assailant kicked Rocco back and took a good swing.
Then Rocco used his elbow and knocked the man down.
How strong was his elbow? She’d never seen one used as a crowbar but all she said to her lawyer was, “Good.”
She hung up and paced her office, her eyes on the screen.
In the distance she heard sirens and picked her son up from his crib to keep him close.
Rocco took a swing and knocked the man’s face back as if payback for an earlier hit.
Her son laughed as he shook a rattle.
The sound seemed shocking, given her high adrenaline, and she went to her knees, kissed his forehead and said, “Jacob, you’re why I’m staying here and not running after Rocco.”
She stood and returned her attention to the TV just as the invader pulled out his weapon and aimed the gun at Rocco. She covered her face. “Oh no.”
Rocco jumped on him without hesitation. Her entire body couldn’t move until she saw the gun hit the ground. “Oh. Yes.”
But then the intruder knocked Rocco on his backside and she jumped. “No.”
Rocco bounced back and used his legs to knock the other man down too and she clutched her waist like that might help her keep herself together. “Yeah.”
And then the police swarmed into her hotel lobby and kitchen and surrounded the men.
For one second she couldn’t breathe, but her son banged the rattle and it rattled her nerves. Rocco was okay. She trembled and clutched her hands together. “Jacob, it’s all over. The police are here. We’ll just wait a few minutes.”
The police then handcuffed both men and she lowered her hands as she asked her baby, “What are they doing?”
Her heart was in her throat. Rocco’s record was now clear but he had no idea. She scooped her son up, confident she could handle this calmly.
When she spoke, people listened. But holding Jacob softened her--yet she couldn't put him down. She squared her shoulders and descended the stairs like she was a queen.
Mica strode into the kitchen with the strut of the CEO in full control, despite her baby, and she lifted her chin, met the brown-eyed officer’s gaze head on and asked to be polite, “Hello?”
“Ma’am?” He nodded.a
Seriously? Rocco and now this officer. The word grated against her skin as she asked, “What’s going on?”
The officer gestured to the open front door. “We just arrested the intruders.”
She glanced outside and saw Rocco being put in the back of the police car. Her heart dropped in her chest, but she turned toward the officer and said, “You’ve got my bodyguard.”
“Which one?” The officer took out a white sheet of paper.
Notes would be more efficient on modern tablets all connected seamlessly but that day had not arrived here
in Taylor Pass. Mica let out a small sigh and pointed, “The one in the black jeans, blue t-shirt.”
He fixed his hat, nodded like he understood, and said, “We’ll take that into consideration at the station.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Why are you taking him to the station? He was doing his job for me, putting his life on the line. He should get a reward.”
The officer said, “If he’s innocent, we’ll let him go.”
Insane. He’d done nothing wrong. She’d call her lawyers and ensure everything went according to her demands. Mica was absolutely done arguing. She checked that she had her car keys in her back pocket. “I’m following.”
His gaze was clear. “You’re safe here.”
Maybe for now, but the intruder wasn’t her ex’s family. He might be a hired hand, but she wasn’t sure. She shrugged, headed to the refrigerator to grab some bottles and said, “I’m not safe. Not without… my bodyguard.”
The officer opened his pad and read notes as she packed four bottles in a bag with ice. “I read in the files that the FBI believes foreigners might be looking for you.”
At least he understood something about her situation. She zipped up the bottle container and said, “My ex’s family wants me dead which is why I need Rocco.”
She didn’t blink as she held his stare until he said, “You can meet us at the station and wait until it’s all sorted out if it makes you feel better.”
If steam came out of her ears like those cartoon characters she wouldn't be surprised. She'd never had patience when it came to men who didn’t recognize her authority so she lifted her eyebrow and said in her commanding tone, “I’ll follow the last police car out of here, my lawyers will meet us there, and you will give me a moment with my guard, before you cart him off like some… ruffian.”
She’d almost said criminal but changed her mind. No need for the police to get the wrong idea and besides her vocabulary was a weapon she could yield in ensuring her orders were followed.
She grabbed diapers, fixed her bag, and walked outside.
The police officers had the two men in separate cars. One icy glance at the officers had them stepping away from the vehicle that contained Rocco.
Hidden Rocco (Hidden Alphas Book 5) Page 11