Addison Fox - The Rome Affair

Two security experts must work too closely for comfort in Addison Fox’s The Rome Affair

Jack Andrews has once again snatched a covetable job from the House of Steele. But now that the assignment has gotten complicated, he must call upon the last person he wants to ask for help: Kensington Steele. Jack never flinches at danger, but working side by side with his fascinating, sexy competitor might be more than he can handle.

When the assignment brings them to the Italian vineyard of a corrupt diplomat, Kensington vows to keep things professional, even if working as a team fans the flames of their mutual desire. But once a murderer begins stalking them, they realize getting close may be the only way they’ll survive….

“I told you yesterday we weren’t going there.”

“Why not?” Jack demanded.

“It’s messy and complicated, not to mention unprofessional,” Kensington insisted. “We’re working on a job. I’m not going to be seduced by some simple words and those come-hither eyes of yours.”

Her comment left her open and he prided himself on being a man who didn’t miss an opportunity. “What will you be seduced by?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“But I did.”

“Why do you keep pushing this?”

Why did he keep pressing the issue? And when, exactly, had that little devil planted itself on his shoulder, intent on ruffling her very smooth feathers?

Whatever the reason, it really didn’t matter any longer. He was captivated by her. And he’d be damned if he wasn’t going to do his level best to show her.

“Because I’m interested, Kensington.” He leaned into her, the small space making it a short trip. “Very interested.”

Dear Reader,

Welcome once again to the House of Steele miniseries. The Steele siblings—Liam, Campbell, Kensington and Rowan—are the founders and operators of a high-end security firm, the House of Steele.

The Rome Affair features the oldest Steele sister, Kensington, electronic forensics specialist and self-proclaimed manager of their family operation. Kensington’s used to dealing with demanding, elite clients, but she never expects she’ll need to partner with another firm to get a job done.

Jack Andrews has had his eye on Kensington and her family firm for quite some time. He’s intrigued by the dark-haired beauty and relishes competing with her on jobs. He has deep respect for her skills, and when he lands an assignment investigating a foreign ambassador for the Italian government, he knows he can’t do it alone.

I had so much fun writing The Rome Affair. Italy was the first foreign country I ever visited and it remains a favorite to this day. The old world charm, the incredible food and the endlessly gorgeous vistas made it a joy to revisit with an eye to some of its most romantic places.

I hope you have as much fun reading Kensington and Jack’s adventures—and their deep fall into love—as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Best,

Addison Fox

The Rome Affair

Addison Fox

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ADDISON FOX

is a Philadelphia girl transplanted to Dallas, Texas. Although her similarities to Grace Kelly stop at sharing the same place of birth, she’s often dreamed of marrying a prince and living along the Mediterranean.

In the meantime, she’s more than happy penning romance novels about two strong-willed and exciting people who deserve their happy ever after—after she makes them work so hard for it, of course. When she’s not writing, she can be found spending time with family and friends, reading or enjoying a glass of wine.

Find out more about Addison or contact her at her website— www.addisonfox.com—or catch up with her on Facebook addisonfoxauthorand Twitter @addisonfox.

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To my big, wonderful, loving, crazy family. You’ve gifted me with the joy of holidays together and big Sunday dinners, wedding dances and summer picnics. You are my lifeblood and support system, my friends and my relatives. You are my heart.

And to my sister, Beth, because really, could I write a book with Rome in the title and not dedicate it to you?

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Epilogue

Excerpt

Chapter 1

New York City—Today

Kensington Steele picked up the two dozen long-stemmed red roses—freshly cut and still quivering from their time in the florist’s freezer—and dropped them into the trash. Although it pained her to throw away such a thing of beauty, she couldn’t hold back the anger at the card that had accompanied the red blooms.

To a most worthy opponent—

Looking forward to next time.

Jack

“Bastard.” She muttered the word under her breath as her gaze danced from the card to the glorious beauties that winked from the top of her office garbage can. On a weary sigh, she reached in and retrieved the roses. With the exception of one slightly bent stem and a few missing petals on the flowers that edged the bouquet, her aim had been quite good.

Further proof he’d purchased excellent flowers from one of the city’s top suppliers.

Kensington laid the roses back in the large white flower box and resolved to have her assistant handle the arranging. At least she could get them out of her sight.

A loud honk outside pulled her attention from the flowers, and she crossed her office to the windows that fronted the family brownstone that now served as the headquarters for the House of Steele. Their Upper East Side street was normally quiet and the racket currently taking place on the street below—two cabdrivers who’d clearly disagreed on who had the right of way on the tight street—was rare.

About as rare as losing a major contract.

The word bastard rose once more to her lips but she tamped it down. She wasn’t a sore loser and didn’t hold those who were in high regard. But damn it, her bid package had been flawless. So had the one two months ago when she’d gone up against Jack Andrews for the museum job in Memphis. And three months ago on the gallery opening in San Francisco. And five months ago for the Ming Dynasty artifact recovery in Hong Kong.

The man kept beating her out on key proposals and she had no idea how he was doing it. It clearly wasn’t location based because each job was vastly different from the other. She’d had yet to find any other obvious connection, either.

So how was it every time the House of Steele went up against Andrews Holdings they lost?

The knock on her door pulled her attention from the drama on the street below. Her assistant, Molly, stood at the door, a thin tablet in hand. “You ready for our morning status?”

“Can I ask a favor first?”

“Does it involve delivering anything to your brother at home again? I’m still convinced I interrupted a rather delicate moment between him and his fiancée.”

Kensington smiled at that. Molly had, in fact, interrupted Campbell and Abby in a moment in flagrante delicto. Of course, that’s what he got for attempting a morning quickie when there was work to be done. “Not at all. Would you mind getting those roses out of my sight?”