Page 9 of Hidden Rocco
He didn’t move a muscle, but his nose lifted as he said, “Lock your door then.”
Her door and suite were fully stocked so if there was one whiff of danger, she could protect her and Jacob. She had enough food and water, and her gun. She passed him and picked up her pill bottle, hoping he hadn’t seen what it was. “Oh, I can do more than lock my door if you come near me.”
She dropped her pills when another tremor of pain rocked through her.
He picked them up and handed her the bottle, taking one out. He poured her a glass of water from her tap and handed it to her with a smile. “I’ll make breakfast for you, ma’am.”
She took her pill. In a few minutes she’d be fine. Her eyebrow lifted. A man who intended harm certainly would not offer to make her food. “Breakfast?”
This close in the dark, there was a glimmer in his eyes that made her heart lift as he said, “Yeah, I can whip up eggs.”
If he was here to rob her food, she had enough to survive the winter in her own panic room that was stocked with formula, water and canned food.
With her medicine making her at full strength, she’d be able to protect Jacob upstairs, locking them into her bulletproof suite. She had to hope that not everyone in the world was evil. She offered to shake his hand. “My name is Mica.”
His grip was firm and strong. “Rocco, ma’am.”
The name fit him perfectly. He was strong like a stone, had the edges of a bad boy, but seemed to have a sweetness in his soul that made her trust when she trusted no one. Neither of them shared a last name, but if he was only staying the night, it wasn’t necessary to know more. She ended the shake and closed the window. “I told you my name so you don’t call me ma’am again.”
He reached above her head and locked it.
For one second it was like they were a team, but that sounded silly. She’d never trust anyone ever again.
Chapter 3
Rocco Hellsworth’s back didn’t ache when he woke up at the hotel. His mattress wasn’t cheap, thin and full of springs.
And his shower this morning… heavenly.
He’d not had a shower alone in two years.
Then wading through sewage… at least his skin now smelled like the almond soap he’d found in the brand new hotel room. The place still had a new wood smell, and the view from his room with a balcony was amazing even with the snow.
And this good morning was all because a beautiful woman with soulful brown eyes had given him shelter last night and a provision of amenities.
Now he whistled as he left his unlocked room and headed downstairs.
He’d promised Mica breakfast and he’d deliver. The kitchen had double doors, and had been created for a large staff.
A promise was a promise.
Rocco opened the refrigerator and realized she had everything.
He checked the drawers and pantries. Everything looked shiny and new. The halls were quiet and the rugs had the just-off-the-roll smell. No cars had been in the parking garage. Her hotel wasn’t open yet but she had family hidden around, they were absolutely alone. He’d have to prove he’d do no harm. The kitchen had enough food to last for months, but he focused on the bacon, eggs, and fresh vegetables.
In prison he’d never had the option to make anything and the cooks weren’t exactly into healthy and delicious options.
Rocco heated up a frying pan and mixed some vegetables in the food processor, then beat the eggs.
Soon he had had the bacon sizzling, toast in and omelets with cheese and vegetables.
He had a hum on his lips as he set the side table clearly there for staff, even dancing though no one was around and no music played. Outside the doors, he heard footsteps and imagined his angel was returning.
She entered the room carrying a small baby. Was she married? She had no ring. Maybe she wasn’t but just had a stupid boyfriend who didn’t let other men know she was taken. He pulled a chair out for her. “I made breakfast… who’s this, ma’am?”
She took the seat and bounced the baby on her lap. “This is my son, Jacob.”
He’d only grabbed two plates. He placed one plate in front of her and glanced at the door behind her. “He’s cute. Is your boyfriend here too?”
