He shook his head. “No. We grew up in the life. Granted, I was shielded more than the Carlyles were. They lived all over the world, and knowing the two of them, they figured out at an early age that their life wasn’t normal. It’s not an easy life.”
“Yes, living in embassies and consulates is a real tough life as a kid.”
“Definitely a thorn in your side, hmm?”
“Fuck off.”
His mouth kicked up, then his smirk faded. “I usually stay out of people’s personal lives, but I’m uniquely qualified to give you advice. This childhood trained her…trained me…not to trust anyone.”
“I thought all spies were like that.”
“To a point, but multiply that by a thousand for a kid who grew up being told they were a target. She couldn’t trust a soul with her secret, and if you think back to your time together, she didn’t seem to have a lot of experience with relationships, right?”
The memories he’d always tried to keep at bay came flooding back. Sending her flowers, opening doors for her…all of it seemed like it had never happened to her before. Eden hadn’t been a virgin, but she seemed completely confused by his pursuit.
“Just know that you were probably her only relationship. And her situation was even more unique than mine. Her family’s business had been used as a front. Any crack could put them all in danger.”
He said nothing in response.
“So as long as you aren’t going to bother my partner, we’re cool.”
“What is your interest in her?” Fuck, from the knowing look Ian just gave him, Kap had shown his interest. But he wasn’t. It was just that he hated thinking someone like Ian, with his cool attitude and expensive suits—even in Hawai’i—was involved with her. And yes, he knew he sounded like an asshole.
“She’s my partner. I will always have her back, no matter what. And, Hanson, remember that while I can control my reaction to your interest in Eden, Elwood wouldn’t take to you breaking her heart again. And that man is living on the edge. The only thing holding him back is Eden, so be careful.”
Then he left Kap alone with his thoughts.
Another long, boring day of shooting, and Eden was happy that this was their last day. Granted, it hadn’t started until noon, but it was after nine now. She still had a bit of jet lag bothering her, mainly because she hadn’t gotten any sleep the night before. Or, at least, not more than a few minutes here and there. She was glad she had no reason to go into the office the next day. The permanent security detail had been brought in, and they were free for other things. How did people just sit around not doing anything all day? There were a ton of people on the set doing just that. She would go insane doing that every single day.
Her plans for tomorrow involved her couch and a TV, and as many calories as she could cram into her body.
She hit the stretch of Kalaniana’ole Highway that could be desolate this time of night. Typically, it didn’t bother her, but it was particularly empty tonight. She usually took Pali Highway since it was easier from Dillon Security. Still, they had finished up filming tonight in the Hawai’i Kai area, and this was just easier.
As she neared the entrance of the Makapu’u Lookout, Eden saw a flash in her rearview mirror, then a crack. Her back window shattered as someone took another shot, hitting one of her back tires.
Her car fishtailed across the road, her heart pounding out of her chest, and the world seemingly spinning as she tried to control her vehicle. She overcorrected, and her car did a complete three-sixty, leaving her dizzy. She managed to get her vehicle off the main road and onto the road that led to the lookout. Still, she slammed into the low wall that bordered the drive into the parking lot. The hit was so hard that her teeth chattered, and the airbag deployed.
Immediately, she ducked down in her car, pulling out her weapon. She was a sitting duck there, even though she knew the shooter was at least two hundred yards back.
Grabbing her phone, she called her brother, hoping he would pick up for once in his life.
He picked up on the second ring.
“Are you still on the set?”
“No. I’m at the Makapu’u Lookout.”
“Kind of dark to see anything, Ed.”
Jesus, her brother. “Do you think I stopped for sightseeing? Someone was taking shots at me.”
“Are you hit?” He demanded.
“No. But he hit my right rear tire. I’m stuck, and I can’t see anything.”
“On my way.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
